Greece has a national education system regulated by the Greek government, comprising early childhood education, primary education, secondary education, higher education and vocational education and training. For relocating families, education planning depends on child age, language requirements, location, school type and long-term settlement plans.
- Public school instruction is in Greek — families should plan for language support if children haven't previously studied Greek. - International school availability is concentrated in Athens and Thessaloniki, with limited options elsewhere. - Recognition of foreign qualifications and previous school records should be checked before relying on them for admission or continuity.
Early childhood education includes nursery and kindergarten education, with availability depending on municipality, school capacity and child age. Primary education provides compulsory schooling covering Greek language, mathematics, science, social studies and physical education. Secondary education includes lower and upper secondary stages, with students following academic or vocational pathways; parents relocating with children should confirm school registration requirements, age requirements and documentation needed under Greek compulsory education law.
Public schools provide education through the national education system, characterised by Greek-language instruction, a national curriculum and government regulation — families should consider Greek language requirements, child adaptation, and the availability of language support, which varies by school and location. Private schools operate under national regulation and may include Greek private schools, international schools, or bilingual programmes, with availability concentrated in larger cities. International schools, mainly around Athens and Thessaloniki, may offer English-language education and international curricula — families should evaluate tuition costs, curriculum, admission requirements and distance from home.
Greece has universities and higher education institutions offering undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes, regulated by the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, with admission requirements depending on student nationality, previous education, programme requirements and institution rules. Vocational education and training options support professional skills, technical qualifications and employment preparation.
Foreign students may need identity documents, previous school records, translation of documents where required, and proof of residence, with exact requirements depending on school type and student circumstances. Athens offers the largest choice of schools, international education options, universities and services; Thessaloniki offers a strong university city environment and international community; smaller cities and islands may have limited international school availability and greater reliance on Greek-language education, requiring transport planning. Families considering homeschooling should verify legal requirements and recognition rules with Greek education authorities before proceeding.