How Greek Universities Recognise the IB Diploma.

How Greek Universities Recognise the IB Diploma.

Greece is gradually becoming a consideration for IB students exploring affordable European higher education, particularly in Medicine, Engineering, Business, Maritime Studies, and Humanities. While the IB Diploma is officially recognised by the Greek state, the admission structure is quite different from Western European systems.

Greek public universities operate under a centralized national framework primarily built for Greek curriculum students. As a result, IB recognition involves equivalency procedures, grade conversion, subject alignment, and administrative approval, rather than simple direct entry.

Understanding this structure is essential before shortlisting Greece as a destination.

Recognition Snapshot: IB in Greece

Category	How Greece Treats IB
IB Diploma Status	Officially recognised
Equivalency Required	Yes (through national authority)
Grade Conversion	IB converted to 0–20 Greek scale
Public University Admission	Through centralized system
Private Colleges	Direct IB-based entry possible
Language Requirement	Greek (for most public programs)
Competitive Programs	Medicine, Engineering, Law highly selective

1. Legal Recognition & Equivalency

The IB Diploma is recognised as equivalent to the Greek secondary school leaving certificate. However, students must:

• Submit official IB documentation

• Apply for formal recognition through the competent authority

• Undergo grade conversion into the Greek 20-point system

Recognition confirms eligibility but does not automatically secure placement in a

public university.

2. Public Universities: Centralised Admission Structure

Greek public universities admit students through a highly competitive national structure designed around the Panhellenic Exams.

For IB students:

• Applications are typically processed under special admission categories

• Ranking is based on converted IB scores

• Subject alignment with the chosen academic stream is evaluated

High-demand programs such as:

• Medicine

• Dentistry

• Pharmacy

• Engineering

• Law

have limited seats and strong competition.

Even with a strong IB score, admission depends on ranking within the available quota.

3. Grade Conversion: How IB Scores Are Interpreted

IB total scores are converted into the Greek grading scale (0–20). The process

generally considers:

• Overall IB points

• Sometimes weighting of Higher Level subjects

• Ministry-approved equivalency tables

Because Greek public university admission is ranking-based, even small differences in converted grades can affect placement.

Students targeting competitive faculties should aim for a strong overall IB performance, not just minimum diploma completion.

4. Subject Alignment by Field

Greek universities expect IB subjects to align with the academic stream of the intended degree.

Medicine & Health Sciences

• Biology strongly expected

• Chemistry highly recommended

• High converted score essential

Engineering

• Mathematics (preferably HL)

• Physics strongly recommended

• Technical preparedness important

Business & Economics

• Mathematics preferred

• Science subjects not mandatory

Humanities & Social Sciences

• Flexible combinations

• Overall academic strength considered

While Greece does not always publish strict HL-only requirements, strong subject alignment improves competitiveness.

5. Language of Instruction

One of the most important considerations:

• Most Greek public undergraduate programs are taught in Greek

• Proof of Greek language proficiency is often mandatory

Without sufficient Greek language skills, admission to public universities can be challenging.

Some postgraduate programs and private institutions offer English-taught options.

6. Private Colleges: Alternative Pathway

Private colleges in Greece:

• Often collaborate with UK or EU universities

• Accept IB scores directly

• Offer English-medium instruction

• Have less complex administrative procedures

While tuition fees are higher than public universities, admission is generally more straightforward for IB students.

7. Administrative Considerations

IB students may need to manage:

• Recognition paperwork

• Official translations

• Certified documentation

• Ministry deadlines

Greek public admission systems can be bureaucratic, and timelines are strict.

Planning at least one year in advance is advisable.

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )

1. Is the IB Diploma officially recognised in Greece?

Yes. The IB Diploma is legally recognised as equivalent to the Greek secondary school qualification, subject to formal equivalency procedures.

2. Do IB students need to take the Panhellenic Exams?

Not typically, but admission is processed through a centralized system, and IB students apply under special categories.

3. How are IB grades converted?

IB scores are converted into the Greek 0–20 grading scale using ministry-approved equivalency formulas.

4. Is Greek language mandatory?

For most public undergraduate programs, yes. Students must demonstrate proficiency in Greek.

5. Are there English-taught undergraduate programs in Greece?

They are limited in public universities but more common in private colleges and some postgraduate programs.

6. Is admission to Medicine in Greece easier with IB?

No. Medicine remains highly competitive, and IB recognition does not lower academic competition levels.

Final Takeaway

Greece officially recognises the IB Diploma, but public university access operates within a centralized, competitive system built around national exam rankings. IB students must complete grade conversion and may apply under special admission categories, particularly for competitive programs like Medicine and Engineering.