Career Colleges and Vocational Schools in Greece

Vocational training in Greece prepares students for a specific trade, such as hairdressing. For school leavers it starts at the vocational upper secondary schools (EPAL), but for international students the relevant level is post-secondary: according to Eurydice, the EU's network on education systems, the main providers of initial vocational training after secondary school are the Higher Vocational Training Schools (SAEK), which lead to certificates recognised at national level.

Next to this formal system, Greece has private colleges and specialised schools that offer non-formal courses, such as art studios or professional workshops. They can be a good option for a short course, but they do not award the national vocational qualification.

How it works

• EPAL (vocational upper secondary schools): 3-year programmes for pupils who have finished lower secondary school, run as day or evening schools; graduates can add an optional post-secondary apprenticeship year, with at least 50% work-based learning
• SAEK (Higher Vocational Training Schools): post-secondary training that lasts 4 to 5 semesters, including a period of internship or apprenticeship; the academic year runs from 1 September to 31 August
• Colleges: private providers of non-formal post-secondary education, whose bachelor's (at least 3 years) and master's degrees are validated by or franchised from universities abroad

SAEK may be public or private. According to Eurydice, 124 public SAEK operate in the country's largest cities, offering specialties chosen to match the needs of the national and regional economy. After the course, trainees take a certification exam; those who pass hold a Level 5 Vocational Qualification Diploma of the National Qualifications Framework. With that diploma, graduates can also sit placement exams for university departments in a related field.

Some trades need a separate professional licence. Hairdressers and barbers, for example, apply to the national certification body EOPPEP for a professional competence certificate (Επαγγελματική Επάρκεια). One of the two schools in our directory, the Nikos Amarantos hairdressing school in central Athens, presents itself as a SAEK. The other, the Aegean Center for the Fine Arts on the island of Paros, offers non-formal study in the visual arts, creative writing and music rather than a national vocational qualification.

Admission

SAEK are open to graduates of general or vocational upper secondary school, or holders of an equivalent qualification. Trainees from other EU countries and from outside the EU must have Greek at level B1 or higher, because courses are taught in Greek. If you have a foreign school-leaving certificate, check with the school how it is accepted before you apply. Each trainee can follow only one specialty at one SAEK at a time.

Non-formal schools and colleges set their own entry rules. Art schools may ask for a portfolio; ask the school what it requires and whether courses are taught in English.

Costs and funding

Attendance at public SAEK is free of charge, and the Ministry of Education can grant scholarships to trainees at public SAEK based on social and economic criteria. Private SAEK, colleges and art schools charge their own fees, which vary widely; ask each school for its current prices and what they include.

How to choose

• Qualification: a public or private SAEK leads to a national Level 5 diploma; a college or private studio awards its own certificate or a foreign degree
• Language: SAEK teach in Greek and require B1; some private schools teach in English
• Licensing: for regulated trades such as hairdressing, check what licence you need to work in Greece and in your own country
• Practical training: compare the length of the internship or apprenticeship
• Location: public SAEK are in the larger cities; specialised art schools may be on the islands

Frequently asked questions

What is a SAEK in Greece?

A Higher Vocational Training School: the main provider of post-secondary vocational training in Greece. Courses last 4 to 5 semesters, include an internship or apprenticeship and lead to a national Level 5 diploma after a certification exam.

Is vocational training in Greece free?

Attendance at public SAEK is free of charge. Private SAEK, colleges and specialised schools charge fees.

Do I need to speak Greek?

For a SAEK, yes: trainees from abroad need Greek at level B1 or higher. Some private and non-formal schools teach in English.