Good News for Earthquake-Affected Students in Turkey: 'Special Student' Rights Extended

Extension of Educational Facilities for the Fourth Consecutive Year The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) announced that the 'Special Student' right for students registered in universities in areas affected by the February 6, 2023 earthquakes has been extended for another year. According to this decision, students studying at universities in the provinces of Adıyaman, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and Malatya can, if they wish, spend the 2026-2027 academic year at other universities as special guest students [1]. This decision was made following an assessment of the infrastructure conditions of universities in these regions and aims to reduce psychological and livelihood pressures on students.

Eligible Provinces and Scheme Details According to an official statement issued by Erol Özvar, the President of YÖK, these facilities are specifically for students studying at public and private universities in the four main provinces that suffered the most damage [2]. Eligible students can apply to host universities across Turkey to take their courses at another university without the need for a permanent transfer. This decree covers associate, undergraduate, and graduate programs, aiming to ensure the continuity of education in a more stable environment [3].

Continuous Support Since the Crisis This right, first introduced after the devastating 2023 earthquakes, was previously implemented for the 2023-2024, 2024-2025, and 2025-2026 academic years. Its re-extension for 2026 demonstrates the Turkish government's commitment to the full reconstruction of the educational system in the southeastern regions of the country [1]. In addition to the special student right, reports indicate that tuition fee waivers for evening education students in these regions are also still under review and extension to reduce the financial burden on affected families [2].

Registration and Benefiting from Facilities Applicant students must provide necessary documents, including a certificate of enrollment from universities in the earthquake zones, based on the academic calendar announced by the host universities. YÖK emphasized that universities across the country are obliged to cooperate fully in admitting these students [3]. This action not only benefits the students but also gives universities in the earthquake zones the opportunity to rebuild their physical and laboratory infrastructure more quickly without worrying about student overcrowding in temporary spaces.