The fundamental legislation that determines the legal boundaries of higher education institutions is the Higher Education Law numbered 2547, which has the status of constitution and framework law.

Article 130 of the Constitution defines Higher Education Institutions as institutions with public legal personality and scientific autonomy, consisting of various units to provide education and training at various levels based on contemporary education principles, to conduct scientific research, publications, and consultancy services based on secondary education, and to serve the country and humanity, with the aim of training human resources suitable for the needs of the nation and the country.

In accordance with the provision of the Constitution stating that "the establishment and organs of higher education institutions, their functioning, their elections, duties, authorities, responsibilities, and the use of financial resources shall be regulated by law," the Higher Education Law No. 2547 was prepared and put into effect.

The duties of higher education institutions are listed as follows in Article 12 of the Higher Education Law:

• To provide education and training, scientific research, publication, and consultancy services at various levels based on contemporary civilization and education principles, in a system compatible with the needs of society and development plans,
• To train human resources in the fields and numbers needed by the country, in line with the national education policy and development plans, using their expertise and material resources rationally, efficiently, and economically, in accordance with the programs made by the Higher Education Council,
• To disseminate scientific data that enlightens the public and raises the standard of living of the Turkish society through speech, writing, and other means,
• To ensure the education of the society, particularly in the fields of industrialization and modernization in agriculture, through formal, informal, continuous, and open education,
• To address issues related to the scientific, cultural, social, and economic progress and development of the country by collaborating with other institutions, making suggestions to public institutions, presenting the results for the benefit of society, responding to requests for investigation and research from public institutions, and communicating their thoughts and suggestions,
• To contribute measures to institutions undertaking formal, informal, continuous, and open education services within the framework of educational mobilization,
• To contribute to the development of agriculture and industry in their regions, to the training of vocational personnel suitable for their needs, and to the development of their knowledge, to carry out activities and programs aimed at modernization in industry, agriculture, health services, and other services, to implement and participate in these activities, to cooperate with relevant institutions, and to propose solutions to environmental problems,
• To develop, utilize, and disseminate educational technology,
• To develop the principles of education and training related to the practical implementation of higher education, to establish revolving fund enterprises, to operate them efficiently, and to make necessary regulations for the development of these activities.