THE STRUCTURE OF THE GREEK EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM
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- Category: Greece
Education in Greece is supervised by the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, Culture and Sports and is compulsory for all children aged from 6 to 15 years old.
Primary Education (Dimotiko) lasts 6 years, lower-secondary education (Gymnasio) lasts 3 years and upper-secondary education (different types of Lykeio) lasts 3 years. The school life of the students, however, can start from the age of 2.5 years (pre-school education) in private and public institutions. Attendance at Primary Education (Dimotiko) lasts for six years, and children are admitted at the age of 6. Along with the regular kindergartens (Nipiagogeia) and the Dimotika, all-day primary schools are in operation, with an extended timetable and an enriched curriculum. Non-compulsory upper- secondary Education lasts for 3 years and consists of two school types: General senior high school (Geniko Lykeio / General Lyceum) and Vocational senior high school (Epaggelmatiko Lykeio / Vocational Lyceum). Along with the mainstream schools of Primary and Secondary Education, Special Nipagogeia (kindergartens), Dimotika, Gymnasia, Lykeia and upper secondary classes are in operation, which admit students with special educational needs. There are also Musical, Art, Ecclesiastical, Gymnasia and Lykeia, Evening schools (e.g Esperino Gymnasio) and Second Chance Schools. The award of a formal school-leaving certificate is compulsory for students at each education level in order to continue to the next level. The Vocational Training Institutes (IEK) which are part of post-secondary education offer formal education and specialized training.
Higher Education is divided into Universities (Panepistimia), Technological Educational Institutions (TEI) as well as the School of Fine Arts. Admission to tertiary education is based on a student’s performance at national level examinations which take place at the end of the third year of upper secondary education. University studies have a duration of 4 years on average. However the duration of studies depends on the field of chosen studies as well. Postgraduate (Master) studies usually last 2 more years.
Further detailed descriptions and diagrams of the Greek Educational system can be found in the EURYDICE database of the European Education Systems:
http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/index_en.php
as well as in the following websites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Greece
http://archive.minedu.gov.gr/en_ec_page1531.htm
http://www.ekep.gr/english/education/diagramma.asp
Detailed information about the Greek educational system can also be found at the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, Culture and Sports website: