Universities in north Cyprus are among the best in the world and constantly being supervised: Minister of Education

Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu has emphasized that several universities in Northern Cyprus are ranked among the world’s top institutions, noting that some have placed within the top 500 globally, while others fall in the 600–800 range in international rankings.

Speaking at the General Assembly of the Republican Assembly, Çavuşoğlu underlined that these rankings were achieved through internationally recognized evaluation processes. He stated that there are currently 23 universities operating in the country and cautioned against treating all institutions as though they operate at the same level.

“It would be wrong to equate universities that have reached a very high standard through their own means and established strong brand value in global rankings with newly founded institutions or those involved in certain abuses,” Çavuşoğlu said, warning that such an approach could harm the country’s institutional structure.

The minister also praised the recent performance of the Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YÖDAK), stressing that oversight mechanisms are actively in place. “There is oversight everywhere,” he said, adding that the YÖDAK Law will be updated in the near future to allow for a more comprehensive and authoritative inspection process.

Addressing concerns related to medical faculties, Çavuşoğlu noted that many of the institutions subject to complaints hold approval from Turkey’s Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and are monitored by accredited bodies. He argued that universities should be supported and trusted more, while ensuring that effective supervision continues.

Çavuşoğlu’s remarks reaffirmed the government’s position that strengthening regulatory frameworks should go hand in hand with protecting the reputation and credibility of established higher education institutions in Northern Cyprus.