The main phase of Greece’s Panhellenic Examinations has concluded — a highly stressful period for most high school students. Exams continue this week with special subject tests and athletic competitions for candidates. On Thursday, 25 June 2026, final scores for General Education subjects will be announced, followed by the usual submission period for the university preference form — known in Greece as the Mechanographiko.
Three Essential Tips Before Submitting Your Preferences
Just before students complete their preference forms, aspiring undergraduates aiming for admission to Greek higher education institutions should keep three key recommendations in mind — according to Professor George Doukidis, Emeritus Professor at the Department of Administrative Science and Technology, Athens University of Economics and Business.
In an interview with the Athens News Agency (ANA), Prof. Doukidis stressed that candidates should pay close attention to the following:
1. Choose a Department — Not a Career
Students should understand they are selecting an academic department to study, not necessarily locking in their lifelong profession — a decision that, as Doukidis noted, is ‘extremely difficult to make at age 18’.
2. Prioritize a Subject Area That Inspires You
Most professionals change roles — and even fields — at least three or four times over their working lives. Therefore, students are encouraged to choose a field of study that genuinely interests them, ensuring they enjoy their university experience. Professional exploration and career shaping typically unfold during undergraduate studies — not before. With over 1,200 postgraduate programmes already available across Greek universities, graduates now have strong pathways for upskilling — such as a computer science graduate specializing in cybersecurity — or reskilling — like an engineer transitioning into financial management.
3. Assess the Academic Environment Thoughtfully
Doukidis emphasized evaluating departments not just by entrance exam cut-off scores, but by the quality and relevance of their educational ecosystem. When reviewing department websites, students should consider whether the programme:
- Offers a modern curriculum — for example, integrating artificial intelligence topics;
- Provides well-equipped laboratories and opportunities for hands-on learning, internships, and collaboration with businesses and public organizations;
- Supports graduate employment — including mandatory internship placements;
- Offers postgraduate options for further specialization;
- Encourages student participation in competitions and academic conferences;
- Engages students actively in research and academic life — for instance, through student-organized academic conferences;
- Facilitates international exchange opportunities, such as Erasmus+.
This kind of evaluation often reveals strong academic departments that may not top national admission rankings — but offer exceptional learning environments and long-term professional value.