Over 40,000 foreign students, 45,000 Turkish students studying in north Cyprus: Member of parliament calls for unified Higher Education vision

The TRNC Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu on Tuesday announced that over 40,000 foreign students and 45,000 Turkish students are currently studying in universities in north Cyprus.

Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, Çavuşoğlu described higher education as one of the country’s most critical sectors. He noted that the field plays a vital role not only economically but also in promoting international recognition of the TRNC.

Çavuşoğlu stated that there are currently around 40,000 students from third countries, 45,000 students from Türkiye, and 15,000 local students enrolled in universities across the TRNC, describing these figures as a major achievement deserving recognition. He added that higher education is one of the primary forces introducing the TRNC to the world. 

Çavuşoğlu said the country’s higher education strategic plan is being developed in collaboration with universities and expressed support for Akpınar’s “one university, three continents” strategy. He stated that there are currently no major issues regarding international students or academic staff, adding that while it is natural to discuss challenges facing universities, such discussions must be conducted responsibly to avoid harming the sector.

Referring to meetings held with the participation of all universities, Çavuşoğlu said concrete steps are being taken to resolve existing problems through a clear and forward-looking vision. He added that issues concerning individuals entering the country under the guise of being students fall under immigration matters and that solutions are being implemented.

Emphasizing the need to safeguard universities due to their importance for the country’s future, Çavuşoğlu said efforts to institutionalize YÖDAK have accelerated and that a new YÖDAK law will soon be submitted to Parliament.

The minister also recalled that during the pandemic, the government supported universities to ensure they were not adversely affected, including the distribution of 8,500 food aid packages to students. He noted that further support is planned for university research and technopark initiatives, with efforts underway to strengthen existing projects.

Çavuşoğlu concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to managing higher education in a permanent, institutionalized, transparent, and robust manner.

Speaking earlier in parliament, member of parliament and owner of Girne American University, Serhat Akpınar emphasized that higher education is the country’s (TRNC) greatest strategic asset, calling for the creation of a shared national vision for the sector.

Speaking during a current affairs debate titled “The TRNC and the Future of Higher Education,” Akpınar underlined the need for higher education to be formally incorporated into the state’s official strategic development program. He stressed that globally competitive universities are those that produce knowledge rather than merely consume it, arguing that universities in the TRNC must adopt this approach in order to remain relevant and competitive.

Addressing challenges faced by universities, Akpınar highlighted the importance of strengthening the Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YÖDAK), expanding research centers, and increasing the number of technoparks. He noted that the future of the country is closely tied to its universities.

Akpınar also said YÖDAK is making efforts to restore the credibility it has lost in recent years, adding that the institution must be further empowered and its legal framework updated. He urged policymakers to recognize the strategic importance of higher education in national development and called for the swift passage of a revised higher education law to enable universities to compete on a global scale.

Stressing the need to protect private universities, Akpınar pointed to their significant contributions to both the economy and the country at large, calling for policies guided by reason, law, and vision.