A study commissioned by the National Student Union in Israel founda significant increase in the number of students receiving financial aid from their parents, Ynet learned Tuesday. The average amount paid by parents was up 15% in 2012, amounting to nearly NIS 15,000 (roughly $3,885).
The study conducted by the Maagar Mochot Institute, covered 5,118 students from different higher education institutes. Results showed the majority of those in need of financial support are university students (56%), but those attending private colleges had to pay even more, averaging on NIS 23,000 (roughly $5,958) per year.
Related Stories:
During 2012, 51% of all students were financially assisted by their parents, while 46% of those (some 150,000 students) were aided to the extent of NIS 9,000-20,000 (roughly $2330-$5180) annually.
The research also indicated that close to 20% of the students were given NIS 20,000 (roughly $5,180) or more per year.
The financial aid given by parents to college students, which averaged on NIS 23,377 (roughly $6,056), is significantly higher than the aid given to university students, which averaged NIS 14,191 (roughly $3,677), and NIS 12,077 (roughly $3,129) among public colleges student .
According to the study, 50% of all Jewish students are financially supported by parents, compared to 60% of Arab students.
Gilad Arditi, chairman of Tel Aviv University StudentsUnion, added: "All recent studies show that one of the most crucial things for social mobility is the academia. The research is additional proof that the state is shrugging off its duties to the citizens. There are no magic solutions, the real solution lies in changing the socioeconomic policy ."