Turkey's YÖK launches 16 AI‑focused university programmes for 2026‑27

The Higher Education Council (YÖK) announced that 16 new degree programmes will be opened in the 2026‑27 academic year – seven bachelor’s and nine associate‑degree programmes. New bachelor tracks combine artificial intelligence with fields such as history, philosophy and business, and also include fintech, biotechnology‑genetics, paramedicine and fisheries technology. Associate‑degree programmes cover AI‑supported web design and coding, AI‑supported design and animation, digital game technologies, mobile security technologies, drug‑production technology, explosives and energetic materials, livestock technology, laboratory animal science and fisheries technology.

YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar said the programmes were selected based on today’s and future labour‑market needs, emphasizing Turkey’s development goals and the transformation of higher education. He stressed that outdated programmes will be reviewed and that the new offerings aim to improve graduate employability. All programmes will appear in the 2026 YKS preference guide.