Student amnesty proposal coming to the Turkish Parliament: 4-month application period planned for return to university

Preparations for the regulation known in the public as the "student amnesty" for university students have reached the final stage. The proposal, prepared by AKP deputies and envisaging amendments to the Higher Education Law, is expected to be submitted to the Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) this week.

According to the work led by AKP Group Chairman Abdullah Güler, those who were dismissed from their universities while studying in associate degree, degree completion, undergraduate, and graduate programs as of July 1, 2022, will be able to benefit from the regulation.

The proposal will cover not only students who were dismissed but also those who earned the right to enroll in a university but did not exercise that right. Individuals in this situation will be required to apply to the relevant university within 4 months after the law enters into force.

It is envisioned that students whose applications are accepted will be able to begin their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. If the regulation is enacted, the application calendar and implementation principles will be announced by the universities.

Some groups are excluded from the scope of the proposal. Those convicted of terrorism, intentional killing, torture, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and the manufacture and trade of drugs and stimulants will not be able to benefit from the amnesty.

Furthermore, those whose registration was canceled due to forged documents, those who provided forged documents during registration, and those who have membership, affiliation, or connection to structures determined by the National Security Council to be engaged in activities against the national security of the state will also be kept outside the scope.

Student amnesty regulations have been on the agenda in Turkey at various times in the past. With the regulation that last entered into force in July 2022, a path to return to university was opened for students who were dismissed before July 5, 2022.

News Source: 12punto