The Ministry of National Education (MEB) has taken action against courses operating outside their intended purpose.

The Ministry of National Education (MEB) received complaints regarding some personal development courses that claim to prepare students for transition to high schools and higher education without having the official permissions to open institutions. In response, a letter was sent to the governors of 81 provinces, signed by the General Director of Private Educational Institutions, Fethullah Güner, outlining the sanctions against these institutions.

The letter reminded that the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey states that educational activities in the country must be conducted under the supervision and control of the state, and that all educational activities of any official, private, or voluntary organization are subject to the oversight of the Ministry of National Education. It also referenced the relevant provisions in the Private Educational Institutions Law No. 5580 regarding these activities.

ACTIVITIES MUST BE CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH INSTITUTION OPENING PERMITS

The letter emphasized that the "various courses," "private education courses," and "social activity and development centers," which are clearly defined in the law, must operate in accordance with their institution opening permits and must register students accordingly. It was also noted that those wishing to operate under a different type of institution must fulfill the necessary conditions to transform; otherwise, institutions found to be using their opening permits for purposes other than intended will have their business opening and operating licenses revoked in accordance with the provisions of the law, and this necessary information was provided within this year.

WORK LICENSES WILL BE REVOKED

It was requested that the necessary supervision and monitoring of personal development courses operating under the categories of "private education courses," "social activity and development centers," and "various courses" be carried out meticulously by the governors. Additionally, the letter stated that actions should be taken against institutions that misuse their institution opening permits in accordance with the provision of the Private Educational Institutions Law No. 5580, which states: "The institution opening permits and business opening and operating licenses of institutions that do not start operations within two years after being granted an institution opening permit, or that take unauthorized breaks longer than the period specified in the regulation after starting operations, or that are found to be using the said permit for purposes other than intended, shall be revoked."

Furthermore, activities of personal development courses operating outside their intended purpose, as well as social activity and development centers and private education courses that do not behave appropriately and do not register students at the appropriate level, will also be terminated.