Private educational institutions in Turkey are regulated by the Ministry of National Education (MEB) and can only be established by individuals or entities that meet specific legal criteria. The licensing, application process, and required documents are governed by national regulations.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to the process of opening a private educational institution in Turkey.
Who Can Open a Private Educational Institution?
In Turkey, individuals, legal entities, and foundations can apply to open a private educational institution. However, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
- The applicant must have a clean criminal record.
- The applicant must not have any ties to terrorist organizations.
- If applying as a company, the entity must be registered with the Trade Registry, and its articles of association must explicitly state that it engages in private education activities.
Requirements for Opening a Private Educational Institution
To open a private educational institution, an initial permit from the Ministry of National Education (MEB) is required. The institution must comply with building standards, curriculum requirements, and personnel regulations.
1. Required Documents for Application
The following documents are required when applying to open a private educational institution:
- Application Form (Annex-1)
- Criminal Record Certificate (For the founder, founder’s representative, and board members)
- Trade Registry Gazette (Must state that the company engages in private education activities)
- General Assembly or Board of Directors Decision (If applying as a company)
- Layout Plan (3 copies in A3 size and on CD)
- Ownership Documents (Lease agreement or property deed, approved by the District Directorate of National Education)
- Structural Stability and Durability Report (Issued by an authorized independent project bureau)
- Health Directorate Report
- Fire Department Report
- Curriculum Plan (Must be approved by MEB)
- Founder’s Representative Undertaking (Regarding the work permit proposal)
2. Physical and Building Requirements
The institution’s building must be safe, structurally sound, and suitable for educational activities. Key requirements include:
- A structural stability and durability report.
- Fire safety and health reports.
- Compliance with accessibility standards (elevators, disabled access, etc.).
- Outdoor areas such as playgrounds and recreational spaces (for schools).
3. Security and Surveillance System
Private educational institutions must install a security camera system. The system should:
- Cover entrance and exit points.
- Monitor the exterior and garden entrances.
- Store footage for at least one year.
Application Process for Opening a Private Educational Institution
The licensing process is governed by MEB’s regulations and consists of several key steps:
1. Initial Application
- The applicant submits the required documents to the District Directorate of National Education.
- If any documents are missing, the applicant is given time to complete them.
2. Inspection and On-Site Evaluation
- Officials conduct an inspection of the institution’s premises.
- Building safety, fire, and health reports are reviewed.
3. Licensing and Approvals
- If the application is complete and compliant, the institution is granted a license.
- The institution’s name must be in Turkish and must not include country, nationality, or foreign organization names.
4. Appointment of Teachers and Administrative Staff
- The institution’s director must have at least three years of experience in the education sector.
- Teachers’ credentials and certifications must be approved by the District Directorate of National Education.
5. Opening and Commencement of Operations
- Once all necessary approvals are obtained, the private educational institution can begin operations.
Transfer of Ownership for Private Educational Institutions
Private educational institutions can be transferred to new owners, but the transfer must be approved by MEB. The following documents are required for the transfer process:
- General Assembly or Board of Directors Decision (For companies)
- Notarized Transfer Agreement
- Criminal Record Certificate for the New Founder
- Updated Trade Registry Gazette (With new founder details)
- Renewed employment contracts for all staff members
Conclusion
Opening a private educational institution in Turkey is a complex process that requires strict compliance with MEB regulations. Factors such as licensing, building suitability, staff qualifications, and security measures must all be considered.
To ensure a smooth licensing process and avoid legal complications, seeking professional consultancy services is highly recommended. If you need more information about opening a private educational institution in Turkey, feel free to contact us.