1.3.3
Low-Income Student Support Policy
1. Purpose
The University of Thessaly (UTh) is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of financial background.
This policy establishes the institutional framework for identifying, supporting, and monitoring students from low-income households, in accordance with Law 4957/2022, Article 86, and the principles of social inclusion and educational equity.
2. Principles
Equal Opportunity: All students should have the ability to pursue and complete their studies without financial hardship.
Fair Access: Financial assistance programs are designed to be transparent, objective, and accessible to all eligible students.
Comprehensive Support: Assistance includes not only financial aid but also academic, psychological, and social services.
Accountability and Evaluation: The University monitors participation and outcomes to ensure the effectiveness and fairness of support mechanisms.
Respect and Confidentiality: Personal financial information is handled with discretion and full compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
3. Scope
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate students who meet the official income criteria for low-income households, as defined annually by the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) or by relevant ministerial decisions.
4. Implementation and Support Measures
The University provides a range of support mechanisms for low-income students, including but not limited to:
Financial Assistance: Full or partial tuition exemption, scholarships, and emergency financial aid.
Housing and Meals: Priority access to university housing and subsidized meals in university restaurants. This policy applies to all UTH students. Yet, low-income students benefit from supplementary support; they are provided full housing coverage at UTH’ university residences, full lodging at UTH’s university restaurants.
Academic performance and completion of studies: All students at UTH benefit from free university books. In addition, 30% of postgraduate students at UTH get tuition fee waivers (according to socio-economic criteria), while different kinds of scholarships are offered by various institutions in collaboration with UTH.
…..Transportation: All students at UTH benefit subsided transportation when using the public transport (through the university ID card).
….Other services: Legal services for students from low income families.
Academic Support: Tutoring, mentoring, and academic counseling programs.
Digital Access: Provision of technological tools and internet access to ensure full participation in digital learning environments. Besides, low-budget internet and telephone connections are offered to UTH students.
Health and Wellbeing: Access to counseling, psychological support, and healthcare services at no cost.
Employment Opportunities: Facilitation of part-time student employment within university units or affiliated organizations.
5. Administration and Responsibilities
The Student Welfare Office manages eligibility verification, application procedures, and coordination of financial aid and housing benefits.
The Vice-Rector for Academic and Student Affairs oversees the strategic implementation of this policy and ensures alignment with institutional priorities.
The Quality Assurance Unit (MODIP) monitors outcomes, including retention and graduation rates of supported students, and includes findings in the annual social responsibility report.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation
The University maintains a comprehensive record of applications, approved beneficiaries, and retention outcomes for low-income students.
Data are analyzed annually to assess policy impact and to inform future adjustments.
Periodic internal audits ensure compliance and transparency in resource allocation.
7. Review
This policy is reviewed every three (3) years by the Committee on Social Impact and Student Welfare, in collaboration with the MODIP, or whenever legislative or socioeconomic conditions require.
8. References
Law 4957/2022, Article 86 (Social Support for Students)
Constitution of Greece, Article 16 §4 – Equal right to education
ESG 2015, Standards 1.3, 1.4, and 1.6