26.11.2025 11:50
The Minister of National Education, Yusuf Tekin, stated that the main issue in the discussions about the 12 years of compulsory education is "not the duration, but the age of completing education," emphasizing that the idea of young people entering the workforce at the age of 26 needs to be reconsidered. He highlighted that models such as 4+4+3+1 and 4+4+2+2 are on the table regarding the duration of compulsory education, but no changes will be made until preparations and measures are completed.
Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin stated that the main point to focus on regarding the 12-year compulsory education, which has been a topic of discussion for a while, is "not the duration of education, but the age at which the student graduates." Tekin emphasized that the work regarding the duration of compulsory education has not been shelved, but steps will be taken without haste, considering all effects.
"WITH THE EDUCATION DURATIONS OF 20 YEARS AGO..."
Tekin reminded that access to information has accelerated significantly today, stating that the teaching durations of 20 years ago cannot be the same as today. He expressed that with tools such as television, the internet, social media, and artificial intelligence, children's "readiness" levels have increased, and he drew attention to the graduation age of the 12-year compulsory education.
"YOUNG PEOPLE ENTER LIFE AT 26"
The Minister noted that a young person finishes high school at the age of 18-19, prepares for the university entrance exam for a year, and when they succeed, they reach the age of 20. He stated that when they complete their undergraduate education and start working, they typically enter life at around 26 years old, saying, "We need to discuss this along with topics like hidden unemployment."
"IT EXISTS IN ENGLAND, WHY NOT IN OUR COUNTRY?"
Yusuf Tekin mentioned that the duration of compulsory education and the age of graduation are intensely debated worldwide, and Turkey cannot remain indifferent to these discussions. He reminded that in some countries, students can attend top universities at the age of 16, saying, "Why can a child go to Harvard or Oxford at 16 in England, but our child cannot go to university? If a child can receive the education defined for them at an earlier age, we should grant that right."
"4+4+3+1 AND 4+4+2+2 MODELS ARE ON THE TABLE, BUT..."
Minister Tekin emphasized that the "improvement" or new model studies regarding the duration of compulsory education have not been shelved, but detailed preparations are necessary since every step will directly affect the education system. Referring to the 4+4+3+1 or 4+4+2+2 models discussed in the public, Tekin stated that issues such as how to decide which students will continue with academic education during the two-year compulsory high school period, how to prepare the infrastructure for vocational and other types of high schools, teacher norms, and the enrollment rate of girls should be addressed together. He said, "We will not make any changes without taking precautions and making preparations," emphasizing that this process will not be rushed.
"THERE IS NO SITUATION LIKE IT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED TOMORROW"
Reminding that the final decision will be made by the Presidential Cabinet, Tekin stated, "We are making decisions today; there is no situation like it will be implemented tomorrow," emphasizing that the transition process will be spread over time.
"NOT TO REDUCE INFORMATION, BUT TO RECONSIDER AGE"
The Minister of National Education emphasized that the discussion should not be perceived as "let's shorten the duration, let's lighten the curriculum." He underlined that the issue here is to reconsider the age of completing compulsory education without reducing the quality of education that the student will receive. Tekin stated, "While we say let's discuss the duration and listen to the public, we are not saying to reduce the information we provide or the skills we impart to the child."