Bilkent University was founded to provide an environment for learning and intellectual growth encompassing the sciences, technology, humanities and the arts, to serve human welfare and foster peace on earth. Education at Bilkent is not simply a means to obtain a vocation, a career. Instead, it endeavors to nurture students in the way of thinking and of learning to learn.
With its diverse educational programs, scientific and scholarly research endeavors, and artistic and cultural activities, Bilkent University aims to help students/individuals develop themselves as critical, analytical and independent thinkers and life-long learners, so that they may become the competent, creative, broad-minded, ethical and socially responsible leaders of tomorrow, who will contribute to the advancement of humanity.
The educational philosophy rests on the premise that those who produce new knowledge also have the best potential to impart it. Scholarly research at Bilkent extends across a wide spectrum. From nanoscience and nanotechnology to political science, from electronics to economics, from fine arts to management and industrial engineering, from philosophy to computer engineering, and in many other areas of science, letters and the performing arts, our academic staff and resources provide a uniquely integrated environment.
Vision: An Academic Community of World Standards
Bilkent is a comprehensive educational center that encompasses Bilkent University, primary and secondary schools offering International Baccalaureate degrees, a conservatory, and a renowned symphony orchestra. The university envisions being recognized as an academic community of world standards, comprised of students, educators, and staff capable of implementing processes and best practices needed to achieve the following goals:
“To engage in, lead, participate in, and generate solutions for activities that promote human prosperity; to educate the global citizens of tomorrow; and to develop and disseminate artistic, intellectual, and scientific integrity that enriches humanity and contributes to the quality of life in a nation, region, or the world.”
Realizing this vision depends on the individuals forming this community and the stakeholders benefiting from Bilkent’s success. Together, they will work towards advancing the university through their collective decisions and actions.
As part of this vision, Bilkent also aims to continue as a financially independent institution. A key aspect of its strategy is ensuring sustainability as a leading university that primarily relies on its own resources.
Vision of Excellence in Education
Bilkent aims to educate graduates who are both knowledgeable experts and broadly educated individuals. Being “educated” means that Bilkent graduates can think critically and generate ideas about topics ranging from fermions to Paganini, ribonucleic acid to Rothko and Shakespeare, poverty, and various other global issues—both in English and their native language. Being “professional” means they possess deep knowledge and competence in their chosen fields, can identify and solve problems, analyze unfamiliar subjects, and think critically and creatively.
Opportunities to develop these skills are provided through attractive platforms integrated into academic curricula and through “informal” programs where learning happens outside the classroom. The latter approach fosters creativity, innovation, leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.
To support and strengthen these opportunities, faculty members will receive training in learning sciences, teaching techniques, communication psychology, and innovative instructional methods. Enhanced infrastructure, collaborative teaching, holistic knowledge, and the inclusion of important global challenges into courses and curricula will further improve the quality of education. Seminars, discussion groups, and professional club activities will also create new opportunities.
Success will be measured by the demand for Bilkent graduates in professional fields and how quickly they rise to higher levels of responsibility. Equally important is Bilkent’s ability to attract students and distinguished academics from around the world at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Vision for Creative Activities
The university foresees that its faculty and students will fulfill Bilkent’s mission through artistic productions, designs, inventions, ideas, literary achievements, and academic successes.
Bilkent stands out with its interdisciplinary and dynamic academic environment, where each field balances and enhances the strengths of the others. The university is enriched by goal-driven collaborative research and individual discoveries driven by scientific curiosity. While seeking new research opportunities, Bilkent must continue to support and strengthen these activities.
Looking to the future, Bilkent anticipates the integration of arts, humanities, social sciences, and literature with design, physical sciences, life sciences, and engineering—all interconnected with law and politics. The university holds a special position in shaping the agenda for interdisciplinary research focused on curiosity, necessity, and inspiration from nature.
Bilkent also plays a key role in addressing global challenges related to energy, environmental sustainability, water resources, poverty, and economics. Faculty members will be encouraged to develop contemporary approaches that Bilkent can lead and contribute to. With the establishment of new and sustainable mechanisms such as research centers and institutes, Bilkent aims to further promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
Vision for a World-Class Institution
Bilkent’s vision for its academic community includes a rich student, faculty, and staff body that brings top-level intellectual discourse to the university. Staying true to the founding vision, Bilkent seeks to attract and retain students, faculty, and staff who are either already world-class or aspiring to be. To achieve this vision, the university must maintain an ecosystem consisting of events, processes, and infrastructure that ensure effective communication among all stakeholders. This includes implementing transparent governance, fostering a collaborative environment, and recognizing achievements appropriately.
Professional and academic mentoring programs already in place in some departments will be expanded university-wide. Promotion and hiring criteria and processes will be communicated more effectively. Faculties and departments facing challenges in recruiting and retaining top-tier academic staff will receive training and support based on best practices.
Special attention will be given to enhancing undergraduate student admissions in areas that need improvement. Faculties, schools, and departments will be supported in their student recruitment efforts. Essential information related to undergraduate admissions—such as student housing, campus life, advising processes, curricula, and extracurricular activities—will be shared through printed materials and online channels.
Graduate student and postdoctoral researcher recruitment, along with retention efforts, are also part of Bilkent’s global talent search. The university aims to attract top candidates who will bring innovative ideas and approaches to its academic programs and creative initiatives.
A world-class institution requires world-class academic leadership. Bilkent aims to provide opportunities for the next generation of leaders, equipping them with high-quality education and realistic evaluation standards.
Additionally, administrative talent must be recruited, developed, and retained within a world-class academic community. Regular training programs for administrative staff exist at the university, and mechanisms will be introduced to identify areas in need of improvement.