The Education System in Greece

In Greece, there is free and mandatory education for all children from 6 to 15 years. This consists of kindergarten and then elementary school for grades 1 through 6. Secondary education is provided by public and private schools and is divided into a compulsory first cycle (Gymnasio), from age 12 to 15, and an optional second cycle (Lykeio) from age 15 to 18.

Higher education is offered by 21 publicly funded and monitored universities (higher educational institutes) called AEI (Anotera Ekpedeftika Idrymata), 14 higher technological educational institutes (ATEI – Anotata Technologika Ekpedeftika Idrymata), ASPETE schools, and schools for higher education (Anoteres Scoles) which constitute the non-university sector.

Higher education is also offered by a great range of private institutions. However, higher education and degrees offered by non-state colleges and universities in Greece are not officially validated as university degrees. The technological educational institutes (ATEI) constitute the latest form of higher technological education in Greece and are an equivalent to the AEI. They award a diploma, called Ptychion of TEI, after six to eight semesters, depending on the discipline.

A first degree from a Greek university or from any foreign equivalent is required for postgraduate study. In the case of a student coming from a university abroad, it’s necessary to acquire recognition of the degree from DOATAP, the Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Center (Hellenic NARIC).