Overview of Education and VET System
The education and Vocational Education and Training (VET) system in Greece is structured and
regulated by the Ministry of Education, Research, and Religious Affairs. It encompasses various
levels of education, from primary to tertiary, and provides opportunities for both academic and
vocational training.
➢ Primary Education:
Compulsory education in Greece starts at the age of 6 and lasts for nine years.
Primary education is divided into two cycles: the first cycle (Grades 1-3) and the second cycle
(Grades 4-6). The curriculum focuses on core subjects such as Greek language, mathematics,
foreign languages, sciences, and social studies.
➢ Secondary Education:
Secondary education in Greece is divided into two stages: Gymnasium (lower secondary) and
Lyceum (upper secondary).
Gymnasium comprises Grades 7-9 and provides a broad general education.
Lyceum comprises Grades 10-12 and offers different streams, including academic, vocational, and
artistic tracks. The academic track prepares students for university studies, while the vocational
track combines general education with specialized vocational training.
➢ Vocational Education and Training (VET):
VET programs in Greece aim to provide students with practical skills and knowledge for specific
occupations. VET is available at the upper secondary level through specialized vocational schools
called EPAL (Vocational Lyceums) and through Vocational Training Institutes (IEK).
EPAL offers a three-year program leading to a vocational diploma, providing training in various
fields such as technology, agriculture, commerce, health, and tourism.
IEK offers post-secondary vocational education and training programs, typically lasting two years,
providing a range of vocational qualifications.
➢ Tertiary Education:
Greece has a well-developed higher education system with universities, technological educational
institutions, and higher education institutions offering art-related studies.
Universities provide academic programs in various fields, including humanities, social sciences,
natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and more.
Technological Educational Institutions (TEIs) offer professional-oriented programs in applied
sciences and engineering.
Admission to higher education institutions is based on the National Higher Education Entrance
Examinations (Panellinies).
➢ Lifelong Learning:
Greece promotes lifelong learning through various programs and initiatives to support continuous
education and training for individuals of all ages.
Lifelong learning opportunities include adult education centers, vocational training programs, and
professional development courses.
Current Situation of VET in Greece
In the VET industry in Greece the engineering curricula exhibit a strong focus on technical
professions. The engineering programs offered by Vocational Education and Training institutes
are designed to equip students with the necessary practical knowledge and technical skills
required for successful careers in the field of engineering. These curricula emphasize a hands-on
approach, providing students with practical training and experiential learning opportunities.
Through a combination of theoretical instruction and practical application, the engineering
curricula in VET institutes aim to develop professionals that are able to understand and use
appropriately the core engineering principles and practices. Students are exposed to a wide range
of technical subjects, including mathematics, physics, mechanics, electrical systems, materials
science, and computer-aided design (CAD). The curricula also emphasize the acquisition of
practical skills through laboratory work, workshops, and project-based learning. By focusing on
technical professions, the engineering curricula in VET institutes in Greece aim to prepare
graduates who possess the practical expertise and technical competencies required to meet the
demands of the engineering industry and contribute to Greece’s economic growth and
development. There are also some VET institutions that provide education in other profession
that is considered within the subject of engineering but are more relevant with programming and
management.