Hacettepe University participated in the NAFSA 2026 Annual Conference & Expo, held in Orlando, USA, in May 2026, and conducted significant meetings in line with its internationalization goals. Representing the university at the event were Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Cahit Güran, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Şahap Armağan Tarım, and the Hacettepe University International Relations and Protocol Coordination Office.
As one of the world’s largest international higher education events, NAFSA 2026 provided an important platform for Hacettepe University to strengthen its existing international partnerships and develop new collaboration opportunities with numerous universities and higher education institutions. Discussions focused on increasing student and staff mobility, developing joint research projects, and enhancing the university’s international visibility.
Throughout the conference, the Hacettepe University delegation met with university representatives from Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and South America to explore opportunities for academic collaboration in various fields, particularly health sciences, medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies.
Meetings with Universities from Around the World
During meetings with representatives from universities in Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Brazil, Peru, Poland, Romania, India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Canada, and the United Kingdom, discussions covered new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), Erasmus+ KA131 and KA171 International Credit Mobility agreements, student and staff exchange programs, and joint research projects.
It was confirmed that the collaboration process with Dankook University in South Korea had reached the signing stage. In addition, productive discussions were held regarding the development of new partnerships with leading institutions such as University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Beijing Normal University, Luxor University, and CVM University.
As part of the conference, meetings were also held with representatives of the international higher education ranking organization QS Quacquarelli Symonds to discuss strategies for enhancing Hacettepe University’s global visibility.
The meetings conducted during NAFSA 2026 created new opportunities for academic collaboration, research partnerships, and mobility programs, particularly with universities in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. In the coming period, online meetings with relevant institutions, the preparation of MoUs and Erasmus agreements, and the sharing of collaboration opportunities with academic units are planned.
Within the scope of the event, a poster presentation titled “How Artificial Intelligence-Supported Programs Facilitate the Lives of Students with Disabilities” was presented on behalf of Hacettepe University by Dr. Tuba Yıldırım and attracted considerable interest from participants.
In line with its internationalization vision, Hacettepe University continues its efforts to strengthen academic and scientific collaborations with higher education institutions across different regions of the world.
