Vocational School
Unmanned Vehicle Technician
Applications open
Tuition and study format
Academic year: 2026/27
Intakes and application dates
- 2026/2027 Ön BaşvuruApplications openJanuary 1, 2026 — August 31, 2027
Programme information package
The programme's definition and learning outcomes, as the university publishes them in its official information package.
Programme definition
History
The Unmanned Vehicle Technician Program was established in 2025 and operates within Nişantaşı Vocational School. The program accepted its first students in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Qualification Awarded
Degree: Associate's Degree in Unmanned Vehicle Technician Title: Unmanned Vehicle Technician
Level of Qualification (Short Cycle , First Cycle , Second Cycle, Third Cycle)
Associate Degree (EQF-LLL Level 5)
Specific Admission Requirements
Turkish Citizens: Students are accepted into the program through central placement based on their TYT scores. Students placed in the program by ÖSYM must complete their financial obligations and register by the announced registration dates. Foreign Nationals: International students are accepted based on criteria determined by the University Senate. Please review the relevant website. Horizontal Transfer: A student who has started studying in an equivalent program, either domestically or abroad, may apply for horizontal transfer. A student's admission is reviewed and individually evaluated before the semester begins, taking into account each student's circumstances and the degree they are applying for. Please review the relevant regulations.
Specific Arrangements For Recognition Of Prior Learning (Formal, Non-Formal and Informal)
Students' prior learning and achievements may be recognized in accordance with the "Istanbul Nişantaşı University Directive on Recognition of Previously Acquired Qualifications, Course Equivalence, and Adaptation Principles," and exemptions from required courses may be granted accordingly.
Qualification Requirements and Regulations
Qualification Requirements and Rules are as explained in the “Graduation Requirements” section.
Profile of The Programme
Mission The mission of the Unmanned Vehicle Technician Program is to train innovative and solution-oriented technicians equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for the rapidly evolving field of unmanned systems technologies. The program aims to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the design, integration, maintenance, operation, and mission planning of unmanned aerial, land, sea, and underwater vehicles. In addition, our aim is to train graduates who can respond to sectoral needs, adhere to professional ethical values, are prone to teamwork, have analytical thinking, and continuously improve themselves by following technological innovations, thus ensuring that they take an active role in our country's strategic areas such as defense, industry, logistics, agriculture, energy, security, and research. Vision The Unmanned Vehicle Technician Program's vision is to be a leading vocational training program in the field of unmanned systems technologies, recognized nationally and internationally with its innovative educational approach. The program aims to train qualified technical workforce needed by the defense, aviation, maritime, agriculture, logistics, and energy sectors, contribute to research and development, and become a training center that produces reliable, sustainable, and creative solutions in unmanned vehicle technologies, through the practical knowledge and skills it provides to students.
Occupational Profiles of Graduates With Examples
1. Defense Industry and Security (Production, maintenance and integration of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems, Operations of unmanned land, sea and air vehicles for military and security purposes, Surveillance, reconnaissance and border security applications) 2. Civil Aviation and Logistics (Unintelligible aerial vehicles used in cargo and logistics transportation, aerial photography, mapping and imaging services, technicians in maintenance and control teams in civil aviation) 3. Maritime and Underwater Research (Maintenance and use of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) and unmanned marine vehicles, Port security, maritime traffic monitoring and search and rescue activities, Seabed research and environmental monitoring studies) 4. Agriculture and Forestry (UAVs used for agricultural spraying and planting, plant health monitoring, yield analysis and precision agriculture practices, forest fire detection and early response systems) 5. Energy and Infrastructure (Control and maintenance of power transmission lines, wind turbines and solar panels with unmanned vehicles, participation in the surveillance of oil and natural gas pipelines, maintenance and repair activities in dams, bridges and infrastructure facilities) 6. R&D and Technology Companies (Research and development units in private sector companies developing unmanned vehicle systems, engineering companies integrating software, electronics and mechatronics, start-up initiatives and new technology-focused business areas) 7. Public Institutions and Organizations (Disaster and Emergency Management (AFAD, municipalities), Police, Gendarmerie and Coast Guard units, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure projects)
Access to Further Studies
Program graduates can be placed in relevant four-year undergraduate programs through the Vertical Transfer Exam (DGS), administered annually by ÖSYM. You can find a list of relevant undergraduate programs available for vertical transfer in the ÖSYM DGS Guide.
Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading
Students who registered for the relevant course at the beginning of the semester must attend at least 70% of the theoretical courses and 80% of the practical courses to be eligible for the final exam. Students are given a midterm and final exam for each course. The midterm exam (scores from assessment tools such as homework, laboratory exams, quizzes, etc., may also be considered as midterm grades) contributes 40% of the final grade, and the final exam contributes 60%. For assessment and evaluation criteria for each course, please click on the course name in the Curriculum (below). You can review the relevant regulations and guidelines. Nişantaşı University Associate and Undergraduate Education and Examination Regulations
Graduation Requirements
To be eligible for graduation, students must successfully complete all courses in the curriculum (equivalent to a total of at least 120 ECTS credits) and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 out of 4.00. To graduate, students must also successfully complete an internship or graduation project (see Curriculum below). You can review the relevant regulations and guidelines. Nişantaşı University Associate and Undergraduate Education and Examination Regulations Nişantaşı University Directive on the Preparation of Diplomas, Diploma Supplements, and Other Documents
Mode of Study (Full-Time, Part-Time, E-Learning )
Tam Zamanlı
Address, Programme Director or Equivalent
Program Director: Lect. Ahmet ŞAHAN Email: ahmet.sahan@nisantasi.edu.tr Phone: +90(212)2101010 Address: Merkez Neighborhood, Eyüp Sultan Street, No: 11, Kağıthane, Istanbul
Facilities
Special Computer laboratory, Manufacturing laboratory and Special CAD/CAM Computer laboratory facilities are offered.
