In the past three years, 81 new programs were opened in the field of artificial intelligence and computing in Türkiye. The number of artificial intelligence programs reached 785 across 171 universities in the country.
The quotas of associate degree programs based on artificial intelligence and computing were increased more than fourfold. Specifically, the quota for these programs was raised from 1,610 to 6,828. Additionally, the quotas of 25 associate degree programs opened to meet sector needs were increased from 5,280 to 7,270.
The quota for bachelor's degree programs based on artificial intelligence and computing was raised from 2,355 to 4,420. A total of 182 new graduate-level programs were opened under 33 different titles.
Interdisciplinary and future-focused curricula
The new programs include fields such as artificial intelligence, financial technologies, biotechnology, digital game technologies, mobile security, pharmaceutical production, livestock technologies, and fishing. Programs combining artificial intelligence with social sciences and management sciences — specifically 'history and artificial intelligence,' 'philosophy and artificial intelligence,' and 'business and artificial intelligence' — were introduced.
Programs such as Tele-Health Technicianing, Smart Greenhouse Technologies, Smart Agriculture and Food Management, Digital Health Systems Technicianing, Information Systems and Technologies, Software Development, Information Security Technology, Data Science and Analytics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity Engineering, Digital Transformation Electronics, Cloud Computing Operatoring, Game Development and Programming, and Robotics and Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous systems are part of this expansion.
In 2026, 16 new programs — 7 at the bachelor's level and 9 at the associate degree level — will accept students for the first time in Türkiye.
Capacity growth and institutional response
The education capacity in the fields of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity reached approximately seven times its previous level. Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and universities conducted intensive promotional activities across Türkiye during the preference period, coordinated by science communication offices established at universities.
Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK) President Erol Özvar stated that in the past three years, nearly 70 new programs were opened in the scope of transformation toward future professions in higher education, covering artificial intelligence, digitalization in agriculture and health, green transformation, and sector needs. While this figure of 70 focuses on this broader transformation, the count of 81 programs cited earlier specifically tracks the growth in AI and computing fields. He also stated that the education capacity of AI-related programs grew 7 times in just a few years and has begun producing its first graduates.
The Artificial Intelligence and Data School, launched last year under the auspices of the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK) in collaboration with Marmara University, Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ), Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ), and Boğaziçi University, graduated approximately 30,000 participants in its first year.