As Kyriakos Pierrakakis’ tenure at the Ministry of Education comes to an end, the decision to establish International Baccalaureate (IB) programs starting in the 2026-27 academic year has been signed and published in the Government Gazette.

More specifically, IB programs will be introduced in the following Model, Experimental, Music, and Arts General High Schools:

Attica:

• Model General High School of Varvakeios School (B’ Athens Secondary Education Directorate)
• Model General High School of Agioi Anargyroi (G’ Athens Secondary Education Directorate)
• Model General High School of Evangeliki School of Nea Smyrni (D’ Athens Secondary Education Directorate)
• Model General High School of Ionidios School of Piraeus (Piraeus Secondary Education Directorate)
• Arts Gymnasium of Gerakas with High School Classes (Eastern Attica Secondary Education Directorate)
• Experimental Music High School of Pallini (Eastern Attica Secondary Education Directorate)
• Athens Music School (A’ Athens Secondary Education Directorate)
• Model General High School of Anavryta (B’ Athens Secondary Education Directorate)

Central Macedonia:

• Thessaloniki Music Gymnasium with High School Classes (Eastern Thessaloniki Secondary Education Directorate)
• 1st Model General High School of Thessaloniki – Manolis Andronikos (Eastern Thessaloniki Secondary Education Directorate)
• Experimental General High School of the University of Macedonia (Western Thessaloniki Secondary Education Directorate)

Thessaly:

• Volos Music Gymnasium with High School Classes (Magnesia Secondary Education Directorate)

Crete:

• Model General High School of Heraklion (Heraklion Secondary Education Directorate)

It is worth noting that the IB program lasts two years (corresponding to the final two years of Greek high school) and is already implemented in 6,000 schools across 150 countries, about 50% of which are public.

In Greece, the IB has so far been offered exclusively in private schools, but from 2026-27, it will also be available in public schools free of charge.

Participation in the IB program is optional—students who wish to take the national Panhellenic exams can continue with the standard curriculum.

Regarding IB examinations, it is highlighted that exam topics are selected by the Central Committee, and candidates sit for their exams simultaneously across all participating countries.

Depending on their performance in the exams, students may or may not be accepted into foreign universities, which set their own admission requirements. The highest grade per subject is 7.

According to current legislation, the International Baccalaureate (IB) is not recognized for entry into Greek public universities.

However, it will be accepted at the planned Non-State Universities, without the requirement of taking the Panhellenic exams.