Washington, December 18, 2025 - The World Bank has approved a EUR 350 million (US$411 million equivalent) loan to the Republic of Türkiye for the Türkiye: Education for Job Market Readiness Project, aimed at equipping students and teachers with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.
Türkiye has made remarkable progress in job creation and economic development over the past two decades, generating over 12 million jobs and significantly improving labor market outcomes for women. However, persistent challenges remain, including skills mismatches, youth disengagement, and the need for greater alignment between education and labor market demands-especially as digitalization and green transformation accelerate.
"This project marks a significant step forward in aligning Türkiye's education system with the demands of the modern job market," said Humberto Lopez, World Bank Country Director for Türkiye. "By investing in skills, innovation, and inclusion, we are helping to ensure that young people across the country are prepared to seize new opportunities and contribute to sustainable economic growth."
The new project, to be implemented by the Ministry of National Education (MoNE), seeks to address these challenges by:
- Upgrading learning environments in 10,500 schools, benefiting 3.7 million students and 470,000 teachers with modern equipment, digital infrastructure, and inclusive spaces that simulate real-world work settings.
- Enhancing digital platforms for teaching and learning, including the nationwide rollout of an interactive, AI-enhanced Education Information Network (EBA) platform, supporting personalized learning and adaptive teaching.
- Strengthening vocational education through upgraded workshops, model labs, and industry-standard equipment in priority fields such as automotive, agriculture, ICT, and mechatronics.
- Building teacher competencies with tailored professional development, hands-on training, and private sector engagement to ensure teachers can deliver market-relevant skills.
- Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation by supporting 5,000 students and 100 EdTech start-ups through mentoring, training, and access to networks, with a focus on increasing female participation in technology and entrepreneurship.
- Raising public awareness about the value of vocational education and new skills for jobs, including targeted campaigns to encourage participation by women and students with special needs.
The project is expected to directly benefit 15% of schools, 40% of teachers, and 20% of students in Türkiye's public education system. It aligns with Türkiye's Twelfth National Development Plan and the World Bank's Country Partnership Framework, supporting inclusive services, jobs, and sustained high productivity growth.
The project is expected to deliver transformative results for the country's education sector and labor market. Through targeted investments, the project will increase students' proficiency in digital, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, preparing them for success in a rapidly changing economy. Vocational graduates will benefit from improved employment prospects, with more finding jobs in their field of study within nine months of graduation. The initiative will also expand opportunities for women and vulnerable groups, promoting greater inclusion in education and the workforce. Overall, these outcomes will contribute to a more competitive, inclusive, and future-ready Türkiye.
