AI, cybersecurity programs drives record university intake

ANKARA

State universities hit a near-perfect 99.5 percent capacity as over 730,000 students secured higher education spots this term, fueled by a complete sell-out of all artificial intelligence and cybersecurity quotas.

The Measurement, Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM) placed around 731,000 of 1.28 million applicants. About 641,000 candidates entered formal education, while 89,000 enrolled in open programs. First-choice placements hit 19.3 percent.

State institutions admitted 479,000 students, leaving only 2,290 vacancies. Foundation universities placed 140,000 candidates, dropping below 80 percent capacity with nearly 36,000 empty spots. Only 218,000 of 767,000 high school seniors enrolled, as 54 percent abstained, while 379,000 previous graduates secured spots.

Anatolia high school graduates led placements with 334,000, followed by private foreign language schools at 78,000, general high schools at 72,000, imam-hatips, religious vocational high schools at 71,000 and science schools at 31,000.

Quotas for AI and data engineering, machine learning, robotics and newly opened programs like mobile security reached full capacity. The Higher Education Board (YÖK) reported that quotas for state medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and law programs were filled entirely, while engineering programs exceeded 98 percent capacity. Basic sciences like math and physics also left no empty seats.

“Students included more programs in their lists, refusing to risk waiting another year,” education expert Salim Ünsal said, noting candidates prioritized safe areas. Registration runs from Aug. 24 to 28.

University admission in Türkiye relies on a centralized entrance exam system. Applicants are placed into degree programs based on their test scores and state-managed preference lists.