Türkiye’s Higher Education Strategy and Global Engagement in 2025–2026

The Opening Ceremony of the 2025–2026 Academic Year in Higher Education was held today at the Beştepe National Congress and Culture Center within the Presidential Complex. The ceremony, hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, was attended bySpeaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Numan Kurtulmuş,Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, ministers, university rectors, academics, and students. During the program, the2025 Outstanding Achievement Awards of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) were also presented to their recipients.

In his speech at the ceremony, President Erdoğa wished the new academic year to be beneficial for all students, academics, and universities, and addressed Türkiye’s goals in the fields of science and education. Emphasizing the need for universities to climb higher in international rankings, Erdoğan stated: “By 2029, we want some of our universities to be among the top 100 universities in the world.”
He highlighted the importance ofuniversity-industry cooperation,digital transformation, andapplied education models.

President Erdoğan also touched on the topic of international students, stating that Türkiye has become anattractive center for higher education on a global scale. “Students coming from all around the world not only receive education here but also get to know Türkiye’s culture, history, and hospitality,” he said.
He emphasized that international students serve as abridge between Türkiye and their home countries, strengtheningcultural and academic cooperation.

Foreign policy and humanitarian issues were also addressed during the ceremony. President Erdoğan expressed satisfaction with the developments in theceasefire process in Gaza, announcing that Türkiye would take part in thetask force monitoring the implementation of the agreement. “Our priorities are the delivery of humanitarian aid, the exchange of hostages, and the cessation of attacks,” he said.

During the event, the Turkish Music Orchestra of Ankara University of Music and Fine Arts gave a musical performance. In addition, a model of PAUSAT-1, one of the world’s most advanced cube satellites developed by Istanbul Technical University, was presented to President Erdoğan as a gift. The program concluded with photo sessions and the award ceremony.

Ambassadors and students from various countries also attended the ceremony. Among the international student representatives was our writer Meryem Hojayeva, who participated in this meaningful program that strengthens cultural solidarity and academic exchange among international students studying in Türkiye.