Turkey prepares for 2026-2027 academic year with new regulations

Turkey is preparing for the 2026-2027 academic year with several major updates from the Ministry of National Education (MEB) and higher education institutions. Schools are scheduled to reopen on September 14, 2026. New regulations include the reintroduction of mandatory school crests on uniforms to enhance security and reduce costs for parents. Additionally, the MEB has introduced a theme of “Play in the Heart of Maarif,” incorporating physical activity and digital wellbeing into the curriculum, while maintaining a ban on mobile phones in classrooms.

In higher education, the 2026 YKS placement results show a significant trend: over 45% of eligible seniors chose not to make preferences, often opting to prepare for the following year. While state universities saw record occupancy rates, particularly in two-year technical programs, many students are prioritizing employment prospects. Bursa Technical University reported high success, with 10 of its undergraduate programs ranking in the top 10 nationally.

For educators, the September professional development seminars will be conducted in two phases: online from September 1-4 and in-person from September 7-11. Meanwhile, the ÖSYM has announced a recalculation of the 2026 MEB-AGS exam scores due to a technical error in applying sub-test weightings, though individual correct/incorrect answers remain unchanged. Local municipalities, such as Mersin and Karatay, are also launching support initiatives, including budget-friendly student housing and stationery kits for primary students.