This article is based on a qualitative study that examines the perceptions of advanced undergraduate students in five Turkish
state universities regarding their understanding of the concept of secularism and its manifestation within the higher education
sector. The study further illuminates these students’ perspectives of how the university may change in relation to their understanding
of secularism. This inquiry was guided by four central questions posed to the students: (1) what is your understanding of
the concept of secularism?; (2) how does secularism manifest within universities in Turkey and your institution in particular?;
(3) are there aspects of your university you would like to see change as a result of secularism?; and (4) in what ways has
your identity influenced your academic decisions?
Keywords Secularism - Turkish higher education - Institutional culture - Student identity