Mechatronics education in Turkey

In this study, the present situation of mechatronics education in Turkey and its development process are investigated. Although the term “mechatronics” was introduced into Turkish agenda in 1993, the developments in this field were very slow. It was not until late 1990s that mechatronics education in Turkey entered into expansion phase. Today in Turkey, although it is a little bit late, there is mechatronics education from high school level to graduate level. Limited number of students due to lack of technical personnel and infrastructure, theoretically dominated curricula, insufficient coordination among state, industry and university in mechatronics education can all be stated amongst the main obstacles of mechatronics education in Turkey. Nevertheless, the demand for skilled personnel in mechatronics field is increasing in Turkish Industry, which is entering into globalization process in recent years. Thus, it can be expected that a new perspective and acceleration will take place in Turkish vocational and technical education system with the advance of mechatronics education classes in all high school, vocational training schools, graduate and postgraduate schools levels.