Orhun Exchange Program
The Orhun Exchange Program, operating under the Turkic Universities Union (TURKUNIB), has emerged as the principal higher education mobility mechanism of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Since its pilot launch in the 2017–2018 academic year, the Program has grown steadily in both scope and impact, facilitating academic exchange across approximately 170 universities in member and observer states. Through structured mobility schemes, the Program supports student and staff exchange, joint research initiatives, collaborative curriculum development, and inter-university cooperation in teaching and scientific activities.
Beyond its immediate academic outcomes, the Orhun Exchange Program constitutes a strategic instrument for fostering a cohesive and competitive Turkic Higher Education Area, promoting institutional convergence, quality enhancement, and the mutual recognition of academic qualifications among participating universities. By enabling direct engagement between students, faculty members, and researchers, the Program plays a pivotal role in strengthening people-to-people connectivity, cultural understanding, and academic solidarity across the Turkic world – thereby contributing to the broader vision of regional integration envisaged by the Organization of Turkic States.
Regulation
The goals of these regulations are to determine the basis for the exchange of teachers and students between higher educational institutions that are members of the Turkic Council Turkic Universities Union. This Regulation covers the basics of the exchange of teachers and students between higher education institutions that are members of the Turkic Council Turkic Universities Union.
Download Regulation (DOCX)Announcement
2026/2027 Orhun Exchange Program Application
The Orhun Exchange Program will commence in the Fall Term of the 2026/2027 Academic Year for students and academic staff of TURKUNIB member universities within the Organization of Turkic States.
Participating countries and universities include Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Hungary.
Application Timeline
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Notify departments and quotas25 November – 20 December, 2025
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General announcement of the Coordinator University20 – 24 December, 2025
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Announcement of requirements and receiving applications24 December, 2025 – 6 January, 2025
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Notify quotas and evaluate applications6 – 15 January, 2025
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Announcement of results17 January, 2025
Documents required in the application
- Transcript
- Student Information Form (Only one university will be chosen for applications)
- All documents must be filled electronically.
Documents & Downloads
Official templates and forms for students and academic staff.
Student Testimonials
Hear from students who have participated in our exchange programs.