Approximately 3 thousand students graduated from Near East University at the 2024-2025 Spring Term Graduation Ceremony, which was also attended by President Ersin Tatar, and 780 more graduates threw their caps in the second evening.
The excitement of graduation at Near East University was proudly experienced on the second day. 780 graduates who successfully completed their education at Near East University’s Faculties of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Architecture, Sports Sciences, Tourism, Artificial Intelligence and Informatics, and Health Services Vocational School and Institute threw their caps up with pride.

Thousands of people filled the stands at the second ceremony held at NEU Event Park. Before the ceremony, the graduates had fun with music in the festival area and experienced an unforgettable night with the performance of DJ Ece Kanmaz. The opening speeches of the ceremony were made by President Ersin Tatar, Near East Enterprises Board of Trustees Chairman Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel and Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ made speeches. Also at the ceremony; Health Services Vocational School graduate Sude Şener expressed her feelings on behalf of the students who graduated from the Turkish program, while Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences graduate Zainab Ayub Ali Haji Suleman made speeches on behalf of the foreign students.

A video message from Near East University’s artificial intelligence-based academician AI. Prof. DUX was also released at the ceremony. Addressing the students, Prof. DUX said; “Graduation is a badge of pride for a completed process and the first step of a new beginning that extends into the future. You have successfully combined theoretical knowledge with practice. I wholeheartedly congratulate you.”

Following the speeches, President Ersin Tatar presented certificates to the graduates who completed their doctoral education in the main branches of science within the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences. Graduates who graduated from their faculties with honors received their medals from Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and Prof. Dr. İlkay Salihoğlu, and vice-rectors.

The graduates received their diplomas from the deans and professors of their faculties at the ceremony attended by Foundations Board Chairman Selahaddin Bayırkan, former President of the National Council and MP Zorlu Töre, National Archives Founding Director Mustafa Haşim Altan and Final International University President Prof. Dr. Orhan Gemikonaklı.

Ersin Tatar: “I have full faith that you will make significant contributions to development, humanity, and your own societies when you return to your country!”
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, President Ersin Tatar emphasized that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is located “at the heart of the blue homeland” and stated that it continues its existence strongly with its universities and academic achievements despite all the difficulties and obstacles.

Noting that Near East University has become an exemplary higher education institution on a global scale, President Tatar said, “I wholeheartedly congratulate our university and graduates who achieved this great success.” Stating that Near East University offers students a modern education environment supported by artificial intelligence in line with the requirements of the age, Tatar made the following call to graduates: “Do not lose your contact with your university. Continuously improve yourself, follow technology closely.”

Stating that he believes that students will make significant contributions not only to their own societies but also to humanity when they return to their countries, President Tatar concluded his speech by wishing success to the young graduates.

Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel: “Near East University is an institution that does not send its graduates off, but walks alongside them throughout their lives.”
“It is always an indescribable feeling to witness success and share this happiness under the same roof with those who made that success possible,” said Near East Enterprises Board of Trustees Chairman Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, emphasizing that Near East University is not only a higher education institution, but also a set of values and a big family.

Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel stated that Near East University has become one of the world’s respected science centers with a journey of almost half a century. Prof. Dr. Günsel said, “We see this success not only in statistics but also in international rankings. Being ranked 43rd in the world in the Times Higher Education 2025 Impact Rankings, the best in Cyprus in the U.S. News & World Report, and the sixth among Turkish universities proves the accuracy of the path we are walking together.” Concluding his speech by addressing the graduates, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “Near East University is an institution that does not send its graduates off, but walks by their side throughout their lives. Never lose the curiosity, courage, and kindness within you. May your dreams be big and your path be clear.”

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “May your path be clear, your conscience strong, and your memory clear.”
Stating that graduation is a turning point for students, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ also emphasized that today is not just a date. Stating that there were two different concepts in Ancient Greece, ‘Kronos’ and ‘Kairos’, expressing time, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “Kronos is the mechanical time that measures time quantitatively, progresses linearly. Kairos is the ‘right moment’. Quality time. Time of opportunity. It is the moment when something truly changes, when transformation occurs. Kairos is the moment when something truly changes, when transformation occurs. Don’t miss your Kairos.”
Stating that the Near East University campus is not only a scientific production area, but also a campus where artistic awareness and ethical stance are exhibited, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “You are leaving this campus today. However, this is not a farewell. Near East University will continue to live on in your way of thinking, your decisions, and your approach to people. May your path be clear, your conscience strong and your memory clear.”

“We have gained not only knowledge but also perspective!” Expressing her feelings on behalf of foreign students, Zainab Ayub Ali Haji Suleman, a graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences of Near East University, emphasized that students from different countries have found a second family at Near East University, and said, “Here, I have found friendships, experiences and opportunities to improve myself. This university has given us not only knowledge but also perspective.” Speaking on behalf of the students who graduated from the Turkish program, Sude Şener, a graduate of the Vocational School of Health Services of Near East University, said, “Today I am here as a graduate, but tomorrow I will be a healthcare professional who touches human lives in an emergency room or a disaster area.” Şener emphasized that being a healthcare professional is not a profession but a human duty.