Extensive Reforms in Turkish University Regulations; New 2026 Rules

Today, July 11, 2026, with the publication of new versions of educational regulations in the Official Gazette of Turkey, the country's higher education system witnessed one of the largest overhauls in recent years. These changes, first reflected in universities such as Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University (ÇOMÜ) and Kırıkkale University, affect all aspects of academic life from exams to inter-university transfer conditions [1][2].

Change in the Student Transfer Formula (Yatay Geçiş) One of the most controversial parts of these reforms is the change in how scores are calculated for student transfers between departments or universities. According to the new regulations, the weight of the Central Entrance Exam (YKS) score has increased to 90%, while the share of the Grade Point Average (GPA) has decreased to only 10% [1]. This move was made to increase educational equity and rely on national standards, but it has drawn criticism from students who focused on improving their GPA. Additionally, the passing score threshold for transferring from distance education to face-to-face education has been raised from 80 to 90, indicating a tightening of educational standards [3].

New Attendance Rules and Student Responsibility In the new regulations, the attendance system has become smarter and stricter. The responsibility for tracking absence status now rests entirely with the student, and universities are no longer required to send written warnings for excessive absences [1]. For theoretical classes, attendance at a minimum of 70% of sessions is mandatory, and for practical classes, 80% attendance is required. Importantly, these rules apply to online classes exactly the same as face-to-face classes, and students must be present in the class in real-time [3].

Discipline in Exams and Inactive Student Status The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has adopted a "zero tolerance" policy toward cheating in exams in this revision. According to the new clauses, any attempt to cheat or assist others will result in a grade of zero and an official entry in the disciplinary record [1]. Furthermore, students who do not perform course selection during the designated period (Add-Drop) will be recognized as "inactive students," and all their student rights for that semester will be revoked [3].

Time Limits and Course Credits The ceiling for course credits in each semester has also undergone changes. Students can now take up to a maximum of 45 AKTS (ECTS) in a semester with the approval of their advisor, provided their GPA is higher than 3.30 [3]. Additionally, a 2-year time limit has been set for language preparation courses (Prep School), and students who fail to successfully pass the language proficiency exam within this period will face the risk of expulsion or cancellation of academic privileges [1].