European University of Lefke has achieved the distinction of being the university with the highest number of student placements among universities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) according to the Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS) placement results. According to the 2025 placement results, the number of students who chose LAÜ reached 2,537. Notably, for the first time since its establishment in 1990, Lefke European University has become the most preferred university in the TRNC, marking a significant achievement in the university’s history.

Of the total 2,537 students who chose EUL, 1,460 were placed in undergraduate programs, while 1,077 were placed in associate degree programs. According to the announced results, 21.90% of all students placed in universities in the TRNC preferred to study at LAÜ.

Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Yükselen: “We are proud to achieve the success of being the most preferred university in the TRNC.”

Rector of the European University of Lefke (EUL) Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Yükselen, in his evaluation regarding the matter, emphasized the significance of the result for the University. Stating that becoming the university with the highest number of student placements in the TRNC according to the YKS results represents a turning point in terms of the European University of Lefke’s strategic objectives, Yükselen continued: “As the European University of Lefke, we are proud to have achieved, for the first time in our history, the success of being the most preferred university in the TRNC according to the YKS results. EUL’s advanced infrastructure, highly qualified academic staff, international accreditations obtained across 32 different programs, effective promotional strategies, implemented scholarship and pricing policies, and student satisfaction-oriented initiatives have all laid the foundation for this success. However, this achievement is not merely the result of the past year; it reflects years of dedicated effort, determined work, and steady progress. This development stands as strong evidence that our University’s vision—focusing on quality education, global recognition, student satisfaction, and social contribution—is moving in the right direction.” Highlighting that the outcome not only strengthens the University’s current position but also serves as a significant source of motivation for realizing its future vision more assertively, Yükselen stated: “This result, marking an important milestone in our 35-year development journey, represents a turning point that will further accelerate our steps towards growth, advancement, and increasing our visibility on the international stage.”

One out of every five students placed in the TRNC will come to Lefke.

Stating that the number of students placed at EUL this year has reached 2,537, Yükselen noted that the University’s enrollment occupancy rate was 81.39%, the highest among universities in the TRNC. Examining the distribution of students placed in TRNC universities by institution, Yükselen emphasized that the number of students placed at EUL has steadily increased over the years, highlighting that according to the 2023 YKS results, 19.41% of students choosing the TRNC preferred EUL, in 2024, this rate was 20.81%, and this year it rose further to 21.90%. Despite the increase in the number of universities in the country, Yükselen stated that the steady rise in the share of students placed at EUL over the years is one of the University’s greatest achievements, adding, “According to the 2025 YKS results, one out of every five students placed in TRNC universities will come to Lefke. This result is a source of happiness both for the Lefke region and for us.”

Reminding that EUL entered the QS World University Rankings for the first time in the 2024-2025 Academic Year, ranking in the 851-900 band, Yükselen continued his words as follows: “The achievements our University obtained in the 2024-2025 Academic Year once again demonstrated the quality of our academic staff, our research and publication performance, our student satisfaction, and our global reputation. Being the most preferred university in the YKS results and our inclusion in the QS World University Rankings have been developments that have enhanced the brand value of the European University of Lefke both nationally and internationally. I extend my sincere thanks to the Board of Trustees of the European University of Lefke, our academic and administrative staff, and our promotion office and Turkey representative offices employees who work with great dedication and always provide us with immense support in achieving this success,” said Yükselen, concluding his remarks by stating: “Our goal for the future is to make this success sustainable, to continue our investments in research and development, and to make Lefke one of the significant higher education centers by increasing our international visibility.”