2,500 Graduates Sent Off to Their Future at CIU

Cyprus International University (CIU) proudly celebrated the graduation of 2,500 students during its 2025–2026 Academic Year Spring Semester Graduation Ceremony. Held at the CIU Open-Air Performing Arts Center, the ceremony marked the successful completion of an important chapter in the lives of students graduating from associate, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs, who received their diplomas. This year, the ceremony featured a technological innovation for the first time with the use of an AI-powered digital stage management system, which ensured that graduates' names were announced with accurate pronunciation in their native languages.

In his opening address, CIU Rector Prof. Dr. Erbuğ Çelebi described graduation as not only an academic achievement but also the result of a long journey defined by dedication, perseverance, and determination. He expressed his pride in graduating 2,500 students this semester, adding that the total number of graduates for the academic year had reached approximately 3,500.

Prof. Dr. Çelebi also highlighted the university's success in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, the results of which were announced earlier this week. He stated that the achievement reflects not only CIU's academic excellence but also its vision of contributing to society and building a more sustainable future. Addressing the graduates, he noted that artificial intelligence and technological transformation are reshaping today's professional world, emphasizing that individuals who can integrate different disciplines, uphold ethical values, and embrace lifelong learning will become the leaders of tomorrow. Encouraging graduates never to give up on their goals, he concluded his speech by saying, "Do not be people who wait for the future; be those who shape it and lead it."

Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın, the chair of the Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council (YÖDAK), stated that the graduates had received a high-quality education from one of the leading higher education institutions of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Cyprus International University. He advised graduates to remain committed to ethical values, adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, and always appreciate the international experience they had gained by studying alongside people from diverse cultures. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties with their alma mater. Referring to the strength of the higher education system in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Prof. Dr. Hocanın noted that it now comprises 23 universities, more than 100,000 students, and 5,300 academic staff, adding that over 200,000 graduates have successfully represented Northern Cyprus in countries around the world.
Following the presentation of diplomas, graduates celebrated the occasion with the traditional cap-tossing ceremony. The graduation ceremony concluded with a group photograph.