The Key to the Future for University Candidates: Competency-Based Education
With university exam results now announced, hundreds of thousands of young people across Türkiye are preparing to make one of the most important decisions of their lives: Which university and which program will best prepare them for a rapidly changing world?
Experts say this question should not be answered based solely on the promise of a “good diploma.” Instead, what matters more is how well a student will be equipped for the future. In the 21st century, universities must go beyond delivering knowledge. They must raise individuals who can think critically, produce, collaborate, and thrive in the digital age.
Prof. Dr. İpek Karaaslan, Vice Rector of Yeditepe University, emphasizes that students should choose not just a field of study, but a learning environment where they can fully realize their potential:
“A student who starts university today will graduate into a completely different job market. That’s why universities must offer not just professional knowledge, but skills that will remain valuable for life.”
From Creativity to Self-Discipline, Skills Will Make the Difference
The competencies Prof. Dr. İpek Karaaslan refers to go far beyond academic achievement. They cover a wide set of abilities that help individuals thrive both professionally and socially. These include:
• Critical thinking and questioning skills
• Creativity and problem-solving
• Digital literacy and the ability to work effectively with technology
• Communication and teamwork
• Ethical responsibility and awareness of sustainability
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Intercultural awareness and a sense of global citizenship
• Curiosity-driven learning
• Entrepreneurial mindset and innovation
• Time management and self-discipline
These skills are now more critical than ever for staying relevant in a rapidly changing job market and for contributing to global priorities such as digitalization, sustainability, and social responsibility. Each of these competencies plays a key role in preparing young people not just for a profession but for life as versatile, productive, and impactful individuals. According to Prof. Dr. Karaaslan, quality-focused universities are now shaping their curricula with this approach, updating course content, and aligning their academic staff accordingly.
“A good university does not simply provide knowledge; it also cultivates critical thinking, ethical values, digital awareness, and a mindset of questioning.”
In line with this vision, universities that embrace competency-based education offer students multidimensional growth opportunities through project-based learning, interdisciplinary curricula, mentorship programs with industry leaders, startup support centers, AI-powered personalized learning platforms, and international internship opportunities.
Quality-Focused Universities Are Reshaping Themselves
Speaking to students preparing for university this year, Prof. Dr. Karaaslan suggests they ask a key question during the decision process:
“Will this university simply give me a diploma, or will it also help me grow? Will it teach me to understand the world, collaborate, and express myself?”
Choosing a university today is not just an investment in the present but one that must also consider future needs. That’s why it’s essential for young people to focus not only on earning a diploma but on receiving an education that will help them grow, realize their potential, and prepare for what lies ahead.
Press: Haber Global | DHA | AA | Haberler | Son Dakika