TRNC government plans to increase the number of students coming to north Cyprus for study, promises to support universities

The government of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has promised to lend supports to universities in the country.

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel made the promise during a meeting with a delegation from the European Leadership University, including Board of Trustees Chairman Asst. Prof. Dr. Bülent Çetinkaya, Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Hasgüler, and Rector’s Advisor Prof. Dr. Okan Şafaklı at the Prime Ministry this week.

During the meeting, Üstel was briefed on the university’s progress and developments.

Expressing satisfaction with the university’s academic growth and increasing student numbers, Üstel reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting universities like the European Leadership University in strengthening their international presence.

Prime Minister Üstel highlighted that the TRNC currently hosts 23 universities with 80,000 registered students.

As part of the five-year development plan prepared by the State Planning Organization, the government aims to increase this number by 40 percent, reaching 110,000 students by 2029.

He also pointed out that the Greek Cypriot administration has been lobbying the European Union to hinder the growth of TRNC universities.

However, he asserted that these efforts would not succeed.

Emphasizing the need to enhance the oversight functions of YÖDAK, the Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Supervision, Accreditation, and Coordination Council, Üstel stated that work is ongoing on amendments to the Higher Education Law and the establishment of a Higher Education Quality Assurance and Supervision Board.

He assured that universities would receive the necessary international support to strengthen their standing.

Üstel further noted that government policies would focus on improving the quality and efficiency of higher education, making it more competitive, increasing its contribution to society, and aligning with international standards.