29.08.2026 14:00
The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) issued a critical warning regarding tuition fees for the 2026-2027 academic year at foundation universities. It was announced that the increase in tuition fees for classes other than preparatory or first year cannot exceed 25 percent.
The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has issued an important warning to foundation universities regarding tuition fees. It was announced that the fee increase cannot exceed 25 percent in classes other than preparatory or first year, and it was stated that incoming complaints would be examined.
25 PERCENT CAP ON UNIVERSITY FEE INCREASES
In the statement made by YÖK, it was noted that the rate of increase to be applied to tuition fees in classes other than preparatory and/or first year cannot exceed 25 percent, and the following rules were reminded:
"Tuition fees will be announced as an annual and fixed amount, regardless of whether they are charged per semester or per year. After registration, no additional fees or fee increases that were not previously announced can be requested. In case of repeating a term or year, fees can only be charged for the courses that need to be repeated. Students advancing to the next grade cannot be charged additionally for lower-grade courses they failed, on top of the tuition already paid. No interest difference can be applied when tuition is divided into up to nine installments; no additional cost can be imposed on the student on the grounds of the payment method."
The statement also included the remarks of YÖK President Erol Özvar: "In this period of economic difficulties, it is of great importance to set fee policies at levels that will allow young people who have to pay for their education to access university education."
FEE COMPLAINTS WILL BE EXAMINED BY YÖK
It was stated that the announcement serves as a reminder and warning to foundation higher education institutions regarding the full implementation of the determined procedures and principles, and the following was noted:
"As the Council of Higher Education, we are closely following the process. Applications, reports, and complaints reaching our Presidency will be examined daily and urgently by the Higher Education Supervisory Board; necessary actions will be taken against those found to have acted contrary to the procedures and principles."