Structure of Education in Greece

The education system in Greece is divided into three levels, viz. Primary, Secondary and Tertiary level of education. The compulsory education is for all children between the age group of 6-15 years. The compulsory education includes Primary Education also known as Dimotiko and Lower Secondary Education also known as Gymnasio.

Pre-Primary Level of Education

All children of 4 years attend private or public schools (pre-primary). For all children of five-years, the school attendance is a must however; it is optional for the four year olds. The pre-primary level of education also includes child care along with education for children of less than 4 years  and it is run by communities and  municipalities.

Primary Level of Education

The primary is provided for all children between the age group of 6-12 years. Depending upon the number of regular teachers, the schools proving primary education can be divided into – one teacher school, two teacher schools, etc. up to twelve teachers. Subjects like Mathematics, Greek Language (Modern), Art Education, Information & Communication Technology and Physical Education are taught in all grades of primary level education.

Apart from the regular primary schools, there are some other school types of schools providing primary education. They are:

• European School
• Special Schools (School Units)
  
• Cross Cultural Education Schools
• Minority Schools
• Primary schools (All day)
  

The primary schools (all-day) was mainly introduced to expand teaching hours and also to fulfill the needs of contemporary conditions that are arising from the children’s families.

Secondary Level of Education

The secondary education in Greece is classified into two levels, there is also the provision for evening schools in both these type of secondary level education.

Lower secondary (compulsory) education: The lower secondary (compulsory) type of education is for students between 13-15 age-group offered by Gymnasia, the duration is 3 years.

Upper secondary (non-compulsory) education: The upper secondary (non-compulsory) type of education is for students above 15 years of age and is provided by two types of schools, Epaggelmatiko and Geniko Lykeio which is also known as the vocational education. 

Apart from the regular secondary schools, there are also other types of secondary education schools providing:

• Second Chance Schools
• Art Schools
• Special Education Schools
• Experimental Schools
• Music Schools
• Minority Schools
• Cross Cultural Education Schools
• Ecclesiastic schools
  

Post Secondary Level of Education

The post secondary education (non-tertiary) is implemented through Vocational Institutes. After the completion of the course, the graduates receive a Diploma or a Certificate of Vocational Training.

Tertiary Level of Education

The tertiary level of education in Greece comprises of two sectors, viz. the University and the Technological. The University sector includes Universities, Fine Arts School and the Technical Universities while the Technological Education Institutions include Technological (Higher) Education Institutions.

National level examinations are conducted for students opting for these institutes and their admission is completely based on their merit and performance at exams at the nation level. And one important fact to know is the tertiary education is free of cost.