Greek education reform initiatives

In July 2026 the Greek Ministry of Education announced two major initiatives under Minister Sofia Zacharaki. The first, unveiled on 12 July, proposes a National Diploma to replace the high‑stakes Panhellenic examinations for university admissions. The new framework will shift focus from a single exam to continuous assessment of academic progress, skills, certifications and extracurricular activities throughout secondary school, with phased implementation for students entering first grade in 2026‑2027 and legislation expected by late 2026 or early 2027.

Later that month, on 22 July, the ministry launched a national strategy for teaching Greek abroad. A newly appointed board of the Center of Greek Language was tasked with upgrading the Greek language certification, expanding examination centres, and developing digital teaching tools. The move aims to strengthen Greek schools worldwide and deepen connections with the diaspora, building on the 14,500 certification candidates that year and adding new centres in Prague and Toulon.

Together, these actions illustrate a broader push by the Greek government to modernise domestic education assessment and to promote Greek language and culture internationally.