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Applications to Greece\u2019s model, experimental and Onassis public schools have surpassed 30,000 this year, marking a sharp rise from last year\u2019s 24,817 submissions and continuing a steady upward trend since the programs\u2019 return in 2021.<\/p>\n
That year, model schools were reintroduced and the network of model and experimental schools expanded to 112 units, with application totals breaking records annually.<\/p>\n
The increase in demand has coincided with a yearly rise in available positions and the addition over the past two years of Public Onassis Schools.<\/p>\n
At the same time, a parallel market for student preparation has grown, including tutoring centers, private lessons and study guides tailored to entrance exams.<\/p>\n
In 2026, a total of 30,990 applications were submitted.<\/p>\n
Of those, 13,987 applicants competed for 1,809 spots in 42 model schools, with a success rate of 12.9%, down from 19.6% in 2025.<\/p>\n
Another 3,945 applications targeted 1,786 places in 20 Onassis Public Schools, where the success rate rose to 45.2% from 35.6% last year.<\/p>\n
There were 414 applications for 513 spots in 104 model ecclesiastical schools, and 12,644 applications for 3,266 places in 104 experimental schools, with an admission rate of 25.8%, nearly unchanged from 25.7%.<\/p>\n
Rising interest is further illustrated by previous years\u2019 figures, when only model and experimental schools operated.<\/p>\n
Applications reached 17,791 in 2022, climbed to 19,805 in 2023, then to 20,299 in 2024, and reached 21,543 in 2025.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s comparable figure rose to 26,631, reflecting a 23.6% increase.<\/p>\n
The data underscore sustained competition for selective public education options, as expanding capacity has not kept pace with demand, intensifying pressure on applicants and families navigating an increasingly competitive admissions landscape across Greece\u2019s model and experimental school system. Officials say trends are expected to continue next year.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n