Students will gather outside the Ministry of Finance, near Syntagma Square, at 6pm, with a large concert and an overnight encampment planned as part of the mobilisation.

In their statement, the student associations describe the financial pressures facing students and their families, citing rising energy prices, the cost of basic necessities, high rents and additional educational expenses. They argue that the shortage of affordable accommodation is forcing some students who have secured university places not to enrol, while others are considering dropping out or reducing their attendance.

They also denounce the cost of university canteens, textbooks and other study materials, alongside chronic underfunding of universities, which they say is creating difficulties even in meeting heating costs as winter approaches.

Demands for affordable housing and living costs

Among the student associations’ central demands are the introduction of rent caps, an increase in the student housing allowance and an expansion of eligibility through revised financial and academic criteria.

They are also calling for free accommodation for all first-year students unable to afford housing, provided under the responsibility of the state and university authorities. They demand the renovation and expansion of student halls of residence, alongside the use of university and state-owned properties to create new, free student accommodation.

Their demands also include:

  • Emergency funding for universities to cover operating expenses and heating costs.
  • Free meals, transport and internet access for all students.
  • Lower prices in university canteens.
  • Broader social and financial eligibility criteria for student transfers between universities.
  • Caps on electricity and fuel prices, the abolition of excise duty on energy and the removal of VAT on essential goods.
  • A ban on electricity disconnections for students unable to pay their bills.

Criticism of government priorities

The student associations blame government policies for the underfunding of universities and inadequate student welfare provision, arguing that social needs are treated as expenses to be minimised while substantial resources are allocated to military equipment and tax exemptions for powerful business groups remain in place.

They also oppose the establishment of private universities, arguing that this development, combined with the continued underfunding of public higher education, will further undermine students’ living and study conditions.

In their statement, they refer to student mobilisations in France and youth protests in Spain, presenting Tuesday’s action as part of a broader struggle for improved living conditions and access to education.

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