Strengthening Academia-Industry Collaboration at Ibn Haldun University: 7+1 and 6+2 Models Discussed

The university aims not only to enhance students’ academic achievement but also to maximize their employability and sector-specific competencies after graduation. Within this scope, the experience-sharing session addressed collaborations with major stakeholders such as TRT, Anadolu Agency, Turkuaz Media, and RTÜK, along with the operational dynamics of these partnerships.
Four Days in the Field, One Day at the University: A New Era in Applied Education
One of the key highlights of the meeting was the structural design of the 7+1 model. Under this model, students in their final (8th) semester are placed in the field on a full-time basis, spending four days a week gaining hands-on experience in institutions, while dedicating one day to their graduation thesis at the university. The process is designed to minimize bureaucratic workload through internship log forms and to prioritize student development via a pass/fail evaluation system rather than traditional grading.
Strategic Partnerships at the Rectorate Level
The session also emphasized that, to ensure the sustainability of sector integration, all protocols are conducted at the Rectorate level. Technical and legal aspects, such as insurance exemptions for international students, were also shared with participants. It was noted that every step—from determining quotas to placement—was carefully managed to align students’ academic interests with the expertise of partner institutions.
“Bringing the Industry to Campus, Taking Students to the Field”
During the interactive part of the meeting, participants discussed the extent to which theoretical knowledge acquired at the university translates into real-world practice. In order to keep the curriculum up to date, several strategic actions were agreed upon:
Early Engagement: Increasing the involvement of industry professionals in courses, particularly in the 2nd and 3rd years rather than only in the final year.
Advisory Boards: Establishing advisory boards that meet at least once a year to reflect industry expectations in the curriculum.
Career Center and Student Clubs: Supporting students in discovering their interests early through industry meetings, technical visits, and faculty-supported student clubs organized by the Career Center.
By combining the principle of “intellectual independence” with strong practical competencies in the field, Ibn Haldun University remains committed to educating the professionals of the future.