New decision from MEB for foreign schools: Date given

Turkey's Ministry of National Education (MEB) has announced a new regulation allowing students enrolled in foreign schools operating without legal status in Turkey to obtain equivalency certificates. This measure aims to facilitate the transfer of these students to official or private Turkish schools.

Previously, students attending unregistered foreign schools could not receive equivalency certificates for their mid-term studies or upon graduation. The new regulation addresses this by ensuring students' right to education and preventing disruptions or disadvantages caused by their current schooling situation. The MEB stated that the goal is to provide a smooth transition for these students.

Under the new directive, students from the intermediate grades of these unregistered foreign schools who wish to continue their education in registered Turkish schools can apply for an equivalency certificate. The application period is open until 5:00 PM on December 31, 2026. Students, accompanied by their parents, must submit their applications within this timeframe.

It is important to note that the issuance of these equivalency certificates does not signify official recognition or legal acceptance of the foreign schools operating without permits. The ministry emphasized that the regulation is solely for the purpose of enabling students to continue their education in the Turkish school system without interruption.