Back-to-school costs in Northern Cyprus amount to 30,000–40,000 TL per child for families

Preparing one child for the new school year in Northern Cyprus costs a family 30,000–40,000 TL: this is the combined cost of school uniforms and stationery. Private schools in the TRNC start classes on 7 September, while state schools start on 14 September.

Stationery alone, according to the lists issued by schools, costs between 10,000 and 18,000 TL. Uniforms cost a further 13,000–25,000 TL: the range depends on the school and on how many sets are required. One parent said that stationery for a child in middle school cost 18,000 TL, without the uniform.

Parents say that not everyone can buy everything on the school list: some items have to be postponed or found at a lower price. Families living on the minimum wage face the greatest difficulties.

For those sending their children to private schools, tuition fees of up to 600,000 TL per year are added to these expenses.

School expenses have come during a period of high inflation: according to the TRNC Statistical Institute, prices in Northern Cyprus rose by 3.04% month on month and 37.70% year on year in August. Parents are calling for assistance to be organised for students in need.