204 Students Enrolled in KSTU Despite Diploma Scandal

The university, which has become notorious for its involvement in fake diploma scandals, continues to attract students, though the controversy has severely damaged the reputation of the educational institution and the country's academic image.

Out of the 275 seats available at KSTU, 204 were filled. Notably, all 40 seats in the associate degree programs were occupied, while 164 of the 235 seats in the bachelor's degree programs were taken.

FAKE DIPLOMA SCANDALS TAKE THEIR TOLL: ENROLLMENTS DROP

The ongoing investigations into the fake diploma scandal at KSTU have significantly impacted student enrollment numbers at universities across Northern Cyprus. According to the recently released YKS placement results, 13,728 students were placed in universities in Northern Cyprus in 2023, with an occupancy rate of 82%. However, this year, the number dropped to 12,180 students. Across the country, 12,401 seats were available in bachelor's degree programs, but only 8,108 students enrolled, leaving about 45% of these programs unfilled.

"FAKE DIPLOMA SCANDALS DELIVER A MAJOR BLOW"

Speaking to Kıbrıs Postası, Education Specialist Salih Sarpten emphasized that the fake diploma scandals have dealt a significant blow to the quality of higher education in the country. Sarpten pointed out that while numerous investigations, court cases, arrests, and public outcry have occurred, the university in question has continued its educational operations as if nothing had happened. This, he said, has deepened the perception that diplomas can be bought in Northern Cyprus.