With the subject of Modern Greek Language and Literature starting at 08:30 on Friday morning (29/05), the National University Exams begin for General High School students. Candidates from General Lyceums are competing for one of the 68,788 spots in Higher Education for the 2026-27 academic year.
Greece’s National University Exams 2026: Today’s debut for General High Schools with Modern Greek Language and Literature
The Modern Greek Language and Literature exam serves as the starting point for General High School candidates, regardless of their specialization. It is considered one of the most important subjects in the process. Students are called upon to respond to comprehension exercises, linguistic text processing, and written composition production, with the Essay remaining one of the most demanding subjects of the National University Exams.
Next in line are the candidates from Vocational High Schools, who will be examined on Saturday in the subject of Modern Greek.
Useful tips
Taking breaks, proper sleep, avoiding comparisons, and treating each exam separately are the basic recommendations given to candidates before the start of the National University Exams, in order to manage their time, studying, and anxiety.
“The National Exams are one of those moments when young people feel they hold their entire future in their hands. However, I want to remind the children that no exam can measure their worth, strength, talent, or dreams,” noted psychologist Stella Argyriou.
What candidates should keep in mind
On the occasion of the National University Exams beginning, Ms. Argyriou listed five basic tips for candidates to keep in mind:
Take short breaks and rest their minds.
Sleep properly, as rest helps memory.
Don’t analyze over and over again the previous subject they were examined on.
Focus only on the next step they need to take and not on the entire journey.
Avoid comparing themselves with other students.
“These days, don’t get into the process of comparing yourself with anyone. Look only at your own journey and recognize how far you have already come,” she said, addressing the candidates. “Behind every page that was read, behind every sleepless night, there is persistence, effort, and strength. Life is not determined by one day and one written exam. Often, the most beautiful journeys begin from paths we hadn’t even planned. Enter the examination hall with your head held high. Don’t go to prove who you are. Go to show what you have conquered with love and effort. Believe in yourself, because you have more strength than you think. The future doesn’t wait for the infallible; it opens the door to those who dare to move forward,” she added.
Telephone helpline 1550 in operation
It is reminded that the telephone helpline 1550 has already been put into operation to provide psychological support services for National University Exam candidates and their families.
The helpline, created on the initiative of the Ministry of Education and staffed by psychologists from the Interdisciplinary Assessment, Counseling and Support Centers (KEDASY) across the country and the Ministry of Health, is free and will operate until June 30, 2026.
The exam start time has been set at 08:30, so candidates must arrive at the examination halls by 08:00. The examination duration is three hours.
What candidates should bring with them
Candidates should bring the following items:
Identity card or passport.
National University Exams candidate card.
Blue or black ink pen. It’s worth noting that pencils are not allowed for answers, except when specifically indicated by the exam instructions. Candidates are allowed to bring an eraser and pencil sharpener.
Geometric instruments for subjects that require them.
A small bottle of water or juice.
Wristwatch, but not a smartwatch.
Candidates are prohibited from bringing the following:
Books, notebooks, and notes.
Correction fluid (liquid or tape) of any form.
Mobile phones and other means of transmitting or receiving information and communication, calculators.
Specifically regarding mobile phones, possession of a mobile phone, even if turned off, inside the examination hall is prohibited and constitutes sufficient reason for nullifying the written exam. In case an examinee brings a mobile phone upon arrival at the Examination Center, they are obligated to hand it over to the president of the High School Committee, who will store it in a special area. After the exam ends, the candidate will retrieve their mobile phone and leave.
Candidates should keep in mind to use the pages of the booklet they will be given sparingly, as a second booklet will not be given to any candidate, since the pages of the booklet have been deemed sufficient for the answers.
Candidates can use the last pages of their booklet as draft paper, provided the indication “DRAFT” is clearly written on the pages used as draft. These pages are under no circumstances graded.
Furthermore, when writing their personal details at the beginning of the exam as well as when writing their answers, candidates must not fold the covers of their booklet or crumple the booklet.
When exams begin for Vocational High School candidates
Finally, it is reminded that for Vocational High School candidates, the National University Exams will begin next Saturday, May 31, 2026, with the subject of Modern Greek.
