Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Stating that the YÖK president comes from a private school, TOBB Board Vice President Halim Mete said that this would prove an advantage for private schools as he is familiar with the troubles of private schools. Mete also said that a revision regarding the sectoral council needs to be made.

- University entrance

It was requested that the higher education placement system be revised to one which ensures equality of opportunity. For foundation universities it was requested that they be granted the authority to pick their own students with emphasis on developing finances for students to have access to for tuition.

- Diversity in higher education

Pointing out that the diversity seen in other countries is not sufficiently present in our higher education system, it was related that universities should be diversified into international research universities, mass education universities, 2 year advanced occupational schools, remote education universities, specifically specialized universities and state universities.

- Perception of foundation universities

It was stated that the perception of foundation universities by politicians is the main reason the problems facing them are unable to be solved. Despite the fact that foundation universities contribute greatly to the government and undertake large investments politicians still alienate foundation universities.

- Promotion abroad

Council President Bekir Okan also provided information regarding overseas promotion of foundation universities. The “Study in Turkey” project is working to organize expos in various countries, supported by the President of the Republic. Getting students from abroad is not only important for the financial gain but also establishing dominance in the region, said Okan.

- Information regarding R&D

TÜBİTAK Research Support Programs President Associate Professor Necati Demir provided information regarding R&D activities. Stating that 3 of the first 10 universities to take advantage of TÜBİTAK’s research support are foundation universities, Demir said, “There are two reasons for this. The first, foundation universities produce projects of high quality. The second, foundation universities have project offices. Project offices have been brought about by foundation universities.