Middle East Technical University
Middle East Technical University (METU) is the most developed university in Turkey and it provides diversified variety of education through highest standards of education capabilities and scientific researches it runs, through its library and the facilities its laboratories provide.METU tries to enhance research, creativity, innovation, culture, arts, advanced thinking, excellence in teaching as well apart from scientific progress that it aims to achieve. Therefore, METU has become the most exceptional and distinguished University of Turkey. Environmental issues are among the serious concerns of the University. METU is the only University that was awarded the International 1995 Agha Han Prize for Architecture for its Forestation Program and this prize, coincidentally, was received when the 40th anniversary of METU was being celebrated.
METU aims to help students fulfill their potential and tries to attain world standards within the concerns of education. At the same time provides opportunities for students to enhance their capabilities in diversified areas like culture, arts, sports etc. in the free and creative environment of the University.
Middle East Technical University is founded under the name of "Orta Dogu Yuksek Teknoloji EnstitÃÂüsÃÂü" (Middle East High Technology Institute) on November 15th, 1956 to contribute to the development of Turkey and Middle East countries and especially to train people as to create a skilled workforce in the fields of natural and social sciences. "Arrangements and Procedures as for the Foundation of METU, Law No 6387" was enacted on January 29th, 1957. Finally, "Foundation Act No 7307", which sets forth the particular standing of METU and describes the conditions rendering METU as a juridical entity, was enacted on May 27th, 1959.
Middle East Technical University's presence brought about new methods and introduced innovations to Turkish higher education system manifesting METU as a pioneer of modern education nationwide. In its earliest years, part of METU was located in a small building that belonged Social Security Office of Retirees at Kızılay's MÃÂüdafaa Street and the other section was located in the barracks behind the TBMM (Turkey's National Grand Assembly). In 1963, the University moved to its current campus location which is the first university campus of Turkey.
In 1956, the first academic program to start education was the Department of Architecture. Then in spring semester of 1957, Department of Mechanical Engineering launched its academic program. At the onset of 1957-1958 academic year, the Faculty of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Administrative Sciences were established. In 1959, the tasks undertaken to establish Faculty of Arts and Sciences were completed. Faculty of Education launched its academic program in 1982. Today, there are a total of 37 undergraduate programs in five faculties of METU.
There are 67 graduate programs available in Graduate Schools of Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Informatics, Applied Mathematics and Marine Sciences Graduate Schools. Marine Sciences conducts the academic program studies at İÃÂçel-Erdemli.
The language of instruction at METU is English(US). METU School of Foreign Languages takes the initiative to teach English to students at Preparatory School (PS).
Owing to the high quality academic education that emphasizes merit and excellence in scientific, cultural and intellectual studies as well as owing to the accomplished and qualified METU graduates, the University has become the most distinguished and one of the most respectable institutions of Turkey. Today, the University is proud to employ 647 faculty (professors, associates professors etc.), 321 academic instructors and over 1400 research assistants. It is a great pleasure to offer education to over 15.000 students. The total number of the alumni now is 543.726 (345.907 of which have completed undergraduate programs.)