- New programs are being introduced in fields ranging from AI and cybersecurity to the green transition and digital health, while enrollment quotas are being redesigned in line with employment needs.

- Programs focused on the professions of the future are rising to the top of prospective students' selection lists.

- Council of Higher Education President Erol Özvar:

- "These programs are attracting strong interest from our students and are being chosen with very high enrollment rates."

- "I encourage prospective students to take another look at these newly established programs and examine them carefully."

- New employment-oriented programs are being promoted to young people, families, and the wider public through the media, social media, Science Cafés, and university selection period events.

- Students enrolled in the Council of Higher Education's future-oriented programs say that hands-on training and close collaboration with industry have increased their confidence in their career prospects, while academics and industry representatives emphasize that this model makes a significant contribution to developing a highly qualified workforce.

July 22, 2026

Taking into account the rapidly evolving labor market, the Council of Higher Education is expanding programs designed for the professions of the future while updating academic program structures and enrollment quotas through an employment-oriented approach to higher education.

As technological transformation accelerates worldwide, it is reshaping the way many professions operate while creating entirely new areas of specialization.

Artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, digital health technologies, green energy, smart manufacturing systems, and agricultural technologies are among the sectors expected to require the largest numbers of highly qualified professionals in the years ahead.

By accelerating the transformation of higher education, the Council of Higher Education is expanding programs aligned with the professions of the future. Through new programs focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, aviation, automation, and digital transformation, the higher education system is being reshaped around employability and workforce needs.

Among the flagship programs are Artificial Intelligence Engineering, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics, Digital Transformation Electronics, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) Operations, Electronics and Automation, and Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology. This year, an additional 16 programs—including History and Artificial Intelligence, Philosophy and Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology and Genetics, Digital Game Technologies, and Mobile Security Technologies—were added to the university selection guide.

The Council of Higher Education is planning the higher education system not only with today's labor market in mind but also with the workforce demands of the future. Accordingly, programs with declining employment relevance are being updated, while new programs are being introduced in areas such as artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, digital health, digital agriculture, the green transition, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

- Strong Interest in the Professions of the Future

Newly established programs are rapidly climbing prospective students' selection lists. In particular, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Big Data Analytics are emerging as some of the most sought-after fields in the digital age. Programs such as Manufacturing Execution Systems Operations and Electronics and Automation are positioned at the heart of smart manufacturing and industrial transformation.

Students choosing these fields aspire to work in strategic industries such as defense, aviation, software development, and data technologies. Statements such as "We will build the future" and "The future will be built on data and artificial intelligence" reflect the outlook of today's younger generation toward emerging careers.

- Expanding Employment Opportunities in Defense, Aviation, and Digital Manufacturing

Programs including Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics, Digital Transformation Electronics, Electronics and Automation, Manufacturing Execution Systems Operations, Precision Agriculture and Agricultural Robotics, Digital Health Systems Technology, Underwater Welding Technology, Optoelectronics and Electro-Optical Technologies, Renewable Energy Technology, Fiber Boat Manufacturing and Composite Mold Technologies, and Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology are helping meet the growing demand for qualified professionals in the defense industry, aviation, automotive manufacturing, and digital production.

Industry representatives note that digitalization is transforming every area of production and services, with demand for expertise in cybersecurity and AI-based technologies increasing rapidly. Academic experts stress that supporting this transformation through practical education and strong industry partnerships is essential.

- Practical Training and Industry Partnerships Take Center Stage

As part of the transformation of higher education, students are introduced to the workplace during their studies through laboratories, internships, and industry-based practical training. Programs developed particularly in defense, aviation, automation, and data technologies enable students to gain direct experience in real production environments.

This approach transforms higher education from a system focused primarily on theoretical instruction into a skills-based model directly linked to employment, with the goal of cultivating the highly qualified workforce needed to strengthen Türkiye's technological production capacity.

- "These Programs Are Attracting Strong Interest"

President of the Council of Higher Education Erol Özvar said that higher education planning is based on multiple criteria, including Türkiye's workforce needs, the professions expected to emerge in the future, and the effective development of the country's human capital.

He noted that nearly 70 new programs have been introduced over the past three years in areas such as artificial intelligence, digitalization in agriculture and healthcare, the green transition, and other sectors responding to industry needs.

Özvar highlighted that the number of AI-related programs has reached 785 across 171 universities, with educational capacity expanding sevenfold in just a few years and the first graduates already entering the workforce.

He also announced that 16 new programs—seven at the bachelor's level and nine at the associate degree level—will admit students for the first time in the 2026–2027 academic year.

