Türkiye considers cutting university starting age to 15–16

Turkish Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin said the government is evaluating possible changes to the national education system.

The most significant proposal involves lowering the starting age for university from 18 to 15 or 16.

Minister Tekin stated that the current 12-year compulsory education model is under review. He said students today can access information much more easily, which could allow them to move into higher education at earlier ages.

"In a period when access to information is very easy, our children may need to continue to higher education at earlier ages," Tekin told journalists before a group meeting of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party.)

Tekin said many parts of the world are moving toward earlier university entry as access to information becomes easier.

Students raise their hands during a class at a public school, Ankara, Türkiye, July 1, 2024. (AA Photo)

Compulsory education reforms

The ministry is considering two primary options to restructure the timeline of a student's academic life.

One central pillar of this plan is making preschool education mandatory.

The proposed framework includes:

• Mandatory preschool: Introducing a compulsory early childhood education requirement.
• Shortened cycles: Using the early start in preschool to potentially reduce the overall length of the 12-year compulsory education period.
• University at 15: Creating a mechanism where students can enter higher education institutions by age 15 or 16.

Tekin clarified that these plans are still in the evaluation phase. "We are discussing whether we can shorten the 12-year compulsory education period by making preschool mandatory," he explained.

He emphasized that the final decision remains with the Turkish Parliament.

Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, Türkiye, Sept. 24, 2024. (IHA Photo)

Review of school breaks, teacher training

Beyond the age of university entrance, the ministry is reviewing other aspects of the academic calendar.

This includes the effectiveness of mid-term breaks, known as "ara tatil."

Tekin dismissed rumors of an immediate cancellation of these breaks but confirmed they are under pedagogical review. The ministry said monitoring and evaluation units track whether these breaks produce the desired educational outcomes.

The minister also shared an update regarding teacher training. During the upcoming mid-term period, teachers will complete their required professional seminars online rather than attending in person at schools.

The ministry said monitoring and evaluation departments review the results of policy changes before announcing final decisions.

March 11, 2026 02:48 PM GMT+03:00