Ministry of National Education announces 2026-2027 academic updates

The Turkish Ministry of National Education has announced several updates and schedules for the 2026-2027 academic year. For teachers, professional development seminars will be conducted in two stages: online via the Teacher Information Network (ÖBA) during the first week of September, followed by in-person sessions during the second week. Additionally, the guide for career advancement to specialist and headteacher roles has been released, with applications starting in September 2026.

Regarding personnel management, the transition of contract teachers to permanent positions has been postponed until after September 8, 2026, to accommodate the appointment of teachers with surplus norm quotas. The application process for norm surplus teacher appointments is scheduled from September 4 to September 7, 2026.

For students, the Ministry has finalized the placement of priority students—including children of martyrs and veterans, as well as those under state protection—into private schools for free education. Approximately 99.8% of applicants were placed in a preferred school. For first-grade students, class and teacher assignments will be determined through a centralized lottery system via e-Okul. To support early education, the Ministry is also introducing new cultural books and the ‘Family with Me on the School Path’ project to strengthen family-school cooperation.