Diploma sample in 'fake university' scandal: Statement from YÖK

YÖK issued a written statement regarding the news about a fake university that has appeared in some print and visual media outlets in recent days.

The statement clarified that candidates who wish to pursue higher education through their own means do not require the permission or knowledge of YÖK.

It was noted that for candidates who wish to study at a university abroad, it is important to check the recognized universities through the information provided on the website of the Council of Higher Education's Department of Recognition and Equivalency Services, and to enroll in foreign higher education institutions accordingly, in order to avoid any grievances after graduation and to prevent falling into the trap of individuals and institutions that exploit people's university dreams and defraud them. The statement included the following:

"Our Council has made the list of recognized higher education institutions accessible to inform our citizens who wish to study abroad, and information on this subject can be obtained through e-Government inquiries or by applying directly to our Council. Furthermore, warning and informative statements for candidates who wish to study abroad are published on our Council's equivalency unit website before registration periods."

"CRIMINAL COMPLAINT FILED AGAINST YENI PAZAR UNIVERSITY IN 2023" 

In addition to these notifications, our Council also files criminal complaints with the competent authorities to prevent the activities of and punish individuals and institutions that encourage candidates to enroll through misleading or false statements and advertisements. Indeed, regarding the abuses involving what is referred to in the news today as 'Yeni Pazar University,' a criminal complaint was filed with the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office approximately one year ago, on August 17, 2023. Our Council meticulously provides the necessary information and warnings to ensure our citizens are not victimized in these matters and pursues the necessary legal channels."

WHAT HAPPENED?

A high school graduate named Ali İlseven established an online 'university' called 'Yeni Pazar.' By enrolling students remotely, he appointed himself as the rector of the university, claiming to be a 'professor.' It was noted that the imaginary university managed to obtain an 'edu.tr' domain extension. It is stated that fees ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 Euros were requested for enrollment in the 'university.'

It has been understood that the Novi Pazar University, which was stated to operate in Albania, Serbia, and Montenegro, is fake and the diplomas issued are invalid.

Victims who say they were defrauded have filed a criminal complaint with the Anatolian Courthouse. It was reported that the university's rector, Ali İlseven, who collected 4,000 euros per registration from 4,000 students, has no academic record and is a high school graduate, not a 'Professor'.

HERE IS THE FAKE DIPLOMA BELONGING TO THE UNIVERSITY

According to Mehmet Baran Kılıç from Politikyol, the English used on the diploma is not academic. The name of Ali İlseven stands out as the rector on the psychology diploma in the sample. 

Furthermore, there is no up-to-date information on the Novi Pazar University website. The homepage features a quote from İlseven and a registration section for the university. The page contains no information about which academics work there, who the management staff consists of, department heads, or, in short, anyone working at the university. Additionally, the academic calendar on the site is left over from the 2021-2022 academic year.

Although a phone number and email address belonging to the university are shared, there is no information regarding where the university is physically located.

FAKE UNIVERSITY ON THE PARLIAMENTARY AGENDA

While victims filed a criminal complaint against İlseven, CHP Ankara Deputy Deniz Demir brought the issue to the agenda of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). Demir, who submitted a parliamentary question for Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin to answer, stated the following:

"We have received information that the Novi Pazar University, which provides education in Serbia, has been imitated in our country under the name 'Yeni Pazar University' to defraud students and their families. Victims have filed a complaint with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the matter. The fake university in question deceived people with a website using the 'yenipazar.edu.tr' extension and claimed to provide diplomas with YÖK equivalence." 

MINISTER POSES QUESTIONS

According to the statements of the victims, this fraud network is operated through fake university websites they established on the internet. It is alleged that Ali İlseven and Damla İlseven created websites imitating state institutions and universities, through which they provided fake diplomas to students, creating the perception that these diplomas had YÖK equivalence in Turkey and were valid in 168 countries."        

• Is it true that the distance-learning Yeni Pazar University does not actually exist and that the university diplomas given to graduates are fake? If they are not fake, in which of our cities is this university located? If it is abroad, why does it not have a physical address?
• How was the fake university in question able to use a website with an 'edu.tr' extension? Does the Council of Higher Education not conduct any audits on this matter?
•  Under what conditions is the 'edu.tr' extension granted to universities? Which institution and/or unit is responsible for this oversight?
• Is it true that no academic title for Ali İlseven, who signed the diplomas in the capacity of rector, can be found in the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) system?
• What measures are being taken against these and similar fake university scams? Will a statement be made by the Council of Higher Education on this issue?