Turkey's YÖK introduces 16 new AI‑focused university programmes for 2026

The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) announced that 16 new undergraduate and associate‑degree programmes will be added to the 2026 university entrance (YKS) guide. The offerings span artificial‑intelligence‑driven interdisciplinary fields such as history & AI, philosophy & AI and business & AI, as well as standalone programmes in financial technology, biotechnology & genetics, paramedicine and fisheries technology.

At the associate‑degree level, YÖK includes AI‑supported web design and coding, AI‑supported design and animation, digital game technologies, mobile security technologies, drug‑production technology, explosives and energetic‑material engineering, livestock technology and management, laboratory‑animal studies and fisheries technology. YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar said the curriculum revisions reflect current and future labour‑market needs, align with Turkey’s development goals, and aim to improve graduate employability. He also noted that programmes no longer meeting industry or academic standards will be phased out as part of the ongoing transformation of higher education.