Another important step has been taken towards training the operating personnel of Akkuyu NPP, Türkiye’s first nuclear power plant. Within the scope of the personnel training program conducted by Akkuyu Nuclear Inc., entrance tests for candidates to be accepted to graduate programs at universities in Russia have been successfully completed. The interviews, which were held online, were conducted by experienced faculty members from leading Russian universities included in the program.
70 Quotas for Nuclear Experts
Akkuyu Nuclear Inc. continues its commitments to the training of Turkish experts in line with the Intergovernmental Agreement signed between Turkey and Russia. In the 2025-2026 academic year, a total of 70 quotas have been allocated for the master's program for Turkish students who will specialize in nuclear energy and related engineering fields. Citizens of the Republic of Turkey who have graduated with a bachelor's degree from reputable science, technology and energy universities in Türkiye will be accepted to this program.
New Universities Included in the Education Program
The number of Russian universities participating in the personnel training program for 2025 has been expanded in line with the new and increasing needs in the sector. In previous years, the training was carried out by the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (NRNU MEPhI) and the National Research University MPEI (NRU MPEI), and this year, the National Research University Bauman Moscow State Technical University (BMSTU) and Kazan State Power Engineering University (KSEU) have also joined the program. All universities participating in this program, which was implemented with the aim of training qualified personnel for Türkiye's first nuclear power plant, are ranked high in the rankings of research universities in Russia.
Admissions Committees in the Evaluation Process
The candidate acceptance process for the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant’s operating personnel training program has been completed for the 15th time this year. The admission committees are currently meticulously evaluating the results of the entrance exams. In the near future, 70 students who will be eligible to participate in the program in the new academic year will be determined. The students who will take part in the program will receive comprehensive training in technical specializations such as ‘Nuclear Physics and Technologies’, ‘Heat Energy and Thermal Engineering’, ‘Electrical Energy and Electrical Engineering’ and ‘Cooling, Cryogenic Technique and Life Support Systems’, which are critical to the operation of the Akkuyu NPP.
Applied Education and Training of Qualified Engineers
In his statement on the subject, Sergei Butckikh, General Manager of Akkuyu Nuclear Inc., emphasized the importance of the program and said, “High-quality education provided at universities specialized in the relevant sectors and practical internships at operating nuclear power plants allow us to train highly qualified engineers who will ensure the reliable operation of nuclear power plants. Through the training program, Rosatom transfers unique competencies in the operation of modern Russian-designed nuclear power plants to Türkiye.”
Comprehensive Support for Students
Butckikh, who stated that personnel training programs for Akkuyu NPP have been successfully ongoing since 2011, reminded that all of the education costs of Türkiye’s future nuclear engineers are covered by Akkuyu Nuclear Inc. Akkuyu Nuclear Inc. provides scholarships to all students who successfully pass the selection stage and are accepted to Russian universities, as well as visa support, health insurance, round-trip flight tickets and airport transfer services on the Istanbul-Moscow-Istanbul and Ankara-Moscow-Ankara routes each year. Graduates who successfully complete their education at universities in Russia will be employed by Akkuyu Nuclear Inc. and will make significant contributions to Türkiye’s nuclear energy future. This comprehensive education program continues to play a critical role in Türkiye’s goal of energy independence.
