78,000 students face exclusion from university in line with motion

78,000 students face exclusion from university in line with motion

ANKARA
78,000 students face exclusion from university in line with motion

AA photo

Some 77,814 Turkish students could be denied a place at university because they did not sit the Transition to Higher Education examination (YGS) in the expectation that they could opt for open admission, only for a draft amendment to propose the abolition of such a route to university enrolment. 

Many vocational high school students did not sit the YGS test, as they exercised their right to open admission, enabling them to enter undergraduate programs that are considered a continuation of their field and which do not require them to take the exam in question. The new draft amendment, however, does not include any exceptions for such students, meaning they are set to be deprived of a place at university.

The draft amendment is part of a draft omnibus bill proposing a tightening of the disciplinary system at universities, including provisions concerning academics, while also demanding mandatory apprenticeships for secondary school students and outlining plans to open six new universities.

The part of the bill that is related to vocational high schools also institute an apprenticeship program that will be mandatory for secondary school students.

Currently, students are trained in in-school workshops and laboratories under the supervision of their teachers. However, the draft bill proposes that students receive their training during mandatory apprenticeships at related enterprises. 

Students will be entitled to monthly salaries no lower than 20 or 30 percent of the minimum wage.