Study: Majority of Israeli students financially dependent on parents

Average financial support from parents stood at some NIS 16,497 per year, an increase of NIS 1,217 from last year.

By LIDAR GRAVÉ-LAZI
Tel Aviv University campus (photo credit: PR)
Tel Aviv University campus
(photo credit: PR)
Even though college students worked more hours this year than previous years, their dependence on their parents increased, according to a study released on Monday by the National Union of Israeli Students.
According to the study, 80 percent of students work while pursuing an academic degree – 65% all year round and 15% during holidays and summer vacations.
The report also found that the average salary for a student in 2014 was NIS 3,191 a month, while average monthly expenses stood at NIS 5,828. Students also worked more hours per month in 2014: 80, compared to 76 on average in 2013.
Despite these figures, the findings also indicated that the average financial support to students from parents stood at NIS 16,497 per year, an increase of NIS 1,217 from last year. More than half of students – 56% – received financial support from their parents in 2014; 39% received less than NIS 9,000, 37% received between NIS 9,001 and NIS 20,000 and 33% of students received more than NIS 20,000 from their parents.
The findings also indicated that students spent a monthly average of NIS 1,705 on rent, NIS 765 on food, and NIS 554 on travel expenses, and an average of NIS 13,253 on yearly tuition fees.
“The results of the survey reveal a worrisome reality whereby students are supported more and more by their parents despite the fact that they are working – working a lot,” Uri Reshtik, head of the NUIS, said. “The cost of living affects the entire Israeli public, but the student body is forced to make concessions that will exact a toll on the entire economy and to them personally, dearly.”
He added: “If the situation continues, it may damage the accessibility of higher education and as a result, the ability of high school graduates to imagine building a better future for them and their children.”