A key factor in the discussion is whether the financial burden on higher education institutions due to ‘eternal students’ is real or not. However, in reality, no one knows what the actual cost of education is. That is, no one has ever calculated or determined how much each (even) active student costs at Greek higher education institutions.

Konstantinos Drosatos, a professor at the School of Medicine at the University of Cincinnati, addresses the issue in his article, which was first published in Kathimerini on Sunday, January 26, 2025.
Read the full text of the article titled:

How much do university tuition fees cost? 

Recently, the discussion was revived regarding the expulsion of students who have exceeded the prescribed study duration at public universities, and whether this should be done according to the procedures set by the Ministry’s law or through internal university procedures.  

Supporters of expulsion cite the cost of faculty time required for teaching and grading additional exams during each examination period, the impact on university evaluations due to prolonged study durations, and the improved educational planning – especially for laboratory courses – without the unpredictable factor of an unknown number of “eternal students” deciding to participate.  

Opponents argue that there is a minimal financial burden due to the lack of access for “eternal students” to benefits such as food, housing, and transportation. However, has the cost per student and per academic year been calculated for each university department? 

There has never been a calculation of tuition fees for universities in Greece

In a previous online discussion by the organization “Circle of Greek Academics of the USA,” this question was posed to a former Minister of Education. The response was that there has never been an organized calculation of tuition fees for all universities, all departments, and all study years in Greece.  

Today, English-language programs at Greece’s public universities charge tuition fees. Therefore, an estimation of the relevant costs has begun. Abroad, the operational costs of universities are covered by donations, research funding, the utilization of university assets, and student tuition fees. In the EU, tuition fees are covered by the state. In the expensive higher education system of the USA, state-funded universities offer significant discounts (50%-80%) on tuition fees for their residents.  

A measurable tool for assessing the adequacy of university funding

One approach for improving the financial relationship between Greek universities and the state would be determining the cost of tuition fees per student and per academic year for each department. At the beginning of the academic year, each student could submit a declaration of acceptance for the state scholarship that would fully cover the annual tuition fees. In this way, the Ministry would record the active students who accept the scholarship and cover the corresponding costs. Universities would have the opportunity for better planning and a measurable tool for assessing the adequacy of their state funding and the creation of scholarships from donations. Thus, the vague notion of free public education would be transformed into a measurable provision, enhancing the sense of support for young people by the state. 

It is fortunate that in Greece, the cost of university tuition fees is entirely covered by the state for all Greek citizens, regardless of social status and financial situation. This valuable public good, which symbolizes the priority that Greek society gives to the scientific training of its youth, will be preserved only through rational use. 

Mr. Konstantinos G. Drosatos is a professor at the College of Medicine at the University of Cincinnati, USA, and president of the ARISTEiA Institute, USA. 

Disclaimer:

The articles published here do not necessarily reflect the official positions of Komvos.