Turkey's higher education transition system as a public policy analysis

This thesis aims to analyze higher education admission policies in Turkey within the framework of the public policy process model. The transition to higher education, one of the most critical thresholds of the education system, directly influences not only individuals' career and life paths but also social justice, equal opportunity, and the quality of human capital. In this context, the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of policy decisions regarding university entrance require an in-depth examination from the perspective of public policy as a discipline. In this study, the policy process model, widely used in public policy analysis, is employed to examine the historical development and current practices of higher education admission policies in Turkey through five main stages: agenda-setting, policy formulation, decision-making (legislation), implementation, and evaluation. At each stage, the roles and influences of state institutions, the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), civil society organizations, the media, political actors, and public opinion are assessed in relation to policy changes. Moreover, certain turning points in the policy process—such as the coefficient regulation, transformations in the examination system, and the impact of the 4+4+4 education reform—are addressed through case study analysis. The thesis draws on both qualitative and quantitative data sources, including legislative reviews, records from the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), statistical data, and literature analysis. The findings reveal that higher education admission policies in Turkey have often been shaped by a centralized approach, characterized by short-term solutions and exam-oriented practices. Nevertheless, the framework provided by the process model enables a more holistic understanding of the actors, dynamics, and outcomes behind these policies. This thesis aims to contribute to the design of more transparent, inclusive, and long-term-oriented policy-making processes in the field of higher education admission in Turkey.