AI Revolution in Turkish Universities: 785 Programs in 171 Educational Centers

Stunning Leap in New Technology Education in Turkey According to reports published on July 13, 2026, Turkey has taken significant steps toward becoming a regional hub for artificial intelligence education. The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) announced that in the last three years alone, 81 new educational programs in the fields of AI and informatics have been launched [1]. This targeted development has now brought the total number of active programs in this field across 171 public and private universities to 785, demonstrating the strengthening of human infrastructure for the digital age [3].

Interdisciplinary Fields; Linking Humanities and AI One of the most fascinating aspects of this transformation is the entry of AI into the fields of humanities and management. For the first time in the 2026-2027 academic year, undergraduate programs such as "History and AI," "Philosophy and AI," and "Management and AI" will admit students [2]. This move reflects Turkey's new strategy to integrate technology into all dimensions of human knowledge, moving beyond the boundaries of engineering and computer science. The goal of these programs is to train specialists who utilize ethical and analytical perspectives of the humanities in AI development alongside technical knowledge [4].

School of AI and Data: Training 30,000 Specialists Alongside classic academic programs, the "School of AI and Data," established in collaboration with four top Turkish universities—Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ), Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ), Marmara University, and Boğaziçi University—successfully issued 30,000 professional certificates in its first year of operation [1]. This center plays a key role in strengthening the digital transformation ecosystem and increasing Turkey's global competitiveness. By offering intensive training, the school rapidly bridges the gap between academic education and labor market needs [3].

Increased Admission Capacity and Future Outlook New statistics show a significant increase in admission capacity across various levels. The capacity for associate degree programs related to AI has increased from 1,610 to over 6,800, and in the field of cybersecurity, capacities have seen a sevenfold growth [2]. Professor Erol Özvar, President of YÖK, emphasized that these plans were made not only for today's needs but with an eye on the future labor market and training specialized human resources for the digital era. This structural transformation has turned Turkish universities into leading centers for the production of knowledge and new technologies [4].