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Okan University in Istanbul is considered one of the leading private universities in Turkey, combining modernity and development, and always strives to provide academic education that keeps pace with global developments in various fields.

Foundation of Okan University

Okan University was founded in 1986 as a foundation for culture, education, and sports, aiming to promote sports, social, and cultural activities. The foundation continued to support research and studies in these fields until 1999. By 2003, the Okan Foundation transformed into a comprehensive university under the name Istanbul Okan University, becoming one of the most prominent and largest universities in Turkey. The university began its academic journey with the opening of the Faculties of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Architecture during the 2003-2004 academic year. Since then, the university has witnessed continuous growth and expansion, and today includes more than 10 faculties, along with 3 vocational schools and 20 research centers.

Vision of Okan University

Okan University strives to be an innovative and pioneering global university that meets the needs of the community and the job market according to high professional and international standards.

Mission of Okan University

The university focuses on the following points in its mission:

• Developing innovative teaching methods that align with modern technological developments.
• Graduating students who possess analytical and critical thinking skills and an effective ability to solve problems.
• Contributing to the enhancement of science, art, and culture through academic research and studies.
• Promoting ethical values and social responsibility as an essential part of university education and upbringing.

Advantages of studying at Okan University

Tuition Fees at Okan University

• Human Medicine Bachelor's tuition in English: $22,500 per year.
• Dentistry Bachelor's tuition in English: $18,000 per year.
• Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Bachelor's tuition in English: $4,500 per year.
• Software Engineering Bachelor's tuition in English: $4,500 per year.
• Architecture Bachelor's tuition in English: $4,500 per year.
• Fine Arts, Interior Design specialization tuition in Turkish: $3,500 per year.
• Education Bachelor's tuition in Turkish: $3,500 per year.
• Business Administration Bachelor's tuition in English: $4,500 per year.
• Aviation Management Engineering Bachelor's tuition in Turkish: $3,500 per year.
• Psychology Bachelor's tuition in English: $4,500 per year.

Accreditations and Recognitions

Istanbul Okan University enjoys the recognition and accreditation of many global educational organizations and institutions, ensuring the quality of its academic programs. Among the most prominent of these accreditations are:

• MÜDEK: An independent institution for evaluating and accrediting engineering programs, aiming to improve the quality of engineering education.
• ABET: The American Board for the Accreditation of programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology.
• FEDEK: Provides accreditation and evaluation services for academic institutions in faculties of mathematical, natural, and social sciences.
• TEPDAD: Contributes to evaluating the quality of medical education at the academic level.
• World Directory of Medical Schools: A comprehensive global directory listing all medical schools worldwide with accurate and updated information.
• Pearson: An accredited certificate in foreign language teaching from the British Institute.

Faculties and Departments at Okan University

Istanbul Okan University is distinguished by offering a wide range of in-demand and distinguished academic specializations that meet the needs of the local and international job market.

• Faculty of Medicine
• Faculty of Dentistry
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Business Administration
• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture
• Faculty of Applied Sciences

Campuses of Okan University

Istanbul Okan University comprises three campuses located in different areas of Istanbul, each equipped with the latest academic facilities and student services:

Most Important Majors

• Studying Human Medicine at Istanbul Okan University
• Studying Dentistry at Istanbul Okan University
• Studying Physiotherapy at Istanbul Okan University
• Studying Business Administration at Istanbul Okan University
• Studying Software Engineering at Istanbul Okan University
• Automotive Engineering and Mechatronics at Istanbul Okan University
• Studying Civil Engineering at Istanbul Okan University
• Studying Aviation Management System at Istanbul Okan University
• Studying Psychology at Istanbul Okan University
• Studying Architecture at Istanbul Okan University
• Studying Industrial Engineering at Istanbul Okan University

Resources & Services

Okan University offers a wide range of services and resources to support its students and ensure they have the best study experience in Turkey. Among the most prominent of these services are:

• Psychological Counseling Services: The Psychological Counseling and Educational Center is available to all students; it provides psychological and educational consultations to support study and future careers. The center is located on campus and students can request assistance at any time.
• University Library: A spacious library containing diverse books, research, studies, and references, with the option to borrow books or read within the library. It provides computers and internet connection for research and review.
• Unit for Students with Special Needs: An integrated unit to support students with special needs and provide academic, health, and psychological support, in addition to assisting students with registration and university life.

