Higher education is a level of education that provides post-secondary academic training, produces knowledge, and shares this knowledge with society, thereby enhancing the quality of human resources. In brief, higher education institutions are composed of universities. Globally, universities are commonly understood as higher education institutions where various disciplines are taught, and new knowledge is generated. This study evaluates quality management and Total Quality Management (TQM) practices in higher education institutions.

In the first section of the study, the historical development of the concept of quality in higher education, the significance of quality standards, and the structure and responsibilities of the Higher Education Quality Council (YÖKAK) are examined. The second section focuses on the fundamental principles of TQM, its adaptation to higher education, and its impact on quality management processes. In the final section, the tangible effects of TQM practices on educational, research, and societal contribution processes, as well as the challenges encountered, are discussed.

The research demonstrates that the effective implementation of TQM enhances the national and international competitiveness of universities and ensures sustainable success. Particular emphasis is placed on the systematic application of the PDCA cycle and the analysis of feedback received from internal and external stakeholders, underlining their contribution to quality processes. The presented study provides an evaluation of the functional status, applicability, and assessment of strategic quality management systems in higher education from a higher education perspective, with a specific focus on quality in Turkish education system.