Compulsory education may be shortened: A new formula for university age

Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin made assessments regarding potential changes to the education system during a television program he attended. Tekin stated that different models, particularly regarding the duration of compulsory education, could be discussed.

Reminding that the age for starting higher education is being moved to earlier periods in many countries around the world, Tekin said that a system in which students in Turkey could also transition to university at earlier ages should be considered.

GOAL OF TRANSITIONING TO UNIVERSITY AT AGE 15-16

Minister Tekin expressed that the goal is to establish a mechanism through potential regulations that would allow students to be directed to higher education starting from the ages of 15-16. In this context, he noted that a re-evaluation of the current educational structure could be on the agenda.

Tekin stated that changing the total duration of the system, starting with the inclusion of the pre-school period in compulsory education, is also among the options.

"WE WANT IT TO BE DISCUSSED BEFORE MAKING A DECISION"

Emphasizing that there is no finalized regulation on the subject yet, Tekin said that they attach importance to the process being widely discussed by the public.

Minister Tekin stated, "We want this decision to be discussed by the public before we make any decision," noting that social evaluations will be taken into account in education policies.

THE FINAL DECISION RESTS WITH PARLIAMENT

Reminding that such a change to the education system would require legal regulation, Tekin stated that the final decision belongs to the legislative body.

Tekin used the expressions, "We monitor these discussions and present our proposals on this matter to the legislator. Ultimately, the discretion belongs to Parliament."