What is Orhun?  

TURKUNIB (Union of Turkic Universities)

Uniting Turkic Universities for a Stronger Future

TURKUNIB is a dynamic initiative established to strengthen academic ties and promote cooperation among universities across the Turkic world. By creating a common platform, it supports academic programs, student mobility, faculty exchange, and joint research projects addressing regional and global challenges. The TURKUNIB network not only expands educational opportunities but also fosters cultural understanding, knowledge sharing, and innovation. The program is committed to educating a new generation of academics, leaders, and professionals who will contribute to the sustainable development of their countries and strengthen the sense of unity among Turkic nations. At its core, TURKUNIB is not merely an academic partnership; it is a bridge that connects people, ideas, and institutions, laying the foundation for a stronger and more integrated future.

For more detailed information about TURKUNIB, please visit:https://turkunib.org/tr/about-us

ORHUN EXCHANGE PROGRAM  

The student and academic staff exchange program developed by the Union of Turkic Universities and referred to as the “Orhun Process” entered its implementation phase following the negotiations and adoption of the “Draft Regulation of the Turkic Council Union of Turkic Universities Orhun Exchange Program” at the meeting held in Bishkek on 6–7 April 2017, hosted by Kyrgyzstan–Turkey Manas University (KTMU), the Term Presidency institution. 

The shared cultural, linguistic, and historical heritage among Turkic states constitutes the cornerstone of cooperation embodied within the Turkic Council. This characteristic distinguishes the Turkic Council from other regional cooperation mechanisms. The dedication of the Second Turkic Council Summit, held in Bishkek in 2012, to the theme of “Education, Science, and Cultural Cooperation” is a concrete reflection of this approach.

Within the scope of the Union of Turkic Universities, which has been operating since 2013 to enhance cooperation among member states and higher education institutions, numerous meetings have been held and the Directive on the Union of Turkic Universities and the Creation of a Higher Education Area has been adopted. The process aimed at implementing student and academic staff exchange programs has been designated as the “Orhun Process.”

In order to carry out the Orhun Exchange Program at Kayseri University—conducted among member universities of the Union of Turkic Universities that convened under the hosting of Kyrgyzstan–Turkey Manas University—the Orhun Exchange Program Coordination Office was established within the Directorate of International Relations. This establishment was approved by the decision of the Kayseri University Senate dated 15.05.2025 and numbered 2025.10.089, and the coordinator was appointed with the approval of the Rectorate. The Coordination Office has commenced its activities to facilitate both student and staff mobility. The Orhun Exchange Program is a student and academic staff mobility program implemented among member universities of the Union of Turkic Universities (TURKUNIB).

For the Regulation of the Union of Turkic Universities Orhun Exchange Program, please click here.pdf

For the list of member universities participating in the program, please visit: https://turkunib.org/tr/members/

For detailed information about the Orhun Exchange Program, please visit: https://turkunib.org/tr/orhun

Information for Students Who Wish to Benefit from the Orhun Exchange Program

Within the scope of the Orhun Process, students enrolled in full-time education programs at higher education institutions may participate in the Student Exchange Program. The program covers the continuation of a portion of a student’s education at another higher education institution that is a party to the Orhun Exchange Program Protocol.

The duration of student mobility is a minimum of one semester and a maximum of two semesters. Semester calculations may be reorganized according to the education system; however, the total duration of exchange may not exceed one academic year. Preparatory class students, first-year students, and final-year students are not eligible to benefit from this program.

Student Exchange Announcements

Higher education institutions announce the Orhun Exchange Program Protocols they have signed and the available quotas specified in these protocols on their official websites. Announcements include application requirements and details regarding the implementation process of the program.

Eligibility Requirements for Orhun Exchange Program Students

1. The student must be enrolled at a university that is a member of the Orhun Program.

2. The student must have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 out of 4.00.

3. At universities where grades are calculated on a 100-point scale, equivalency to the 4.00 scale shall be determined by the host university.

4. In order to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the Student Exchange Program, the President University is authorized to take necessary measures and determine additional conditions beyond those stated above.

Information for Academic Staff Who Wish to Benefit from the Orhun Exchange Program

Academic Staff Exchange Announcements

All signed Exchange Program protocols and quotas are announced on the websites of the relevant universities and the Orhun Program, and calls for applications are made for academic staff wishing to participate in the program. Announcements include information regarding the application process and payments to be made. Announcements are published on university websites for at least 15 days. All applications submitted within the specified application period are accepted. Applications are recorded by the higher education institutions that are parties to the Orhun Exchange Program Protocol, and one copy is kept in the Institutional Coordination Office of the Exchange Program at the relevant university.

Eligibility Requirements for Orhun Exchange Program Academic Staff

1. All academic staff employed at higher education institutions that have signed the Orhun Exchange Program Protocol may participate in academic staff mobility. This mobility covers the academic activities to be carried out by an academic staff member at another higher education institution.

2. The duration of academic staff mobility may be a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of three months within an academic year.

3. Academic activities carried out within the scope of mobility must total at least six hours per week. Course hours are taken as the basis for calculation. If course hours do not reach six hours, academic activities such as seminars, panels, or conferences may be considered. Mobility plans that do not include teaching activities are not evaluated within the scope of the Orhun Exchange Program and are not accepted as exchange activities.

4. If deemed necessary to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of academic staff mobility, the scope, duration, and conditions of mobility may be rearranged by the President University.