Israeli Students Face Monthly Deficit, High Debt, and Job Anxiety
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
A new survey by the National Union of Israeli Students reveals that students are spending 671 shekels more than they earn monthly, with average expenses of 6,906 shekels against incomes of 6,235 shekels. Many students struggle with debt, with a quarter taking loans averaging nearly 50,000 shekels, and over three-quarters reporting financial stress. Concerns about future employment in the age of AI are high, leading some to consider emigration. The survey polled 1,200 students between July and September 2026.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli students face a monthly deficit of 671 shekels, spending more than they earn.
- Over three-quarters of students report financial stress, with 67% unable to save regularly.
- A quarter of students have taken out loans, averaging 49,849 shekels each.
- Housing is the largest student expense, averaging 3,155 shekels monthly.
- Many students feel unprepared for the AI-driven job market and fear future employment.
- 29% of students are considering leaving Israel after completing their studies.
Israeli students are spending an average of 671 shekels more per month than they earn, according to the annual survey by the National Union of Israeli Students released Sunday. The average monthly income for students stands at 6,235 shekels, while their expenses reach 6,906 shekels. This deficit represents a 28 shekel increase compared to the previous year. The survey also revealed that 67% of students cannot save money regularly, and 76% experience stress or anxiety due to their financial situation. To cope, a quarter of students have taken out loans during their studies, with 61% borrowing over 20,000 shekels, averaging 49,849 shekels per loan. Approximately half of students receive financial assistance from their parents, averaging 2,252 shekels monthly. While 81% of students work, only 49% are employed in fields related to their studies. A gender pay gap persists, with male students earning an average of 71.2 shekels per hour compared to 61.2 shekels for female students. Housing and apartment maintenance constitute the largest expense at 3,155 shekels per month, followed by food (1,463 shekels), entertainment (751 shekels), travel (724 shekels), health including mental health (603 shekels), and communication (211 shekels). Housing costs saw the most significant year-over-year increase, rising by 39 shekels monthly. Students also expressed concerns about their future, with 72% feeling their institutions do not adequately prepare them for the AI era job market, and 42% are highly worried about entering the workforce. Furthermore, 29% are considering leaving Israel after graduation, and 38% believe they will be unable to afford a home in their lifetime. The data was collected from July to September 2026 via an online questionnaire of 1,200 students.
