Graduates of the European University of Lefke (EUL) for the 2025–2026 Academic Year received their diplomas at a magnificent ceremony held on 11 June 2026. The ceremony began at 19:00 at the Lefke 16 August Liberation Stadium with the graduates taking their places, followed by a moment of silence, the National Anthem, and opening speeches.

EUL Sent Its 2026 Graduates off to the Future

The ceremony was attended by Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı, Minister of Finance Özdemir Berova, Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources Hüseyin Çavuş, Lefke District Governor Cemal Orakçıoğlu, Lefke Mayor Aziz Kaya, and other distinguished guests. This year, EUL graduated a total of 1,832 students from its associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.

In his speech at the ceremony, Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı emphasized that EUL is one of the country’s most successful higher education institutions. Expressing his hope that the university’s achievements would continue to grow, Arıklı stated that he believes EUL will contribute further to the development of the region by attracting more students each year. He noted that the university contributes not only to the regional economy but also significantly to the promotion of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, describing higher education as one of the country’s most valuable assets. Addressing the graduates, Arıklı wished them success in their future lives and career journeys and congratulated them all on their achievement.

Minister of Finance Özdemir Berova also addressed the parents in his speech, stating, “Dear parents, we are delighted to be here today to witness this wonderful occasion in the lives of the children you have raised.” Drawing attention to the development of EUL since its establishment in 1990, Berova noted that the university has demonstrated significant growth over the years. Emphasizing that EUL’s contributions to the country, particularly to Lefke, continue to increase each year, Berova stated that the university plays an important role in the fields of education, science, and social development.

Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu, in his speech, emphasized that the TRNC is guided by the vision of being a ‘student island and an education island’ Minister Çavuşoğlu stated that their goal is for students to graduate as healthy, happy, and academically successful individuals, adding, “I am confident that the connections you have built in this multicultural environment will enable you to move forward strongly into the future.” Addressing both students and their families, Çavuşoğlu said, “When you came here, together with our traditions and customs, the core values of the Turkish Cypriot people, and the cultures you brought from your own countries, we created a beautiful picture. I greet all of you with respect and affection for helping create this picture.”

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the European University of Lefke, Enver Öztürk, stated in his speech that EUL has made significant contributions to the Lefke region and the country since its establishment. Emphasizing that the university’s achievements in academic, social, and cultural fields continue to grow each year, Öztürk noted that EUL has reached a point that is a source of great pride today. Addressing the graduates of the European University of Lefke, Öztürk stated that they were graduating from a well-established and respected higher education institution and that they should take pride in this achievement. He added that the graduates had been educated as individuals who would contribute value to their countries and to humanity through the knowledge and experience they had gained, and wished them success in their future lives.

EUL Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Yükselen emphasized that graduation is not merely about receiving a diploma, stating, “Graduation is the successful completion of a long journey, woven with hard work, patience, perseverance, and determination, by the young people to whom we will entrust the future.” Highlighting that investing in young people is important not only for our country but for the world as well, Yükselen noted that EUL was the most preferred university this year and had secured a place among the top 600 universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. He described graduation as an important milestone in students’ academic lives and stated that the achievements of the graduates were the result of their disciplined efforts and dedication. Expressing his belief that young people will make significant contributions to their countries in the future, Yükselen congratulated all graduates on their accomplishments.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Eyüp Bilgili and Maria Barato expressed their pride in being EUL students and thanked the academics and their families for their support and contributions throughout their educational journey.

Following the speeches, the ceremony continued with the presentation of diplomas and awards to outstanding students by the distinguished guests. The program also featured the traditional cap-tossing ceremony and a fireworks display, moments eagerly anticipated by the students throughout their academic journey. The ceremony concluded with a cocktail reception held in honour of the graduates and their families.