Testing Centers

Testing Centers at Istanbul Okan University

• Chinese Language Testing Center (Çince Sınav Merkezi) — Conducts HSK and HSKK exams for the Chinese language.
• YCT Exams — Chinese language test designed for young students, also conducted within the Chinese Language Center.
• Russian Language Testing Center — For organizing Russian language proficiency exams on campus.
• Internal university exams such as: Örnek Sınav (Sample/Practice Exam).
• Language Placement Tests.
• English and Turkish Language Proficiency Exams — Designed for students who do not hold international language certificates, including: Placement tests and proficiency exams for admission to academic programs.

Research Centers

Scientific Research Centers at Istanbul Okan University:

• Center for Transportation, Smart Technology, and Automotive Systems — Specialized in smart transportation research and modern vehicles.
• Energy Studies Center — Concerned with energy research and its various applications.
• Research Center in Economics and Finance — Focuses on economic and financial studies.
• Law and Technology Center — Combines technological developments and legal studies.
• Oncology Center — A medical research center specialized in cancer studies.
• Education and Learning Center — Interested in digital education and modern learning methods.
• Psychological Counseling and Guidance Center (OPDEM) — Conducts research in psychology, guidance, and counseling.
• Applied Healthcare Center — Specialized in health research and medical applications.
• Gender Studies Center — Addresses gender issues and social research.
• Turkish and Foreign Language Teaching Center — Concerned with language teaching and curriculum development.
• International Trade Center — Focuses on research in the field of trade and international economic relations.

Master & Doctorate Programs at Okan University

Recognitions of Okan University

The university is recognized by the Turkish Ministry of Higher Education, meaning any country that recognizes this ministry also recognizes Okan University.

• Officially accredited by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK), making its degree official and reliable.
• Recognized in Arab countries, such as: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Yemen, Palestine, Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, and Syria.
• Okan graduates can typically pursue further studies or work in these countries without major issues regarding degree recognition.
• Medical, engineering, and administrative specializations enjoy additional professional recognition in some countries, enhancing job opportunities or professional licensing.

University in Numbers

Here are the key numbers and statistics about Okan University in Turkey:

Ranking of Okan University Globally and Locally

Okan University's 2025 rankings reflect its position among local and global universities, illustrating the university's level in terms of academic and research performance compared to other higher education institutions:

• According to EduRank 2025: Okan ranks #72 out of 175 Turkish universities.
• In the 2025 ranking by EduRank, Okan ranked #3569 globally among more than 14,000 universities.

Student Exchange Programs

Best Features of Student Exchange Programs at Okan University

• Wide Range of Study and Training Options: Students can spend a semester or a full year at partner European and global universities within Erasmus+ and ISEP.
• Course Credit Transfer: All courses studied abroad are equated at Okan University, so students do not lose academic progress.
• Professional Internship Opportunities: Possibility to undertake practical training abroad within the student's specialization, whether through Erasmus+ or bilateral partnerships with global institutions and companies.
• Financial Support and Benefits: Students often receive Erasmus+ grants or support from other exchange programs to cover living and study expenses.
• International and Cultural Experience: Exposure to new cultures, different languages, and building a strong international network, enhancing future job opportunities.
• Flexibility for All Levels: Programs are available for undergraduate students, vocational institute students, master's, and even PhD students.
• Reliable International Partnerships: Okan University is the first Turkish university member of ISEP and enjoys dozens of bilateral partnerships with global universities.

Housing

Istanbul Okan University provides high-level accommodation facilities for its students within the main campus in Tuzla. These accommodations are distributed across four residential units, two for girls and two for boys, accommodating up to 1600 students.

• Room Types: Single, double, or rooms for four students.
• Food Services: Cafeterias serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner within varied meal plans.
• Additional Facilities: Gym membership, study halls, TV rooms, and a medical center.
• Support Services: Include laundry and daily cleaning services.
• Safety and Security: Security systems available 24 hours to ensure student safety.

Costs of Studying at Okan University: Tuition Fees by Program for 2025

Frequently Asked Questions about Okan University