Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University Takes Major Step in Internationalization with Erasmus+

Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University in Turkey initiated a new movement toward its internationalization goals in late June 2026. Focusing on expanding academic networks in Europe, the university signed a new cooperation agreement with a prestigious Italian institution, demonstrating the academic center's serious commitment to enhancing cultural and educational exchanges [1].

Strategic Cooperation with Italy in Theology The university's latest action is the signing of an inter-institutional cooperation agreement with the Facoltà Valdese di Teologia in Italy. Finalized on June 29, 2026, this contract specifically focuses on the field of theology and aims to increase the mobility of students and academic staff between the two countries [2]. Under this protocol, new opportunities for joint academic studies and the strengthening of educational and research activities will be provided. It is noteworthy that this cooperation came to fruition through the persistent efforts of Aybike Çağlar, a research assistant at the university's Faculty of Theology [1].

Expanding Cooperation Borders to Moldova and Kosovo The new Erasmus+ movement is not limited to Italy. Bilecik University has also expanded its activities to other parts of Europe in recent months. In May 2026, the university signed a bilateral cooperation protocol with the Ion Creangă State Pedagogical University in Moldova, focusing primarily on graphics and visual arts [3]. Additionally, similar collaborations have been formed with Heimerer College in Kosovo under the KA171 program, reflecting geographical diversity in the university's exchange programs for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Financial Success and Operational Capacity The university management, led by Professor Doctor Zafer Asım Kaplancıklı, emphasized that these agreements are part of a larger vision to become an international scientific hub. According to statistics released in mid-June 2026, Erasmus+ projects in the Bilecik region, with a budget exceeding one million euros, have enabled the mobility of nearly 1,000 students and instructors to 22 different European countries [1]. This volume of investment and the number of new agreements solidify Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University's position as one of the leading universities in the region in utilizing European Union opportunities [2].