11.03.2026 09:10
Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin announced that different models regarding the future of 12 years of compulsory education are being discussed. Tekin stated that alternatives including making preschool education compulsory and lowering the age for starting university to 15-16 are on the agenda. He noted that the final decision on the matter will be made by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey after legal regulation.
Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin made evaluations regarding possible changes to the education system. Answering questions on a television program, Tekin stated that there is no definitive decision yet regarding the duration of compulsory education, but that different models are on the agenda.
WILL THE 12-YEAR COMPULSORY EDUCATION BE SHORTENED?
Minister Tekin responded to the question of whether the 12-year compulsory education will be changed by stating that the issue is currently in the evaluation process. He noted that there are different alternatives regarding the education system on the table and expressed that these options are being discussed in detail.
Emphasizing that the planned changes in education are subjected to a comprehensive evaluation before being shared with the public, Tekin stated that they also follow the opinions of society in the decision-making process. Tekin mentioned that with the ease of access to information, the starting age for university has been lowered in many countries around the world, and he indicated that this trend is also being discussed in Turkey.
THE AGE FOR STARTING UNIVERSITY MAY DROP TO 15
Minister Tekin explained that there are two different models being worked on and used the following expressions:
"Can we now develop a mechanism that allows our children to go to higher education starting from the age of 15-16? Where does Turkey's 12-year compulsory education stand in terms of international indicators? Can we shorten the 12 years a bit by starting compulsory education from preschool? All of these were issues we have brought to our agenda for public discussions. We are currently monitoring these discussions. As we do not have a decision made regarding this issue yet, it should indeed be regulated by law. We will monitor these discussions related to these issues and present our suggestions to the legislator. Ultimately, the decision rests with the Grand National Assembly of Turkey."