Istanbul Arel

Where is Istanbul Arel University?

Istanbul Arel University’s main campus is in Tepekent, in the Büyükçekmece district on the European side of Istanbul. This is a larger campus setting than a downtown city-block campus. The university also has sites in Sefaköy and Cevizlibağ, which are used for some faculties and vocational or health-related teaching.

Students should confirm which campus hosts their program. Tepekent is farther west than central districts such as Beşiktaş or Şişli, so commuting time is an important practical point for international students.

History of Istanbul Arel University

The Arel schools in Istanbul date back to 1990, with preschool, primary and high-school institutions developed over the following years. The university itself was established by the Kemal Gözükara Education and Culture Foundation and officially recognized by statute published in the Official Gazette on 18 May 2007 (No. 26526).

So the university’s official founding year is 2007, while the wider Arel education group is older. This is similar to several other Istanbul foundation universities that grew out of earlier schools or vocational colleges.

Is Arel University public or private?

Istanbul Arel University is a private foundation university. It operates under YÖK regulations. Tuition and admission rules are those of a foundation university.

Why is Arel of interest to international students?

Arel is often considered by students looking for a foundation university with a range of programs, including engineering, health and medicine, at listed fees that are often lower than those of some better-known central-Istanbul universities. The Tepekent campus offers a more campus-like setting.

In 2025 the university reported that its YÖKAK institutional accreditation was upgraded to five-year full accreditation. That is an institutional quality mark, not a guarantee about every individual program.

Programs at Istanbul Arel University

Arel’s academic structure has included faculties and schools in:

• Medicine
• Arts and sciences
• Visual arts and communication
• Economics and administrative sciences
• Engineering, science and architecture
• Health sciences
• Applied sciences
• Foreign languages
• Vocational school
• Graduate institutes in applied, social and health sciences

The language of instruction is Turkish in most programs, with English available in a smaller number of fields. Applicants should check the language of the exact program.

Studying medicine and health at Arel

Arel has a Faculty of Medicine and health-related schools and vocational programs. Clinical arrangements and language of instruction for medicine should be confirmed with the university, because they are not the same as for engineering or business programs.

Educational and research facilities

The university describes research centres, laboratories, libraries and student facilities across its campuses. Tepekent functions as the main campus; Sefaköy and Cevizlibağ support other units. Exact facilities depend on the faculty.

Applied education and campus life

Arel emphasizes a campus environment in Tepekent, with teaching, student services and social spaces gathered in one western-Istanbul location. Students who want to live in the city center should plan for travel time.

The university also lists student clubs, sports and cultural facilities as part of campus life.

International programs

Arel participates in Erasmus and other international exchange routes where agreements exist. It has also published information about international partnerships. Current partner lists should be checked with the international office.

Language of instruction

Most listed programs are in Turkish. A smaller group is in English. A School of Foreign Languages supports preparatory study. International students who do not already know Turkish should look carefully at language requirements.

Admission to Istanbul Arel University

International admission follows the university’s published conditions for each program. Documents and language rules vary. Comparing Arel’s listed fees and program list with other universities on this site is useful before applying.

Tuition fees at Istanbul Arel University

Tuition varies by program and year. Many of Arel’s listed fees are in a more moderate range than those of some central private universities, but medicine and some professional programs cost more. Confirm the figure for the intended year.

Accreditation

Arel received institutional accreditation from YÖKAK, and in 2025 that accreditation was upgraded to five-year full accreditation. Program-level accreditations, if any, should be checked separately.

Advantages and features of Istanbul Arel University

• Founded in 2007 by the Kemal Gözükara Education and Culture Foundation
• Educational roots in the Arel schools since 1990
• Main campus in Tepekent, Büyükçekmece
• Additional sites in Sefaköy and Cevizlibağ
• Medicine, engineering, health, business and communication programs
• YÖKAK five-year full institutional accreditation (2025)
• Mix of associate, bachelor’s and graduate programs
• Many programs at more moderate listed fees than some central universities
• Erasmus and international partnership activity

Summary: Is Arel University a good place to study?

Istanbul Arel University is a foundation university with a western-Istanbul campus, a broad program list and a recent full institutional accreditation from YÖKAK. It may suit students who want a campus setting and who are comparing listed fees across Istanbul universities.

The best fit depends on the field, language, campus location and budget.

Istanbul Arel University quick facts