Crisis looms in the upcoming academic year if north Cyprus government don't stop deporting international students with valid visas: Said member of parliament and owner of GAU

The state of higher education took center stage during the latest session of the Republic Assembly’s General Committee, which convened with a focus on oversight on Tuesday June 10. 

In his address, Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu acknowledged the challenges facing the sector, stating, “Universities must also put their house in order.”

Responding to comments made by Democrat Party (DP) MP Serhat Akpınar who is also the owner of the Girne American University, Minister Çavuşoğlu stated that while he did not fully agree with Akpınar’s remarks, efforts were being made to maintain the integrity and sustainability of the higher education system. He emphasized that the Ministry had already prepared a strategic plan for higher education and was implementing a series of reforms in the sector.

Citing difficulties in attracting international students, Çavuşoğlu questioned how many universities had actively participated in international platforms like TEKNOFEST, suggesting that institutions must also take responsibility for their performance. He rejected the notion that the government alone should be blamed for the current situation.

“From now on, nothing in this sector will operate without oversight,” he declared, adding that the legislation governing the Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YÖDAK) had been revised, and final adjustments were being made to the newly proposed YÖKAS framework.

Touching on the challenges faced by Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU/DAÜ), Çavuşoğlu highlighted a lack of effective promotion and communication. He said this shortfall had been conveyed directly to university officials. The minister also pointed out that DAÜ’s most pressing issue was its imbalanced budget, and that steps must be taken to stabilize its finances.

In response, MP Serhat Akpınar took the floor once more, warning of a potential crisis in the upcoming academic year. He criticized the deportation of many international students who had entered the country with valid visas, calling the practice unacceptable.

Akpınar emphasized that considerable effort had been invested to establish the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as a center for higher education, and insisted that students who obtain visas should be allowed entry into the country.