Cyber Security School Project

Cooperation Protocol between the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Digital Transformation Office and the Council of Higher Education (CoHE)

Strengthening the organizational structure and technical infrastructure of national cybersecurity depends primarily on developing a qualified human resource capable of producing, advancing, and managing technology. In this context, the cultivation of skilled professionals stands as the most critical component of ensuring national cyber resilience.

In line with this vision, the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Digital Transformation Office has accelerated efforts to establish and expand cybersecurity programs within higher education institutions.

Through the cooperation protocol signed on October 5, 2022, between the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye Digital Transformation Office and the Council of Higher Education (CoHE), initiatives were launched to establish Cybersecurity Vocational Schools in Ankara, Istanbul, Kocaeli, and Izmir. Within the scope of this protocol, additional efforts are also being carried out to expand cybersecurity programs in higher education, strengthen existing cybersecurity curricula, designate specialized universities in the field of cybersecurity, and enhance the effectiveness of Cybersecurity Research and Application Centers.

The primary objectives of the project include developing a competent and qualified cybersecurity workforce, making cybersecurity an attractive career path for young people, and enhancing professional qualifications through the advancement of cybersecurity expertise.

As part of the project, Cybersecurity Vocational Schools were established in Ankara University, Ege University, Istanbul Technical University, and Gebze Technical University in 2023. The associate degree program titled Cybersecurity Analysis and Operations commenced academic activities in the Fall Semester of 2023, welcoming its first cohort of students, with at least 30% of the instruction delivered in English.

Cybersecurity Vocational Schools implement an industry-integrated, sector-driven education model aimed at enhancing students’ practical competencies through real-world field experience. The continuously evolving curriculum focuses on cybersecurity specializations that reflect the priority needs of the industry, and selected field-specific courses are delivered by industry professionals.

The sustainability of the program will be ensured through the development of new cooperation models between the national cybersecurity ecosystem and the participating universities.

For detailed information, click here.

You can access the Cybersecurity Vocational Schools promotional brochure here.