There has been a great increase in the number of university students that acquire post-graduate studies in Greece.
During the academic year 2012-2013, the number of the post-graduate students reached 60,268, for the first time surpassing 60,000. The number of post-graduate students increased by 186.7 percent compared to 2001-2002 while the number of PhD students increased by 104 percent compared to 2001-2002.
This number is even greater if we take into account the youngsters that chose to continue their studies abroad. The decision of continuing their studies beyond a Bachelor’s degree has to do with the students’ belief that attaining a Master’s or a PhD degree will improve their chances of getting a job.
According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority (EL.STAT) , the unemployment rate of those who have a Master’s or a PhD degree reaches 15.7 percent, while the unemployment rate on those who have only a bachelor degree is slightly greater at 18.8 percent.
However, nowadays, in order for someone to get a job even as a waiter, a Master’s or a PhD degree is required by the employers, while in the past a General Lyceum Leaving Certificate was more than enough to get such a job.
In addition, the fact that many post-graduate programs include high tuition fees does not seem to discourage young people from working toward a Master’s or PhD degree. In fact, they seem willing to pay 2,000 euros or more in order to acquire a post-graduate degree.
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