According to the police, Gündüz is accused of forging official documents and encouraging others to do the same. He allegedly influenced school staff to issue fake associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees to 18 people. Some of these individuals used their fake diplomas to gain early promotions and salary increases, thus making illegal profits. The court highlighted the seriousness of the situation, emphasising the risk of Gündüz attempting to escape abroad.
The Impact on Higher Education in North Cyprus
In a separate article, Kibris Postasi writes that this fake diploma scandal has had a significant negative impact on the reputation of universities in North Cyprus. The number of students enrolling in these institutions has dropped notably. For example, in 2023, 13,728 students were placed in Northern Cyprus universities, but this year, that number fell to 12,180. Of the 12,401 spots available in bachelor’s programmes, only 8,108 were filled, leaving 45% of these programs with vacant seats.
Education expert Salih Sarpten pointed out that the scandal has seriously damaged the perceived quality of higher education in the region. Despite ongoing investigations, trials, and arrests related to the scandal, the university involved is still operating as if nothing is wrong, which only deepens the public perception that diplomas can be bought in North Cyprus.
Sarpten also mentioned that the high cost of living in North Cyprus, including expensive tuition fees, transportation, and accommodation, is discouraging students from choosing to study there. Moreover, the lack of a quality-focused higher education policy is another reason for the decline in student enrolment. Sarpten noted that good students, who come from strong academic backgrounds, are now avoiding North Cyprus universities in search of better educational opportunities elsewhere.
