Greece is set to introduce the International Baccalaureate (IB) into its public school system for the first time, with 13 pilot high schools scheduled to launch the program in September 2026 following certification.
The move marks a significant shift in the country’s education model, aiming to modernize public schooling and expand international academic standards.
Pilot program across major cities
The initial rollout will include 13 schools in Athens, Thessaloniki, Volos and Heraklion, which are currently undergoing the certification process.
Applications are expected to be completed in April, followed by evaluation visits in May. Final certification decisions are anticipated by late June, allowing schools to begin offering the program at the start of the next academic year.
Teachers selected to implement the IB curriculum have already completed initial training.
Government highlights reform goals
Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki described the initiative as a transition “from theory to practice,” emphasizing that the IB is not a new qualification in Greece but one already recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma under existing legislation.
“This is a significant step toward a more outward-looking, modern and high-quality public education system,” she said.
No impact on university admissions
Officials clarified that the introduction of the IB will not change how students enter public universities, where admission will continue to depend exclusively on Greece’s national entrance exams.
Focus on modernization
The program is designed to enhance educational quality and provide students with broader academic opportunities, aligning Greece’s public education system more closely with international standards.
If successful, the pilot phase could pave the way for a wider expansion of the IB across the country’s public schools in the coming years.
