Tertiary degree a costly affair
Families supporting children studying at one of the country’s universities may pay more than 40,000 euros for student living expenses over the duration of their degree, according to consumer group INKA. Data released yesterday by INKA showed that students who live away from home are forced to pay between 27,000 and 41,000 euros for living costs over the four years required for an undergraduate degree. The data backs up fears that tertiary studies in Greece are becoming a privilege available only to those who are financially better off. «The housing problem for students takes on even more dimensions when you take into account the insufficient facilities at university halls of residence,» INKA said. Only 9 percent of students meet the stringent criteria required for getting a free room on a university campus. Halls of residence cater to 2,000 people in Athens, another 3,000 students in Thessaloniki and 1,000 more in Patras, INKA added. Apart from the costs of accommodation, student living expenses are estimated to reach about 570 euros per month.
