Education in Greece: a complete guide for Afghan refugee families
Education is a fundamental right in Greece. All refugee, migrant or asylum-seeking children have free access to public school, even if their administrative documents are not yet finalised.
This guide explains how to enrol your children, understand the Greek school system, find language classes and access support programmes.
1. How do you enrol your child in school?
Enrolment is done at the public school closest to your home.
Even if your administrative situation is still in progress, the school must accept your child.
Documents generally required
- PAAYPA number (for asylum seekers) or AMKA
- Vaccination booklet (even if incomplete)
- Proof of address (rental contract, certificate, housing attestation)
- Identity document (if available)
Important: if some documents are missing, the school must still proceed with enrolment and direct you to the relevant services.
To update an AMKA or PAAYPA number, you can go to a KEP centre (ΚΕΠ) or ask an NGO for support.
2. The Greek school system
Primary school (Dimotiko – Δημοτικό)
Ages: 6 to 12.
General subjects with language support for children who do not yet speak Greek.
Lower secondary school (Gymnasio – Γυμνάσιο)
Ages: 12 to 15.
Main subjects: Greek, mathematics, sciences, history, sports, arts.
Upper secondary school (Lykeio – Λύκειο)
Ages: 15 to 18.
Prepares students for higher education or vocational training.
Reception classes for refugee students (D.Y.E.P – ΔΥΕΠ)
D.Y.E.P. are special classes designed for refugee pupils. They make it possible to:
- learn Greek gradually
- support integration into regular classes
- offer continuous language support
3. Learning Greek: free courses for children and adults
Many organisations offer free language courses.
Key NGOs and institutions
- UNHCR Greece
- SolidarityNow – Blue Refugee Center (Athens, Thessaloniki)
- Greek Council for Refugees (GCR)
- METAdrasi (school support, mediation)
- Caritas Hellas
- Afghan community groups and volunteers
Types of courses available
- Beginner Greek
- Greek for work
- Greek alphabet (reading / writing)
- Online courses for adults
- School support for children
Class times may be in the morning, afternoon or evening, depending on the organisation.
4. School, psychological and social support
Greek schools have professionals who can support refugee pupils:
- school psychologists
- social workers
- specialised teachers for non-Greek speakers
- cultural mediators (when available)
These services are free of charge.
NGOs also offer:
- homework support
- language support
- educational workshops for refugee children
5. Integration programmes: HELIOS
For recognised refugees or beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, the HELIOS programme offers:
- intensive Greek language courses
- cultural integration workshops
- support towards employment
- housing assistance
- educational support for children
More information: helioseu.com
6. Practical tips for families
- Keep both digital and paper copies of all your documents.
- Inform the school if your child has linguistic or emotional difficulties.
- Encourage participation in extracurricular activities (sports, arts, clubs).
- Don’t worry if your child doesn’t speak Greek immediately: adaptation is gradual.
- Contact a local NGO if you have any problems during the enrolment process.
Summary
Greece guarantees access to education for all refugee and migrant children. Between public schools, reception classes, Greek courses and support programmes, many resources exist to help Afghan families move towards successful school integration.
