İstanbul Bilgi University shut down by presidential decree
The institution was one of Turkey's first private universities.
bianet.orgHere’s what’s happening with Bilgi University in Istanbul, based on recent reporting.
Direct answer
- İstanbul Bilgi University appears to have been closed by presidential decree in May 2026, with its license revoked under the Higher Education Law. Multiple outlets report the formal decision published in the Official Gazette and describe the closure as linked to actions taken against Can Holding and the university’s founding foundation.[2][3][4]
Context and what led to this
- The closure follows prior government action starting in September 2025, when authorities seized Can Holding and appointed trustees through the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF). At that time, the Bilgi Education and Culture Foundation (which founded the university) also saw changes in management, setting the stage for the later formal shutdown.[1][2]
- The official rationale cited in some reports references Additional Article 11 of the Higher Education Law No. 2547, which allows the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) to act when issues of governance or quality are identified and warnings or remedies have not been implemented.[3]
What this means for students and staff
- Reports emphasize that the closure affects ongoing academic activities and the university’s operating license, with the decision explicitly removing the university’s authorization to operate. Some outlets note that the legal and administrative processes have aimed to ensure a transition for students, though details on enrollment continuity or transfer options vary by source.[2][3]
Important caveat
- The situation involves fast-moving legal and administrative actions in Turkey, and initial English-language coverage may differ in emphasis or detail from Turkish outlets. For the most current, official status, you may want to check the latest Official Gazette publication and announcements from Bilgi University in Turkish.[7][2]
Would you like a concise timeline of key dates, or a side-by-side summary of what each major source reports? I can pull together a quick table with dates, actions, and sources.