"These programs are attracting strong interest from our students and are being chosen with very high enrollment rates. This clearly demonstrates that our young people are consciously turning toward the professions of the future."

Emphasizing the growing importance of artificial intelligence and computing-related programs, Özvar added: "I encourage prospective students to take another look at our newly established programs and examine them carefully."

He also noted that the Council of Higher Education continues to provide information and guidance throughout the university selection period to help students make right decisions.

- The Council of Higher Education and Universities Bring Science Communication to the Public

To strengthen public engagement with its transformation initiatives, the Council of Higher Education is integrating Science Communication Offices established at universities into the process.

New employment-oriented programs are being promoted through traditional media, social media, Science Cafés, and university preference period events to reach students, families, and society at large.

The "Professions of the Future Summit", attended by all universities, was held at the Council of Higher Education. Discussions focused on how future-oriented programs should be introduced during the university selection period and which communication channels would most effectively reach prospective students and their families.

The Council announced that media, social media, Science Cafés, and university selection events will be used together to raise awareness of future professions and help young people make career choices aligned with their interests and talents.

- Students Are Optimistic About the Future

Students report high levels of satisfaction with the practical education, laboratories, industry partnerships, and internship opportunities offered by their universities.

Many say they feel confident about finding employment after graduation, have fewer concerns about their future careers, and hope to contribute to fields that will benefit their country. Academics and industry representatives support these views, emphasizing that the newly established programs directly address industry needs and that practical education significantly improves graduates' employment prospects.

Mustafa Yabgu Altınkaynak, an Aircraft Technology student at TUSAŞ Kazan Vocational School of Gazi University, said: "Our school provides every type of education—from theory and hands-on practice to aircraft structural assembly and manufacturing. Our facilities are fully integrated and enable us to study in an AI-compatible environment. My dream is to work on AI-supported aircraft such as KAAN, continue learning by developing new technologies, and contribute to my country. I am very optimistic about the future."

Yiğit Ata Önder, a student in the Big Data Analytics Program at Ankara University’s Vocational School of Information Technologies, said: "I chose this program because I believe it has a bright future."

Arda Can Bodur, a final-year student at Ankara University’s Vocational School of Cybersecurity, stated: "My score was high enough for many four-year degree programs, but I chose the Vocational School of Cybersecurity instead. The cyber borders of the Republic of Türkiye are entrusted to us." Yavuz Selim Bozdemir, his fellow friend from the same class, added: "I was also eligible for four-year degree programs. The main reason I chose this program was that it is a newly established department and because cybersecurity has become critically important not only in Türkiye but throughout the world."

- Academics Highlight the Importance of Practical Education

Prof. Ercan Öztemel, a faculty member in the Department of Industrial Engineering at Marmara University, said: "The Council of Higher Education anticipated these developments and established the Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) Operations Program. I believe this is a very important initiative for training skilled technical personnel. It is a field in which anyone interested in working as a technical specialist in industry can succeed."

Prof. Ayhan Onat, a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Marmara University, emphasized that regardless of how advanced artificial intelligence becomes, the human factor will always remain indispensable. "In fact, our role will become even greater. Artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things will certainly become part of our profession. But the most important element is you. You will work alongside these technologies. Never forget that. With the right vision, you can become the captain of your own ship."

Abdullah Öz, a graduate of Ankara University’s Vocational School of Cybersecurity, said he now works as a cybersecurity specialist at ROKETSAN and was among the first graduates of the Cybersecurity Analysis and Operations Program.

- Industry Representatives: Artificial Intelligence Will Create New Opportunities

Ali Dinçkan, co-founder of BTYÖN Inc., said that cybersecurity is no longer simply a profession of the future but one of today's most important career fields.

"This field is popular, but popularity alone should never determine your career choice. It must also match your personality. You need to be curious and committed to continuous self-improvement. University provides an excellent foundation, but becoming an expert depends on individual effort. Artificial intelligence will not eliminate most professions; on the contrary, it will create entirely new areas of employment."

Sedat Karakaş, founder of İLGE Artificial Intelligence Inc., emphasized that AI is transforming every sector and stressed the importance of young people developing strong AI skills. "Artificial intelligence is no longer confined to technology companies. It is now used in education, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and virtually every other sector. Today, it is difficult to find anyone who can say, 'I don't use artificial intelligence.' That is why artificial intelligence and machine learning are becoming among the most important areas of specialization for the future. AI will not reduce employment—it will create new job opportunities."