The Council of Higher Education was established in 1981. It is a fully autonomous supreme corporate public body responsible for the planning,  coordination,    governance and supervision of higher education within the provisions set  forth   in   the   Constitution (Articles 130 and 131) and the Higher Education Law (Law No. 2547).  It has no political or governmental affiliation. At present, there are 139 universities in Turkey, 45 of which have foundation status.