Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan's labeling of students seeking forgiveness of their education loan debts as 'freeloaders' has not alleviated concerns over the growing student debt crisis. Students are burdened with tens of thousands of liras in debt from loans provided by the Higher Education Credit and Hostels Institution (KYK), and Erdoğan's remarks have raised fears that scholarship applications will be further hindered. The economic difficulties faced by students are exacerbated by high inflation and the devaluation of the Turkish Lira. The number of students unable to pay their debts is increasing, and some have even faced legal action. Critics, including economists and students, argue that the government is failing to address the economic challenges faced by young people and that the loan system is creating social divisions within the education system.