Santa Farma İlaç and Kocaeli University Achieve a First for the Turkish Pharmaceutical Industry

Under the cooperation agreement between Santa Farma İlaç and Kocaeli University, the "Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology Associate Degree Program," which has the distinction of being the first of its kind in Turkey, was opened with the approval of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). The program, which aims to provide the sector with qualified "Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technicians," will train the specialized human resources that the pharmaceutical industry needs through its structure combining theoretical education with applications in the production field.

Santa Farma İlaç, a leading company in Turkey's pharmaceutical sector with a rooted history spanning over 80 years, has implemented a strategic project that will serve as an example of university-industry cooperation. The "Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology Associate Degree Program," established within Kocaeli University's Kocaeli Vocational School with Santa Farma's academic and sectoral support, was approved by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and formally included in the education system.

The program, which has the distinction of being the first associate degree program specifically designed for pharmaceutical production in Turkey, aims to contribute to the sustainable growth of the pharmaceutical industry by training qualified technical personnel that the sector requires.

Academy and sector jointly created the curriculum
The program preparation process began with a comprehensive workshop held on 25 November 2025 with the participation of representatives from Kocaeli University's Kocaeli Vocational School, GEBKİM Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, and Santa Farma's production, research and development, and quality teams.

During the workshop, a four-semester course program and learning outcomes were created in line with the sector's current needs. The prepared curriculum was submitted to YÖK on 25 December 2025 and gained official status upon approval on 14 May 2026.

Specialized training dedicated to the pharmaceutical sector
The program was designed to focus entirely on pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, unlike the existing Chemistry Technology curriculum.

The curriculum includes:

-GMP and GLP practices,
-Clean room disciplines,
-Validation procedures,
-Quality systems,
-Pharmaceutical manufacturing technologies,
-Manufacturing practices in compliance with regulations

and other technical knowledge and applications required by the pharmaceutical industry will be emphasized.

On-the-Job Training model providing sector experience before graduation
One of the most important features of the program will be the On-the-Job Training (OJT) model.

Within this scope, students will:

-Receive two days per week of theoretical education at the university in the second year,
-Complete three days per week of applied training in real production and laboratory environments at pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities under protocol.

Through this model, students will have the opportunity to experience manufacturing processes before graduation and will be prepared for work life without needing the lengthy orientation periods frequently encountered in the sector.

If needed within the scope of the program, experienced professionals from Santa Farma will contribute to the education process as "Guest Instructors." Additionally, "Trainer of Trainers" programs will be organized for the academic staff.

Graduates of the program will obtain the title of "Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician" and will also have the opportunity to pursue a double major (ÇAP) with the Chemistry Technology Program.

"Will contribute to Turkey's pharmaceutical localization goals"
Santa Farma İlaç Human Resources Director Sema Yetkiner made the following remarks regarding the project:

"Drawing strength from our rooted history spanning over 80 years, we continue our efforts in line with our vision of being a reference company that brings local needs in global markets together with global standards. The pharmaceutical sector requires highly qualified human resources due to high quality standards, strict regulations, and a zero-error manufacturing culture. This program, which we have implemented together with Kocaeli University, will make an important contribution to the development of technical human resources with practical experience in compliance with national and international standards. We believe that the new generation of pharmaceutical manufacturing technicians, trained with a 'Zero Defect' culture, will provide strategic contributions to our country's pharmaceutical localization, operational excellence, and value-added export targets."

"Students will be trained within production"
Santa Farma Factory Director Vedat Özbek made the following assessment:

"Our advanced technology manufacturing facility located in the GEBKİM Organized Industrial Zone, which holds EU/EAEU/ANVISA-GMP certificates, will be an important practical area for students. Pharmaceutical manufacturing is a special process requiring high discipline, hygiene, and quality. Through the On-the-Job Training model, students will graduate by reinforcing their theoretical knowledge in a real production environment. Thus, from the very first day they begin their career, they will be able to contribute to production without needing lengthy adaptation periods. As Santa Farma, we are delighted to contribute to the training of future pharmaceutical professionals."