The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has decided to continue the special student program for universities in Adıyaman, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş and Malatya, which were affected by the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, into the 2026-2027 academic year.
In a letter sent to all universities, YÖK stated that students enrolled at Adıyaman University, İskenderun Technical University, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, İnönü University, Malatya Turgut Özal University, Kahramanmaraş İstiklal University and Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University will be granted the right to apply for special student status at other state universities for the 2026-2027 academic year, upon request.
Students wishing to study as special students must apply to state universities that offer a program equivalent to their registered program and with the same language of instruction. If the university they apply to has such a program and appropriate class level, their request will be accepted.
The letter also underlined that students under this scheme will not be subject to the special student provisions of the Regulation on the Principles of Transfer, Double Major, Minor and Inter-Institutional Credit Transfer among Associate and Undergraduate Programs in Higher Education Institutions.
YÖK introduced a special arrangement for the teaching practice course for students at universities whose senates have decided to hold distance education. These students, upon request, will be able to take the course in person at universities in their current provinces or apply for special student status solely for this course.
The YÖK letter also noted that, if needed, universities have been assigned a responsible unit to coordinate the procedures for these students.
