Turkey moves to restore university students dismissed since 2022

The Justice and Development Party (AKP) parliamentary group has drafted a bill to amend the Higher Education Law, granting university and PhD students whose enrolment was terminated after 1 July 2022 the right to re‑enter their institutions. Eligible students must apply within four months of the termination and can resume studies in the 2026‑2027 academic year.

The proposal excludes individuals convicted of serious offences such as terrorism, murder, torture, sexual assault, child abuse, drug trafficking, as well as those whose registration was cancelled for using forged documents. The bill is expected to be submitted to the Turkish Grand National Assembly’s presidency shortly, potentially allowing thousands of students to continue their education.