Istanbul (Turkiye Khabar): Turkey’s Higher Education Council (YÖK) is considering a new model to implement major reforms in the country’s education system, allowing students to complete a four-year undergraduate degree in just three years. Importantly, this change will not negatively impact academic standards, credits, or learning outcomes.
The announcement was made by YÖK President Professor Erol Özvar during a senate meeting at Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University. He explained that the model is being developed in close consultation with universities and aligns with Turkey’s Higher Education Vision 2030.
According to Professor Özvar, the new model will enable students to complete eight semesters in a shorter timeframe without reducing courses or credits. The goal is to graduate students faster, allowing them to enter professional life sooner.
He added that this model is already implemented in several countries and has been piloted by some Turkish foundation universities. Besides benefiting students, universities will also gain financially due to reduced costs associated with longer study periods.
Furthermore, YÖK plans to phase out second-shift education and eliminate ineffective programs to optimize university resources. Adjustments in admission quotas and departmental allocations will continue under the national achievement ranking system, especially in fields such as law, dentistry, pharmacy, architecture, and psychology.
Professor Özvar advised students and parents to carefully review the previous three to five years of quotas, achievement rankings, and admission numbers while preparing for admissions to make informed decisions.
The education reforms also include the expansion of AI- and technology-based programs. Over the past three years, nearly 20 interdisciplinary AI programs have been introduced, 13 of which are at the undergraduate level, and are being offered in almost 100 public universities across Turkey.
