A delegation consisting of rectors from universities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus paid a visit to the Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz. During the meeting held in Ankara, the current state of higher education in the TRNC and perspectives for its future development were discussed. The meeting addressed topics including enhancing international competitiveness in higher education, ensuring sustainable quality education, strengthening universities’ contributions to development, and promoting international student mobility.

Commenting on the visit, EUL Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Yükselen stated that the meeting with the Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz, was highly productive. He noted that important discussions were held regarding the further strengthening of cooperation between Türkiye and the TRNC in the field of higher education.

The Contribution of the European University of Lefke to Regional Development Was Discussed

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Yükselen shared his assessments regarding the current state and future of the TRNC higher education sector during the meeting, emphasizing that the European University of Lefke is not only a higher education institution but also a strategic organization that makes significant contributions to the economy and regional development of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Yükselen stated, “The fact that one out of every five students coming to the TRNC chooses EUL creates significant economic activity, particularly in the Lefke region, in areas such as accommodation, transportation, service industries, local commerce, and employment. This directly contributes to the region’s economic sustainability and social development. Through the economic and social impact it generates, the university plays an important role in the social, economic, and cultural development of the Lefke region.”

The Role of YÖDAK Office Support in the University’s Development Was Evaluated

Referring to the university’s development, Yükselen stated that a significant portion of the university’s existing indoor facilities had been realized through support provided by the organization formerly known as the Republic of Türkiye Aid Committee, now operating as the Development and Economic Cooperation (KEİ) Office under the coordination of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Nicosia. He emphasized the strategic importance of this cooperation for the university’s institutional development. Yükselen further noted that the contributions provided by the Republic of Türkiye have played a vital role in strengthening the university’s infrastructure and helping it achieve its developmental goals.

The Transformation Process Toward the Professions of the Future Was Evaluated

Yükselen stated that the Council of Higher Education of the Republic of Türkiye (YÖK) had previously announced that, within the framework of its strategic quota transformation policy starting from the 2026–2027 Academic Year, adjustments would be made to the quotas of certain programs with weaker employment prospects and limited alignment with labor market needs. He noted that EUL also places importance on balanced, sustainable, and quality-oriented development in line with this approach and, in this context, prioritizes the development of applied programs focused on the professions of the future.

Commenting on accommodation opportunities in the Lefke region, Yükselen stated that EUL provides its students with a strong housing infrastructure through the high-capacity KYK dormitories located in Lefke and Güzelyurt. He also shared his views on potential steps and collaborative initiatives that could be undertaken to meet the growing demand for student accommodation.

Referring to the significant support provided by the Republic of Türkiye to the TRNC in higher education, as in many other fields, Yükselen emphasized that these contributions play an important role in strengthening the institutional capacities of universities and helping the country achieve its development goals. Expressing his great satisfaction with Türkiye’s support and contributions to higher education in the TRNC through Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Yükselen conveyed his gratitude to the authorities of the Republic of Türkiye. He also extended his thanks to Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz for his kind reception.