22.05.2026 09:30
The operating permit of Istanbul Bilgi University, one of Turkey's long-established foundation universities, has been officially revoked. Following the decision made after the trustee process, how the education of thousands of students will continue has become a matter of curiosity. It is considered that students will continue their education at Mimar Sinan University, which holds the status of a guarantor university, under the scope of the YÖK legislation.
The operating license of Istanbul Bilgi University, which has been active since 1996, has been officially revoked. The decision was published in the Official Gazette and entered into force. Thus, the long-standing uncertainty for one of Turkey's leading foundation universities has ended with a closure decision.
CLOSURE DECISION FOLLOWS TRUSTEE PROCESS
A trustee was appointed to the foundation hosting the university last year. The institution, which came under Can Holding in 2019, was placed under trustee supervision following investigations into the holding and the seizure of numerous companies.
With the decision of the Küçükçekmece 9th Civil Court of First Instance, the current board of trustees was dismissed, and a new management consisting of Prof. Dr. Ahmet Ulusoy, Levent Çetin, and lawyer Mehmet Çiçek was appointed.
In statements made at that time, it was stated that educational activities would continue uninterrupted and that students would not suffer any loss of rights. However, with the latest decision, the university's operations have been completely terminated.
STUDENTS' EDUCATION WILL CONTINUE
According to the Higher Education Council legislation, the revocation of a foundation university's operating license does not mean that students' right to education ends.
According to NTV's report; In this context, the "guarantor university" system has been activated. It was announced that Istanbul Bilgi University students will continue their education under Mimar Sinan University. Thus, it is aimed to prevent disruption of students' academic processes.
The education of Istanbul Bilgi University students will proceed under the control of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, the official guarantor school. Students' diplomas and educational rights will be under the guarantee of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University.
HOW WILL THE ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS WORK?
Following the decision, attention has now turned to students' registration, diploma, transcript, and department transfer processes. In the coming days, a detailed roadmap is expected to be shared by YÖK and the relevant universities.
In this process, it is anticipated that new student admissions will stop, current students will complete their education under the umbrella of another university, and diplomas will be issued by the receiving institution. The process regarding the status of academic and administrative staff is expected to be shaped by YÖK and the new management.
It is stated that students will continue their education in programs equivalent to their current departments, their academic rights will be protected, and ongoing educational processes will be completed under the new university umbrella.
REMZI SANVER WAS ALSO ARRESTED IN THE OPERATION AGAINST CAN HOLDING
Bilgi University had passed to Can Holding in 2019. The Küçükçekmece Chief Public Prosecutor's Office also carried out an operation against Can Holding on September 11, 2025.
Within the scope of the investigation, those detained were charged with "establishing a criminal organization," "smuggling," "fraud," and "money laundering."
As part of the investigation, Bilgi University's former rector and President of the Free and Accepted Masons Association, Mehmet Remzi Sanver, Mehmet Kenan Tekdağ, Mehmet Sıddık Kaya, Emin Şahin, Nuh Zafer Metin, Serap Özgür, Abdulselam Yıldız, Tuncay Şahin, Adnan Yıldız, Nurettin Paksoy, and Mustafa Şahin were arrested. Kenan Tekdağ was later released under house arrest.