Karadeniz Technical University

Karadeniz Technical University Overview

Karadeniz Technical University (KTÜ) stands as a beacon of academic excellence in the picturesque city of Trabzon, nestled within the Black Sea Region of Turkey. Established on May 20, 1955, through a proposal presented by Trabzon Deputy Mustafa Reşit Tarakçıoğlu and 28 of his colleagues, this venerable institution has since evolved into a dynamic hub of learning and research. The university's inauguration was presided over by the then Prime Minister, Adnan Menderes. KTÜ holds the distinction of being the fourth oldest university in the Turkish Republic, outside of Istanbul and Ankara, and the second technical university to be founded in the nation. Unlike its predecessors, which can trace their origins to the Ottoman era, Karadeniz Technical University proudly emerged as Turkey's pioneering university, established from scratch by the Republic itself.

Over the years, KTÜ has expanded its academic footprint significantly. Today, it boasts an impressive array of educational offerings, comprising 80 departments, 12 faculties, and 6 graduate schools. With a dedicated faculty of 2,159 educators and a diverse student body numbering 31,858, Karadeniz Technical University ranks among the largest educational institutions in Turkey. The university's contributions extend beyond its immediate region, as it has played a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape of the nation. It has been a trailblazer in engineering and architecture education, notably becoming the first institution outside Istanbul to offer engineering programs.

Karadeniz Technical University has continually adapted to the changing educational landscape, most notably assuming the mantle of a regional university following the Higher Education Institutions Organization Law of 1983 (Law No. 2809). This transformation consolidated various schools, institutes, and academies spread across the Karadeniz region under the umbrella of Karadeniz University (KÜ). As part of this reorganization, KTÜ's faculties of Engineering and Architecture, Mechanical-Electrical Engineering, and Basic Sciences were merged into KÜ's Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Science and Literature. This strategic realignment fostered academic synergy and enhanced the university's regional outreach. Additionally, the merger of Hacettepe University's Trabzon Medical Faculty with KTÜ's Faculty of Medicine gave rise to KÜ's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

KTÜ's commitment to internationalization is evident through its membership in the Caucasus Universities Association. The university places great emphasis on language as a gateway to global engagement. While Turkish remains the primary medium of instruction, there has been a growing demand for English-language courses. KTÜ has proactively responded to this trend, initiating mandatory English preparatory programs for newly enrolled students in 22 departments. These programs ensure that students attain the requisite proficiency before embarking on their undergraduate coursework. Furthermore, many graduate-level courses are also conducted in English, with select undergraduate programs, such as Civil Engineering and Electrical-Electronic Engineering, offering 100% English-language instruction.

Karadeniz Technical University has gained recognition on the global stage through its impressive rankings. In the 2019 U.S. News & World Report's World University Rankings, KTÜ secured a place among the top 1,100 universities worldwide and stood at 574th place in the field of engineering. The university's excellence in engineering was further validated in the Shanghai Jiao Tong University's 2018/2019 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), where it ranked within the top 300 for civil engineering, top 400 for mechanical engineering, and top 500 for chemical engineering. Leiden University's CWTS Leiden Ranking 2019 also acknowledged KTÜ's standing, positioning it at 818th globally, with specific accolades for medicine and health sciences, engineering and basic sciences, and mathematics and computer science.

One of KTÜ's standout features is its participation in the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which facilitates student mobility and ensures the recognition of coursework abroad. The university has received the prestigious ECTS Label from the European Commission's Directorate-General for Education and Culture, affirming its commitment to academic excellence and internationalization. KTÜ meticulously calculates ECTS credits for each course, taking into account objectives, learning outcomes, required activities, and estimated hours of work both inside and outside the classroom. This process ensures transparency and fairness in credit allocation, with each ECTS credit representing 25 hours of workload.

In addition to its strong academic programs, Karadeniz Technical University is dedicated to offering diverse international opportunities to its students. Through programs like Leonardo Da Vinci and Erasmus, as well as partnerships with institutions in the USA, Canada, Sweden, and the UK, students have the chance to study abroad or engage in internships. Dual-degree programs in fields like engineering, economics, and business administration have also been established in collaboration with select universities in Sweden and the UK.

Karadeniz Technical University's academic structure is designed to cater to a wide range of interests and career aspirations. Its faculties encompass various disciplines, including Dentistry, Pharmacy, Literature, Science, Economics and Administrative Sciences, Architecture, Engineering, Offshore Technology, Forestry, Health Sciences, and Marine Sciences. Furthermore, the university houses several institutes, such as the Institute of Forensic Sciences, Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, Institute of Science, Karadeniz Studies Institute, Institute of Health Sciences, and Institute of Social Sciences. Additionally, the university offers education through its Foreign Languages School and a network of Vocational Schools, including the Abdullah Kanca Vocational School, Araklı Vocational School, Arsın Vocational School, Çaykara Vocational School, Maçka Vocational School, Sağlık Hizmetleri Vocational School, and Trabzon Vocational School.

To enrich campus life, Karadeniz Technical University is home to a vibrant array of student clubs and organizations. These clubs cater to various interests, including academic pursuits, arts and culture, sports, social engagement, and innovation. With over 100 student clubs and counting, students have ample opportunities to pursue their passions and engage in extracurricular activities that complement their academic journey.