Empowering Women in STEM: Strengthening Diversity and Participation at Near East University

The global pursuit of gender equality in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) continues to be a cornerstone of academic progress. At Near East University, efforts to promote women’s participation in STEM remain a priority through dedicated mentorship, inclusive academic environments, and research-oriented opportunities.

In 2024, 11.40% of all female graduates earned their degrees in STEM disciplines. Among these, 9.39% completed bachelor’s degrees, 1.59% obtained master’s degrees, and 0.42% received doctoral degrees, showing a slight variation from the previous year but reflecting sustained engagement of women in science and technology fields.

Field Distribution of 2024 STEM Graduates

The field-specific distribution reveals that Veterinary Science remains the most represented discipline, comprising 33% of all STEM graduates. It is followed by Biochemistry, Genetics, and Molecular Biology (16%), Computer Science (15%), and Biomedical Engineering (10%), illustrating strong participation in both life sciences and digital innovation fields.

Meanwhile, disciplines such as Mathematics and Statistics (7%), Civil Engineering (4%), and Food Engineering (3%) demonstrate balanced diversity across applied and theoretical sciences. The representation of Environmental Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Industrial Engineering—though smaller in proportion—signals the broadening academic engagement of students in interdisciplinary and sustainability-driven domains.

Promoting Sustainable Growth in STEM

Near East University continues to support women in STEM through targeted mentorship programs, scholarship opportunities, and faculty-led research projects. These initiatives aim to create equitable pathways for women to contribute to the scientific and technological advancement of society, aligning with the university’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Promoting Female Excellence in STEM: Near East University's Proactive Initiatives and Mentorship Programs Support Female Graduates

The global issue of women’s underrepresentation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) remains a key area of focus. Near East University is actively addressing these challenges with initiatives designed to support and encourage female students in pursuing STEM careers. In 2023, 12.63% of female graduates from Near East University earned degrees in STEM fields, reflecting a gradual increase from the previous year.

Among these STEM graduates, 6.82% received bachelor’s degrees, 4.43% earned master’s degrees, and 1.37% completed PhDs. This progress underscores the positive impact of the university’s mentorship programs, which provide female students with guidance and support throughout their studies. The university’s promotion offices and student affairs divisions continue to engage experienced mentors to support women entering these fields, building an encouraging environment for female students in STEM.

Field Distribution of 2023 STEM Graduates

In the recent distribution of STEM graduates, Veterinary Science stands out as the most represented field, accounting for approximately 20.7% of the total graduates. This is closely followed by Biochemistry, Genetics, and Molecular Biology, which makes up around 17.9%, and Computer Science at 16.2%, highlighting a strong focus on life sciences and digital technology fields among students.

On the other hand, other disciplines such as Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Science have moderate representation, with 8.9% and 5.0% of graduates, respectively. Some fields with more specialized applications, such as Mechanical Engineering and Chemistry, see a lower proportion, each contributing less than 3% of the total graduates.

This distribution underscores the university's wide-ranging influence in STEM education, with significant interest in fields that align with current global challenges in health, technology, and environmental sustainability.

An additional 5% scholarship is provided to female students who apply to STEM fields where the graduation rate is below %10.

Fostering Female Excellence in STEM: Near East University Proactive Initiatives and Mentorship Programs

Concerns about women underrepresentation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professions are of worldwide importance. Near East University addresses these challenges with special priority, and various initiatives are being implemented to assist. In 2022, 13% of the female graduates from Near EastUniversity obtained degrees in STEM fields, reflecting a gradual increase from previous years; however, the current percentage remains relatively low.

The increased female graduation rates in STEM subjects in recent years suggests that the university efforts are beginning to bear fruit. This accomplishment is particularly aided by mentorship initiatives geared at female candidates entering the university. The university promotion offices and student affairs divisions host experienced mentors as part of these activities.

The lower representation of female students in fields like computer science - mathematics, statistics, agriculture and forestry emphasizes the necessity for actively promoting and supporting women in these fields.