In short
- School is compulsory for all children in Greece, including refugee and asylum-seeking children.
- Go to the public school closest to your home: your child can be enrolled there.
- Going to school in Greece does not oblige you to stay in Greece.
Enrolling your child
Go to the nearest school
For primary and lower secondary school, go to your neighbourhood school and say you want to enrol your child.
Bring the documents
Applicant card or residence permit, vaccination booklet (the most important), proof of address, and a health certificate from a public health centre (free).
If someone hosts you
Your host writes a declaration with their tax number, a signature certified at a KEP, and proof of ownership or rent.
Pre-school
Pre-school (nipiagogeio) enrolment takes place every year from 1 to 15 June, with a form, proof of address and the health booklet. Places may still be available later.
The Greek school system
- Pre-school (nipiagogeio): from age 4.
- Primary school (dimotiko): 6 years.
- Lower secondary (gymnasio): 3 years.
- Upper secondary (lykeio): 3 years, general or vocational.
- Reception classes: Greek-language support for newly arrived children; there are also intercultural schools (13 primary and 13 secondary).
Children who finished a stage in Greece move on automatically. Others show a school certificate or take a short test.
For adults
- Second Chance Schools: 2 years of afternoon classes to get a certificate equal to lower secondary school.
- Lifelong Learning Centres in municipalities.
- University: same access as Greek students for graduates of a Greek lyceum, after the exams.
- Foreign diplomas: recognised refugees are treated like Greek nationals (DOATAP, EOPPEP).
Learning Greek
Free classes are offered by universities, NGOs and training centres. Free online courses are also offered by universities (for example the University of the Aegean through Erasmus OLS+). See the Languages & integration guide.
