OMU was among 30 universities recognized at a national event highlighting quality-assured higher education programs and the growing national and international recognition of graduate qualifications.

Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) received recognition for its authorization to use the Turkish Qualifications Framework (TQF) logo, reflecting its continuing work in higher education quality assurance and the recognition of graduate qualifications.

At the Higher Education Qualifications and Recognition – TQF Logo Authorization Meeting, organized by the Vocational Qualifications Authority of Türkiye (VQA) under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, OMU was among 30 universities recognized for programs authorized to use the TQF logo.

OMU Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten represented the University at the program, which was attended by Minister of Labour and Social Security Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan. Kesten received the recognition from Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Security Dr. Adnan Ertem.

The event also brought the VQA’s 20 years of institutional experience together with representatives of the higher education sector, highlighting the importance of quality assurance and the recognition of qualifications.

TQF logo reflects quality assurance and recognition

The Turkish Qualifications Framework brings together qualifications gained through different learning pathways within a common national structure and aims to strengthen the connection between education and working life.

The TQF logo indicates that the qualification of the relevant higher education program has been evaluated within a quality assurance framework and supports greater transparency and recognition of the knowledge and skills acquired by graduates.

Speaking at the program, Minister Vedat Işıkhan emphasized the importance of educational quality, certification of skills, and strengthening human resources in the development of Türkiye’s qualifications system.

Işıkhan noted that digitalization, artificial intelligence, and the green transition are rapidly transforming occupations and the skills required in the labour market, stressing that qualifications systems must evolve in response to these changes.

Referring to progress under the TQF, Işıkhan said that qualifications from relevant higher education programs at 162 universities have been placed in the Turkish Qualifications Framework and that these programs have been authorized to use the TQF logo.

He emphasized that this represents an important step toward strengthening quality assurance in higher education and improving the international recognition of qualifications.

Strengthening the connection between education and working life

Işıkhan also highlighted the contribution of the Vocational Qualifications Authority’s 20 years of work to developing qualified human resources and strengthening the relationship between education and employment.

He stressed the importance of expanding the implementation of the Turkish Qualifications Framework.

Authorization to use the TQF logo helps make the knowledge, skills, and competencies acquired by graduates more transparent and comparable. In this respect, the framework supports the recognition of graduate qualifications while contributing to the development of a stronger culture of quality assurance in higher education.

Through its participation in the TQF framework, OMU continues to pursue an approach that prioritizes educational quality, strengthens the recognition of graduate qualifications, and supports closer links between higher education and working life.