Where is İstanbul Gelişim University located?

İstanbul Gelişim University (IGU) began its journey in 2008, evolving from the İstanbul Gelişim Vocational School founded by the Gelişim Education, Culture, Health, and Social Service Foundation in 2008. It is located in Avcılar on the European side of Istanbul, offering a modern campus environment easily reachable from the city’s main transport arteries. This location provides students with access to both Istanbul’s business centers and cultural heritage hubs.

Campuses and Facilities at İstanbul Gelişim University

IGU’s primary campus in Avcılar encompasses extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, equipped with smart lecture halls, advanced laboratories across engineering, health, food science, and social sciences, a well-stocked library, and multiple research centers. The university also hosts on-campus clinics and sports facilities, cultural event halls, entrepreneurial hubs, and collaborative workspaces—all designed to support dynamic student life and academic excellence.

Faculties, Graduate Institutes, and Vocational Schools

IGU features seven faculties: Economics, Administrative & Social Sciences; Fine Arts; Engineering & Architecture; Dentistry; Health Sciences; Applied Sciences; and Statistics & Regional Planning. Academics are supported by one School of Foreign Languages, three vocational schools (including Health Services), and one School of Physical Education & Sports. For graduate studies, the Graduate School of Natural & Applied Sciences, Graduate School of Social Sciences, and Graduate School of Health Sciences offer comprehensive master’s and doctoral programs across 41 thesis-based, 39 non-thesis, and 11 doctoral programs.

What is İstanbul Gelişim University known for?

IGU has gained distinction as Turkey’s top institution in terms of international accreditations—holding credentials from AQAS, ABET, AHPGS and more across 65 academic programs. It is widely recognized for its quality in health sciences, engineering, social sciences, and sports science, and boasts strong partnerships with over 130 universities worldwide. The university also provides a vibrant international campus experience with a diverse student body.

Accreditations and Rankings of İstanbul Gelişim University

IGU received full institutional accreditation from Turkey’s Higher Education Quality Board (YÖKAK) in early 2025, valid for five years. With 65 programs accredited by AQAS, ABET and AHPGS, alongside JCI accreditation for health services, IGU claims the highest number of internationally accredited programs in Turkey. This strong quality framework reinforces its position as a leading globally connected “World University.”

6 Key Features of İstanbul Gelişim University

1. Comprehensive institutional accreditation – YÖKAK accreditation confirms excellence in governance, education, research, and community service.
2. Unmatched international program accreditation – 65 programs carry respected certifications from AQAS, ABET, AHPGS, ensuring worldwide recognition.
3. Modern, student-centered campus – High-tech labs, clinics, sports and cultural facilities foster integrated academic and personal growth.
4. Strong global network – Over 130 partner universities enable exchange programs, dual degrees, and collaborative research.
5. Wide-ranging graduate programs – Flexible thesis and non-thesis master’s and doctoral tracks across natural sciences, health, and social domains.
6. Ethos of global readiness – Graduates enter the workforce swiftly, supported by international internships and practical training partnerships.

Global Recognition of İstanbul Gelişim University Degrees

Degrees from İstanbul Gelişim University are officially recognized in the United States, European Union, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and neighboring Turkic countries—ensuring that graduates can pursue further studies or professional careers internationally with valid credentials.