Persons or corporate bodies can not found profit making universities in
Turkey. Private higher education institutions (university and higher
vocational schools) can be founded by foundation only by fulfilling
spesific requirements. Legal frame for the foundation of private higher
education institutions that are affiliated to private foundation is
determined by the Anayasa 1982 (Constitution), Yükseköğretim Kanunu and
Vakıf Yükseköğretim Kurumları Yönetmeliği. The article no 130 of the
Constitution foresee the foundation of the universities by law and in
case of a non-profit organization by private organizations, and
foundation of higher educational institutions that are subject to
observation, inspection of the state. Higher education institutions
that are founded by private organizations (foundations), their academic
studies excluding financial and administrative issues, providing
academic staff and their security are subjected to the clauses that are
mentioned in the Anayasa 198 (present Constitution) for higher
education institutions founded by the State.
Private
universities hold the same rights and authorizations with the public
universities. Similarly they are subject to same academic standards,
principles and rules as public institutions of higher education
academically. In this frame academic issues such as education,
instruction and examinations, granting degree and diploma are
determined by their own regulations within the same legal legislation
frame which is also applied to public institutions. Student quota to be
registered in private universities/high technology institutes is
determined by Yükseköğretim Kurulu (YÖK) and higher education
institutions within this scope are subject to same rules about student
admittance as public universities.
Finance
of private higher education institutions basically consists of the
foundation’s income and education fees that are paid by students. They
can take fund from the general budget in case of fulfilling some
requirements and demand. In order to contribute to the expenses of the
higher education institutions that are founded by private foundations,
public aid is provided by Ministry of Finance within the limits of
allowance upon application by concerned private higher education
institution, YÖK’s opinion and Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı (MEB)’s
suggestion. Public aid to be done: Can not exceed 30% of the amount to
be calculated by multiplying the amount that is calculated by dividing
allocated budget allowances total of that year to the number of formal
education students by the number of formal education students who study
in the concerned higher education institution. Private universities
that conduct education at least for two years can apply for public aid
to YÖK. In order to provide public aid to private higher education
institutions, there are some additional conditions: these institutions
should accomplish at least two academic years, grant full scholarship
to minimum 15% of its students so that they can supply their education
expenses. For more details please see Vakıf Yükseköğretim Kurumları
Yönetmeliği, Article 30. Also private higher education institutions to
be founded by foundations benefit by the financial conveniences,
exemptions and exemption exactly in accordance with the Law No. 2547
item 46. These institutions are exempt from property tax.
Currently
there are 25 private universities and 3 private higher vocational
schools. Majority of these universities were founded in the last 10
years. Bilkent University is the first of them and was founded in 1984.
Attempts to establish private universities that are affiliated to
various foundations continue. Its share among higher education
institutions is about 5% concerning number of students.
Institutions:
Ministry of National Education Millî Eğitim Bakanlığı Atatürk Bulvarı
Bakanlıklar Ankara/TÜRKİYE Tel.:+90 312 424 08 87 Fax:+90 312 417 70 27 Website: http://www.meb.gov.tr
Higher Education Council Yükseköğretim Kurulu Başkanlığı 06539 Bilkent
Ankara/TÜRKİYE Tel.:+90 312 298 70 00 Fax:+90 312 266 51 53 E-mail: webadmin@yok.gov.tr Website:http://www.yok.gov.tr