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Istanbul Bilgi University stated Tuesday that classes, academic activities and campus operations would continue without disruption after authorities reversed a decision to revoke the university’s operating license following days of uncertainty over its future.
The university said the academic calendar would remain unchanged and confirmed that the state-appointed board of trustees had resumed its duties following an assessment process carried out with Türkiye’s Council of Higher Education.
The statement marked the university’s first public response since authorities restored its operating license Monday, days after revoking it. The university framed the decision as a move aimed at protecting students’ right to education while safeguarding the working conditions of academic and administrative staff.
"With its strong academic foundation, qualified human resources, and institutional experience, Istanbul Bilgi University will continue to uphold its commitment to scientific production and high-quality education with determination," the university said.
"We would like to thank you for the trust, patience, and institutional commitment you have demonstrated throughout this process, and we firmly believe that together with all our students and colleagues, we will move forward into the future even stronger."
Last Friday, the university’s operating license was revoked under a provision of Türkiye’s Higher Education Law governing institutions placed under trusteeship for failing to comply with legal requirements.
The decision followed a sweeping criminal investigation launched in 2025 into Can Holding, which became the largest shareholder in the university’s foundation after taking over the institution from U.S.-based Laureate International Universities in 2019, over allegations including fraud, money laundering and tax evasion.
As part of the probe, trustees were appointed to the university’s founding foundation in September 2025.
Turkish media reports had suggested that students could be transferred to Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, designated as Bilgi’s guarantor university, if the closure decision moved ahead. However, on Monday, a presidential decree reversed the decision and reinstated the university’s operating license following a review process.
Founded in 1996, Istanbul Bilgi University is among Türkiye’s oldest private universities, with more than 20,000 students across multiple campuses in Istanbul.
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