In line with its internationalization strategy and efforts to expand regional academic partnerships, Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) conducted a series of comprehensive academic visits and student recruitment activities in Syria. The delegation, headed by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and EMU Rector’s Coordinator Prof. Dr. Tolga Çelik, sought to strengthen the University’s presence in the country, engage directly with prospective students and their families, and re-establish the long-standing academic collaborations that have connected EMU and Syria for many years.
EMU’s Representation Activities in Syria Commenced on 17 July
EMU’s regional representation activities in Syria commenced on 17 July as part of the Syria Edu Tour 2026, with events held in Hama, followed by Salamiyah on 18 July and Homs on 19 July. Organized through the local Syria Edu Tour representative team, these events provided prospective students and their families with comprehensive information about EMU’s academic programs, admission requirements, scholarship opportunities, campus life, multicultural student community, and application procedures. As a result, the University maintained active engagement with prospective students across various Syrian cities even before the arrival of the official EMU delegation.
Prof. Dr. Çelik Met with Nearly 700 Prospective Students and Parents in Tartus
Representing Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), EMU Rector’s Coordinator Prof. Dr. Tolga Çelik participated in the Edu Syria Expo 2026 – Syria Tour (Tartus) higher education fair held on Thursday, 23 July 2026. Throughout the event, Prof. Dr. Çelik met directly with prospective students and their parents, providing detailed information about EMU’s associate, undergraduate, and graduate programs, scholarship opportunities, international recognition, campus facilities, and admission procedures.
The fair attracted considerable interest from prospective students and their families. Among the aspects of EMU that generated the greatest attention were its distinction as the first and only state university established by law in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), its long-established academic heritage, its international outlook, and its multicultural learning environment that brings together students from across the globe.
Rector Prof. Dr. Kılıç Met with Prospective Students at the Fair in Damascus
One of the most-attended events of EMU’s Syria program was the Edu Syria Expo 2026 – Syria Tour (Damascus) higher education fair, held on Saturday, 25 July 2026. The exhibition was officially inaugurated by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç together with other distinguished guests. During the event, Prof. Dr. Kılıç met with prospective students and their families, while EMU Rector’s Coordinator Prof. Dr. Tolga Çelik was also present.
Throughout the fair, prospective students and their parents were introduced to EMU’s academic programs, scholarship opportunities, international learning environment, vibrant campus life, and admission procedures. The strong interest shown in the EMU stand highlighted the University’s growing recognition in Syria and reflected the significant demand for high-quality higher education opportunities.
“Syria’s Recovery through Education Is a Promising Sign”
Commenting on the University’s visit to Syria, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç stated that witnessing the country’s recovery following years of hardship had been deeply encouraging. He emphasized that the strong interest shown by young people and their families in higher education sends a powerful message about Syria’s future, adding:
“It was encouraging to witness firsthand the significant progress Syria is making toward recovery and normalization after many years of hardship. What impressed us most was the remarkable enthusiasm that young people and their families continue to show for higher education. Their determination to rebuild their futures through education is a truly promising sign for the country’s future. As EMU, we are ready to share our international academic expertise, strengthen academic bridges with universities in Syria once again, and contribute to expanding young people’s access to quality higher education.”
EMU and AIU Reaffirm Commitment to Renewing Academic Partnership
As part of its academic engagements in Syria, the EMU delegation visited Arab International University (AIU), one of the country’s leading private universities. During the meetings, attended by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and EMU Rector’s Coordinator Prof. Dr. Tolga Çelik, both institutions discussed opportunities to revive their long-standing academic partnership and identify new avenues for collaboration.
The partnership between EMU and AIU dates back to a memorandum of understanding signed in 2008. Although the cooperation was disrupted by the regional crisis and the challenging circumstances that followed in Syria, both universities expressed a shared determination to rebuild their institutional ties and resume joint academic initiatives with renewed momentum and a broader scope.
To support this renewed partnership, the two universities are working to update their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) so that it reflects current academic priorities and future collaboration opportunities. The revised agreement is expected to provide a framework for student exchange programs, academic staff mobility, joint supervision of postgraduate theses and research, collaborative research projects, scientific publications, conferences, and a wide range of academic initiatives designed to bring together students and faculty members from both institutions.
Both parties agreed that, as Syrian higher education increasingly reconnects with the international academic community, the renewed EMU–AIU partnership will create valuable opportunities for student and faculty mobility and foster joint research and scholarly output.
AIU Hosts TRNC University Leaders to Strengthen Academic Cooperation
As part of the academic engagements in Syria, Arab International University (AIU) welcomed a high-level delegation comprising rectors and representatives from several universities in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), including Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Cyprus International University, Middle East Technical University – Northern Cyprus Campus, Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design, Final International University, and Bahçeşehir Cyprus University, along with representatives of Study More.