According to the announcement regarding the results of the 2024 University Monitoring and Evaluation General Report by Türkiye's Council of Higher Education (YÖK), Türkiye, with its 208 universities, 185,000 academics, and over 7 million students, including 350,000 international students, holds a significant position in the global higher education arena.
YÖK President Prof. Erol Özvar emphasized that efforts to integrate quality-focused approaches into the higher education system would persist. He noted that accreditation is now a prerequisite for universities seeking to launch doctoral programs and other academic units such as faculties, schools, and research centers. He expects all universities to complete their accreditation processes by 2027.
Prof. Dr. Özvar stressed the importance of improving the quality of international students alongside increasing their numbers. While the current number of 350,000 international students is noteworthy, he cautioned against complacency. He urged Turkish universities to align their processes with global standards to maintain and enhance their reputation in the international arena.