20.01.2025 14:50
The Ministry of National Education has initiated an investigation and inquiry into private schools that have made "excessive price" increases in student registrations for the 2025-2026 academic year in violation of regulations.
The Ministry of National Education has conducted a meticulous study on private schools that demand excessive fees above the increase limits, apply exorbitant prices for the initial grade levels (pre-school, 1st, 5th, and 9th grades), and force parents to obtain services outside of education.
THEY WERE DEMANDING HIGH AMOUNTS FOR DIFFERENT REASONS
The Ministry examined the data from the last two years available in the National Education Ministry Information System (MEBBİS) to protect the economic interests of parents and prevent their grievances. In this context, it was determined that some private schools, including those operating throughout Turkey, had announced exorbitant fees. It was also found that the announcements of these private schools regarding "study, books-stationery, clothing, and meal fees" were contrary to the relevant regulations and exceeded the cost of the service. Taking into account the complaints received by the Ministry, investigations and inquiries were initiated against some private schools, while the Ministry of Commerce is also monitoring institutions that have increased their fees excessively.
CLOSE MONITORING OF THE REGULATIONS ON JANUARY 3
The Ministry of National Education introduced a new regulation regarding the fees that private schools can announce for the educational services they provide with the amendment made on January 3 in the Regulation on Private Educational Institutions. With the regulation, a provision was added to the relevant legislation stating, "Excessive increases cannot be made in the tuition fees determined by schools for initial grade levels."
SCHOOLS DO NOT ONLY AIM FOR PROFIT
In this context, it was stipulated that schools cannot make excessive increases that are not proportional to the services provided when determining fees for the initial grade levels of kindergarten, first, fifth, and ninth grades. The provision in Article 12 of the Law on Private Educational Institutions No. 5580 states, "Institutions cannot organize their activities solely for profit, but they can generate income to improve the quality of education in line with the objectives of Turkish national education and to make investments and services that will provide opportunities and facilities for their development." This provision indicates that schools cannot operate solely for profit. The limitation in the law shows that schools can only determine the fees for the services they provide with the aim of enhancing the quality of the education they offer and ensuring the continuity of their investments.