26.08.2026 13:41
The Ministry of National Education will enforce the legislative provisions regarding the use of foreign names in Turkish private educational institutions. Within the scope of the regulation, Turkish private schools previously licensed with foreign names will no longer be able to continue operating under their current names. Institutions will be required to determine Turkish names compliant with the legislation and submit their change applications no later than October 1st.
A new period is beginning regarding the use of foreign names in private schools. In line with the Ministry of National Education (MEB) Regulation on Private Educational Institutions, the names of Turkish private educational institutions will be ensured to comply with the criteria set in the legislation.
The regulation will not only cover institutions to be opened from now on. Turkish private educational institutions previously licensed with foreign names will also be required to change their names.
THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE OPERATING WITH FOREIGN NAMES
In line with the legislation, private educational institutions will be given names appropriate to the general and specific objectives and basic principles of Turkish national education.
The names, which must be compatible with the institution's purpose, the educational program it implements, and its educational level, will also need to consist of Turkish names carrying a specific meaning.
Turkish private educational institutions previously licensed with foreign names will also not be able to continue using their existing names and will bring their names into compliance with the legislation.
LAST APPLICATION DATE IS OCTOBER 1
The schedule has also been determined for private educational institutions using foreign names and falling within the scope of the regulation.
Institutions must make their applications for name changes in compliance with the legislation no later than October 1. Thus, the names of Turkish private educational institutions operating with foreign names will be brought into compliance with the determined rules.
SOME SCHOOLS ARE OUT OF SCOPE
The regulation includes exceptions for certain institutions. Minority schools, foreign and international private educational institutions, and courses providing only foreign language education will be allowed to use foreign names.
Therefore, the provision regarding the use of foreign names does not mean that all private educational institutions operating in Turkey must change their foreign names.
When determining new institution names, only the requirement of being Turkish will not be sought. In choosing names, the national, moral, humanitarian, spiritual, and cultural values of the Turkish nation will also need to be considered.