Extension of 'Special Guest Student' Rights for Hatay Students in 2026

In a new supportive move, the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has announced good news for students studying in earthquake-affected regions. According to the council's recent decision, the right to use the 'Special Guest Student' status for students in the provinces of Hatay, Adıyaman, Kahramanmaraş, and Malatya has been extended for another academic year [1]. This decision, communicated by Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, President of YÖK, was taken to reduce the pressures caused by infrastructure reconstruction and to support the educational process of students.

Details of the New YÖK Decision According to the official statement released on July 16, 2026, students enrolled in universities located in the four aforementioned provinces can benefit from guest student privileges at other Turkish universities during the 2026-2027 academic year [2]. This plan, originally developed after the devastating earthquakes of February 2023 to prevent student dropouts, is now being implemented for the fourth consecutive year (following the 2023-2026 periods) to ensure that no student is left behind due to infrastructure or housing issues at their place of study [3].

Who is Eligible for This Plan? These facilities are specifically intended for students whose families reside in earthquake-affected areas or who were studying at universities such as Hatay Mustafa Kemal University and Iskenderun Technical University [4]. Eligible students can apply to host universities in other cities to take their courses as special guest students, while their final degrees will still be issued by their home universities. This is particularly vital for students still facing housing challenges in containers or a lack of dormitories in Hatay [5].

Importance of Continued Educational Support in Hatay Prof. Erol Özvar emphasized in his message that the primary priority of the government and the Council of Higher Education is uninterrupted access to quality education. He noted that the extension of this right is a response to the real needs of students participating in the difficult process of regional reconstruction [4]. Given that many university buildings in Hatay are still in the final stages of restoration and reconstruction, this one-year extension provides an important breathing space for urban and university management to fully prepare the necessary infrastructure [1].

How to Register and Benefit from Facilities Applicant students must register their requests through their universities' electronic systems during the designated periods for course selection in the first semester of the 2026-2027 academic year. Universities across Turkey are expected to prioritize these students and allocate special capacities for their admission [3]. This action is considered not only educational support but also a step toward maintaining the mental health and social stability of youth in the affected areas.