Internationalization

KHU International Strategy

Kadir Has University, adopting the vision of being a world university in the heart of Istanbul, aims to effectively carry out its international programs and strengthen its overseas connections. The International Cooperation and Education Coordination Office serves this purpose and supports the university’s internationalization strategy. Over the years, the university has secured memberships in various international organizations, including EUA, EUROPA NOSTRA, Global Compact, IAUP, OECD/IMHE, Magna Carta, UNIVERSITY EMUNI, TASSA (Turkish American Scientists and Scholars Association), and ACUNS (The Academic Council on the United Nations System).

Our internationalization strategy prioritizes regional and national diversity. To enhance this strategy, increase the university’s international visibility, and establish new partnerships, Kadir Has University participates in various fairs, such as EAIE (European Association of International Education) and Study World Berlin, in Europe. Regarding non-EU countries, international promotion activities are conducted in neighboring countries like Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Iraq, aiming especially at securing full-time students. In addition, many visitors and academic/administrative delegations from universities abroad, under the Erasmus Program or otherwise, are hosted at our university. Every year, various university officials are invited to Kadir Has University to discuss new partnerships.

The Erasmus Program continues to be the program with the highest mobility figures at KHU. Our international mobility strategy is based on the principles of "equality" and "non-discrimination" in student and staff mobility. Under the criteria set by the program, every student and staff member, regardless of religion, language, race, or gender, is given the right to international mobility, both within and outside the Erasmus Program. Our students and staff are encouraged to be initiators of new collaborations. While most mobility requests come from undergraduate students, efforts are increasing to spread mobility to other levels (second and third cycles) through promotional activities about mobility programs at our university. Another key aspect of our student mobility strategy is our existing dual degree agreements, which are mostly at the undergraduate level. Expanding these agreements to other levels, especially establishing new dual degree agreements at the master’s level, is a primary goal.

To increase the popularity of internship programs, we are ramping up promotion efforts and creating a database of private organizations with which we have previously collaborated on internships. Career center support is also provided to help students prepare their internship applications.

In terms of staff mobility, a similar approach to student mobility is pursued, with participation from all departments being a primary goal. Especially in academic mobility, increasing faculty and department diversity is a key objective. In administrative staff mobility, attention is paid to foreign language proficiency, and staff with sufficient foreign language skills are prioritized for mobility opportunities.

KHU's internationalization strategy is further developed through annual activity and strategy reports.

Our Institutional Strategy for Organizing and Implementing International Cooperation Projects

At KHU, International Projects and Cooperation are managed by two departments. The International Cooperation and Education Coordination Office administers institutional collaborations and EU programs like the Erasmus Program, while the Strategic Research Center provides support to university staff on EU-funded and individual grant-based teaching and training projects. Each year, our faculties and departments receive collaboration proposals for Intensive Projects within the Erasmus Program. Our strategy for participating in these projects is to ensure the cooperation is sustainable and balanced. Staff and students involved in these projects receive support for project management or participation.

International cooperation projects are considered a key element of Kadir Has University’s Internationalization and Modernization Strategies, particularly for the professional development of academic staff.

The Impact of Erasmus Program Participation on University Modernization Process

In Kadir Has University’s Internationalization and Modernization Agenda, the primary goal is to become a world-class university. The university aims to meet important criteria in the Bologna Process and produce graduates who meet these standards. Following this priority, innovations aimed at improving institutional accreditation and quality in higher education are being targeted. Maintaining quality in mobility programs and continuing cross-border cooperation with the same determination will be emphasized. The university will continue its role as a bridge between higher education and the business world, contributing through academic research and educational exchanges. The effectiveness of managing and financing both EU-focused and non-EU projects will be increased.

In realizing these modernization goals, particular attention will be given to supporting student and staff mobility, ensuring full recognition, balancing mobility (which may be one of the most important Bologna goals), and promoting dual degree programs. Especially in the field of research, there is a goal to increase cooperation, establish multi-faceted regional strategic partnerships, and enhance KHU's position in the system of internationalized universities.