The Ministry of National Education announced that payments made by parents for services such as food, clothing, and stationery in private schools are being closely monitored. The Ministry, which stated that payments for these services, which are included in the scope of “fee determination” according to the new legislation, must be deposited into the school’s corporate account, also emphasized that agreements should be made with the institution’s management and not with third parties.
In the letter sent from the Ministry to the provinces, it was reminded that the changes made in the "Ministry of National Education Private Education Institutions Regulation" were published in the Official Gazette dated January 3, 2025.
In the article, it was stated that with the new provision added to Article 53 of the Regulation under the title of “fee determination”, all services provided in private schools through service procurement or similar methods were included in the scope of “fee determination”.
It was reported that according to Article 55 of the regulation, it has become mandatory for private schools to deposit the fees they receive for “other services” along with their tuition fees into a bank account opened in the name of the institution.
Every service provided at the school will be recorded
In the letter of the Ministry of National Education, it was stated that private schools must determine fees in accordance with the legislation for all the services they provide, even if through the “service procurement” method, and that these fees must be announced within the specified periods and specified in the registration contracts made with the parents.
It was emphasized that goods and services commonly used in schools that belong to the same founder or operate through a brand license are also included in this scope if they are procured through methods such as electronic commerce and there is a fee announcement obligation.
Fee announcement is also required for materials other than textbooks.
The Ministry reminded in the letter that it is essential that only MEB-approved textbooks are taught in private schools.
However, it was stated that in case of the use of optional supplementary educational materials in addition to textbooks, fees should be determined and announced in accordance with the provisions of the regulation.
Although it was stated that no direct service was provided in schools, it was noted that the same rules apply to educational materials and student uniforms that are obtained through methods such as e-commerce and widely used in schools.
Meal and breakfast fees will also be deposited into the school account.
It was reported that it is not appropriate for parents to make direct agreements with third parties for meal and breakfast services, and that the service should be carried out through an agreement with the institution's management.
Warning to provincial directorates: “Be sensitive to inspections”
The Ministry asked the provincial directorates of national education to inform private schools in line with these regulations and to carry out inspections meticulously.
