About İstanbul Okan University
İstanbul Okan University is a leading private university in Turkey, founded in 1999 by the Okan Culture, Education, and Sports Foundation. Located in Istanbul, a dynamic metropolis bridging Europe and Asia, the university benefits from its strategic position, offering students access to global business, cultural, and academic opportunities. Named after the prominent businessman Bekir Okan, the institution is committed to fostering innovation, research, and industry collaboration.
Campuses and Facilities
İstanbul Okan University operates across two main campuses:
- Tuzla Campus – The primary campus, featuring modern lecture halls, laboratories, a central library, sports facilities, and student dormitories.
- Akfırat Campus – Focused on health sciences, equipped with advanced medical simulation centers and research labs.
The university provides cutting-edge facilities, including engineering workshops, design studios, a dental hospital, and smart classrooms. Additional amenities include cafeterias, student clubs, and career development centers.
Faculties, Institutes, and Vocational Schools
İstanbul Okan University offers a comprehensive range of academic programs through its various faculties and schools. The Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Dentistry provide cutting-edge medical education with hands-on training at the university’s dental hospital. For students interested in law and social sciences, the Faculty of Law and Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences offer rigorous programs. The Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences focuses on innovation in fields like computer engineering and industrial design, while the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences covers psychology, international relations, and other disciplines. Creative students can pursue their passions at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Design, and Architecture, and those interested in healthcare professions can choose from various programs at the Faculty of Health Sciences. The university also includes vocational schools such as the School of Applied Sciences with programs in aviation, logistics, and computer programming, along with language preparation programs at the School of Foreign Languages. For postgraduate studies, Okan University offers diverse master’s and Ph.D. programs through its graduate institutes.
What İstanbul Okan University is Known For
Okan University is recognized for its strong industry connections, particularly in engineering, health sciences, and business. The university emphasizes practice-oriented education, with internships and collaborations with leading Turkish and international companies. Its dental hospital serves as a training hub for students while providing healthcare services. Additionally, Okan is known for its multilingual programs, including English and Russian-taught courses, attracting a diverse student body.
Accreditations and Rankings
İstanbul Okan University holds national accreditation from the Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK) and is recognized internationally. Its engineering and medical programs align with global standards, and the university is steadily climbing in national rankings due to its research output and graduate employability.
6 Key Features of İstanbul Okan University
- Industry-Aligned Education – Strong partnerships with corporations ensure students gain real-world experience before graduation.
- Multilingual Academic Programs – Courses in English, Turkish, and Russian cater to international students.
- Modern Health Sciences Training – Advanced simulation labs and an on-campus dental hospital provide hands-on experience.
- Active Student Life – Over 80 student clubs, sports teams, and cultural events create a vibrant campus atmosphere.
- Scholarship Opportunities – Merit-based and financial aid programs support high-achieving students.
- Global Exchange Programs – Partnerships with universities worldwide enable student and faculty exchanges.
Global Recognition
İstanbul Okan University is officially recognized in the USA, European Union, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and across Turkic-speaking nations, ensuring its degrees are valued internationally. The university’s focus on global competencies prepares graduates for careers worldwide.
By choosing İstanbul Okan University, students gain a future-focused education, extensive professional networks, and a multicultural academic experience in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.