Many international students planning to study abroad look for a university that balances quality education with affordable costs, and this is where Isik University‘s name comes up repeatedly among the private university options in Istanbul. But before making a decision of this scale, it’s natural to have many questions: Is the degree recognized? What are the actual fees? And what are the admission requirements? In this article, we answer all these questions in detail.
About Isik University
Isik University is a private Turkish university located in Istanbul, and it is considered one of the universities with a relatively long educational history compared to other private universities in Turkey.
Founding and Historical Background
The university officially began academic operations in 1996, and it operates under the Feyziye Schools Foundation, which was established in 1885. In 1934, the foundation’s name changed to “Isik,” with the approval of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who had once been one of its students.
Academic Programs
The university offers its programs through 3 faculties comprising 22 bachelor’s programs, in addition to a vocational school with 11 diploma programs, and a graduate school with 52 master’s and PhD programs combined. These programs cover fields such as engineering, architecture, administration, and the humanities.
Student Body and International Diversity
The university currently has around 7,000 students, including more than 1,100 international students from 68 countries. The number of graduates since its founding has exceeded 19,000.
Advantages of Isik University
Beyond its location and history, Isik University offers a number of practical advantages that directly shape the student experience throughout the years of study.
Double Major and Minor System
One of the most notable things the university offers is its “Double Major” system, which allows a student to study two academic majors at once and receive two separate degrees upon graduation, in addition to the option of choosing a “Minor” to strengthen skills in a field that complements the main major. This system gives Isik graduates greater flexibility in the job market compared to single-major programs.
Career Guidance and Practical Training
The university connects its academic programs to the job market through partnerships with local and international companies and institutions, and it provides career guidance services that include workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and internship programs, with the goal of preparing students practically, not just academically, before graduation.
Student Housing at Competitive Prices
University housing at Isik is considered one of the more affordable options compared to some other private universities in Istanbul, which is especially important for international students coming from abroad who are looking for a balance between quality and the overall cost of study and living.
International Partnerships and Exchange Programs
The university participates in the Erasmus program in addition to more than 80 international academic partnerships, giving students the opportunity to study a semester or a full year at a European university within their field.
Isik University Accreditations 2026
Isik University holds two publicly listed accreditations: MUDEK accreditation for the Faculty of Engineering programs, and EAQUALS accreditation for the School of Foreign Languages. Below is a breakdown of each and what it means for students.
1. MUDEK Accreditation and the EUR-ACE Label
The Faculty of Engineering programs at Isik University have obtained accreditation from MUDEK (the Association for Evaluation and Accreditation of Engineering Programs) — the only authorized body in Turkey for accrediting engineering programs — for a period of 5 years.
This accreditation grants graduates of these programs the European EUR-ACE label, making their degrees equivalent in countries that are signatories to the Washington Accord, easing their admission into other accredited master’s and PhD programs, and facilitating recognition of their qualifications by engineering associations in countries that regulate the profession.
2. EAQUALS Accreditation for the School of Languages
The university’s School of Foreign Languages holds EAQUALS accreditation, an international accreditation specialized in evaluating the quality of language teaching institutions, which ensures the quality of the English preparatory program before students begin their specialized studies.
Isik University Recognitions
Since Isik University is officially accredited by Turkey’s Council of Higher Education (YOK), this accreditation forms the basis on which its degrees are recognized as equivalent in various countries, although the exact procedure differs from one country to another depending on the system it follows.
In Arab Countries
Recognition of Isik University‘s degrees varies depending on the system each Arab ministry of higher education follows. Countries that apply an “automatic recognition” system for any university officially accredited by YOK in its home country treat an Isik degree as eligible for direct equivalency without needing to be included on a pre-approved list. In countries that apply a predetermined “list system,” the university’s status varies from one country to another, so students are always advised to check the list of recognized universities with their own country’s ministry of higher education before enrolling, since these lists are updated periodically.
