A total of 145,300 students took out state-backed loans during the 2023–2024 academic year.
This represents a 15 percent decline in student loans since the previous academic year, according to benefits agency Kela.
The average student loan balance is 11,953 euros.
In 2023, the median loan balance for those with a master's degree was 23,803 euros.
Overall, the number of student loan holders has grown over recent years. However, in 2023, the number of borrowers declined compared to the previous year, marking the first decrease in 15 years.
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