- Turkish universities sign more than 30 new agreements with Pakistani universities

- CoHE President Özvar: “We are launching new areas of cooperation between Turkish and Pakistani universities, from dual degrees to artificial intelligence”

September 22, 2026

Turkish universities are expanding their academic cooperation network in Pakistan. During a visit to Pakistan from September 13 to 16, led by Council of Higher Education (CoHE) President Erol Özvar and attended by the rectors of 10 Turkish universities, Turkish and Pakistani universities signed more than 30 new agreements.

At the Türkiye-Pakistan Universities Forum, which brought together the rectors and university administrators of 10 Turkish and 28 Pakistani universities, new steps were taken to develop joint initiatives in areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, aerospace technologies, nuclear sciences, advanced materials, nanotechnology, biotechnology, robotics, health sciences, textiles, and agriculture.

Turkish and Pakistani universities signed new memoranda of understanding and student exchange agreements, while some universities reached agreements in principle on new partnerships or initiated negotiations. Discussions were also held on further developing partnerships previously established between the universities.

The agreements aim to promote joint research projects, student and academic staff mobility, joint course and curriculum development, dual-degree and joint-degree programs, co-supervision of theses, internships, technology transfer, and university-industry collaboration.

- Universities’ Areas of Expertise to Drive Joint Initiatives

Boğaziçi University signed bilateral memoranda of understanding and student exchange program agreements with Quaid-i-Azam University, the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), and the University of the Punjab. The university also held discussions with Bahria University toward signing an agreement.

Dokuz Eylül University signed memoranda of understanding with Air University, Bahria University, and Riphah International University. The university also reached an agreement to sign memoranda of understanding with NUST, COMSATS University Islamabad, and the University of the Punjab, and reached an agreement in principle on cooperation with Quaid-i-Azam University.

Gazi University signed memoranda of understanding with Air University and the University of Rawalpindi. The agreements cover student, academic, and administrative staff exchanges; joint research projects; academic publications; internships and thesis work; as well as seminars, conferences, and short-term training programs.

Gebze Technical University signed a memorandum of understanding with Air University. The agreement aims to develop academic and scientific cooperation, carry out joint activities, and strengthen institutional relations.

Hacettepe University signed memoranda of understanding with Air University and NUST in the fields of education and research. The university also reached an agreement with PIEAS on academic cooperation in nuclear sciences.

Istanbul Technical University held discussions with NUST, Bahria University, Air University, PIEAS, and COMSATS University to assess existing cooperation and potential future joint activities. ITU also initiated processes to sign new memoranda of understanding with the University of the Punjab, FAST-NUCES, GIKI, and Riphah International University.

Izmir Institute of Technology signed cooperation agreements with Air University, GIKI, FAST-NUCES, Foundation University Islamabad, and COMSATS University Islamabad. The agreements cover aerospace technologies, advanced materials and nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software, robotics, biomedical engineering, and health sciences.

Middle East Technical University (METU) signed separate memoranda of understanding with GIKI and FAST-NUCES on behalf of both METU and its Northern Cyprus Campus. The agreements cover student and academic staff exchanges, joint research, credit transfer, co-supervision of theses, summer and winter schools, joint courses, curriculum development, joint-degree programs, entrepreneurship, and industry cooperation. METU also signed an agreement with Air University on scientific, academic, and educational cooperation.

Sabancı University signed memoranda of understanding with Air University, Bahria University, and Riphah International University. Discussions are ongoing with PIEAS, FAST-NUCES, Foundation University Islamabad, the University of the Punjab, and Rawalpindi Women University.

Yıldız Technical University signed memoranda of understanding with Air University, Bahria University, GIKI, Riphah International University, and the University of Rawalpindi. The university also reached an agreement to sign memoranda of understanding with NUTECH and NUST. Yıldız Technical University, which also signed memoranda of understanding with Quaid-i-Azam University and FAST-NUCES in 2026, has existing agreements from previous years with CECOS University, COMSATS, City University, Foundation University Islamabad, PIEAS, Sarhad University, and the University of the Punjab.

- PhD Opportunities for High-Achieving Pakistani Students

In addition to the agreements signed between the universities, new steps were also agreed upon to expand student and academic staff mobility.

Türkiye’s research universities are planning to allocate a certain number of PhD places each year for high-achieving candidates from Pakistan in priority fields. Efforts will also focus on expanding student, faculty, and academic staff exchanges, providing undergraduate students with opportunities to study for one semester, and increasing scholarship opportunities. The universities of the two countries will also review their curricula in selected disciplines and develop dual-degree and double-degree undergraduate programs in suitable fields. To strengthen students’ practical experience and professional development, universities will explore reciprocal internship opportunities involving universities, research institutions, hospitals, and industry organizations. Short-term summer schools and programs bringing together students and academics from the two countries for academic, cultural, and educational activities will also be encouraged.

- Joint Declaration Sets Out a New Roadmap for Cooperation

CoHE President Erol Özvar said that they aim to establish a stronger and lasting academic partnership between the two countries, stating, “We are launching new areas of cooperation between Turkish and Pakistani universities, from dual degrees to artificial intelligence.”

A roadmap was established through a joint declaration signed by Erol Özvar and Prof. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC), to further develop partnerships established between universities and transform new partnerships into concrete programs.

The declaration aims to translate the historical, cultural, and human ties between Türkiye and Pakistan into tangible opportunities for universities, students, faculty members, and researchers, while reaffirming the two countries’ commitment to further advancing their relations in higher education, research, and innovation.

It was agreed that the Türkiye-Pakistan Universities Forum would be held annually, with Türkiye and Pakistan taking turns to host the forum. This is intended to ensure regular follow-up on partnerships established between universities and facilitate the development of new academic collaborations.