Turkey's Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has reduced university admission quotas by a total of 23 percent in the last two years. It is reported that the structural changes implemented by the institution will continue in 2026.
AzEdu.az citing Turkish media, reports that the decision aims to increase quality in the higher education system, raise the employment level of graduates, and align personnel training with the real demands of the labor market. In recent years, the rapid increase in the number of graduates in some specializations and the disruption of the balance in the job market have made this step necessary.
The quota reduction primarily covers popular specializations such as law, psychology, business administration, and international relations. Admission places in these fields are being gradually reduced. At the same time, planning in the fields of engineering, information technology, and healthcare is being carried out in a more targeted manner.
Analyses conducted by YÖK consider universities' occupancy rates, graduates' employment indicators, academic staff potential, and infrastructure capabilities. The merger or gradual closure of some programs is also on the agenda.
Experts believe that the reduction in quotas will further increase competition in the admission process and lead to higher passing scores, especially in popular specializations. The implemented changes are regarded as the beginning of a new phase in the higher education system, focused more on quality and efficiency rather than quantitative growth.
