Erasmus Policy Statement

Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakif University (FSMVU) is a non-profit higher education institution established in 2010 by the Directorate General of Foundations of the Republic of Türkiye. Rooted in a strong historical and cultural heritage, the University aims to position itself at the forefront of higher education and research at both national and international levels.

In line with its mission and vision, the University is committed to fostering high-quality education, research excellence, and societal impact through a comprehensive internationalisation strategy. It actively engages in sustainable cooperation with higher education institutions, research centres, and relevant stakeholders worldwide, with a strong emphasis on participation in Erasmus+ and other international programmes and projects.

The University aligns its internationalisation strategy with the priorities of the Erasmus+ Programme 2021-2027, including inclusion and diversity, digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and active civic engagement. In this context, it seeks to enhance the quality, accessibility, and impact of mobility and cooperation activities while strengthening institutional capacity. The University also integrates green and digital transition principles into its internationalisation approach in line with European Education Area priorities.

The University hosts 7.897 students, including 1.580 international students, supported by 463 academic staff and 228 administrative personnel. It provides a strong academic infrastructure, including four libraries, numerous laboratories, and 17 research centres, ensuring a high-quality learning, teaching, and research environment. As a committed participant in the Bologna Process, the University places strong emphasis on cooperation with European higher education institutions. It actively contributes to thematic networks, curriculum enhancement, and mobility programmes that support academic innovation and quality assurance. Its long-term objective is to strengthen curriculum compatibility, foster digital and transversal skills, promote shared European and global values, and support the mutual recognition of qualifications across higher education systems.

The University’s internationalisation strategy prioritises well-planned and strategically managed partnerships that enhance academic quality, research output, and institutional visibility. It currently maintains 317 Erasmus+, global exchange, and academic cooperation agreements with institutions in 85 countries across Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, and Americas. These partnerships enable benchmarking against international standards, facilitate the exchange of best practices, and support continuous improvement in curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and institutional development.

Through international mobility programmes, the University provides students and staff with valuable opportunities for academic, professional, and personal development. These experiences strengthen global competencies, intercultural awareness, adaptability, and employability, while also enhancing institutional capacity. Returning students and staff contribute to the dissemination of international experience within the University, fostering innovation, improved practices, and a more globally oriented academic environment.

The University aims to significantly increase its international mobility across all study cycles in line with its institutional strategy. It has set a strategic target of ensuring that at least 25% of its students benefit from an international mobility experience within the next five years. To support this objective, approximately 30% of the curriculum, including both compulsory and elective courses, is delivered in English, enhancing accessibility and participation in international programmes.

The University actively participates in the development of joint degree programmes and collaborative research projects between departments and international partners in areas of shared academic interest. Through international cooperation agreements, it aims to expand the provision of undergraduate double degree programmes as well as joint Master’s and PhD programmes, thereby strengthening its global academic profile.

Key Action 3 (KA3) plays an important role in the University’s internationalisation strategy by enabling the dissemination of knowledge gained through KA1 and KA2 activities to wider academic, sectoral, and international audiences. This contributes to policy development, quality enhancement, and the introduction of innovative practices in higher education. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, this role has become even more significant. The University remains committed to sustaining initiatives that strengthen higher education, resilience, and international cooperation in the face of future global challenges.