- Higher education enters the Age of AI

- First graduates complete their studies as education capacity expands sevenfold, with AI programs reaching 785 across 171 universities

- 81 new artificial intelligence and computing programs launched over the past three years

- Seven additional AI programs introduced to the higher education system in 2026

- Enrollment capacity for AI- and computing-based associate degree programs increased more than fourfold

- AI and Data School graduates nearly 30,000 certified learners in its first year

July 13, 2026

The Council of Higher Education has significantly strengthened Türkiye's higher education infrastructure for training the skilled workforce needed in artificial intelligence through a comprehensive transformation implemented over the past three years. With the first graduates of AI programs, record increases in enrollment capacity, an educational network that now includes 785 programs across 171 universities, and the AI and Data School producing nearly 30,000 certified graduates in its first year, Türkiye is making strong preparations to meet the demands of the AI era.

In addition to launching new academic programs, the Council of Higher Education is restructuring the higher education system in line with digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and the professions of the future, while cultivating the highly qualified workforce needed to strengthen Türkiye's global competitiveness.

The transformation in artificial intelligence and computing was further reinforced in 2026 with the introduction of new programs. At the associate degree level, the newly established programs include AI-Assisted Web Design and Coding, AI-Assisted Design and Animation, Digital Game Technologies, and Mobile Security Technologies. At the bachelor's degree level, universities will admit students for the first time to History and Artificial Intelligence, Philosophy and Artificial Intelligence, and Business Administration and Artificial Intelligence.

As a result, the number of newly established AI- and computing-related programs over the past three years has reached 81, bringing the total number of such programs offered by 171 universities to 785.

- Record Increase in Enrollment Capacity

As part of the 2026 Higher Education Institutions Examination (YKS), educational capacity for programs preparing students for the professions of the future has been significantly expanded.

Within this framework, enrollment capacity for AI- and computing-based associate degree programs increased from 1,610 to 6,828, representing more than a fourfold increase.

Educational capacity in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity has expanded by nearly seven times.

Enrollment capacity for AI- and computing-based bachelor's degree programs increased from 2,355 to 4,420.

Enrollment quotas for 25 associate degree programs established to meet industry needs rose from 5,280 to 7,270.

At the graduate level, a total of 182 new programs were launched across 33 different fields.

Through these investments, the higher education system has significantly expanded its capacity to train the qualified workforce required for Türkiye's digital economy and artificial intelligence ecosystem.

- Nearly 30,000 Certified Graduates

Launched last year under the auspices of the Council of Higher Education in collaboration with Marmara University, Middle East Technical University (METU), Istanbul Technical University (ITU), and Boğaziçi University, the AI and Data School successfully graduated nearly 30,000 participants in its first year.

As one of the world's largest free online artificial intelligence education initiatives, the program has made a significant contribution to developing Türkiye's AI talent pool. Its capacity is planned to be expanded further in the coming period.

- "We Will Strengthen Our Global Competitiveness"

President of the Council of Higher Education Erol Özvar emphasized that artificial intelligence has become a transformative force extending far beyond the technology sector, reshaping fields ranging from economy and healthcare to agriculture and industry.

Stating that the Council of Higher Education is steadfastly continuing its efforts to prepare universities for the economy of the future and an increasingly competitive global landscape, Özvar said:

"Through the steps we have taken over the past three years, we have established a strong educational infrastructure capable of training the workforce our country will need in the field of artificial intelligence. We have out first graduates. Every year, we introduce new programs, expand enrollment capacity, and strengthen our research infrastructure.

We are carrying out this transformation in full coordination with our relevant ministries, public institutions, industry representatives, and universities, in line with the Century of Türkiye vision set forth by our President. We are shaping our educational planning through collective wisdom, in accordance with our country's development goals and the workforce needs of the future.

Our higher education system has now evolved into a structure that shapes change rather than merely responding to it. Our goal is to cultivate the human capital that will enhance Türkiye's global competitiveness in artificial intelligence."

- Strong Interest in the Professions of the Future

University applicants continue to show strong interest in programs focused on artificial intelligence, computing, and digital transformation.

Among the most popular fields are Telehealth Technology Personnel Training, Smart Greenhouse Technologies, Smart Agriculture and Food Management, Digital Health Systems Technology, Information Systems and Technologies, Software Development, Information Security Technology, Data Science and Analytics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity Engineering, Digital Transformation Electronics, Cloud Computing Operations, Game Development and Programming, and Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Autonomous Systems Technology Personnel Training.

- Strengthening the AI Ecosystem

Working in close coordination with relevant ministries, public institutions, and the private sector, the Council of Higher Education is restructuring Türkiye's higher education system in line with the country's digital transformation goals.

Through newly established programs, expanded enrollment capacity, investments in graduate education, and the AI and Data School, the higher education system is building a robust ecosystem capable of training the qualified workforce Türkiye needs in artificial intelligence.

The Council of Higher Education remains firmly committed to transforming universities so they are equipped not only for today's economy, but also for the technologies, industries, and global competitive environment of the future.