- Applications for the program, which will train 550 young researchers in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, information technologies, and advanced computer systems, will remain open until September 28

- The program aims to bring around 3,000 researchers into Türkiye’s science and technology ecosystem over five years

September 21, 2026

The application period for the Türkiye Strategic Technology Human Resources Program, launched by the Council of Higher Education (CoHE) to develop the qualified human resources Türkiye needs in strategic technology fields, has been extended until September 28, 2026.

The program aims to train young researchers in critical fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, information technologies, and advanced computer systems. In its first year, 550 young researchers will be trained, with a target of bringing around 3,000 researchers into Türkiye’s science and technology ecosystem by the end of the five-year period.

Under the program, announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, young researchers will pursue PhD studies at Türkiye’s research universities while also being employed as research assistants. This model will bring together PhD education, scientific research, and research assistant positions within a single framework.

In the program’s first year, a total of 550 researchers will be trained in the fields of Information Technologies, Hardware and Computer Systems, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems.

Young researchers will be admitted to PhD programs at research universities and appointed to research assistant positions in accordance with the relevant legislation.

- Graduates from Different Disciplines Can Apply

The program is not limited to young graduates from computer science and software-related fields. In addition to graduates from a wide range of engineering disciplines who meet the admission requirements of the announced PhD programs, graduates of medicine, law, and other disciplines will also be eligible to apply to relevant programs.

The program aims to bring the knowledge and expertise of young people trained in different fields together with strategic areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, information technologies, and advanced computer systems.

Through the program’s integrated PhD option, bachelor’s degree holders who meet the required conditions will be able to begin PhD education directly without first completing a separate thesis-based master’s program. This will enable young researchers to embark on their research careers at an earlier stage.

- Application Deadline: September 28

The application deadline, previously announced as September 22, has been extended to September 28, 2026. Candidates will be able to submit their applications electronically through CoHE’s Application System for PhD Programs in Priority Areas. Candidates will be entitled to make a total of five choices from up to two different fields among the announced programs.

The centralized written examination will be administered by the Assessment, Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM) on November 28, 2026. Detailed information on application requirements, quotas, preferences, and evaluation procedures is available on CoHE’s official website.

Application link: https://basvuru.yok.gov.tr