01.07.2026 16:23
The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) is launching a total of 16 new programs for the 2026-2027 academic year, including 7 undergraduate and 9 associate degree programs. Alongside history, philosophy, and business administration programs blended with artificial intelligence, programs focusing on future professions such as financial technology, biotechnology, and digital game technologies will be included in the preference guide for the first time this year and will accept students.
According to the statement made by YÖK, new programs including artificial intelligence, financial technologies, biotechnology, mobile security, digital game technologies, and pharmaceutical production will be included in the 2026 YKS preference guide.
Among the programs to be opened are "history and artificial intelligence", "philosophy and artificial intelligence", and "business administration and artificial intelligence". The programs aim to bring artificial intelligence together not only with engineering and computer sciences but also with social sciences. Undergraduate programs such as "financial technology", "biotechnology and genetics", "paramedic", and "fisheries technology" will also accept students for the first time this year.
At the associate degree level, programs such as "artificial intelligence-supported web design and coding", "artificial intelligence-supported design and animation", "digital game technologies", "mobile security technologies", "pharmaceutical production technology", "explosive and energetic materials technician", "animal husbandry technologies and management", "laboratory animals", and "fisheries technology" will be included in the preference guide for the first time.
"WE WILL CONTINUE THE TRANSFORMATION PROCESS WITH THE SAME DETERMINATION"
In the statement, YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, whose views were included, stated that today's and future workforce needs were taken into account in determining the new programs.
Noting that program planning was carried out in line with Turkey's development goals, Özvar said, "We have made adjustments in our program quotas by considering many parameters such as Turkey's employment planning, the need for the workforce, areas that will come to the forefront in the future, and the correct direction of our country's human capital. We have created new quotas by opening new programs, especially artificial intelligence and digital-based programs."
Emphasizing that the transformation process in higher education will continue with determination and that programs lagging behind the times need to be reviewed, Özvar stated, "We do not find it right to insist on programs that are no longer compatible with today's conditions, that do not provide opportunities for their graduates, and that have no connection with employment or academic productivity. We will continue the transformation process with the same determination."
Özvar, noting that new program planning was carried out considering sector expectations and technological developments, stated the following:
"In today's world, transformation is accelerating in every field. Foreseeing the skills of the future, following sector expectations and technological developments, and considering our country's development priorities are of great importance. Our expectation from our universities is that they prepare their new program and quota requests with this vision. This approach is vital both for the efficient use of country resources and for the employability of our graduates."