The price increases at foundation universities are very ruthless.

Consumer Organizations Confederation (TÖK) President Fuat Engin addressed the price hikes at foundation universities, stating, “The price increases, especially in the last two years, have been extraordinarily ruthless. As of today, there have been increases in foundation universities exceeding 100% to 238%.”

TÖK President Fuat Engin made statements regarding the price hikes at foundation universities. President Engin noted that the price increases in the last two years have been extraordinarily ruthless, adding that as of today, foundation universities have implemented increases ranging from 100% to over 238%. Engin emphasized that prices should be reduced and that whatever the regulations and laws state must be implemented.

Emphasizing the ruthlessness of the hikes, Fuat Engin stated, “These price increases were previously happening, but they were not as ruthless as this. Especially in the last two years, the price increases have been extraordinarily ruthless. As we have come to today, foundation universities have implemented increases exceeding 100% to 238%. So what is it? Now there are two education systems. One is the regulation for private schools, which manages secondary education. The other is the regulation for foundation universities, which is issued by YÖK. However, we are unfortunately experiencing significant problems in the implementation process. Although the authority to determine these prices has been left to foundation universities, there are provisions in other sections of the legislation that state they cannot increase more than the consumer price index (CPI). Despite all this, various excuses are being used, and students are treated as if they were customers. The result of this unfortunately leads to children being deprived of their right to education.”

“Get your act together, lower the prices”
Engin concluded his remarks by saying: “As of the point we have reached today, foundation universities are akin to public institutions and are under the supervision of YÖK. First and foremost, we are calling on YÖK to fulfill its responsibilities. Please implement your own regulations. We also call upon the owners of foundation universities to show compassion. We urge the boards of trustees to act fairly. As the regulations state, and if possible, by applying lower price increases for the sake of these children, both new students choosing your school and existing students moving up to the next class should be able to continue their education without suffering. Why am I saying this? Because the only issue for children is not paying the annual tuition fee. Children have problems with accommodation, nutrition, and transportation. On top of all this, what is being said to the child with the extraordinary price increases of foundation universities or private educational institutions? It is said: “If you don’t have money, don’t study.” We do not accept this. Just as we do not accept this, we want to clearly express that every kind of struggle against this war will continue. I call out once again from here. Get your act together. Lower these prices and do what the regulations and laws mandate. If you have the means, I suggest you lower them even further.