Turkey’s council of higher education to allow freezing enrollment during COVID-19 cancellation

Duvar English

Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree students in Turkey will be allowed to freeze their enrollment for the Spring 2020 semester that will be carried out entirely remotely to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) said April 1.

After returning to their hometowns, some students have reported to YÖK connection issues that they said prevented them from following classes remotely. These complains led to the council ruling to permit the freezing of enrollment. 

The time that a student chooses to freeze enrollment during the coronavirus pandemic will not count toward the longest time they are allowed to suspend enrollment. 

Any defenses and exams for master’s and doctorates can be conducted over video call on the condition that it can be monitored and recorded, YÖK added. 

Universities in Turkey to remain closed for spring term, entrance exams postponed

Students waiting to defend their master’s or doctorate theses will have to consult with their advisors to determine whether they are eligible to freeze enrollment. 

YÖK announced March 26 that the Spring 2020 semester would be carried out entirely remotely to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Turkish universities to begin remote classes on March 23