December 16, 2025

Universities encouraged under the “Sustainable and Climate-Friendly Campus Project” launched by the Council of Higher Education to increase energy efficiency and promote environmentally friendly practices have carried Türkiye to the top of global rankings.

UI GreenMetric, one of the world’s most prestigious ranking organizations assessing universities’ sustainability performance in areas such as campus environment, infrastructure, energy, waste management, water use, transportation, and education, has announced the results of the 2025 Green University Index. The results have globally confirmed the success of the Turkish higher education system in environmental awareness and green campus goals.

Among the 1,745 higher education institutions evaluated from a total of 105 countries, Türkiye rose to become the country with the highest number of universities ranked in Europe, with 139 universities included. Globally, Türkiye ranked second in this field.

Six universities from Türkiye entered the world’s top 100, while 21 universities placed in the top 200. Istanbul Technical University (ITU) ranked 25th and Yıldız Technical University (YTU) ranked 48th, both securing places in the top 50. Other Turkish universities that entered the top 100 were Erciyes University (66th), Ege University (83rd), Özyeğin University (89th), and Yeditepe University (91st).

Universities ranked between 100 and 200 were Başkent University (101), Middle East Technical University (103), İzmir Institute of Technology (123), İnönü University (135), Sakarya University (157), Sabancı University (160), Dokuz Eylül University (169), Bartın University (170), Çukurova University (175), Kütahya Dumlupınar University (177), Atatürk University (180), Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University (182), Hacettepe University (183), Trakya University (184), and Düzce University (185).

Türkiye’s Strong Presence in the Top 500 and Top 1,000

A total of 54 universities from Türkiye succeeded in entering the list of the world’s top 500 green universities. With this figure, Türkiye ranked first globally. Indonesia followed with 51 universities in the top 500.

Universities ranked between 200 and 500 included Hasan Kalyoncu University (201), Mersin University (202), Fırat University (214), Kastamonu University (217), Ondokuz Mayıs University (224), Mardin Artuklu University (227), Kütahya University of Health Sciences (245), Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University (254), Istanbul Aydın University (270), Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (290), Kocaeli University (291), Afyon Kocatepe University (302), Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University (329), Manisa Celal Bayar University (340), Cappadocia University (344), Bursa Uludağ University (345), Bilkent University (377), Hitit University (381), Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University (386), Osmaniye Korkut Ata University (388), Antalya Bilim University (415), Atılım University (419), Gaziantep University (423), Akdeniz University (424), Marmara University (430), Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University (434), KTO Karatay University (440), Ankara University (444), Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University (446), Bursa Technical University (468), Balıkesir University (465), Karadeniz Technical University (480), and Uşak University (482).

The number of Turkish universities included in the top 1,000 also rose to 97.

Green Campuses Across Anatolia

One of the most striking aspects of the rankings was the geographical distribution of success. Universities from all seven geographical regions of Türkiye were represented, showing that “Sustainable and Climate-Friendly Campuses” have spread across Anatolia. Beyond universities in Istanbul, İzmir, and Ankara, institutions from Edirne to Ağrı, and Kütahya to Gaziantep demonstrated outstanding performance across the country.

“Northern Cyprus” Included for the First Time

Among the 105 countries evaluated by GreenMetric, “Northern Cyprus” was included for the first time. Eastern Mediterranean University entered the list ranked 580th worldwide under the country designation “Northern Cyprus.” Cyprus International University in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, however, was listed as a Turkish university and achieved a remarkable success by ranking 55th globally, entering the top 100.

Özvar: “We Follow This with Pride”

President of the Council of Higher Education Erol Özvar stated that they follow the success of universities in international rankings with great satisfaction and pride, saying:
“We are among the global frontrunners not only in academic output but also in sustainability and green transformation.”

Özvar emphasized that, through the Sustainable and Climate-Friendly Campus Project, which aims to raise a generation conscious of green skills and to encourage universities to develop greener and more efficient campuses, universities have made a significant leap forward.

“The Most Important Pillars of Transformation Are Green and Digital Skills”

Highlighting that one of the most important pillars of the comprehensive transformation initiated in the higher education system is “green and digital skills,” Özvar said: “We are introducing new programs in these areas to our universities. Our universities are also pioneers of the green transition. We adopt a holistic approach across a wide spectrum, from infrastructure to energy efficiency, from water and waste management to public transportation.” Özvar congratulated all universities included in the rankings.