BTK Academy — Software and Artificial Intelligence Courses

Metin Tiryaki
3 days ago
7 min read

BTK Academy's Artificial Intelligence and Software Training: Free and Certified Career Opportunities in 2026

Do you want to step into the world of artificial intelligence and software? But do you think you have to pay thousands of lira for it? BTK Academy, Turkey's most comprehensive free training platform, gives a clear answer to this question: No, you don't have to.

Expanding its catalog with 18 new AI training courses in January 2026, BTK Academy offers completely free and certified training in a wide range of fields, from software and data science to machine learning and cybersecurity. In this article, we will examine who BTK is, what opportunities BTK Academy offers, and what has changed in 2026.

What is BTK? Let's get to know it briefly.

BTK — Information Technologies and Communications Authority — is an independent public institution in Turkey that regulates and supervises the telecommunications, internet, information technology, and electronic communications sectors.

A Brief History

BTK's roots go back to 2000. It was established on January 27, 2000, as the "Telecommunications Authority" to meet the regulatory needs arising from the opening of the telecommunications sector to competition. In 2008, its name was changed to "Information Technologies and Communications Authority" with the Electronic Communications Law No. 5809.

BTK holds the title of Turkey's first regulatory body and, although affiliated with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, acts independently in its decision-making processes.

The Responsibilities of BTK (Information and Communication Technologies Authority)

BTK does not only supervise telephone companies. The institution's responsibilities are much broader:

Competition regulation: To ensure that operators such as Turkcell, Türk Telekom, and Vodafone operate in a fair competitive environment.
Consumer rights: Protecting consumers on issues such as internet speed, mobile charges, and billing disputes.
Cybersecurity: Taking precautions against cyber threats with USOM (National Cyber Incident Response Center)
Personal data security: Regulating the processing of personal data and protecting privacy.
International representation: Representing Turkey in global organizations such as the ITU (International Telecommunication Union).

But one of BTK's least known, and perhaps most impressive, projects is BTK Academy .

BTK Academy: Türkiye's Digital University

BTK Academy was established in 2018 as part of the Ministry of Treasury and Finance's "1 Million Employment Project". Its goal is simple yet powerful: to remove barriers to access to information and make information accessible to the public.

The platform offers completely free , certified , and Turkish-language training courses open to anyone over the age of 16. It features over 500 training modules covering topics ranging from personal development and cybersecurity to Python and blockchain.

Key Features

✅ Completely free — no fees, no hidden costs

✅ Certified — official BTK certificate upon completion of each course

✅ Turkish content — all trainings are explained in Turkish

✅ Online and at your own pace — anytime, anywhere

✅ Up-to-date content — 23 new trainings in 2026, 18 of which are AI-focused

What changed in 2026? The AI explosion.

In January 2026, BTK Academy published 23 new training courses, announced by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. Eighteen of these courses focus on artificial intelligence.

This is not just a numerical increase — BTK Academy is adapting to the era of generative artificial intelligence .

Newly Added Productive AI Tools Tutorials

Here are the most notable training programs of 2026:

Anthropic Claude
ChatGPT (GPT-4o, DeepSeek) — large language models
Gemini — Google's artificial intelligence assistant
Perplexity — an AI-powered search engine.
NotebookLM — a research and note-taking assistant.
Canva Magic Design — generative AI for design
Gamma — AI for presentations
HeyGen AI — video production
Hailuo AI, Manus AI — multiple AI tools

These trainings don't just cover "what is AI"—they teach you how to integrate AI tools into your daily workflow .

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Courses: Deep Dive

BTK Academy's range of artificial intelligence courses spans a wide spectrum, from beginner to advanced levels.

Basic Level

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence — Fundamental Concepts of AI
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Algorithms — algorithmic thinking
Data Collection and Analysis (79 lessons) — the foundation of data science

Machine Learning and Deep Learning

BTK Academy's machine learning catalog is impressive:

Computer Vision Practice with YOLOv11 (32 lessons)
Machine Learning Algorithms with MATLAB (22 lessons)
Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) (15 lessons)
Large Language Models (LLM) and Voice Assistant Workshop (19 lessons)
Translation with Generative Artificial Intelligence (69 lessons)
Deep Learning and Natural Language Processing Practices (44 lessons)
Artificial Neural Networks - ANN (41 lessons)
Long-Term and Short-Term Memory - LSTM (47 lessons)
Community Learning Practices with Python (43 lessons)
RNN Recurrent Neural Networks (41 lessons)

One notable aspect of this list is its application-based content . The balance between "theoretical knowledge and real-world projects" is one of BTK Academy's strengths.

Bootcamp and Workshops

The Artificial Intelligence Workshop is BTK Academy's most prestigious program. This intensive program takes place in person at the BTK building in Ankara, and participation requires a preliminary exam and an interview. Only 25 people are accepted.

In addition, the Artificial Intelligence Literacy Program was launched in collaboration with BTK Academy and the Ministry of National Education's YEĞİTEK. This is a special program for teachers and educators.

Software Development Courses: Which Language Should You Specialize In?

BTK Academy is not limited to AI alone. It also offers a comprehensive range of courses in software development.

