Speaking on the national broadcaster’s “Proto Programma” (91.6 & 105.8 FM) on the show “Morning Routes on Proto” with Vasilis Adamopoulos and Maria Georgiou, Minister of Education Sofia Zacharaki addressed developments following the announcement of Panhellenic Exam results. She emphasized that variations in university admission thresholds (known as “vaseis”) are to be expected this year.

According to Zacharaki, these deviations stem from the varied performance of students across subjects. “We’re seeing uneven performance—students did not fare well in Modern Greek, and many struggled with Mathematics and History. Conversely, performance in Biology was relatively good, and they performed very well in Economics. These trends will affect admission thresholds, particularly with smaller changes in the second and third scientific fields, and more significant ones in the fourth due to the high Economics scores. However, Modern Greek and the essay component will play a determining role,” she noted.

Zacharaki further stated that students are expected to begin submitting their university application forms (the “michanografiko”) around July 8, with the process concluding around July 17. Final admission thresholds will be announced at the end of July. “We aim to finalize this process as early as possible to ease the anxiety students and families are experiencing. We even released the exam results earlier than usual this year,” she added.

The Minister also highlighted the extensive effort behind the Panhellenic exams: “Thousands of people—from ministry staff to school teachers and exam invigilators—work year-round to make this happen. Students and families, too, prepare for years. Now, we await the students’ choices.”

Transition Toward a New National School-Leaving Certificate – Potential Overhaul of University Entry System

When asked whether the current Panhellenic exam system is approaching the end of its cycle, Zacharaki acknowledged the broader conversation about reforming Greece’s university entrance framework.

“While no changes are expected within the next two years, meaning current high school students will still sit exams under the existing system, we have already begun thorough research and dialogue to explore a transition to a National School-Leaving Certificate. This includes studying best practices from other countries, assessing which academic indicators should be considered, and consulting educational experts and stakeholders across secondary and tertiary education.”

She emphasized that this potential system might consider performance over multiple years, as is done in some other countries, which weigh students’ achievements over three or four years of high school. “It will take time, data, and a collaborative approach—we are not operating with a magic wand or executive fiat,” she remarked.

Language Proficiency Concerns & Digital Exposure

Zacharaki touched on broader concerns about students’ declining proficiency in written and spoken Modern Greek—a trend observed not just in Greece but across Europe. She linked this decline to increased screen time and reliance on digital devices like smartphones and tablets.

“In Northern Europe, countries like Sweden—which were pioneers in digital education—have reversed course. The Swedish Minister told me that they’ve entirely removed screens from early education due to measurable declines in students’ language proficiency.”

In response, Greece is enhancing its curriculum by increasing the emphasis on textual synthesis in Modern Greek courses. Teachers are receiving further training, and resources are being expanded through initiatives like the “Topic Bank” and the forthcoming multi-textbook model. The Ministry also plans to promote reading through a renewed emphasis on philagnosia (the love of reading).

On the PISA Assessments and National Diagnostic Testing

Zacharaki noted that Greece’s participation in the international PISA assessments is becoming more structured. Parallel to this, the Education Ministry is implementing national diagnostic exams in Modern Greek and Mathematics.

“Next year, we’ll have the full PISA results. These are important for international comparisons. However, we are also preparing to release domestic diagnostic test results—especially in Modern Greek—which is an area of personal concern to me. Our goal is to provide students with the motivation and resources to perform better.”

Non-State Universities – Operational by September

Crucially, Zacharaki confirmed that efforts are intensifying to ensure that Greece’s first non-state universities—introduced under the recent constitutional reform—will begin operating as early as September 2025.

“We are in a race against time,” she stated, referring to the complex regulatory, operational, and infrastructural challenges that must be addressed swiftly to allow these institutions to admit students in the upcoming academic year.

This marks a significant turning point for Greek higher education, which has long operated under a strictly public university model. The introduction of non-state (foreign and private) universities signals a major shift toward internationalization, diversification, and competition within the sector.