One-Year Extension of "Special Guest Student" Rights for Turkey Earthquake Victims

The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) officially announced on July 16, 2026, that special educational facilities for students in earthquake-affected areas have been extended for the 2026-2027 academic year [1]. This decision, aimed at supporting human capital and preventing interruptions in the education of young people, allows students studying in the four provinces of Adıyaman, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and Malatya to continue benefiting from "special guest student" status at other universities across the country [2].

Details of the New Council of Higher Education (YÖK) Decision According to the statement released by YÖK, this plan, which was initially designed to support affected students after the devastating earthquakes of February 2023, has now been extended for another period. This means that eligible students can continue their education in the upcoming academic year at universities other than their registered university that offer similar educational programs [3]. This decree includes all levels of study, including associate, undergraduate, and graduate degrees.

Included Provinces and Eligibility Conditions The main focus of this extension is on the four provinces that suffered the most damage during the 2023 earthquakes. Students registered at universities located in the provinces of Adıyaman, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and Malatya can exercise this right by submitting an official request to host universities in other cities in Turkey [1].

Key features of this plan include the absence of additional tuition fees at host state universities and the full alignment of completed course units with the curriculum of the home university. This measure allows students to continue their studies in a safe environment with appropriate educational facilities without worrying about losing time or incurring exorbitant costs [2].

Continuity of Support and Reconstruction of Educational Infrastructure Erol Özvar, President of the Council of Higher Education, emphasized in explaining this decision that although the process of modernizing and rebuilding university campuses in earthquake zones is proceeding rapidly, extending this right until the end of the 2027 academic year ensures that no student suffers academic decline due to potential deficiencies in infrastructure or dormitories [3].

He noted that YÖK is committed to standing by students and their families until conditions return to full normalcy in all universities in the affected areas [1]. This decision has been widely welcomed by civil and student organizations, as it reduces the psychological pressure caused by housing conditions for thousands of students [2].