Istanbul Okan University

Istanbul Okan University was established by the Okan Culture, Education and Sports Foundation in 1999, and started education in 2003-2004 academic year.

The university has two campuses in Istanbul, one of Türkiye’s most historical, cultural and dynamic cities, the only city on two continents, and a special destination to study and live. The Main Tuzla Campus, built on an area of 160,000- square-meters and designed as an excellent educational and living environment, offers a comfortable and friendly atmosphere.

With its strong academic structure, the university provides 242 degree programs, 56 undergraduate, 44 associate, 142 postgraduate, with its 858 qualified academic staff and well-known researchers. Many of the programs are conducted in both Turkish and English. Students may also have the opportunity to receive a double-major or minor degree.

The university comprises 10 faculties: Medicine, Dentistry, Health Sciences, Business and Administrative Sciences, Engineering and Natural Sciences, Art Design and Architecture, Humanities and Social Sciences, Applied Sciences, Education and Law, two vocational schools, Conservatory, Graduate Institute, 21 Learning Research and Application Centers, Research and Project Development Directorate, Psychological Counselling and Education Centre, Confucius Institute, amphitheater and Culture, Art and Congress Centre.

Students are offered a contemporary and innovative learning setting consisting of high-tech classrooms, lecture halls, seminar rooms, and laboratories specially designed and equipped with state-of-the-art resources according to the needs of each faculty. Four libraries equipped with advanced technology allow students to work in suitable environment. Students and academic staff have access to 66,300 printed books, 608,000 e-books and journals and 53 databases.

As one of the few full-campus universities in Istanbul, the university offers a campus life where students can improve socially, academically and culturally by using all technological opportunities in classes, participating in various activities outside of class, and experiencing a comprehensive university life. There are 56 student clubs related to sports, arts, academic issues and social responsibility. Happy Life courses in sports, dancing, music, drama, and more are available in Career and Life Program.

Sports Complex includes a semi-Olympic swimming pool, fitness center, dance hall, pilates and aerobics studios, spinning and table-tennis rooms, basketball-volleyball and squash courts. There are also two tennis and two basketball courts and two football fields for outdoor activities. Okan Life Center is a multifunctional living space with the cinema hall, game room, entertainment center, and more. Culinary options are provided with 16 restaurants and cafeterias, four dining halls, and three gastronomic cuisines, canteens, and patisseries.

The university offers comfortable accommodation in five fully-equipped dormitories, situated within walking distance to all parts of the campus. Medical Centre provides essential health services, including examinations, outpatient treatment and emergency first aid, a 24/7 ambulance service is also available.

Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry, which have their own hospitals accredited by American Accreditation Commission International, are among the most preferred faculties by Turkish and international students and stand out with the quality patient service and patient satisfaction they offer. The second Mecidiyeköy Campus of the university houses the second Dentistry Hospital and the Graduate Institute.

Other faculties, Business and Administrative Sciences, Engineering and Natural Sciences etc., are also preferred with their undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Turkish and English. The university is authorized by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to provide modular flight training. In Flight Training programs of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, some parts of the courses are conducted in partnership with the Atlantic Flight Academy.

The university’s motto, “The University Closest to Business Life”, reflects its goal for academic-business integration. Accordingly, the compulsory Career and Life Program was achieved for the first time in Türkiye by Istanbul Okan University in 2008, and the program is trademarked in 2023. Career Center provides career planning by connecting students with business professionals and alumni.

With the responsibility to students, the environment, and society, the university conducts academic research projects, and increase awareness through faculties and Sustainability and Innovation Center. The university has a green, sustainable, and self-sufficient campus by producing its own electricity, developing water resource management, and enforcing a rigorous waste policy. Throughout its academic journey, the university has strategically invested in internationalization and creating a comprehensive educational and living environment for students and staff. The university will continue to work with unwavering dedication.