21/10/2026
The 2026 Commencement Ceremony for Sabancı University’s Professional Graduate Programs was held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, on the Sabancı University Tuzla Campus. The ceremony, which saw 230 students graduate, was attended by Sabancı University President Prof. Dr. Yusuf Leblebici as well as the graduates' families.
Addressing the attendees, Prof. Dr. Leblebici congratulated this year’s graduates of the Sabancı University Professional Graduate Programs, which train professionals in the fields of “Natural Sciences” and “Management Sciences.” In his speech, Leblebici stated the following: “At Sabancı University, we are delighted to see that we are further strengthening our standing both nationally and globally, raising the bar higher with each passing year. Our goal is not merely to be the best in Türkiye, but to secure the position we deserve as a true research university, recognized and respected worldwide. We are seeing the positive outcomes of our efforts reflected in international rankings. According to the results announced by Times Higher Education, we have become one of only three universities from Türkiye to rank among the top 400 globally. Furthermore, in the QS rankings, we have climbed 159 places over the last two years, making us one of the fastest-rising universities in the world. Empowered by our interdisciplinary approach to education, we prepare our students for the professional world in the best possible way.”
“We will continue to create and develop together.”
Prof. Dr. Leblebici noted that Sabancı University contributes directly to the development of talent in rapidly evolving fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics, equipping individuals with the skills required across all sectors and poised to shape the future of the business world. Pointing out that they received over 5,000 applications for their graduate programs, including professional graduate programs, for the year 2026, Prof. Dr. Leblebici highlighted, “The fact that our acceptance rate is below 10 percent demonstrates how selective we are regarding quality. We take great pride in the fact that 97 percent of our graduates begin their professional careers in their chosen sectors immediately upon receiving their diplomas, and that more than 32 percent are currently pursuing successful careers abroad at some of the world’s leading companies and organizations. We firmly believe that our university will continue to maintain its strong position. Staying true to our motto, we will continue to create and develop together.”
Ayşegül Gürkale, a graduate of the Sabancı University Executive MBA program, addresses the graduates
The guest of honor at the ceremony was Ayşegül Gürkale, a graduate of the Sabancı University Executive MBA program and the Vice President of People and Culture at Enerjisa Üretim. Addressing the graduates, Gürkale said: “You became students once again at one of the most distinguished universities in Türkiye and the world. You received education from highly esteemed faculty members who have taught at various universities across the globe. This is a privilege. Your graduation is a testament to what can be achieved through hard work and discipline. I have two important pieces of advice for you: First, surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth, even when it is painful to hear, rather than just what you want to hear. Second, build strong teams composed of reliable and talented individuals. I believe that you will continue your journey with the same perseverance and determination that brought you here, and that you will keep developing yourselves. I wish you not only a successful career but also a good life.”
Candidates are offered a strong career foundation through an interdisciplinary approach
Designed to provide the industry with a qualified workforce, the Professional Graduate Programs aim to equip participants with a technical foundation, problem-solving capabilities, and competitive strength to meet rapidly evolving industrial requirements, ultimately supplying the sector with professionals who possess these essential skills. The programs are structured with industry expectations and emerging technologies in mind, featuring a curriculum that reinforces theoretical knowledge through practical application. Furthermore, these Professional Graduate Programs offer candidates a robust career foundation with an interdisciplinary approach.
Strengthening the Technical and Managerial Competencies of Professionals
Professional Graduate programs are designed to develop professionals across two key fields: "Natural Sciences" and "Management Sciences." Within the Graduate School of Natural Sciences, programs in Information Technologies, Cyber Security, and Data Analytics address rapidly evolving industrial requirements. Participants receive training that combines theoretical knowledge with industry-specific applications, strengthening their professional competencies, technical foundations, problem-solving capabilities, and readiness for competition in the global workforce.
The Graduate School of Business offers programs, including Action Research and Transformation, Finance, Business Analytics, Marketing, Executive MBA (EMBA), MBA, and Professional MBA (PMBA), aim at equipping aspiring and current business leaders with advanced professional competencies. As part of the EMBA program, study trips to Columbia Business School (CBS) in New York are organized, where students attend courses on Negotiation, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship taught by CBS faculty members.
