Bursa Technical University (BTU) has introduced a new application process for its Graduate Education Institute starting from the 2023-2024 academic year. This change focuses on refining the criteria for accepting graduate students.

A Step Toward Qualified Workforce Development

The Graduate Education Institute of BTU, which plays a crucial role in providing qualified human resources for Turkey's development, has made an important innovation. The institute aims to train qualified personnel with master’s and doctoral degrees in areas that align with the needs of the national industry. To achieve this, a new practice has been launched, particularly focusing on university-industry cooperation to develop skilled workers.

BTU’s Graduate Education Institute has a long history of successful collaborations with various industrial sectors to help companies find the qualified personnel they need. In line with these efforts, the institute has made a significant change in its admissions process. Under the new system, applicants are required to come up with a project proposal at the time of their application.

How the New Application Process Works

Under this new approach, applicants must submit a project idea when applying to the institute. This means that before even applying, candidates need to have a clear and feasible project proposal. Once submitted, the proposal will be evaluated by the experienced academics at BTU. If accepted, the applicant will then be eligible to begin their graduate studies.

The goal of this change is to encourage students to develop their skills in project writing and working on real-world projects from the outset of their graduate education. This process will enhance the candidates' preparedness for the demands of their future academic and professional careers.

Enhancing University-Industry Cooperation

The Graduate Education Institute emphasized that the new application process will further strengthen cooperation with industrial companies. Through the collaboration agreements with various sectors, the students' project proposals will be aligned with the specific needs of the industry, providing a more targeted approach to education and research.

In addition, it was pointed out that students admitted under these partnerships will be required to seek external funding for their projects by the end of their first year. Each student will be expected to secure at least one external funding source for their project.

Encouraging Project-Based Education

The primary objective of this change is to motivate students to write and work on projects that are in direct alignment with industry needs. By incorporating this project-based approach, the Graduate Education Institute aims to ensure that the students are better prepared for both academic success and industry demands upon completing their studies.

The institute's administration also highlighted that the new requirements will better equip the students for graduate education and ensure that they develop essential skills for their future professional careers.