Student amnesty takes effect in the TRNC: six months to return to university

A decree granting amnesty to university students has taken effect in Northern Cyprus. Those who were expelled or left their studies before 1 November 2026 can return to their university and complete their education. Applications must be submitted within six months of the decree taking effect.

The document was adopted by the TRNC Council of Ministers as a decree having the force of law. It was issued under Higher Education Law No. 65/2005 and published in the Official Gazette.

The amnesty applies to preparatory programmes, associate degree programmes, undergraduate and postgraduate studies, doctoral programmes, and programmes in the fine arts. It is available to those expelled for failing to meet academic requirements, those who left due to financial difficulties, and those who withdrew voluntarily. The decree also covers students who transferred to a TRNC university from a foreign university but subsequently lost their registration.

The amnesty is open not only to TRNC citizens, but also to citizens of Turkey and other countries who studied at universities in Northern Cyprus. Applications must be submitted to the university where the person previously studied.

Deadlines have been extended for certain groups. Those serving in the military may apply within six months of their discharge. For pregnant students, the deadline begins one year after the end of the six-month postnatal period.

The amnesty does not apply to people convicted of terrorism, drug-related offences or sexual offences, or to those admitted using forged documents. People who are barred from entering the country or are considered a security threat are also ineligible for reinstatement.

Turkey also has a student amnesty in effect in 2026. However, the TRNC decree is a separate document adopted by the Northern Cyprus Council of Ministers, not a direct application of Turkish law.