Istanbul Gelişim

Where is Istanbul Gelişim University?

Istanbul Gelişim University is in Avcılar, on the European side of Istanbul. Avcılar is a western district on the Marmara coast, with metrobus and other public-transport links toward the city center. The university’s published contact number is 0 (212) 422 70 00.

IGU is a campus university in this district rather than a Beşiktaş-style downtown campus. Students should plan housing and commuting around Avcılar.

History of Istanbul Gelişim University

According to the university’s official history page, IGU traces its origins to 2008, when the Gelişim Education, Culture, Health and Social Services Foundation set out to establish Istanbul Gelişim Vocational School. Following a Ministry of National Education letter dated 8 July 2008, the vocational school was formally established by the Council of Ministers on 14 July 2008 and began instruction that year.

The university itself was established under Law No. 6114, dated 17 February 2011. As of the 2024–2025 academic year, the university says it works through seven faculties, one school, two vocational schools and a graduate education institute, and that it has graduated 57,156 students.

Is Gelişim University public or private?

Istanbul Gelişim University is a private foundation university. It operates under YÖK. The 2008 date refers to the vocational school; the university title dates from 2011.

Why is IGU popular among international students?

IGU is often considered because of its wide program list, a large number of associate and bachelor’s options, English-taught programs in some fields, and an official internationalization message. The university says it works with more than 130 universities worldwide and describes a global student community of more than 10,000 students from over 150 countries.

It also states that it holds five-year full accreditation from THEQC / YÖKAK.

Programs at Istanbul Gelişim University

Official faculties and schools include:

• Faculty of Dentistry
• Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences
• Faculty of Fine Arts
• Faculty of Applied Sciences
• Faculty of Sports Sciences
• School of Foreign Languages
• Istanbul Gelişim Vocational School
• Vocational School of Health Services
• Institute of Graduate Studies

The program list on this page is extensive, covering dentistry, engineering, health, aviation-related fields, business, arts, sports and many associate degrees. Language varies by program.

Studying dentistry and health at IGU

Dentistry and health sciences are part of IGU’s structure, together with a vocational school of health services. Clinical and laboratory arrangements should be confirmed with the university. IGU is broader than a purely medical university; many students come for engineering, business, aviation-related or vocational programs.

Educational and research facilities

The university lists laboratories attached to its faculties, a technology transfer office, a technology development center, scientific research project coordination and more than 50 research centers in its public materials. It also emphasizes student clubs — more than 100 according to the official site.

Applied education and international accreditation

IGU publicly highlights international program accreditations and certificates, including marks shown on its site such as AQAS, AHPGS and ABET for relevant programs. Which programs hold which certificate changes over time and should be checked on IGU’s accreditation pages.

Student facilities and campus life

Avcılar offers a district-campus lifestyle: teaching buildings, student services and local housing rather than a historic-peninsula setting. The university lists career development, psychological counselling, sports, arts and student-club activity.

IGU and international programs

The university has an international student admission office, Erasmus / exchange cooperation and a Bologna information package. English-taught programs exist alongside a larger Turkish-taught list. Applicants should confirm language and quota for their field.

Language of instruction

Turkish is the majority language. A substantial minority of programs, especially some bachelor’s degrees, are listed in English. A School of Foreign Languages supports preparatory study.

Admission to Istanbul Gelişim University

International admission is handled through IGU’s international office. Requirements differ by program. Because the catalog is large, students should identify the exact department, language and listed fee before applying.

Tuition fees at Istanbul Gelişim University

Fees vary widely across associate, bachelor’s, graduate and English-taught programs. Use the listed amounts on this page and confirm them for the intended year.

Accreditation

IGU states that it has five-year full accreditation from YÖKAK / THEQC. It also publishes international program-accreditation information. Institutional accreditation is not the same as accreditation of every single program.

Advantages and features of Istanbul Gelişim University

• Vocational-school roots in 2008; university status in 2011
• Campus in Avcılar, European side
• Very wide list of associate, bachelor’s and graduate programs
• YÖKAK five-year full institutional accreditation
• Officially stated cooperation with more than 130 universities
• International student community highlighted by the university
• Faculties in dentistry, engineering, health, social sciences, arts and sports
• More than 100 student clubs according to the official site
• English-taught options in some fields

Summary: Is Gelişim University a good place to study?

Istanbul Gelişim University is a large-program foundation university in Avcılar, with a documented path from a 2008 vocational school to university status in 2011. It may suit students who want many program choices, including vocational and English-taught options, and who are comfortable studying in western Istanbul.

The right choice depends on the specific department, language, listed fee and whether the student prefers Avcılar to a more central campus.

Istanbul Gelişim University quick facts