Programme outcomes
- Effectively uses mathematics, science and field-specific knowledge in professional practices related to the design, maintenance and operation of unmanned vehicles.
- Fundamental Knowledge and Theoretical Competence: Has theoretical knowledge of the basic design, structural components, mission systems, and subsystems of unmanned aerial, land, sea, and underwater vehicles, and effectively utilizes this knowledge.
- Technical and Applied Skills; Able to perform maintenance, repair, and integration processes for unmanned vehicles. Ability to understand the operation of flight, navigation, propulsion, and control systems and conduct hands-on testing and measurements.
- Creates the part and material designs related to his/her profession using the necessary technical drawings and computer-aided drawing methods.
- Mechanical, Electronic, and Software Integration; Provides holistic understanding and integration of mechanical components, electronic hardware, and software-based control systems.
- Use of Mechatronics and Sensor Technologies; Understands GNSS, radar, lidar, cameras, and other sensors, and implements integration and calibration processes.
- Propulsion and Energy Systems; Analyzes and maintains the operation of electric, hybrid, or internal combustion engine-based propulsion systems.
- Flight and Mission Operations; Performs mission planning for unmanned vehicles and executes operational tasks in simulated or real-world environments.
- It describes the conceptual foundations of autonomous driving/cruise algorithms, basic artificial intelligence, and automatic control, and explains the operating logic and application areas of these systems.
- Use of Information and Communication Technologies; Ground control stations effectively utilize data transmission protocols, network technologies, and remote control systems.
- Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking; Identifies technical problems in the field, develops solutions, and evaluates the results.
- Industry and Legal Knowledge Knowledge of national and international standards, regulations, and safety procedures related to unmanned vehicles and effectively utilizes this knowledge in matters related to the profession.
- Teamwork and Professional Communication; Takes an active role in interdisciplinary work environments and engages in verbal and written technical communication.
- Professional Ethics and Responsibility; While performing their profession, they act in accordance with safety, environmental, sustainability, and ethical principles.
- Lifelong Learning; Keeps up with technological advancements, constantly updates professional skills, and is open to self-improvement.
Programme outcomes and the Turkish Qualifications Framework
Each line is an item of the Turkish Qualifications Framework; the numbers beside it are the programme outcomes that meet it.
KNOWLEDGE
- 1
Possess theoretical and practical knowledge supported by textbooks with updated information, practice equipments and other resource on basic level based on qualifications gained at secondary education level.
Programme outcomes1 · 2 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 9 · 12 · 15
SKILLS
- 1
Gain the skills to use basic level theoretical and practical knowledge acquired within the field in the same field of a higher education level or in a field of same level.
Programme outcomes2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 - 2
Interpret and evaluate data, define problems, do analysis, produce solutions based on proof with using basic level knowledge and practices gained within the field.
Programme outcomes2 · 3 · 4 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 11
COMPETENCES ( Competence to Work Independently and Take Responsibility )
- 1
Conduct studies at basic level within the field independently.
Programme outcomes2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 - 2
Take responsibility as a team member in order to solve unexpected complex problems faced in the implementations within the field.
Programme outcomes2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 11 - 3
Conduct activities towards the development of subordinates within a project.
Programme outcomes11 · 13
COMPETENCES ( Learning Competence )
- 1
Evaluate the acquired knowledge and skills at basic level within the field with a critical approach, determine and respond to learning needs..
Programme outcomes2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11 · 12 · 13 · 14 · 15 - 2
Direct the education received to a higher education level in the same field or to an occupation in the same level.
Programme outcomes12 · 15 - 3
Gain awareness of lifelong learning.
Programme outcomes1 · 15
COMPETENCES ( Communication and Social Competence )
- 1
Transfer the ideas based on the basic knowledge and skills acquired within the field through written and oral communication.
Programme outcomes13 - 2
Share the ideas and solution proposals to problems about issues within the field with professionals and non-professionals.
Programme outcomes13 - 3
Monitor the developments in the field and communicate with peers by using a foreign language at least at a level of European Language Portfolio A2 General Level.
Programme outcomes13 - 4
Use informatics and communication technologies with at least a minimum level of European Computer Driving License Basic Level software knowledge.
Programme outcomes13
COMPETENCES ( Field Specific Competence )
- 1
Possess social, scientific, cultural and ethic values on the stages of gathering, implementation and release of the results of data related to the field.
Programme outcomes14 - 2
Possess sufficient consciousness about the issues of universality of social rights, social justice, quality, cultural values and also, environmental protection, workers health and security.
Programme outcomes14