Luxembourg’s high living standards can come at a cost for university students, particularly those living away from home.
Street interviews conducted in Belval this week revealed that even with government support, many students find day-to-day costs difficult to manage.
“Living as a student is tough if you don’t live with your parents”, said most intervieews. For students covering their own rent, food, and transportation, expenses add up quickly.
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Street responses mirrored findings from the national student union UNEL, which has warned that rising tuition and housing costs are forcing some students to reconsider pursuing master’s degrees.
Tuition fees at the University of Luxembourg doubled this academic year, from €200 to €400 per semester, while accommodation remains the single biggest financial burden. According to the UNEL, two months’ rent often equals a semester’s grant, leaving students with little for food.
Luxembourg’s government recently introduced reforms to ease the strain, including a €250 bonus for degree completion, increased mobility grants for students studying abroad, and improved support for part-time students. Aid is now indexed twice a year to better match cost-of-living changes.
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Despite these measures, students say the gap between support and reality remains significant. Even with financial aid, they struggle to cover basic expenses like food and gasoline, and many find that class schedules leave little room for part-time work to earn extra income, they told the Luxembourg Times.
Working alongside studies can add extra strain. “If you live on your own you might have to work at the same time. That can have an influence on you, and your academics in general,” said Arthur.
