NewslettersBorderless Report July 2011Interview with the Rector of the Turkish-German University Interview with the Rector of the Turkish-German University, Prof Dr Ziya Şanal
Prof Dr Ziya Şanal, Rector of the recently founded Turkish-German University (TDU), shares with us here his thoughts on the launch of the university and the prospects of Turkish higher education.
On the main reasons for the establishment of the Turkish-German University: Our goal is to combine the strengths of the German higher education system and those of the Turkish university applicants in order to achieve positive results for both countries.
On the differences between the German and the Turkish higher education systems: They are more or less similar. However, in Turkey there are many private universities that charge considerably high fees, whereas in Germany almost all are state universities.
On the contribution of Freie Universität Berlin, Universität Potsdam, and other German universities to the establishment of TDU: Our cooperation with these universities is on an academic level and in curriculum development. The Law Programme is being conducted with FU Berlin. The University of Potsdam is mainly involved in the natural sciences.
On DAAD’s role: DAAD is the organisational unit on the German side and grants scholarships to selected students.
On the main goals of the University: We want to be a teaching and research institution. TDU will meet industry demand for academics, as well as conduct research via master's and PhD programmes. Student and scholar exchanges will boost educational co-operation initiatives a great deal.
On the role the Turkish economy’s impressive growth has played in the launch of the university: The strong growth of the Turkish economy, even throughout the recent crisis-ridden years, has once again highlighted the importance of the country – and the importance of the education sector. Turkey is becoming increasingly interesting to foreign universities and businesses. Academic cooperation will undoubtedly have a positive influence on trade-relations between Turkey and the home countries of partnering foreign universities.
On the nationality of students targeted: We are looking at both Turkish and German students, but mostly Turkish. In the long term we would like to attract international students as well.
On which subjects have been most popular so far among the university’s students: Engineering sciences are the most popular. Law and economics also figure prominently.
On Turkish academics raised and educated in Europe who are returning to Turkey to teach: We do receive inquiries from academics of Turkish origin who have studied in Germany and now want to return to Turkey to work. They are welcome of course!
On Turkey’s rise as an emerging power in scientific research, and TDU’S own contribution: Of course we are hoping for significant research contributions from our German partners. The Turkish-German University will set great store on research. By way of exchange programmes, dedicated Turkish scientists will be given the chance to do research at German partner universities. And, in return, German scientists will have access to highly talented, young Turkish researchers and students.
On the role TDU will play in the relationship between Germany and Turkey: Both countries are now expanding their traditional cooperation to the education sector. This promotes technical, political and cultural cooperation.
On TDU’s contribution to Turkey’s candidacy to the European Union: We are soon to launch a master's degree in European Union Studies. Graduates will make positive contributions to the improvement of relations between the EU and Turkey.
AK