KADIR HAS UNIVERSITY GENDER STATISTICS

At Kadir Has University, we are dedicated to fostering gender equality across all academic levels, and our continuous progress in supporting female graduate students reflects this commitment. Over the past five academic years, we have made significant strides in increasing female representation in graduate programs.

 

From 2016 to the present, Kadir Has University has shown a significant increase in the number of female graduates, reflecting our commitment to gender balance and inclusivity in higher education. In 2016, the university saw nearly equal numbers of female and male graduates, with 306 female and 305 male graduates. This close balance began to shift positively in favor of female representation in the following years.

By 2017, the number of female graduates had risen to 404 compared to 337 male graduates, marking the start of a steady upward trend. This increase continued into 2018, where female graduates numbered 464, significantly outpacing the 380 male graduates. This upward trajectory underscores our dedication to fostering an academic environment where female students are encouraged to excel.

In 2019, female graduate students made up 52.87% of the graduate population, with 387 female students compared to 345 male students. This year marked the beginning of a new trend, where women consistently represented over half of the graduate student body. Despite fluctuations in numbers, female graduates continued to outnumber their male counterparts, with 452 female graduates in 2020 and 416 in 2021, showing a steady and resilient representation.

By 2022, although there was a slight decline in absolute numbers, female graduates still held a majority at 399 compared to 286 male graduates. This sustained majority of female graduates reflects the university’s ongoing efforts to support and empower women in academia.

The trend reaches a peak in the 2023-2024 academic year, where 500 female graduate students now represent 58.34% of the graduate population. This growth highlights Kadir Has University's strategic initiatives to create an inclusive academic environment where women are encouraged to pursue advanced studies and are prepared for leadership roles in their respective fields. Our consistent upward trend in female graduates over the years is a testament to our university’s dedication to gender equality, fostering a culture where women are equally represented, supported, and inspired to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Our initiatives include targeted support programs, scholarships, mentoring, and policies aimed at ensuring equal access and opportunities for women in academia. These efforts contribute directly to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) by promoting the success and advancement of women in higher education.

 

Through our ongoing commitment, we continue to bridge the gender gap and build a more inclusive academic community, ensuring that female students have the support and resources they need to thrive and excel in their academic and professional journeys.

 

You can find below the gender statistics of our graduates / alumni.

 

Year	Female Students	Male Students
2016	306	305
2017	404	337
2018	464	380
2019	387	345
2020	452	355
2021	416	358
2022	399	286
2023	500	357

 

Number of Graduates / Alumnis by Gender (Including Double Major Students) Annual Faculty Comparisions - 2023
Faculty	Female Students	Male Students
Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences	143	110
Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences	111	134
Faculty of Law	86	53
Faculty of Communication	75	40
Faculty of Art and Design	85	20

In the 2017/18 academic year, 51% of students at KHAS were female, compared to 45% across all universities in Turkey. This trend of higher female representation at KHAS continues in subsequent years. By 2018/19, the female student rate at KHAS remained steady at 51%, while it was slightly lower at 46% for all Turkish universities.

 

The gap continued to widen in 2019/20, with female students comprising 53% of the student body at KHAS compared to 47% at other universities. In 2020/21, the percentage of female students at KHAS increased to 55%, whereas it was 48% across Turkey.

 

In 2021/22, KHAS had 56% female students, while the national average was 49%. By the 2022/23 academic year, female representation at KHAS further increased to 58%, in contrast to the national average, which remained at 49%.

 

These figures indicate a consistent trend at Kadir Has University, where the proportion of female students has been notably higher than the national average over the years, highlighting KHAS's commitment to gender balance and support for female students in higher education.

 

Undergraduate Scholars Supported Within a Project

Kadir Has University is deeply committed to fostering gender equality and promoting the participation of women in research and development (R&D). Through externally funded Research and R&D projects, the university provides essential financial support to undergraduate students, offering full living stipends for a minimum of six months. These projects, funded by sources outside the university, enable students to immerse themselves in hands-on research experiences that are critical for their academic and professional growth.

Currently, 26 undergraduate students benefit from this support, with a notable gender distribution: 16 female students (62%) and 12 male students (38%), which demonstrates our proactive approach to creating an inclusive environment that encourages women.

The undergraduate students supported our externally funded research projects come from a wide range of disciplines, reflecting our interdisciplinary approach to education and research. These students are pursuing degrees in fields such as Computer Engineering, Psychology, Law, International Trade and Finance, Economics, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Design, and Visual Communication Design.

Additionally, students from the Faculty of Communication, studying Radio, Television, and Cinema, as well as those in Management Information Systems and Political Science and International Relations, are also benefiting from these opportunities. The diversity of departments involved, from Architecture to Core Programs, highlights the broad spectrum of academic interests that Kadir Has University supports, enabling students across disciplines to engage in meaningful research experiences.

By offering this level of support across such a variety of fields, we ensure that students from STEM, social sciences, arts, and design all have the chance to contribute to innovative projects, promoting a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving and academic development. This diversity further underscores our commitment to preparing well-rounded graduates equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for future leadership in their respective fields.

In 2023, Kadir Has University sent 88 students on Erasmus exchange programs, with women making up 67% (59 students) and men 33% (29 students). This strong female majority highlights the university’s commitment to promoting gender diversity in international academic mobility.

