Burcu Akpınar

Dr. Burcu Akpınar is currently serving as the Coordinator of the International Cooperation Office at METU, while also teaching part-time at TED University.

Dr. Akpınar received her Bachelor’s degree from Middle East Technical University (METU/ODTÜ), Department of International Relations in 2012, with also a minor degree from the Department of Political Science and Public Administration. She holds two Master ‘s degrees from METU Program of European Studies and Yıldiz Technical University Program of International Relations and Public Administration. She received her PhD degree from the METU Program of Political Science and Public Administration in January 2025. 

With more than 10 years of professional experience at the METU International Cooperations Office, Dr. Akpınar has been extensively involved in international programs. Her expertise encompasses the Erasmus+ KA131/171, Mevlana, and other mobility initiatives, where she has overseen all stages of program administration, from initial applications to final reporting. Her academic research focuses on the EU, particularly its higher education programs and their impact on member and non-member states. Her Master’s thesis, titled “The Impact of EU-Funded Student Exchange Programs on the EU Information Deficit,” reflects her interest in the EU's educational initiatives. Her doctoral dissertation explores the implementation of EU higher education programs—primarily Erasmus+—in selected three non-EU countries namely Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, and China, with a focus on the perceptions of International Office Professionals. Akpınar has actively participated in numerous conferences, meetings organized by the Turkish National Agency, and internationalization events such as the EAIE, contributing to the discourse on internationalization of higher education.