Global Skill Certificate Opportunity for Students Through BAU–Coursera Collaboration

Through its two-year collaboration with the global online learning platform Coursera, Bahçeşehir University (BAU) offers its students the opportunity to earn globally recognized skill certificates. It was emphasized that today's employers value practical skills and international certificates as much as diplomas.

Stating that young people open to learning and development are the most valuable resource, BAU President Prof. Dr. Esra Hatipoğlu said: “At Bahçeşehir University, our mission is to equip our students not only with academic knowledge but also with career skills that are valid on a global scale. Thanks to our partnership with Coursera, our students access world-class educational content and earn industry-recognized certificates that increase their employability. This collaboration reflects BAU's vision of making quality education accessible anytime and anywhere.”

Coursera Chief Content Officer Marni Baker Stein visited Bahçeşehir University and met with Vice Presidents Prof. Dr. Ahmet Beşkese and Prof. Dr. Tunç Bozbura, as well as faculty deans. Stein stated that micro-credentials in fields such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, project management and cybersecurity are gaining increasing value in the business world.

Stein said: “In a job market rapidly shaped by artificial intelligence and digital transformation, employers place great importance on practical skills alongside academic knowledge. According to our research, 99 percent of employers in Türkiye say that micro-credentials strengthen candidates' applications, while 95 percent say they are willing to offer higher starting salaries to graduates holding these certificates.”

Also emphasizing that enrollment in AI-based courses (GenAI) has increased by 100 percent, Stein said that 90 percent of students in Türkiye believe professional certificates will help them find jobs.