 

Women outnumbered men in several fields, including traditionally male-dominated areas like Industrial Engineering (83% female), Industrial Design (100% female), and Interior Architecture (71% female). In more creative disciplines, such as Theater and Visual Communication Design, women also led with 100% and 80% representation, respectively.

 

This gender balance reflects the university’s dedication to providing equal opportunities for female students across a range of academic disciplines, reinforcing the importance of gender equity in higher education and global exchange programs. Encouraging women to engage in these experiences helps to challenge traditional barriers and foster inclusive academic environments on an international scale.

 

Academic Department	Female	Male
Postgraduate	10	3
Business	4	2
International Trade and Finance	1	2
Economy	1	2
Political Science and International Relations	1	1
Psychology	1
Management Information Systems	6	3
New Media	3	2
Visual Communication Design	4
Public Relations and Publicity	2
Radio, Television and Cinema		1
Advertising	3
Computer Engineering		4
Electrical and Electronics Engineering		3
Industrial Engineering	5	1
Civil Engineering		1
Mechatronics Engineering		2
Industrial Design	7
Interior Architecture and Environmental Design	5	2
Architecture	1
Theater	5
TOTAL	59	29

 

Distribution of Scholars by Gender: The White Doves Scholarship Program aims to contribute to societal development by offering equal educational opportunities. As of 2024, 76% of the scholars are women (19) and 24% are men (6). This gender distribution reflects the program's commitment to gender equality and supports the stronger participation of women in society through education.

 

Regional Distribution: The program targets successful students from all 81 provinces of Turkey. Scholars from outside Istanbul come from regions including Ankara, Eskişehir, Konya, Denizli, Adana, Tekirdağ, Aydın, Bursa, Bartın, Sinop, Samsun, Tokat, Sivas, Kayseri, Iğdır, and Manisa. This regional diversity is a significant indicator of the program’s mission to create interdisciplinary value and expand access to equal educational opportunities. By increasing the spread of educational equity, the program enhances its social impact.

 

As part of Kadir Has University’s Women’s Access Scheme, the KHAS Mentor-Mentee Program offers female students the opportunity to benefit from the experiences of successful female alumni who are established professionals. Coordinated by the Career Office, this mentorship program pairs accomplished female graduates with current female KHAS students, aligning them by academic year to ensure relevance and relatability.

Through this program, mentors answer mentees' questions about their fields of study, provide insights into industry practices, and inspire them with advice on navigating professional life. Female mentors share personal experiences, offering guidance on balancing student responsibilities with career goals and providing a roadmap for entering the workforce. Before the program begins, online training sessions are conducted by the Career Office for both mentors and mentees, ensuring all participants are well-prepared for a productive mentoring experience.

In 2023, 27 female mentors and 44 female mentees participated in the program, resulting in support and guidance for a total of 68 young women —representing over 10% more than the total number of mentees, highlighting a strong emphasis on supporting young women through mentorship. This mentorship initiative is a cornerstone of the Women’s Access Scheme at Kadir Has University, empowering young women with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in their careers.

In 2017/18, the rate of female academic staff at KHAS was 61%, significantly higher than the national average of 42% across all universities in Turkey. In the following years, this trend of higher female representation at KHAS continued consistently. By 2018/19, KHAS maintained a female academic staff rate of 59%, compared to 42% nationally.

 

In 2019/20, the rate at KHAS was 58%, while the national rate was slightly higher at 43%. This gap remained stable in 2020/21, with KHAS at 57% and the national rate at 43%. In 2021/22, KHAS's rate was 56%, still notably above the national average, which held steady at 43%.

 

For the 2022/23 academic year, the female academic staff rate at KHAS rose to 59%, while the national average increased slightly to 44%. 

 

Over the past three years, the university has consistently maintained a strong focus on gender diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where women play a significant role in leadership and decision-making.

 

• In 2021, 54% of the administrative staff were female (109 females, 93 males) out of a total of 202 employees.
• In 2022, 52% of the staff were female (109 females, 100 males) out of 209 employees.
• In 2023, 53% of the staff were female (114 females, 102 males) out of 216 employees.

 

This commitment to gender balance extends beyond representation to professional development and capacity-building programs. The Human Resources Directorate ensures equal access to staff training opportunities, with women comprising 58% of total participants in various training programs in the past year. The following data highlights participation in key training sessions:

 

Overall, out of 148 total training participants, 86 were women, reinforcing the university's dedication to equipping its female administrative staff with the necessary skills and knowledge for career advancement.

 

These efforts demonstrate Kadir Has University's holistic approach to promoting gender equity not only in employment but also in professional development, empowering both women and men through training and leadership opportunities. This aligns with the university’s broader mission of inclusivity and diversity, ensuring equitable access to growth and leadership opportunities for all administrative staff members.

 

 

Kadir Has University is deeply committed to gender equality not only among its students but also within its staff. In 2023, the university supported 15 staff members—8 academic and 7 administrative—through the Erasmus program, sending them abroad for professional development and collaboration. Of these, 10 were women, representing 67%, while 5 were men.

This strong female representation across both academic and administrative roles underscores the university’s ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity and gender balance within the workplace. By empowering women to engage in international opportunities, Kadir Has University ensures that its commitment to diversity extends beyond the classroom, creating a more equitable environment for leadership and innovation. The university’s dedication to providing these opportunities reflects a broader mission to cultivate inclusive global networks where women’s voices are equally heard and valued.