This study aims to examine ethical issues in public administration through participants’ perspectives. Conducted within a qualitative research framework, the study explored the views of 25 students enrolled at Tarsus University regarding ethical principles in public administration. In addition, data were collected on prevalent ethical problems and analyzed using thematic analysis based on participants’ responses. The findings, categorized under the main theme of ‘Ethical Issues in Public Administration,’ revealed six sub-themes: corruption and bribery; favoritism and lack of merit; injustice and discrimination; lack of transparency and accountability; insufficient oversight and weak ethical culture; and conflict of interest and prioritization of personal gain. Participants emphasized that bribery and favoritism undermine trust in public services, while deficiencies in oversight and an underdeveloped ethical culture contribute to the persistence of unethical practices. Moreover, corruption was noted to erode public trust; favoritism in place of merit was found to reduce institutional efficiency; and lack of transparency was observed to weaken accountability. The results indicate that ethical issues in public administration should be addressed not only at the individual level but also in structural and cultural dimensions. The study offers potential solutions such as the establishment of effective oversight mechanisms, the provision of ethics training, merit-based appointments, and transparent governance. The findings are intended to inform policies and practices aimed at strengthening the culture of ethics in public administration.