The provision of free education to all citizens and at all levels of the state education system is a constitutional principle of the Greek State, as enshrined in Article 16 of the Greek Constitution. This article states that ′All Greeks have the right to free education, at all levels, in public schools and universities′.

The Greek educational system is under the central liability and supervision of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, while it is structured by primary, secondary, tertiary education, in the framework of formal learning.

The secondary education is divided into compulsory, which concerns junior high school and non-compulsory, which is senior high school, while there is also the post-secondary vocational education and training. Alongside, the option to continue studying in post-secondary vocational training is offered.

At the same time, informal learning is distinct, which concerns the learning activities that take place outside the organized educational context, throughout human life. Lifelong Learning also includes Lifelong Learning Centers, which are providers of services in the framework of non-formal learning.

The main pillar, through which the readability and comparability of Greek titles and qualifications is enhanced, is the National Qualifications Framework. It is divided into eight sub-levels of qualifications, which are analyzed as follows:

• Level 1: Primary school diploma

• Level 2: Junior High school diploma

• Level 3: Vocational Education and Training Degree, Degree of Vocational Schools (EPAS) of Apprenticeship of DYPA (Labour Employment Organization) – Greek Public Employment Service - DYPA

• Level 4: General Senior High School Diploma, Vocational High School Diploma, Vocational Degrees, Education and Training Level 4

• Level 5: Higher School Diploma/Degree, Vocational Diploma, Education and Training Level 5, Vocational Degree Level 5 

• Level 6: Higher Education Degree

• Level 7: Postgraduate Specialization Diploma

• Level 8: Doctoral Degree

The Greek education system is centralized and national laws, presidential decrees and ministerial acts prevail. 

In matters of lifelong learning and youth, the General Secretariat for Vocational Education, Training, Lifelong Learning and Youth (GSVETLL&Y) is responsible for the planning, coordination, supervision and evaluation of policies, actions and programs. One of the main purposes of the Secretariat is to ensure the rights and equal opportunities of young people for their smooth integration into the educational, social and economic life of the country. Based on the Government Gazette GG ΒΔ185, the Committee for Planning, Implementation and Monitoring of the European Youth Year 2022 was established and set up. 

At the same time, the Youth and Lifelong Learning Foundation (INEDIVIM) offers a wide range of programs for citizens of all ages and backgrounds, through Lifelong Learning Programs, Youth Support and University Student/Student Support Care. The main goal is to support young people in their educational and professional career, in their mobility and in supporting innovation.

The most suitable age group for describing the term Youth in the country is 15 to 29 years old, which means that in the framework of Education and Training, a person goes through part of the School, Higher Education and Lifelong Learning, in the framework of formal and non-formal learning, as well as informal learning.