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Education in Greece
Children in Greece have a right to school, and adults can usually access language or integration courses. Contact the municipality early once you have an address.
Schools and language support in Greece
Get your AMKA at KEP: Social security number — needed for healthcare, work, school. Walk into any KEP — Passport + AFM + address proof. Issued same day. Free Greek classes: Adult Education Centres and NGOs run free Greek for migrants. IEK / KDVM — Public adult training network. Search 'μαθήματα ελληνικών για αλλοδαπούς'. NGOs — METAdrasi, Solidarity Now, DIOTIMA offer free courses in Athens/Thessaloniki. Your rights: Anti-Racism Law 4285/2014 + EU directives. Discrimination — Greek Ombudsman — free complaints, synigoros.gr. Violence — SOS 15900, women's shelter network of GSFPG. Legal aid — Free lawyer via local Bar Association if income is low.
Enrolling children
Bring passports or ID, birth certificates, previous school documents, vaccination records if available, and proof of address. If documents are missing, still contact the school or municipality — children should not wait at home.
Adult language and integration courses
Learning Greek makes appointments, work and school contact much easier. Ask integration offices, adult education centres, municipalities and NGOs about free or subsidised courses.
Education-related offices
Solidarity Now / METAdrasi: Free legal + integration help.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child start school before all documents are ready in Greece?
Yes, schools and municipalities should help children enter education even while paperwork is being completed.
Which office should I contact first in Greece?
Start with Solidarity Now / METAdrasi. For broader newcomer help, also check Ministry of Migration & Asylum, KEP — Citizen Service Centres, AADE — Independent Public Revenue Authority.
What language will offices use in Greece?
The main administrative language is Greek. Larger offices often offer English or interpreters, but bring translated documents when possible.
Do my children need documents to enrol in school?
Schools must enrol every child. If documents are missing, the municipality helps to sort it out — do not delay.
Can I study for free?
Public universities are free or low-cost for EU citizens and often for other residents after a qualifying period.