Kastamonu University took another step toward strengthening academic collaborations on a global scale. Our university signed a protocol to launch an international joint thesis master's program in "Forest Engineering" with Mindanao State University in the Philippines.

The protocol was signed on May 13, 2025, on behalf of our University by our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal and on behalf of Mindanao State University (MSU) by MSU President Prof. Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno. The agreement was officially recognized by the Higher Education Council (YÖK) on May 25, 2025.

Joint Diploma, International Education Vision 
Within the scope of the protocol, many academic and administrative matters, such as the language of instruction, curriculum, student admission criteria, tuition fees, course contents, academic calendar, horizontal transfer, diploma issuance processes, and disciplinary regulations, are detailed and organized.

At the end of the program, students who succeed will be awarded a joint diploma approved by our University and Mindanao State University. Students' class schedules, exam calendars, and research plans will be jointly determined by both universities. Additionally, the academic framework was clarified by referencing criteria and institutions such as ALES, the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines. 

"Strong Contribution to Our Internationalization Vision" 
Evaluating the matter, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal stated that the protocol will contribute to our University's vision of internationalization and said the following: "Establishing qualified education and research collaborations on a global scale is among the strategic goals of our University." In this context, the joint master's program we initiated in the field of forest engineering with Mindanao State University in the Philippines is extremely valuable in terms of both academic and cultural interaction. 

Our rector also expressed gratitude to the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the YÖK members for their encouraging contributions to the support of scientific studies.