Education System in Türkiye

Dr. Binnaz Ege Dr. Rıdvan Ege Anatolian High School, Türkiye, Eda Akdemir

The education system in Greece consists of three main levels: Primary Education, Secondary Education, and Higher Education. Below is a breakdown of each stage:

1. Primary Education (Δημοτικό Σχολείο)

• Pre-primary (Νηπιαγωγείο): 2 years (ages 4-6) – Mandatory
• Primary School (Δημοτικό): 6 years (ages 6-12) – Mandatory
• Subjects include Greek language, mathematics, history, science, physical education, arts, and foreign languages (usually English).

2. Secondary Education (Δευτεροβάθμια Εκπαίδευση)

Divided into two cycles:

A. Lower Secondary Education (Γυμνάσιο)

• 3 years (ages 12-15) – Mandatory
• Equivalent to middle school or junior high
• Subjects include Greek literature, mathematics, sciences, history, foreign languages (English and optionally a second language), religion, physical education, and arts.

B. Upper Secondary Education (Λύκειο)

• General High School (Γενικό Λύκειο - GEL) – 3 years (ages 15-18)
  • Focuses on general education and prepares students for university entrance exams (Panhellenic Exams).
• Vocational High School (Επαγγελματικό Λύκειο - EPAL) – 3 years (ages 15-18)
  • Combines general education with technical/professional training in various fields (e.g., mechanics, IT, health sciences).

3. Higher Education (Τριτοβάθμια Εκπαίδευση)

• Universities (Πανεπιστήμια): Offer bachelor's (4-6 years), master's, and PhD programs.
• Technological Educational Institutes (ΤΕΙ - formerly existed but now merged with universities): Focused on applied sciences and technology.
• Admission to universities is based on the Panhellenic Exams (Πανελλαδικές Εξετάσεις).

Additional Education Options

• Lifelong Learning Centers & Vocational Training Institutes (ΙΕΚ): Offer post-secondary vocational education for specialized skills.
• Private and International Schools: Exist alongside the public system, offering alternative curricula.
• Special Education Schools: For students with disabilities or special learning needs.

Key Features of the Greek Education System

• Public education is free at all levels, including university.
• Mandatory schooling lasts for 10 years (ages 4-15).
• Strong emphasis on university entrance exams in high school.
• Religious education is part of the curriculum, though exemptions are allowed.
• Foreign language learning is compulsory, with English being the primary foreign language taught.

ARMENIA

The education system of Armenia consists of four main levels:

1️⃣ Preschool education (ages 3-6)

2️⃣ General school education, which is divided into three stages:

• Primary school (grades 1-4)
• Middle school (grades 5-9)
• High school (grades 10-12)

At the end of the 9th grade, students take state graduation exams, and at the end of the 12th grade, they take unified exams for university admission.

3️⃣ Vocational and technical education — provided in colleges and vocational schools for acquiring practical and professional skills.

4️⃣ Higher education — provided in universities and institutes, offering Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral (PhD) programs.

📌 In Armenia, education in public schools is free of charge.
📌 Education is compulsory up to the age of 18.
📌 There are also private and international schools and universities operating in the country.