In European Union Countries
Since Turkey is a member of the Bologna Process for the European Higher Education Area, this framework gives accredited Turkish universities, including Isik University, a basis for mutual recognition of degrees and credit hours (ECTS) with other European universities within the same system, making it easier for graduates to pursue further studies in EU countries.
In the United States and Canada
For students wishing to continue their studies or work in North America, having any Turkish university degree recognized as equivalent, including a degree from Isik University, usually goes through accredited international credential evaluation agencies there, such as World Education Services (WES), which reviews the student’s file based on the university’s YOK accreditation and academic record, rather than on any automatic prior recognition of the specific university.
Isik University Faculties and Programs
Isik University offers its undergraduate (bachelor’s) programs at the Sile Campus, spread across three main faculties, in addition to diploma programs taught at the Maslak Campus.
Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
- Computer Engineering (English)
- Biomedical Engineering (English)
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering (English)
- Industrial Engineering (English)
- Civil Engineering (English)
- Mechanical Engineering (English)
- Mechatronics Engineering (English)
- Software Engineering (English)
Faculty of Architecture and Design
- Architecture (English)
- Interior Architecture and Environmental Design (English / Turkish)
- Industrial Design (Turkish)
- Visual Communication Design (Turkish)
Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences
- Economics (English)
- Business Administration (English)
- International Relations (English)
- International Trade and Finance (English)
- Management Information Systems (English / Turkish)
- Psychology (English / Turkish)
- Radio, Cinema and Television (Turkish)
Vocational School (Diploma Programs)
- Operating Room Services (Turkish)
- Opticianry (Turkish)
- Medical Laboratory Techniques (Turkish)
- Medical Imaging Techniques (Turkish)
- First Aid and Emergency (Turkish)
- Graphic Design (Turkish)
- Computer Programming (Turkish)
- Anesthesia (Turkish)
- International Trade (Turkish)
- Physical Therapy (Turkish)
Graduate Studies at Isik University
Isik University offers its graduate programs (master’s and PhD) at the Maslak Campus, and some master’s programs offer two tracks: a thesis track and a non-thesis track.
Master’s Programs
- Applied Economics (English) – Thesis / Non-Thesis
- Executive Business Administration (English) – Thesis / Non-Thesis
- International Relations (English) – Thesis / Non-Thesis
- Management Information Systems (English) – Non-Thesis
- Computer Engineering (English) – Thesis / Non-Thesis
- Civil Engineering (English) – Thesis
- Electronics Engineering (English) – Thesis / Non-Thesis
- Industrial Engineering (English) – Thesis / Non-Thesis
- Information Technology (English) – Thesis / Non-Thesis
- Mechanical Engineering (English) – Thesis / Non-Thesis
PhD Programs
- Contemporary Business Studies (English)
- Mathematics (English)
- Art Sciences (Turkish)
- Electronics Engineering (English)
- Clinical Psychology (Turkish)
- Computer Engineering (English)
Cost of Studying at Isik University
Isik University‘s fees are considered mid-range among Istanbul’s private universities, and the annual amount varies depending on the study level and chosen major.
Diploma Costs
Annual fees for diploma programs (vocational school) at Isik University range between $1,400 and $1,800 USD, with the Physical Therapy program being the most expensive within this category.
Bachelor’s Costs
Annual fees for most bachelor’s programs are around $2,700 USD, whether in the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Architecture and Design, or Economics and Administrative Sciences.
Master’s Costs
Annual fees for master’s programs range between $3,500 and $4,000 USD, depending on the chosen track (thesis or non-thesis).
PhD Costs
Annual fees for PhD programs range between $7,500 and $20,000 USD, with most majors falling at the lower end of this range, except for the Clinical Psychology program, which falls at the upper end.
Note: To view all available majors and their detailed fees accurately, please click the button below to browse the university’s programs and prices schedule for 2026.
Campus Life for Isik University Students
Alongside the academic side, Isik University offers an active student environment that combines social, sports, and career-oriented activities.
