A New Era in Higher Education Begins!

The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) has put into effect the Micro-Credentials Framework, which will enable knowledge, skills, and certificates acquired outside universities to be recognized academically. Competencies that meet specified criteria will now be convertible into ECTS credits and may be included in students' academic transcripts and Diploma Supplements.

Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) will implement this framework beginning with the 2026–2027 Academic Year.

• Learning acquired outside the university will now be recognized on academic transcripts and converted into academic credit.
• A bold and innovative step toward the future of higher education: the micro-credit system will begin next year.
• The principles and procedures governing the Micro-Credentials Framework, which will officially integrate knowledge, skills, and certificates gained outside universities into the academic system for the first time, have been published.
• "Students will be able to complete up to 10 percent of their graduation credit requirements through competencies gained outside the university."
• Certificates, digital badges, and industry training will now receive academic recognition.
• YÖK President Erol Özvar: "Micro-credentials will have a transformative impact on higher education and working life."

The Council of Higher Education has introduced a landmark regulation that will transform the understanding of learning in higher education. The "Principles and Procedures on the Micro-Credentials Framework in Higher Education Institutions," which enables knowledge, skills, and certificates acquired outside universities to be officially recognized within the academic system for the first time, has been published.

Under the new regulation, competencies acquired outside the campus will be recognized according to established criteria, converted into ECTS credits in line with European standards, and recorded in students' academic transcripts and Diploma Supplements.

"A Bold and Innovative Step Toward the Future of Higher Education"

Emphasizing that micro-credentials will contribute to developing the qualified workforce demanded by the labor market and will become an important component of lifelong learning, Council of Higher Education President Erol Özvar stated:

"Our higher education system is now evolving toward a competency-based structure. Thanks to micro-credentials, our students and graduates will be able to acquire the competencies they need more quickly and respond more effectively to the expectations of a rapidly changing world."

Micro-credentials and micro-credit practices are regarded as innovative policies aimed at transforming the traditional understanding of learning in higher education. By enabling learning experiences acquired outside universities to be recognized within the academic system, this model represents a new approach that transcends the limitations of time and place in learning, standing out as a bold and innovative step toward the future of higher education.

A New Competency Model for the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Micro-credentials are defined as qualifications obtained through short-term, flexible, and goal-oriented learning experiences in specific subject areas, verified through assessment and evaluation processes and delivered under quality assurance standards.

The system aims to address the growing demand for new skills, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, digital technologies, and other rapidly evolving sectors. In addition to their traditional degree programs, students will also be able to acquire up-to-date competencies sought by the labor market.

Upon successful completion of micro-credential programs, learners will receive internationally recognized digital certificates. The acquired learning outcomes will be documented through digital badges and securely stored in digital wallets.

Programs Will Be Designed According to Emerging Needs

With the publication of the new principles and procedures, universities will be able to begin implementing micro-credential programs starting next academic year. As a result, competencies gained through industry experience, professional practice, and various learning environments outside the university may be academically recognized and reflected in the ECTS credit system.

Micro-credential programs will be designed in line with social, individual, and sectoral needs. They will also be regularly updated to keep pace with social, economic, and technological developments.

Micro-credentials may be offered as modular programs or short-term educational programs. This flexible structure will allow learners to acquire the knowledge and skills they need in a shorter period while personalizing their learning pathways according to their career goals.

A Call to Students: "Do Not Limit Your Education to the Campus"

Encouraging students to take advantage of learning opportunities beyond the formal curriculum, Özvar stated:

"We see this initiative as one of the most important steps in transforming higher education from a diploma-oriented system into a competency-oriented one. Under the new regulation, competencies acquired not only in classrooms but also in technology academies, industry training programs, research centers, practical training programs, and digital learning platforms will become part of the higher education system. A higher education experience confined within four walls is an incomplete one. It must extend beyond the campus. I encourage our students to participate in courses, practical training, events, and new learning opportunities related to their fields. Learning no longer takes place only in the classroom. In the world of the future, individuals who continuously learn and improve themselves will stand out."

Özvar also noted that, through collaborative work initially carried out with BTK Academy and the Presidency of Defence Industries Academy, training received in certain technical fields has already begun to receive academic recognition within university programs, adding that the modular competency model has started to be implemented through the micro-credit approach.

Up to 10 Percent of Graduation Credits Through Micro-Credentials

Under the new regulation, students will be able to complete up to 10 percent of the total ECTS credits required for graduation through credits earned from micro-credentials. University senates will determine which external learning activities and training programs will be recognized.

The Goal: Lifelong Learners Prepared for the Future

The Council of Higher Education envisions implementing micro-credentials in alignment with the European Education Area and the Turkish Qualifications Framework, thereby increasing the international recognition of qualifications earned in Türkiye.

With the new system, higher education will evolve from a process that ends with a diploma into a dynamic development ecosystem that continues throughout an individual's lifetime. Micro-credentials are expected to become one of the fundamental building blocks of Türkiye's vision for lifelong learning and future-ready competencies in higher education.

Source: Council of Higher Education (YÖK) https://www.yok.gov.tr/tr/news/yuksekogretimde-yeni-donem-Mlrw2