On Thursday, August 27, 2026, the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) signed a series of Memorandums of Understanding with 14 universities from Türkiye, marking a significant step in strengthening the University’s academic and institutional cooperation network.
The agreements were signed by IUS Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Osman Kuşakcı together with rectors and vice-rectors representing universities from across Türkiye:
- Prof. Dr. Sait Mesut Doğan — Rector of Gaziantep University
- Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akkaya — Rector of Bartın University
- Prof. Dr. Osman Nuri Çelik — Rector of Konya Technical University
- Prof. Dr. İbrahim Özcoşar — Rector of Mardin Artuklu University
- Prof. Dr. Necip Şimşek — Rector of Istanbul Commerce University
- Prof. Dr. Abdurrahim Alkış — Rector of Şırnak University
- Prof. Dr. İbrahim Aydın — Rector of Artvin Çoruh University
- Prof. Dr. Musa Kazım Arıcan — Rector of Social Sciences University of Ankara
- Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil — Rector of Kırşehir Ahi Evran University
- Prof. Dr. Kenan Ahmet Türkdoğan — Rector of Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University
- Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar — Rector of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University
- Prof. Dr. Necdet Hayta — Vice-Rector of Gazi University
- Prof. Dr. Osman Özkendir — Vice-Rector of Tarsus University
- Prof. Dr. Muhitdin Yılmaz — Vice-Rector of Sinop University
The series of MoU signings was held on the margins of the 2nd International Anatolian Symposium on Academic Studies, organized by the International Center for Strategic Studies (Uluslararası Stratejik Araştırmalar Merkezi – USAR), bringing together rectors from universities across Türkiye.
The newly signed MoUs establish a broad framework for cooperation in education, research, training, and institutional development at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Among the key areas of cooperation are student mobility and academic and administrative staff exchange, including short- and long-term mobility opportunities and mutual recognition of academic achievements.
The agreements also encourage the exchange of scientific information, publications, educational and research materials, as well as the organization of joint conferences, seminars, symposia, workshops and panel discussions with the participation of scholars, researchers and experts from partner institutions.
A strong emphasis is also placed on joint scientific research, including the development of research projects, pilot initiatives, preparation of research proposals and participation in international projects.
The MoUs further provide a framework for academic engagement and capacity building, including teaching assignments, training, consultancy, seminars and closer collaboration among researchers and scholars.
Institutional cooperation is another important component of the agreements. The partner universities will be able to plan mutual institutional visits, strengthen links with international scholars, and promote broader participation in international projects and student internship opportunities.
The agreements also leave room for the development of additional areas of cooperation in the future, allowing each partnership to grow according to shared priorities and emerging academic opportunities.
For IUS, the signing of these MoUs represents more than a formal expansion of its partner network. It creates a platform for concrete academic mobility, research collaboration, knowledge exchange and institutional development, while further strengthening connections between higher education institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Türkiye.
Through partnerships of this kind, IUS continues to expand the international opportunities available to its students, academic staff and researchers, while reinforcing its role as a regional hub for academic cooperation and international engagement.
