"Universities of Northern Cyprus Continue to Demonstrate Their Strength and Quality on a Global Scale"
The Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YÖDAK) has published a comprehensive evaluation report on the results of the QS World University Rankings 2027, announced by the internationally respected higher education ranking organization Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). In a statement issued by the President of YÖDAK, it was emphasized that the steady rise of the universities of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in global competition is the outcome of a sustainable success strategy.
YÖDAK President: “TRNC Universities Hold a Respected Position in Internationalization and Academic Quality”
“The results of the QS World University Rankings 2027 once again confirm the strength, prestige, and educational quality of the TRNC higher education system on the international stage. The fact that our universities have distinguished themselves among thousands of institutions worldwide and secured positions in the upper tiers of the rankings is a clear indication that our research capacity, international collaborations, and institutional development have been guided by the right vision.
In particular, the global achievements attained in key indicators such as International Student Ratio and Academic Reputation demonstrate that our island has evolved beyond being merely an educational hub and has become a center of knowledge production operating at world standards.
I sincerely congratulate all our rectors, esteemed academics, administrative staff, and dear students whose contributions have made this success possible. As YÖDAK, we will continue our accreditation and quality-oriented support efforts to further enhance the international competitiveness of our universities.”
QS 2027 Achievement Categories of TRNC Universities
According to the QS 2027 results, universities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus have achieved historic successes both in the overall rankings and in specific performance indicators.
1. Overall Ranking and National Leadership
Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU)
Ranked 691st worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2027, Eastern Mediterranean University maintained its position as the highest-ranked university in the TRNC and preserved its leadership status. With this performance, EMU also succeeded in ranking among the top 10 universities (10th place) out of the 28 distinguished universities from Türkiye included in the rankings.
Notably, EMU ranked 13th globally in the International Student Ratio category.
Near East University (NEU)
Another well-established institution that continues to strengthen its global success profile each year, Near East University entered the 791–800 band of the QS World University Rankings for the first time, securing its place among the world’s elite universities.
NEU achieved a perfect score of 100 points in both the International Faculty and International Students categories, placing it among the world leaders in internationalization standards.
European University of Lefke (EUL)
With its strong academic staff and international educational infrastructure, EUL has enhanced its global visibility and maintained its successful position within the 901–950 band worldwide, further strengthening its international recognition.
EUL also achieved outstanding results in the International Faculty and International Students categories.
Conclusion and Future Vision
In its statement, YÖDAK noted that these achievements are the result of ongoing quality assurance efforts in higher education. The ability of TRNC universities to compete with leading institutions around the world makes a significant contribution to the country’s global visibility and demonstrates the strength of educational diplomacy despite existing embargoes.
YÖDAK further emphasized its determination to continue implementing accreditation and quality assurance processes with great diligence and to support the global success of TRNC universities, in line with its objective of elevating the quality of higher education on the island beyond international standards.
