The 2026–2027 academic year has begun at Akademi Sur Study Centre, Akademi Huzurevleri and Akademi Çermik, run by the Youth Education Unit under the Department of Social Services.

The academies provide free, high-quality education on an equal basis, supporting young people preparing for high school and university entrance exams, particularly students from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. At the centres, where a large team of teachers is in place, students met their teachers for their first lessons of the new academic year and began their studies.

Guidance and social activities alongside lessons

Alongside lessons, the academies will organise practice exams, guidance sessions and study programmes to support students’ academic development. A range of activities will also be held throughout the academic year to contribute to students’ social and cultural development.

200 students secured places in their chosen fields

Providing an update on the new academic year, Youth Education Unit Manager Erhan Kartay said the academies had provided educational support to 500 students last year. Kartay said:

“Last year, the academies we launched under the Youth Education Unit supported a total of 500 students across Akademi Sur, Akademi Huzurevleri and Akademi Çermik. Of those 500 students, around 200 students in the YKS group at Akademi Sur secured places in the fields they wanted to study. At Akademi Huzurevleri and Akademi Çermik, a total of 60 students preparing for the LGS secured places at the schools of their choice. They achieved their goals.”

550 students to receive education

Kartay said that 550 students had enrolled in the academies this year, with 350 studying at Akademi Sur and 200 studying at Akademi Huzurevleri and Akademi Çermik, which provide education for students preparing for the LGS.

Kartay said:

“This year, 550 students have enrolled in our academies. Of these, 350 students are at Akademi Sur, while 200 are at Akademi Huzurevleri and Akademi Çermik, which cater for students preparing for the LGS.”

‘Our aim is to provide high-quality education free of charge’

Emphasising that the academies’ main aim is to provide free, high-quality educational support, Kartay said they particularly aimed to reach students from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. He said:

“Our aim is to provide high-quality education free of charge. Our priority is to reach students from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, help them access education and provide them with the support they need.”

Free books and study support for students

Kartay said the academies provide students with facilities comparable to those offered by private education institutions, adding that classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and educational materials are provided to students free of charge.

“We provide students with all the facilities that private education institutions can offer. Our classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards, and we use high-quality educational materials. We provide free books. Students also have access to study rooms and an IT room. In addition, our guidance service works with students individually and provides one-to-one support with their homework and assignments,” he said.