The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has determined the procedures and principles governing the implementation of the regulation commonly referred to as the “student amnesty,” introduced under Provisional Article 85 added to Higher Education Law No. 2547. Those wishing to benefit from the regulation must apply to the relevant higher education institution by 9 December 2026. Students whose applications are approved will be able to resume their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year.
The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) announced on 13 August 2026 the procedures and principles governing the implementation of the regulation commonly referred to as the “student amnesty” across higher education institutions.
Procedures for returning to higher education announced
Under Law No. 7592, which entered into force following its publication in the Official Gazette on 9 August 2026, Provisional Article 85 was added to Higher Education Law No. 2547. The regulation provides an opportunity, subject to the conditions specified by law, for individuals whose enrolment at higher education institutions was terminated for various reasons and for those who were admitted to a higher education programme but were unable to complete their registration to return to higher education.
Individuals wishing to benefit from the regulation must apply within the specified period to the higher education institution from which they were dismissed or at which they had previously earned the right to enrol. Applicants whose applications are accepted will be able to resume their studies during the 2026-2027 academic year.
Broad scope from preparatory programmes to graduate education
The regulation covers students whose enrolment was terminated from preparatory classes, adaptation programmes, associate degree programmes, bachelor's completion programmes, bachelor's degree programmes and graduate programmes. Individuals who were admitted to a higher education programme but were unable to complete their registration may also benefit, provided that they meet the relevant conditions and apply within the specified period.
Additional opportunities are available under certain conditions for applicants who are unable to apply by 9 December 2026 due to force majeure. These individuals may apply within one month after the force majeure circumstances cease to exist. Separate documentary and deadline provisions have also been established for applicants unable to apply in due time for health-related reasons.
Closed or Discontinued Programmes
Procedures have been established for students from programmes that have been closed or have stopped admitting students, including arrangements concerning continuation of education and adaptation to equivalent programmes where applicable.
Double Major Programmes
Separate provisions have been introduced for students whose double major registration ended due to termination of their enrolment in the major programme and for other eligible double major cases specified in the procedures.
Horizontal Transfer
Students who regain student status and meet the relevant central placement score requirements may apply for horizontal transfer to equivalent or different diploma programmes in accordance with the applicable provisions.
Course Recognition and Maximum Period
Recognition of courses previously completed successfully and conditions for continuing education will be determined by the relevant university boards. Maximum periods of study will begin again from the date of re-registration.
Who is excluded from the regulation?
The procedures also specify circumstances that remain outside the scope of the regulation. Individuals convicted of offences specified in the legislation, including terrorism offences, intentional killing, torture, torment, sexual assault, sexual abuse of children, and the manufacture or trafficking of narcotic or stimulant substances, will not be eligible to benefit from the student amnesty.
Individuals whose registration was cancelled due to forged documents, those who submitted forged documents during registration, those whose enrolment was terminated because it had been obtained through legally invalid means, and other exceptions specified by legislation are also excluded from the regulation.
No tuition fees for previous academic years
Students who resume their studies under the regulation in the 2026-2027 academic year will not be charged tuition fees or student contributions relating to academic years preceding their new registration date. Applicable tuition fee and contribution provisions for the 2026-2027 academic year will, however, continue to apply.