Middle East Technical University

Middle East Technical University Overview

Middle East Technical University (METU) is a renowned public technical university located in Ankara, Turkey. It is widely recognized for its emphasis on research and education in engineering and natural sciences. The university offers a diverse range of academic programs, including 41 undergraduate programs, 105 master's programs, and 70 doctorate programs across its five faculties and graduate schools.

The sprawling main campus of METU spans an impressive area of 11,100 acres, which includes not only academic and auxiliary facilities but also a vast forest area covering 7,500 acres and the picturesque Lake Eymir. With its strong educational foundation, METU boasts a global community of over 120,000 alumni.

One notable feature of METU is its selective admission process, attracting top-performing students in Turkey. Over one-third of the highest-scoring students in the national university entrance examination choose to enroll at METU, with most departments accepting the top 0.1% of nearly 3 million applicants. In terms of research funding, METU has secured the largest share from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) over the past five years. It is also a leading university in Turkey when it comes to participating in European Union Framework Programme (FP) projects.

METU has a rich history, founded in 1956 by a group of professors from Istanbul Technical University. Initially known as the Middle East Institute of Technology, it was officially established as Middle East Technical University (Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, ODTÜ) in 1957. The university's status as a juridical entity was solidified with the enactment of the "Foundation Act No 7907" in 1959.

Since its early years, METU has experienced remarkable growth. It started with temporary accommodations in buildings near the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and Kızılay, eventually moving to its current location west of Ankara city center in 1963. The university introduced various academic programs in disciplines such as architecture, engineering, administrative sciences, arts and sciences, and education.

Today, METU offers a wide range of faculties and departments, including Architecture, Arts and Sciences, Economic and Administrative Sciences, Education, and Engineering. It also has additional units such as the School of Foreign Languages and the Technical Vocational School of Higher Education. With a diverse student population of around 27,000, including international students from over 94 countries, METU fosters a vibrant and multicultural academic environment.

In terms of international collaborations, METU actively participates in numerous research projects and networks, collaborating with prestigious organizations like COST, EUREKA, NASA, NATO, and more. The university has also established 22 international joint degree programs with universities in Europe and the United States.

METU prides itself on its commitment to high academic standards and has undergone external assessments and accreditations from international organizations such as ABET and the European University Association (EUA). Its engineering programs have been recognized as "substantially equivalent" to accredited programs in the United States. The Faculty of Engineering has received prestigious awards, including the "Silver Badge of Honor" from the UNESCO International Center for Engineering Education and the "Meritorious Achievement Award in Accreditation Activities" from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

METU's main campus in Ankara is known for its impressive size and beautiful surroundings. It features the iconic METU Forest, which has been nurtured by students and volunteers since the university's inception. Additionally, the university has campuses in Northern Cyprus and Erdemli, providing students with unique educational opportunities.

The METU Library stands out as one of the largest collections in Turkey, housing a vast array of books, journals, and electronic resources. With over 500,000 printed materials and access to a variety of databases, it supports the research and academic needs of the university community.

METU is also home to METU-Technopolis, Turkey's first science and research park. It serves as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, promoting collaboration between academia, industry, and government. METU-Technopolis hosts various research and development centers, technology-focused companies, and incubation centers, providing an environment conducive to technological advancement and economic growth.

The student life at METU is vibrant and dynamic. The university hosts a wide range of student societies and clubs, catering to diverse interests such as sports, arts, culture, and community service. These organizations organize various events, festivals, and competitions throughout the year, contributing to a lively campus atmosphere. The METU Spring Festival, in particular, is a highly anticipated annual event that attracts thousands of visitors from both within and outside the university.

METU is a prestigious technical university in Turkey with a strong focus on engineering and natural sciences. Its commitment to academic excellence, research, and international collaborations has established its reputation both nationally and internationally. The university's large and picturesque campus, rich academic offerings, and active student life make it an appealing choice for students seeking a high-quality education in Turkey.