YÖK Shortens University Fall Semester to 12 Weeks Due to 2027 European Games

The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has reduced the fall semester course duration — excluding exams — to 12 weeks, or 60 working days, specifically for the 2026-2027 academic year. The change comes in response to the 2027 European Games, which will be held in Istanbul from June 16–27, 2027. The decision was made at the request of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and communicated to universities via an official YÖK letter.

Istanbul Bilgi University was the first institution to share the decision publicly. According to its official announcement, fall semester course registration will take place September 14–18, 2026, with classes beginning on September 21. Other key academic dates have also been updated to reflect the new calendar.

Many state and foundation universities in Istanbul have begun moving up their exam schedules as well, without issuing official explanations. In a normal academic year, the fall semester course period runs 14 weeks; the two-week reduction is expected to increase curriculum density, particularly in clinically and laboratory-intensive programs.