Turkey's higher education watchdog opens probe into 23 foundation universities over fee hikes

September 4, 2026 at 12:02 PM2 min

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Turkey's Higher Education Supervisory Board has launched an investigation into 23 foundation universities over alleged tuition fee increases exceeding the legal cap. The probe follows complaints that some institutions raised fees beyond the 25% limit set for the 2026-2027 academic year. The board will assess whether the universities' fee schedules comply with regulations and the Higher Education General Assembly's July 8 decision.

Key Facts

The Higher Education Supervisory Board launched an investigation into 23 foundation universities on September 4, 2026.
The Higher Education General Assembly capped tuition fee increases at 25% for the 2026-2027 academic year for students beyond preparatory and first-year classes.
Complaints and whistleblower reports alleged that some foundation universities exceeded the 25% increase limit.
The investigation will examine whether the universities' 2026-2027 tuition fees and student-facing increases comply with relevant legislation and the General Assembly's decision.
The legal basis for the fee cap is Article 9 of Law No. 2547 on Higher Education.

Investigation Launch

The Higher Education Supervisory Board initiated an inquiry into 23 foundation universities following complaints received by the Higher Education Council Presidency. The complaints alleged that some institutions violated the tuition increase limit set for the 2026-2027 academic year. The board will evaluate whether the universities' fee schedules and student-facing increases comply with applicable regulations and the Higher Education General Assembly's decision.

Fee Cap Rules

The Higher Education General Assembly decided on July 8, 2026, that tuition increases for students beyond preparatory and first-year classes must not exceed 25% for the 2026-2027 academic year. The cap is based on Article 9 of Law No. 2547 and the accompanying regulations on tuition fees and increases at foundation higher education institutions. The regulations apply to students in all classes except preparatory and first-year students.

Complaint Handling

The Higher Education Council previously announced that applications, reports, and complaints deemed detrimental to students would be reviewed daily and promptly. The current investigation stems from recent complaints and whistleblower reports received by the Presidency. The board's review will focus on the 2026-2027 tuition fees and the increases passed on to students.