• “The recognition status of universities must be checked before starting education”
• “Misleading claims such as ‘YÖK-approved’, ‘guaranteed equivalency’, and ‘100% equivalency’, especially on digital platforms and social media, should not be trusted”
• “It is not possible to provide a ‘guarantee of equivalency’ in advance for any university or program”

April 9, 2026

The Council of Higher Education has warned citizens planning to study abroad to verify the recognition status of the universities they intend to attend before beginning their education, in order to avoid potential disadvantages.

In its written statement, the Council emphasized that it is not possible to grant equivalency to diplomas obtained from unrecognized higher education institutions.

The statement noted that candidates can check whether a higher education institution is recognized by the Council of Higher Education through the “Okul Tanıma Belgesi Sorgulama” (HEI Recognition Letter Inquiry) service available on the e-Government Gateway.

It was also stated that if information about the institution cannot be accessed via e-Government, applicants may determine the recognition status by submitting a HEI Recognition Petition to the Department of Recognition and Equivalency Services at the Council of Higher Education.

- Warning Against Fake and Unrecognized Institutions

In its statement, the Council drew attention to institutions that are not recognized, lack official status in certain countries, or are publicly known as “diploma mills,” noting that such entities attempt to attract students through various advertisements and guidance practices. Diplomas obtained from these institutions are not valid in Türkiye and cannot be granted equivalency.

The statement further noted that in recent times, particularly through digital platforms, social media, and certain consultancy companies, misleading expressions such as “YÖK-approved,” “guaranteed equivalency,” “state-approved university,” “100% equivalency,” and “equivalency without exams” have been used. It was emphasized that such claims may mislead candidates and should not be trusted.

- “Do Not Trust Claims of Guaranteed Equivalency”

The Council reiterated that it is not possible to provide a “guarantee of equivalency” in advance for any university or program. It was stated that equivalency applications of graduates from institutions recognized by the Council are evaluated individually after graduation, based on the documents submitted and in accordance with the applicable legislation.

It was also emphasized that the Council of Higher Education has no branches outside Ankara authorized to make decisions, nor does it have any affiliated consultancy organizations. Claims by intermediaries suggesting that procedures can be handled, expedited, or guaranteed to yield positive outcomes do not reflect the truth.

- Pay Attention to the Concepts of “Recognition” and “Equivalency”

The statement pointed out that the concepts of “recognition” and “equivalency” are often confused. “Recognition” refers to the official acknowledgement of a foreign higher education institution by the Council of Higher Education.

“Equivalency,” on the other hand, refers to the post-graduation assessment of whether a diploma is considered equivalent to a corresponding degree in Türkiye.

The Council reiterated that equivalency cannot be granted to diplomas obtained from unrecognized institutions. Citizens were urged to rely only on official sources, verify the recognition status of institutions before starting their education, and remain cautious of unrealistic promises.