EMU begins new academic year for its 60+ lifelong learning programme

Eastern Mediterranean University has begun the 2026–2027 academic year of its 60+ Advanced Age Development and Renewal University programme, with the first lesson held on 9 October in Famagusta, according to a report by Yeniduzen.

The opening session was delivered by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç. It focused on the idea that learning continues throughout life, including how people can combine their experience with new information and assess whether information is reliable.

Programme coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zehra Güçhan Topcu said registrations had brought participation to 115 students for the new academic year. She said about 70 people had attended during the previous year, with 60 renewing their registrations this year.

According to Topcu, the four-year programme is designed to support development in areas including health, the arts, technology and personal development. The new academic year is scheduled to include 13 courses covering subjects such as foreign languages, self-care, dance, communication, clinical Pilates, music, painting, basic health, nature, digital literacy and sport.

A Gezi Club is planned for the current period, while theatre and English clubs are intended to be introduced at a later stage, Topcu said.

The programme provides older adults with a structured setting for continued learning and activities across health, creative and social subjects.