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Key Points

Greece is facing a severe demographic crisis that's forcing the closure of hundreds of schools across the country. The education ministry reports 721 schools will suspend operations for the 2025-2026 academic year due to insufficient enrollment. Student numbers have dropped by more than 150,000 compared to 2018-2019 levels, reflecting a broader population decline of over 400,000 people in 13 years. Meanwhile, Greece has taken historic steps to reform higher education by allowing private universities for the first time.

Key Points: Greece Closes 721 Schools Amid Worsening Demographic Crisis

  • 721 schools closing nationwide including 77 in Attica region
  • Student population drops by 150,000 since 2018-2019
  • Children in remote areas travel 80km daily for classes
  • Population decline of 400,000 over past 13 years
2 min read

Insufficient enrollment forces school closures across Greece

Greece shuts 721 schools due to insufficient enrollment as population drops by 400,000. Student numbers decline by 150,000, forcing children to travel 80km for education.

"This is a historic step for the benefit of younger generations - Education Minister Sophia Zacharaki"

Athens, Sep 1

Greece is closing hundreds of schools as falling student numbers highlight the country's worsening demographic situation, Kathimerini, a leading Greek daily newspaper that focuses on politics and economics, reported on Monday.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, 721 of Greece's 13,478 schools will suspend operations due to insufficient enrollment, most of them kindergartens and primary schools, according to the Education Ministry data.

The student population is projected at about 1.21 million for the 2025-2026 academic year, a drop of more than 150,000 compared with the level during 2018-2019, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The closures come against a backdrop of long-term demographic decline. According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority, Greece's population has fallen by over 400,000 in the past 13 years due to plunging birth rates, aging, and outward migration.

School closures have been reported nationwide, including 77 in the Attica region. In remote areas, some children now need to travel up to 80 km daily to attend classes, the report said.

Earlier in August, Greece opened its higher education system to private institutions for the first time, with four foreign university branches set to operate from the academic year beginning this September.

According to the declaration of the Ministry of Education, two universities will be based in Athens and two in Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city.

The Greek official news agency AMNA reported that these institutions include the American University of Anatolia, CITY (affiliated with the University of York), the University of Keele, Greece, and UNIC Athens (affiliated with the University of Nicosia).

The ministry said the licenses were granted under strict criteria covering academic quality, staffing, and infrastructure.

"This is a historic step for the benefit of younger generations," Education Minister Sophia Zacharaki said, noting that the reform would expand study options and strengthen Greece's role as a regional education hub.

For decades, private higher education was banned under the Greek constitution. However, the parliament changed course in 2024 by passing a law allowing non-state, non-profit universities to operate under close supervision.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Children traveling 80km daily for school? That's heartbreaking 💔. In India we understand the value of education, but such long commutes will exhaust both students and parents. Hope the Greek government provides proper transportation facilities.
A
Arjun K
Interesting move allowing private universities. Maybe Greece can learn from India's education model where private institutions have helped expand access. But quality control is crucial - hope they maintain strict standards.
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Sarah B
This demographic decline is worrying. Many European countries are facing similar issues with low birth rates. Governments need to implement policies that support young families and make having children more feasible financially.
V
Vikram M
While opening private universities is a good step, they should also focus on improving public education infrastructure. Education shouldn't become a luxury only the wealthy can afford. Balance is key.
Michael C
The population drop of 400,000 in 13 years is staggering. This shows how economic factors and migration are reshaping societies. Hope Greece finds solutions that work for their unique situation.

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