With the university selection period approaching in Turkey, soaring housing costs have become the primary concern for students. Reports indicate that fees for some private dormitories have reached 390,000 Lira per year.
Student Housing Crisis on the Eve of the New Academic Year
As thousands of students in Turkey prepare for university selection and enrollment for the 2026-2027 academic year, the heavy shadow of housing costs looms over their educational future. According to reports published in July 2026, private dormitory costs have reached unprecedented levels, effectively making access to higher education difficult for many income brackets [1].
Record-Breaking Prices: 390,000 Lira for One Year
Field surveys show that in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, private dormitory fees have faced a significant increase. In some luxury areas of Istanbul with close access to prestigious universities, the annual accommodation cost for a single room has reached 390,000 Lira [1][2]. This figure, which includes amenities such as internet, limited meals, and security, is considered unaffordable for many middle-class families considering inflation rates and general income levels.
Shift in University Selection Priorities
Education experts warn in recent reports that the housing crisis has caused students to prioritize geographical location and living costs over educational quality and academic ranking. Many applicants now prefer to study in their home cities to avoid the staggering costs of dormitories and rent, even if it means bypassing the country's top universities [3].
Shortage of State Dormitories and Pressure on the Private Sector
Although the Turkish government has attempted to alleviate some of this pressure by increasing the capacity of state dormitories (KYK) in recent years, demand still far exceeds supply. The deep price gap between state and private dormitories has led to intense competition for quotas in low-cost housing. Students who fail to register in the state system are forced to choose between the exorbitant costs of the private sector or dropping out [2][3]. This situation has sounded an alarm for educational equity in Turkey.
The increase in private dormitory prices in Turkey to 390,000 Lira has presented students with a serious challenge on the eve of university selection.
linkSources
- Üniversite tercihi öncesi barınma kaygısı: Yurt ücretleri 390 bin liraya kadar çıktı — Evrensel (2026-07-04)
- Özel yurt fiyatları el yakıyor: Yıllık 390 bin TL — Cumhuriyet (2026-07-05)
- Barınma krizi üniversite tercihlerini etkiliyor — BirGün (2026-07-06)
