Greece is set to introduce the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme into public schools for the first time. Beginning in September 2026, thirteen pilot high schools across the country will launch the world-renowned curriculum, marking a major step toward modernizing Greek public education.
The pilot phase will encompass selected schools in Athens, Thessaloniki, Volos, and Heraklion. These institutions are currently undergoing a rigorous certification process to meet international standards.
Final applications are set for completion in April, followed by official evaluation visits in May. Certification decisions are expected by late June, ensuring the program is fully operational for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Teachers selected for the program have already completed their initial specialized training to deliver the IB’s inquiry-based curriculum.
What is the International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognized educational programme offered in more than 150 countries, designed for students. Its Diploma Programme, aimed at the final two years of high school, emphasizes critical thinking, independent research, and an inquiry-based approach to learning rather than rote memorization.
The programme is mostly taught in English, with some subjects such as native language courses available in Greek. Students study a broad range of subjects alongside a core that includes an extended essay, a theory of knowledge course, and community engagement.
The IB is widely respected by universities around the world and is known for preparing students with the academic skills and global perspective needed for higher education and international careers.
International Baccalaureate in Greece’s public schools
Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki described the initiative as a transition toward a more “outward-looking and high-quality” public system. She clarified that while the IB is not a new qualification in Greece—it has long been recognized as equivalent to the national high school diploma (Apolytirion)—its integration into the public sector is a significant reform.
“This is a major step in aligning our public schools with international academic standards,” Zacharaki noted, emphasizing that the goal is to provide students with broader global opportunities.
Government officials were quick to clarify that the IB’s introduction will not alter the university admissions process. Entry into Greek public universities will remain exclusively tied to the national Panhellenic entrance exams.
If the pilot phase proves successful, the Ministry of Education plans to evaluate a wider expansion of the IB curriculum to public schools across the country in the coming years.
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