Turkey's parliament has approved legislation allowing thousands of students thrown out of universities to return.
The amnesty allows former university students who were dismissed on academic or disciplinary grounds after June 29th, 2000, to return to education.
Those allowed back will include women who violated the staunchly secular country's ban on Islamic-style head scarves.
Secular critics have said the measure is an attempt by the governing party to appease conservative constituents in the largely Muslim country. They say it will primarily benefit female students dismissed from schools for breaching the headscarf ban.
The governing Justice and Development Party, founded by former members of a pro-Islamic party closed down by the courts, denies any Islamic agenda and has made Turkey's bid to join the European Union its top priority since sweeping to power in 2002.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government noted that nine similar amnesties were passed by previous governments and a range of former students now stand to benefit.
Officials also noted that women who continue to wear head scarves will be banned from returning to universities.
AP