Version: 3 Creation date: 2001 Last review date: 18 November 2025 1. Purpose Near East University regards individuals with diverse life experiences and identities as part of an inclusive academic community and aims to provide fair and equal opportunities for all qualified applicants. Through this policy, Near East University is committed to ensuring the following: 2. Scope This policy applies to all programmes, courses and non-degree educational opportunities provided by Near East University. 3. Definitions Discrimination refers to unfair or prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups based on race, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability or other distinguishing characteristics. It includes actions, attitudes or policies that prevent a person or group from accessing rights, opportunities and resources because they belong to a particular category or social group. Discrimination may be direct or indirect. Direct discrimination occurs when a person is treated, or is proposed to be treated, less favourably than another person or group because of race, colour, national or ethnic origin; sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, relationship status, pregnancy, breastfeeding; disability as defined in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Protection, Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with Disabilities Law No. 64/1993; caring or family responsibilities, age, religion or trade union participation. Indirect discrimination occurs when a policy, practice or conduct of a workplace or educational institution appears neutral but substantially reduces the opportunity of particular groups to benefit from it. The characteristics in relation to which discrimination in any form is prohibited at Near East University are listed below: Disadvantaged groups refer to segments of society that face social, economic or institutional barriers to accessing opportunities or resources available to wider sections of society. These groups often experience systemic or structural inequalities based on various factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, age or other characteristics. Individuals from disadvantaged groups may have less access to quality education, employment opportunities, healthcare services or social support than more privileged sections of society. The concept of disadvantage recognises the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities and emphasises the need for support and efforts to remove systemic barriers so as to ensure equal access and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. 4. Admissions Principles Near East University is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity in education and to providing a fair, transparent, inclusive and accessible admissions process for all prospective students. A. Non-Discrimination: Near East University prohibits discrimination against any individual or group in the admissions process on the basis of any of the protected characteristics listed above. This policy provides a strong foundation for fair treatment and access to education and emphasises merit and qualifications as the primary factors in the admissions process. Applications from disadvantaged groups, including women and persons with disabilities, are encouraged and supported. Application processes are designed to facilitate applications from disadvantaged groups and to ensure that they receive the necessary support and guidance. Supporting applications from disadvantaged groups and adapting procedures to meet the needs of these groups are of great importance in preventing indirect discrimination. In this respect, the University strategically promotes the following: B. Merit-Based Assessment Admissions decisions are made on the basis of academic qualifications, achievements, demonstrated abilities and potential to succeed at the University. C. Transparency and Fairness Near East University applies transparent eligibility criteria and application procedures for all programmes. These criteria are applied consistently to all applicants without bias or preferential treatment. As stated in the admissions procedure, meeting the eligibility criteria for admission to the proposed programme of study makes an applicant eligible for consideration but does not guarantee admission, which remains subject to programme capacity and any other admission conditions established for that programme. D. Reasonable Accommodations In order to ensure that applicants with disabilities can access the admissions process on equal terms, Near East University takes into account needs arising from disability during application, examination, interview and assessment processes and provides reasonable and practicable accommodations. 5. Admissions Process Application Review: All applications are assessed holistically, taking into account academic records, standardised test scores (where applicable), personal statements, letters of recommendation and programme-specific additional requirements. Assessment Criteria: Admissions decisions are based on academic performance, intellectual abilities, extracurricular achievements, leadership qualities and other relevant factors related to the programme of interest. Notification of Decision: Applicants are informed of their admission decisions in a timely and respectful manner, ensuring transparency and providing guidance on the next steps. Appeals and Complaints: Near East University provides a fair process for appeals and complaints concerning admissions decisions. Applicants may request reconsideration within 10 working days after being notified of the decision where they believe there has been a procedural error in the admissions process, incorrect application of assessment criteria, discrimination or unfairness. Applications are reviewed by an authorised person or unit that was not involved in the initial assessment, and the outcome, together with the reasons for it, is communicated to the applicant in writing. In such cases, applicants must submit their appeals to the Rectorate by email at [email protected]. 6. Monitoring and Review This policy is reviewed periodically and updated as necessary.
Student Admissions Policy
Near East University