The future of higher education in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was discussed during a summit meeting held recently in Ankara, attended by the rectors of TRNC universities.

According to a written statement issued by the Rectorate of Girne American University (GAU), the summit was hosted by the Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz. Distinguished guests welcoming the participating rectors included the Acting President of the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK), Prof. Dr. Metin Topcuoğlu, Advisor to the Vice President of Türkiye, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cahit Bağıcı, and Member of the Presidential Education Committee, İbrahim Taşel.

The summit was attended by Prof. Dr. Serdar Yurtsever, Rector of Girne American University (GAU), along with Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Rector of Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU); Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Yükselen, Rector of European University of Lefke (EUL); Prof. Dr. Erbuğ Çelebi, Rector of Cyprus International University (CIU); Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Rector of Near East University (NEU); and Prof. Dr. Mehmet Toycan, Rector of Bahçeşehir Cyprus University (BAU). It was also reported that Dimağ Çağıner, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Final International University (FIU), participated in the meeting.

The primary objective of the summit was highlighted as positioning TRNC universities as strategic stakeholders within Türkiye’s higher education ecosystem and transforming their existing capacities into shared scientific, technological, and societal gains. In this context, the agenda focused on strengthening research, internationalization, and global visibility through balanced, sustainable, and quality-oriented development.

The presentation on behalf of the rectors was delivered by Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Rector of Near East University. In a separate presentation, Prof. Dr. Serdar Yurtsever, Rector of GAU, emphasized the importance of developing strategic plans to increase the international recognition of TRNC universities on a country-by-country basis.

Prof. Dr. Yurtsever stated:

"In line with this vision, we propose the establishment of joint research centers among TRNC universities and the expansion of collaborative educational programs with international universities. We believe that these initiatives will significantly enhance the competitiveness of our higher education system on both regional and global scales."

A QUALITY-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT APPROACH BEYOND QUANTITATIVE GROWTH

Under the second main agenda item of the summit, discussions focused on strategic enrollment transformation in future-oriented fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, data science, and health technologies. Participants emphasized that prioritizing these disciplines would strengthen a development model focused on quality rather than merely quantitative growth.

Furthermore, one of the key outcomes of the summit was the recognition of the need to enhance Türkiye’s diplomatic support and international visibility efforts in response to politically motivated obstacles occasionally faced by TRNC universities. Participants also highlighted the importance of facilitating technical assistance in international ranking and accreditation processes, encouraging participation in joint scientific events, and expanding involvement in academic consortiums.

GAU NEWS – 18 June 2026