What is MEDEK?
MEDEK stands for: Vocational Education Evaluation and Accreditation Association.
MEDEK is a non-governmental organization that works to contribute to improving the quality of associate degree education in Turkey by conducting accreditation, evaluation, and informational activities for vocational (associate degree) education programs in various disciplines.
What is the Purpose of MEDEK?
MEDEK's purpose is to pioneer the training of professional personnel who are knowledgeable about professional developments, able to respond to changing workforce needs, possess high professional skills and competencies, are innovative and socially responsible, can take initiative, and possess the qualifications sought by the relevant sector.
MEDEK's History
MEDEK's first steps were taken to improve the qualifications of vocational schools and their graduates, with the encouragement and support of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), to contribute to a qualified workforce within the framework of Türkiye's strategic development plans. With this motivation and the support of our universities, the Vocational Education Evaluation and Accreditation Association (MEDEK) was established in 2021.
MEDEK received accreditation authority for 83 vocational school programs from the Higher Education Quality Board (YÖKAK) in 2023 to assess the compliance of vocational school programs with established standards, quality criteria, and performance benchmarks.
What is MEDEK Accreditation?
It is an international education equivalence/equivalence certificate awarded by MEDEK based on the criteria established by MEDEK, which are met by associate degree programs applying for accreditation.
MEDEK Accreditation Criteria
Departments applying for MEDEK accreditation are evaluated based on nine different criteria. These are as follows:
Criterion 1. Students
Criteria 2. Program Educational Objectives
Criteria 3. Program Outcomes
Criteria 4. Continuous Improvement
Criteria 5. Educational Plan
Criteria 6. Teaching Staff
Criteria 7. Infrastructure
Criteria 8. Structure of Management and Administrative Units
Criteria 9. Program-Specific Criteria
Technical Programs
Social Programs
Health Programs
Discipline-Specific Criteria for Welding Technology Programs and Similar-Named Associate Degree Programs
1. Identifies weldable materials.
2. Performs appropriate welding methods.
3. Explains and analyzes inspection methods for welded joints.
4. Can read and prepare welded construction projects.
MEDEK Accreditation Validity Period
The MEDEK accreditation application and finalization process takes an average of 1.5 years for the initial general evaluation. Following this process, applicant programs receive:
Accreditation for five years if they meet all relevant criteria;
Accreditation for two years if WEAKNESSES are detected in any relevant criteria.
If a DEFICIENCY in any relevant criteria is detected, the applicant associate degree program will not receive accreditation, and MEDEK will not refund the fee paid to the department.