(1) Kindergarden:

Nursery education lasts for 2 years and is at present optional.

The children must be 4 years old at least and they go to the kindergarten of their neighbourhood..

Area by area, nursery school (Nypiagogeia) attendance is being made compulsory.
For the registration of the children an application and the health book of the child from the parents are needed. Also certification from the municipality.

All the Kindergartens open at 1st September until 15 June each year. The day’s lessons starts from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

(2) Primary and secondary school education:

Compulsory schooling in Greece covers a period of 9 years, 6 in primary school (Demotiko Scholio) and 3 in high school (Gymnasio).

Greek children start compulsory education in the year in which they are at least 6 on 31 December.
The children must be 6 years old and they go to the schools of their neighbourhood. For the registration of the children an application, the health book of the child and certification from the municipality are required. All schools open in September until 15 June each year. Primary schools can be either State schools or private institutions. In State schools education is provided free of charge. On completion of their primary education, pupils are registered at the "Gymnasio".

(3) Post-secondary school:

Outside the education system, OAED (the Greek public employment organisation) provides initial training for young people, through apprenticeships (3 years) and short intensive courses (KEK - continuing vocational training ) in auto mechanics, electrician, refrigerator mechanic, sewing, woodworking, painter, pottery, gardener etc ).

Higher education :

Higher education in Greece comprises Universities (AEI) and technological institutions (TEI).
University courses last at least 4 years and technical education lasts at least 3 years. University students are awarded a degree after successful participation in a final examination (at st 2 semesters per year are necessary). Degree holders can then proceed to a master’s or a doctorate, if they wish.

(1) Administrative points:
Registration takes place at the higher education institutions themselves. Higher education is provided free of charge. Books are also provided for free, by the State.
(2) University entry requirements:
The basic requirement for admission to an institution of higher education is a leaving certificate (Apolytirio Lykeiou) from a "Lykeio". Due to a limited number of places, all applicants have to sit general examinations in the second half of June. There are some special categories of people(Hellenic foreign people, children of Hellenic foreign employee, people with special problems, athletes), who can enter to universities after a special procedure.

More detailed information about the Greek education system can be obtained in English, French and German at www.eurydice.org.