Students in north Cyprus complains of high cost of living: Many are prepared to abandon their studies and return home

University students who spoke to local media YENİDÜZEN said they are on the verge of "returning to their home countries due to the high cost of living in north Cyprus.

Speaking to YENİDÜZEN, the students stated that due to the rising expenses, they are considering "returning to their home countries." They warned that unless changes are made, the TRNC government’s approach to education as a ‘sector’ will lead to a loss of ‘customers.’

One student highlighted the cost of living in the area, stating that they are thinking about leaving before completing their degree. Another student remarked: "Many students can no longer afford to live here because of the increasing costs of service fees, immigration procedures, residence permits, housing, and food. As a result, they are returning to their home countries."

Students particularly emphasized the difficulties caused by skyrocketing rental prices, which strain their budgets significantly. They pointed out that landlords frequently increase rents. Another student noted that the growing population is directly linked to the rising cost of living: "The government saw the increase in student numbers as an opportunity to raise prices across the board."

What the Students Said:

Quandri QUANDRI:

"As the population grows, the cost of living in Northern Cyprus becomes increasingly expensive." "I no longer think living in Northern Cyprus is affordable. Initially, it wasn’t this costly. However, as the population increased, so did the cost of living. Inflation across the island is a significant issue. As a student, this situation is challenging, especially if you aren’t working or receiving support from your family. After the pandemic, economic instability worsened. Rent prices are a huge problem for students because they’ve become extraordinarily high."

Hadil DEMNATI:
"I need my family to cover my expenses to live here."
"Living in this country is very expensive, especially for me, as I cannot work while studying. I rely on my family to support my expenses. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to live here."

Alsaedi ALJAZI:
"Housing costs are very high."
"The cost of living in Northern Cyprus depends entirely on your monthly expenses and where you live. For instance, if you choose to live in Nicosia, you’ll notice a significant price difference. Housing costs are very high, but it also depends on the landlord."

Safae RAZZOUK:
"Living here as a student is very expensive, which is why I’m considering leaving."
"The cost of living here as a student is extremely high. The most expensive aspects are undoubtedly rent, electricity, and groceries."

Younes KMIRA:
"Many students are returning to their home countries because they can’t afford to live here."
"Living on this island is becoming increasingly expensive. When I first came here, prices seemed affordable, but over time, they’ve skyrocketed. I compare the prices here to those in countries like Italy or Germany—it feels like living in the EU, but we’re not in the EU. Unfortunately, Northern Cyprus is becoming more expensive, and students arrive here thinking it’s affordable, but that’s no longer the case. Many students are returning home due to rising costs in service fees, immigration procedures, residence permits, housing, and food. Rent prices, for instance, have quadrupled compared to a few years ago, making life here very difficult."

Valter PONDJA:
"Some degrees aren’t worth studying here because of the high costs and lack of international recognition."
"The cost of living in Northern Cyprus is high, which also depends on your field of study. Some degrees aren’t worth studying here because they’re expensive, and the qualifications you earn won’t be internationally recognized. Rent is often priced in pounds, and landlords demand six months’ advance payment. As a student, this is very difficult. Inflation has made living here even more expensive."

Grace MICHAEL:
"Prices are unregulated, rents are high, and living here is not affordable."
"Living here isn’t affordable because prices are unregulated, and rents are very high. I rely on my family to pay my rent, but landlords increase prices every six months. Additionally, tuition fees have risen. When I went to pay for the next term, I found out fees had increased. Residence permit fees have also gone up, and many students are now living without proper permits because they can’t afford them. I don’t think this is right, but most students simply can’t pay. Rapid price hikes are unfair. For students who want to work, job opportunities are nearly non-existent. Groceries are very expensive, and prices change almost every week, which is shocking. Without price regulation, anyone can charge whatever they want."

Jeremiah Ozioma OSOLU:
"The government saw the growing student population as an opportunity to increase prices."
"Living in Northern Cyprus wasn’t so expensive in the past, but over time, the government saw the growing student population as an opportunity to increase prices. In the past, immigration fees were under $100, but now they exceed $250, along with additional residence permit fees. Regarding rent, landlords often ask for over £400. Personally, I find grocery prices reasonable, but everything else is expensive—it feels intentional."

David OLAWALE:
"Living here is very expensive because prices keep rising."
"I think living here is very expensive because prices keep rising. For example, landlords announce last-minute rent increases. Grocery prices are also rising rapidly. Recently, tuition fees unexpectedly increased, but we had no choice but to pay them."

Meda Deborah IDOUA:
"If you don’t have family support, surviving on your own is very difficult."
"Living here might be affordable if you have financial support from your family, but without that, surviving on your own is very difficult. There are no job opportunities for students, and making ends meet is tough. Rent is very high because, despite the currency being Turkish Lira, you pay in pounds or dollars. Additionally, grocery prices change daily, leaving students unsure of what to expect or plan for."

Source: YENEDUZEN