Turkish Maarif Foundation Holds 2026 Graduation Ceremony for International Students

The Turkish Maarif Foundation (TMV) held a special graduation ceremony today, July 8, 2026, for a group of international students at the foundation's headquarters in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul. The ceremony was attended by educational officials, professors, and graduates who began their academic journey at Maarif schools in various countries and have now completed their postgraduate studies at Turkey's top universities [1].

Ceremony Details and Graduate Success In this term, 123 students out of 3,158 students supported by the Maarif Foundation in Turkey successfully received their bachelor's and master's degrees. A significant highlight of this year's ceremony was the academic excellence of these students; 10 of these graduates were recognized as top students by ranking first in their respective fields [2]. Professor Dr. Ahmet Emre Bilgili, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Maarif Foundation, congratulated these young people in his speech, describing them as new cultural ambassadors who strengthen the bond between Turkey and their home countries.

Ten Years of Effort to "Raise Good People" The Turkish Maarif Foundation, which operates under the motto "Raising Good People for the World," has now become a massive educational network. According to statistics presented at the ceremony, the foundation is currently in contact with 108 countries and has direct activities in 57 countries worldwide [3]. This network includes 523 schools, 2 universities, 17 education centers, and 55 dormitories, encompassing a total of more than 71,000 students and nearly 13,000 personnel [1].

Turkey's Role in Educational Diplomacy This ceremony is not only an academic celebration but also a symbol of Turkey's soft power in the international arena. Bilgili emphasized in his remarks that the Maarif Foundation is growing like a "global family," and its graduates will be the inheritors of Turkey's educational philosophy and state culture worldwide [3]. He noted that the foundation has always stood by its students in both difficult and happy times, and this support will continue after graduation through alumni associations.

Future Outlook With the conclusion of the 2026 academic year, the Maarif Foundation has extensive plans to increase the number of its research centers and schools across the continents of Africa and Asia. Today's graduates are part of a major project aimed at creating a more peaceful world through quality education and cultural exchange [2].