Greek higher education is fully governed by the state. Only state run institutions are recognized and allowed to provide tertiary education. Some private institutions exist - mainly branches of universities and colleges in for example the United States and the UK. These in turn offer degrees accepted by the governing bodies of the parent country. As with most private schooling, tuition fees are considerably higher than for the public universities in Greece.

The Greek system of higher education has long been a growing item of debate - largely due to the changes taking place throughout the European Union in regards to the Bologna process. As the rest of Europe work toward a quality assured and internationally recognized system of higher education, grading and degrees, some say Greece is lagging behind.

Greece does however have quite a few points to commend itself for the international student experience. Especially perhaps if you are a history buff or interested in archaeology. What you will find in Greece are amazing monuments and well preserved items of one of the most important birth places of today's western civilization.

Spending time in Greece will give you not only a chance to visit the beautiful island world of the Mediterranean, but also to walk through the ancient streets of Athens. You will experience a very friendly culture where time and stress is not of the same importance as what you may be used to.

Greece in short facts and figures

Capital: Athens
Official language: Greek
Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic
Area: 50,949 square miles / 131,957 square kilometers
Population: 10.9 million
Currency: Euro
Calling code: +30

Education in Greece

The education system is much organized as it is in the rest of Europe. Primary and secondary education lasts for 12 years, and is compulsory to the age of 15. Post secondary education is grouped into non-university level, university level first stage, university level second stage and university level third stage.

Grading System in Greek Higher Education

Grades in Greek higher education is based on the numeric scale 1-10. 10 is excellent, and pass/fail lies at 5.

Non-University Level Higher Education in Greece

Non-university level post-secondary education is often programs of technical or vocational orientation. Examples are the Athens Higher School of Religious Studies or courses in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Courses offered often last three years and result in a Dokimou Axiomatikou Diploma. Further there are schools of fine arts and centres for higher technical education that offer short training courses of three to nine months in over 20 fields. In addition to these there are also Institutes of Vocational Training (IEK). These institutes offer programs that usually last four semesters and result in a vocational diploma in the relevant area of study.

As mentioned, only state regulated institutions are allowed the university classification in Greece. There are however several university level institutions working on a private basis. These are mainly branches of foreign universities.

Greek University Level First Stage

The first level of university study in Greece lead to the Ptychio degree. These are undergraduate degrees and generally last four years. In some fields such as Veterinary science and engineering for example studies last five years and in medicine for twelve. As in most university courses around the world students have certain compulsory courses combined with electives. The Ptychio allows students to continue on to further study and also for immediate employment.

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