2026-2027 academic calendar changed for universities in Istanbul

Due to the 2027 European Games, which Istanbul will host, a significant change has been made to the 2026-2027 academic calendars of universities in the city. In line with the request of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), semester course durations have been shortened, and it has been decided that the academic year will conclude approximately one month earlier than usual.

COURSE DURATIONS REDUCED TO 12 WEEKS

With the regulation made within the scope of the notification sent by YÖK to universities, the semester education period, which is 14 weeks, has been reduced to 12 weeks. This flexibility, which will be applied on the condition that course and laboratory practices are carried out completely, will be limited only to the 2026-2027 academic year.

ACADEMIC YEAR TO END ON MAY 31

According to the update made in line with the request of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, education and examination processes in higher education institutions in Istanbul will be completed by May 31, 2027.

In order to ensure the curriculum is completed on time, some universities have brought forward their fall semester start dates. Institutions such as İstanbul Bilgi University have shared their updated calendars with their students.

The goal is to manage student density and accommodation/logistics planning in the city ahead of the European Games, which will take place between June 16 and June 27, 2027.