YÖK has tightened inspections following complaints about tuition fees at foundation higher education institutions. Applications submitted to CİMER reported practices such as increasing fees for students in intermediate years by more than 25%, charging students with only one course remaining the full semester fee, applying installment surcharges, and demanding additional fees. Reports and complaints will be evaluated on a daily basis, and necessary action will be taken if violations are identified.
In the 2026-2027 Academic Year, fee increases for students other than those in the year of placement into preparatory and/or first year cannot exceed 25%. Students with only one course remaining may be charged only for the relevant course; installment surcharges cannot be applied to payments made in installments of up to 9 months. No additional fee or increase that was not announced in advance may be demanded after enrollment.
Why it matters
The regulation means that fee-setting processes at foundation higher education institutions can be inspected not only during the enrollment period but also throughout students’ education. It seeks to increase the predictability of the financial burden, particularly for students in intermediate years, those with only one course remaining, and those making installment payments. Including charges that emerge after enrollment and were not announced in advance within the scope of inspections will require universities to comply with the conditions stated in their fee policies. How the practice will operate will depend on the criteria used to resolve applications evaluated daily and on what action will be taken when violations are detected. YÖK’s inspections are based on Laws No. 2547 and 7592.