Proposal to Amend Higher Education Law: Penalties for Fake Diplomas

According to the proposal to amend the Higher Education Law submitted by the AK Party, individuals who open unauthorized higher education institutions will face up to 4 years in prison. Additionally, those who advertise these institutions may face up to 3 years in prison. Those who produce and distribute fake diplomas and certificates may be prosecuted and face up to 5 years in prison. The proposal, signed by AK Party deputies, was submitted to the TBMM Presidency on July 2, 2026. The 28-article proposal includes prison sentences for various offenses, from producing fake diplomas to conducting unauthorized higher education activities. Those who open unauthorized associate's, bachelor's, or graduate programs on behalf of a foreign educational institution will face up to 4 years in prison. Individuals who establish unauthorized higher education institutions may face up to 4 years in prison. Those who advertise these institutions may also face up to 3 years in prison. Those who produce fake diplomas, graduation certificates, and certificates will be subject to the provisions on forgery of official documents and may face up to 5 years in prison.