Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) achieved a remarkable success both in Türkiye and at the international level with its rankings in the Learn-A-Thon phase of the Cisco Networking Academy Cup 2026. 

Bringing together students from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, the Cisco Networking Academy Cup 2026 stands out as a prestigious competition aimed at enhancing students’ technical knowledge and skills in fields such as networking technologies, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity. During the Learn-A-Thon phase, which constitutes the first stage of the competition, participants completed comprehensive training programs offered through the Cisco Networking Academy platform, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies.

BEUN Success in National and Global Rankings

Students from the BEUN Department of Computer Engineering drew attention with their outstanding performance throughout this intensive learning marathon. Ranking 4th among 23 academies across Türkiye, BEUN secured 1st place among Cisco Networking Academies affiliated with universities in Türkiye. Additionally, BEUN achieved a notable global ranking of 44th among 501 academies worldwide.

Dr. Murat Varol, Research Assistant at the Department of Computer Engineering and the Cisco Networking Academy representative at BEUN, who managed and coordinated the process, stated that the support of the university administration and strong teamwork played a crucial role in this achievement. He expressed his gratitude to the university administration, especially the Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, as well as to the students who contributed to the process.

The achievement of BEUN students is not merely a numerical success; it is also a concrete reflection of disciplined work, technical competence, and academic development.

Rector Özölçer: “This Success Is the Result of Our Students’ Discipline and Dedication”

In his statement regarding the international achievement, the Rector of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, said:

“International platforms such as the Cisco Networking Academy provide extremely valuable opportunities for our students to develop their technical knowledge and skills. The dedication and disciplined work demonstrated by our students throughout this process have been the most important factors behind this achievement.

As a university, we strive to ensure that our students benefit from such high-quality learning environments at the highest level and provide them with opportunities to integrate their theoretical knowledge with practical application. I believe that this international ranking is a strong reflection of both our students’ individual development and our university’s academic vision.

I would like to congratulate all our students who contributed to this success and our academics who meticulously managed the process, and to emphasize that, as the university administration, we will always stand by them.”