Version: 4 Creation date: 1988 Last review date: 27 December 2025 1. Purpose Near East University recognises lifelong learning as a fundamental educational approach that supports the personal, social, and professional development of individuals and contributes to societal development. The University aims to develop accessible, inclusive, high-quality learning opportunities that respond to identified needs for students, graduates, employees, professionals, and different segments of society, and to share its knowledge and expertise with the wider community. 2. Scope The scope of the Lifelong Learning Policy includes the provision of short programmes, courses, and reskilling/upskilling activities to support learning at all stages of life and in different contexts; the recognition and crediting of prior learning; guidance, counselling, career and psychosocial support services; scholarship and fee arrangements based on accessibility, inclusivity, and equal opportunity; programme development based on cooperation among public institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations and local governments and labour-market/local needs analysis; quality assurance (instructor qualifications, assessment and evaluation, accreditation), data monitoring and impact assessment; the use of digital learning technologies, open educational resources, and learning analytics; certification and recognition in alignment with national and international frameworks; and continuous improvement cycles. 3. Principles 4. Needs Analysis-Based Programme Development In developing lifelong learning programmes, societal needs, labour-market developments, professional and technological changes, stakeholder demands and participant feedback are taken into account. Where deemed necessary, the University may conduct needs analyses and programme development activities in cooperation with public institutions, the private sector, professional organizations, civil society organizations, and local authorities. 5. Supporting Accessibility and Participation The University aims to enhance the physical, digital, and economic accessibility of lifelong learning activities. Depending on the nature of the programme, accessible learning materials, appropriate physical and digital arrangements, flexible learning models, and other measures to support participation may be implemented. 6. Fees, Scholarships and Support Mechanisms The principles of transparency and accessibility are observed in setting fees for lifelong learning activities. Within the framework of the nature of the programme and available resources, the University may develop scholarships, discounts, free participation, or other support mechanisms for students, graduates, employees, or economically disadvantaged participants. Eligibility criteria and conditions for these support mechanisms are clearly stated in programme announcements. 7. Quality Assurance Lifelong learning programmes are planned, implemented, and evaluated in line with the University's quality assurance approach. Programme objectives and learning outcomes are clearly defined; instructors are expected to possess appropriate qualifications; and assessment and evaluation methods suitable to the nature of the programme are used. Participant feedback and programme results are evaluated for continuous improvement. 8. Certification Depending on the nature of lifelong learning activities, certificates of participation, certificates of achievement, or other documents permitted by the relevant legislation and academic regulations may be issued. Certification requirements, learning outcomes, and assessment methods are explained to participants before the programme begins. Relevant national and international qualifications frameworks are taken into account in certification processes. 9. Digital and Hybrid Learning The University may use online and hybrid learning methods in suitable programmes in order to broaden access to lifelong learning. The accessibility and security of digital learning environments, the quality of learning, and the protection of personal data are taken into account. The development and use of open educational resources are encouraged. 10. Institutional and Community Partnerships The University may develop partnerships with public institutions, private sector organisations, civil society organisations, local authorities, professional organisations, and suitable national or international partners in order to develop and expand lifelong learning activities. Partnerships are conducted with due regard to the academic quality, accessibility, and social benefit of programmes. 11. Participant Feedback and Continuous Improvement Mechanisms are established through which individuals participating in lifelong learning activities can provide feedback on programme content, teaching, accessibility, and the overall participant experience. Feedback is used in reviewing and improving programmes. 12. Data Monitoring and Impact Assessment The University may identify appropriate indicators to evaluate the implementation of the Lifelong Learning Policy. The number and profile of participants, programme completion rates, participant satisfaction, accessibility, the diversity of programmes offered, stakeholder partnerships, and, where appropriate, the professional or social impacts of programmes may be monitored using anonymized and aggregated data. The findings are used to improve programmes. 13. Monitoring and Review This policy is reviewed at regular intervals and updated as necessary.
Near East University Lifelong Learning Access Policy