Programming Languages

Python:

Python Programming from Beginner to Advanced Level
Python Programming Fundamentals
Web API Development with Python

C#: The C# training courses are particularly noteworthy. The "Programming with C#" course covers backend software development from scratch, SOLID principles, enterprise software architectures, and design patterns.

ASP.NET Web Programming training is also available.

Java:

Introduction to Programming with JAVA
Basic Level Programming with Java
Application Development Workshop with Java and React

Embedded Systems:

Embedded Software Development with STM32 — For those who want to work in the fields of IoT and firmware.

Mobile Application Development

Android Mobile Application Development Workshop with Kotlin — Developing applications with Kotlin, the modern language of Android.

Web Development

HTML, CSS, JavaScript (in basic training programs)
Web Application Development with Angular
React + Java combination

Career Development Programs: Position-Oriented Training

One of BTK Academy's most valuable features is its career-oriented development programs . These are journeys that teach all the skills necessary for a specific position in a sequential manner.

Current programs:

Software Developer
Front-end Web Developer
Back-end Web Developer
CBS Software Specialist (Critical Business Systems — critical sectors such as aviation and energy)
Data Scientist
Machine Learning Specialist

Each program has a prerequisite : completing the Introduction to Information Technology Program is mandatory. This ensures you learn fundamental concepts and build a solid foundation.

Hackathon 2026: Award-Winning Competition

Learning isn't enough; testing what you've learned is also crucial. BTK Academy offers this opportunity. In collaboration with Google and the Entrepreneurship Foundation, BTK Academy is organizing Hackathon 2026 , an award-winning software development competition.

Prize pool: 140,000 TL + 85,000 TL + 55,000 TL.

Deadline for applications: May 3, 2026.

The competition is open to individual or team participation. It will take place online, and the top 10 teams that reach the final evaluation stage will present their projects to the jury and receive their awards.

In-person training sessions: Workshops in 11 cities.

BTK Academy is not just online. In the 2024-2025 period, face-to-face workshops were organized in 11 different cities:

Ankara: Penetration Testing, Angular, Python, Cybersecurity
Istanbul: Android Kotlin
Aydın: C# Windows Applications, Python
Van: Artificial Intelligence Workshop, Embedded Systems with Python
(other 7 provinces)

These workshops typically take place on weekends or in an intensive camping format.

Why BTK Academy?

There are platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Pluralsight in the market. What makes BTK Academy stand out?

1. Completely Free

A Python course on Udemy costs 500-1000 TL. An AI certificate program on Coursera costs 50-200 TL. Everything at BTK Academy costs 0 TL .

2. Turkish Content

Most global platforms are English-focused. BTK Academy is accessible to all Turkish speakers.

3. State Guarantee

The course will not be cancelled, payments will not be canceled, and your certificate will not become invalid. BTK, as a public institution, offers stability.

4. Current and Dynamic

The addition of 23 new training courses in January 2026 demonstrates BTK Academy's commitment to staying up-to-date. Tools like Claude, Gemini, and DeepSeek became popular in 2024-2025, and BTK immediately added training courses on them.

Who is it suitable for?

BTK Academy is ideal for the following individuals:

✅ For those just starting their careers — those who want to learn software or AI from scratch.

✅ Career changers — those who switch from other sectors to the technology sector

✅ Students — those seeking content to support the university curriculum

✅ Freelancers / entrepreneurs — those who need new skills

✅ Trainers/consultants — those who want to learn AI tools to better serve their clients (like me!)

How to Get Started?

Register with BTK Academy: https://www.btkakademi.gov.tr
Log in with e-Government — you can quickly register with your Turkish Republic ID number.
Select a category — Artificial Intelligence, Software, Cybersecurity, Personal Development, etc.
Start the course — progress at your own pace.
Get your certificate — an official BTK certificate upon completion of the course.

My Recommendations: Which Courses Should You Start?

If you want to develop projects similar to AI Coach or ChatGPT:

Voice Assistant Workshop with Large Language Models (LLM)
Anthropic Claude — prompt engineering and API usage
Web API Development with Python — Backend Infrastructure
Deep Learning and Natural Language Processing Practices

If you are interested in Computer Vision or Image Processing:

Computer Vision Practices with YOLOv11
Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN)
Machine Learning with Python

If you want to become a Backend Software Developer:

Programming with C# (for enterprise software)
Web Programming with ASP.NET
Web API Development with Python (alternative approach)

Conclusion: BTK Academy, Türkiye's Hidden Treasure

BTK Academy breaks the mold of "free education." It's a serious competitor to paid platforms in terms of content quality, certificate validity, and up-to-date information. If you want to step into the world of artificial intelligence and software, BTK Academy can be your starting point. 500+ courses, 18 new AI training programs, face-to-face workshops, Hackathon opportunities — all free.

All you have to do is: start.

The answer will surprise you.

Useful Links:

BTK Academy: https://www.btkakademi.gov.tr
BTK Official Site: https://www.btk.gov.tr
Hackathon 2026 Application: Via the BTK Academy portal.

This article is part of my AI training series. You can visit metintiryaki.com for similar content.

Metin Tiryaki, AI Trainer and Consultant | IBM AI Master Istanbul, Turkey