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Rising education costs in Turkey

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2026-09-07 11:12 UTC → 2026-09-08 09:55 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Concerns have emerged in Turkey regarding the rising costs of private education and school-related expenses for the new academic year. Lawmaker Cem Avşar initiated a parliamentary inquiry to the Minister of National Education, questioning excessive price hikes for textbooks, meals, clothing, and stationery. Reports indicated some textbook sets rose from 49,000 lira to 80,000 lira, prompting Avşar to remind institutions that they cannot operate solely for profit-making purposes under Law No. 5580. ~~Following these concerns,~~ Ayten ~~Gülsever~~ Gülsever, head of the Republican People's Party (CHP) Women's Branch, reported that total school startup costs can reach 52,000 lira, a figure she noted is nearly double the projected 2026 net minimum wage. Gülsever highlighted the financial strain on families, stating that some are forced to cut food expenses or take on ~~debt,~~ debt. She noted that basic canteen items like toast and ayran cost between 85 and 100 lira, which she argued does not cover a healthy meal, and called for the Ministry of National Education to provide free school meals and ~~ensure equality~~ clean drinking water. Data from the platform Şikayetvar shows a surge in ~~educational opportunities.~~ complaints regarding private schools, with increases of 44 percent in August and 53 percent in the final week of the month. Parents have reported grievances including high prices for meal plans and uniforms, as well as schools mandating specific purchase channels for books. In one reported case, a parent of a scholarship recipient was asked for over 340,000 lira in additional costs for food, books, and clothing.

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