In Turkish public administration, the principle of “separation of powers” is adopted. According to the Constitution of the Republic of Türkiye, legislative power is vested in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (GNAT), judicial power is exercised by independent courts, and executive power is assigned to the President.
The Republic of Türkiye is administratively divided into provinces based on geographical conditions, economic circumstances, and the requirements of public services. These provinces are further subdivided into lower administrative levels. In order to ensure efficiency and coordination in the provision of public services, a central administrative organization covering more than one province may be established. The duties and powers of such organizations are regulated by law. Within the framework of Türkiye’s fundamental administrative structure as summarized above, the Ministry of National Education (MoNE) cooperates with all relevant institutions and organizations. Some of the key institutions and organizations with which MoNE primarily collaborates in the education process include:
Presidency of Strategy and Budget: The Ministry of National Education (MoNE) secures funding from the state budget for educational investments and personnel expenditures. Additionally, it provides coordination and guidance in matters related to development plans for education, institutional strategic management and planning, and cooperates in the investment activities of private schools.
Presidential Education and Training Policy Board: In Türkiye it is an advisory and coordination body affiliated with the President that contributes to the formulation of policies and strategies in the field of education. It conducts research, develops recommendations, and collaborates with relevant institutions with the aim of improving the education system, enhancing its quality, and setting longterm goals. Among its core responsibilities are developing policies to improve quality at all levels of education, evaluating existing practices, and monitoring developments in the education sector.
Ministry of Family and Social Services (MFSS): For children in the pre-primary period, care services are provided in crèches for children aged 0–24 months and in day-care centers for children aged 25–66 months, along with pre-primary education programs developed by the Ministry of National Education (MoNE). For students with special education needs, all types of educational and social services—including social inclusion, rehabilitation, accessibility, and employment—are carried out in cooperation with MoNE.
Ministry of Youth and Sports: Among the primary responsibilities in the field of youth and sports are formulating policies that support individuals’ personal and social development, enhancing young people’s decision-making skills, increasing their participation in social life, conducting research on 33 youth services and projects, providing guidance and counseling, organizing and promoting sports activities, determining sports policies, and supporting sports organizations and successful athletes. In addition, activities are carried out to provide scholarships and loan support to students pursuing higher education, both domestically and abroad.
Vocational Qualifications Authority (VQA): In order to establish and operate a National Vocational Qualifications System (NVQS) that is aligned with the European Union and ensures internationallevel quality assurance, activities include the preparation of national occupational standards in technical and vocational fields, the development of national qualifications based on national and international occupational standards, and the implementation of examinations and certification according to national qualifications through institutions and organizations authorized by the Vocational Qualifications Authority (VQA). These responsibilities also encompass authorization, supervision, assessment and evaluation, certification, and acting as the National Europass Center to coordinate Europass-related activities in the country, ensure the issuance of documents, and carry out promotional, informational, and guidance activities regarding Europass.
Student Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM): It provides the examination and placement services required for the transition from upper secondary to higher education.
Turkish Employment Agency (ISKUR): It is an institution that develops inclusive employment policies aimed at reducing unemployment, preserving and increasing employment; identifies labor market needs through an effective labor market information system and matches labor supply and demand accordingly to facilitate access to employment; contributes to the improvement of vocational skills and experience of the workforce through active labor market programs to enhance employability; and provides temporary income support to those who have lost their jobs through passive labor market programs.
Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK): It is an institution with administrative and financial autonomy, responsible for organizing, coordinating, and promoting research and technological development in scientific and technological fields in line with national economic development goals. It supports research and development activities by encouraging science and technology in the field of education and training. TÜBİTAK is an “affiliated” institution of the Ministry of Industry and Technology and operates under private law provisions.
Turkish National Agency: It ensures the implementation of programs that provide learning and mobility opportunities in the fields of education and youth, particularly in cooperation with the European Union, partner countries, and international organizations.
Turkish Higher Education Quality Council (YÖKAK): The Higher Education Quality Council is a public legal entity with administrative and financial autonomy and a special budget. It conducts evaluations of the quality levels of educational, research, and administrative activities in higher education institutions based on national and international quality standards. The Council is also responsible for overseeing internal and external quality assurance, accreditation processes, and the authorization of independent external evaluation agencies.
Council of Higher Education (CoHE): It is responsible for higher education levels that include at least four semesters based on the upper secondary education system. It carries out activities related to the popularization and development of higher education, along with all administrative and educational services.