YÖK launches strategic technology program for 550 researchers

The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has launched a strategic technology program to train 550 young researchers in priority fields, including Information Technology, Hardware and Computer Systems, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems. The initiative aims to integrate approximately 3,000 researchers into Turkey’s science and technology ecosystem over five years.

Selected candidates will be admitted to doctoral programs at research universities and, if they meet specific criteria, will be appointed to research assistant positions. The program is interdisciplinary, allowing graduates from various fields such as engineering, mathematics, law, and medicine to apply.

Applications are open from September 8 to September 22, 2026, via YÖK’s official electronic application system. Requirements include being under 35 years of age as of January 1, 2026, meeting specific ALES and foreign language score thresholds, and fulfilling university senate requirements. A centralized written exam will be conducted by ÖSYM on November 28, 2026.