Interest in the Certificate of Attainment in Greek continues to grow in Victoria. According to an announcement by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), 63 candidates successfully passed the 2025 examinations marking a 50 per cent increase compared to last year.
Now in its second year as an official examination centre, the GCM reported a 50 per cent rise in participation and a success rate of over 99 per cent, reflecting the community’s growing dedication to Greek language learning in Victoria.
The GCM hosted a special award ceremony at the Greek Centre on Saturday, to honour this year’s successful candidates from the May 2025 exams.
More than 130 guests including students, parents, and teachers attended the ceremony, which celebrated the importance of preserving and promoting the Greek language in Australia.
The successful candidates represented a range of educational institutions, including the GCM schools, the GCM’s intensive Modern Greek program for adults, Oakleigh Grammar, St John’s College, and South Oakleigh College.
GCM President Bill Papastergiadis OAM welcomed guests to the Greek Centre, expressing his pride in this year’s achievements. He emphasised that language serves as a vital cultural bridge connecting Greeks around the world and reaffirmed the Community’s commitment to supporting Greek language and cultural programs. Drawing on his own experiences representing the GCM in Greece and abroad, he highlighted how learning Greek strengthens understanding and connection.
Maria Triantafyllou, Acting Education Coordinator for Australia and New Zealand, representing the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, congratulated the successful candidates, stating that the Certificate of Attainment in Greek “represents much more than an academic qualification.”
“It recognises each student’s personal effort, dedication, and love for the Greek language,” she said. “Knowledge of Greek opens a window to understanding Greek literature, history, and culture, and allows for genuine communication in the language of one’s heritage.”
Dr Spyridoula Dimitriou, member of the GCM’s Education Committee, expressed her joy at seeing so many students receive their certificates. Echoing previous speakers, she described the Greek language as “a powerful bridge connecting us with our ancestors and our culture.” She shared how speaking Greek during her time in Greece deepened her connection to the country’s history and heritage, encouraging everyone to continue strengthening their bond with the language.
Certificates were presented by Papastergiadis, Triantafyllou, Dr Dimitriou, Tas Sgardelis, and Vicky Kyritsis, who all praised the students for their enthusiasm and commitment to learning Greek.
Applications for the 2026 Certificate of Attainment in Greek will open on 1 February 2026 and close on 20 March 2026.