Student Clubs
The university campus is home to more than 45 student clubs covering a variety of areas — sports, cultural, artistic, and scientific — giving students the chance to get involved in activities outside pure academic study and to meet peers from different backgrounds and nationalities.
Sports and Recreational Facilities
The Sile Campus has a number of sports centers in addition to football, basketball, and volleyball courts, and a tennis hall. Students also benefit from the campus’s location overlooking the Black Sea to practice activities such as water sports, camping, and cycling.
Career Guidance and Practical Training
The university provides career guidance services that include workshops and one-on-one mentoring for students, in addition to internship programs in cooperation with local and international companies and institutions, with the aim of connecting students to the job market before graduation.
Isik University Facilities and Campuses
Isik University‘s facilities are spread across two campuses equipped to cover students’ academic and daily needs throughout the week.
1. Sile Campus
This campus is located on the Black Sea coast on the Asian side of Istanbul, and it includes classrooms, engineering labs, and student housing, in addition to sports facilities, the main library, cafeterias, restaurants, and shops within the campus.
2. Maslak Campus
Located in the heart of the business district on the European side of the city, this campus is mainly dedicated to graduate programs, and its proximity to business centers makes it easier for master’s and PhD students to combine study and work.
3. University Library
Isik University‘s library holds more than 600,000 books and research resources across various fields, making it one of the essential tools supporting students and researchers in completing their research and studies.
4. Medical Center
A medical center operates within the campus around the clock, every day of the week, and it has a staff of doctors and nurses to provide primary care to students on campus without needing to leave it.
5. Labs and Technical Infrastructure
The Faculty of Engineering has specialized scientific labs to support its various engineering programs, in addition to equipped computer labs that serve both technical and administrative majors.
Isik University Services
Alongside its campus facilities, Isik University offers a range of administrative and logistical services that make it easier for students, especially international students, to settle into university life.
1. International Students Office
The campus has a dedicated office for international student affairs, which handles registration procedures and tuition payment, in addition to helping students resolve any administrative issues they may face during their studies.
2. Orientation Program
The university offers an orientation program for new students at the start of each academic year, aimed at introducing them to the campus, academic systems, and available services — a step that helps students coming from abroad adapt more quickly.
3. Transportation
Shuttle buses are available connecting the campus to the city center on both the Asian and European sides, in addition to the option of using the unified “Istanbulkart” card for all public transportation in the city (metro, Metrobus, buses, dolmus, and tram).
Isik University Admission Requirements and Documents
Isik University‘s admission criteria are based mainly on the student’s academic qualifications and command of the language of instruction, without significant additional complications.
Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s programs require a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Required documents:
- Original high school diploma with translation and certification (English or Turkish)
- Original transcript with translation and certification
- Copy of passport
- Personal photo
- Language test score (if available)
Master’s Degree
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree.
Required documents:
- Original bachelor’s degree certificate
- Complete bachelor’s degree transcript
- Copy of passport
- Personal photo
- TOEFL score or its equivalent (if available)
PhD
Applicants must hold a master’s degree.
Required documents:
- Master’s degree certificate and thesis
- Master’s degree transcript
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Copy of passport
- Personal photo
Language Requirements (All Levels)
For programs taught in English, the university requires a TOEFL iBT score. For Turkish-taught programs, a Turkish language proficiency certificate issued by university language centers, the Yunus Emre Institute, or testing centers accredited by the Council of Higher Education is accepted.
If a student does not hold any of these certificates, the university administers an internal placement test, and if the student does not pass it, they are required to complete a preparatory year at the School of Foreign Languages on the Sile Campus before beginning their specialized studies.
How Can I Enroll at Isik University?
We’ve broken down the enrollment process at Isik University into clear, direct steps, so you can move from application to your seat in class with minimal effort and no complications.
1. Contacting Our Team and Choosing a Major
Enrollment begins by contacting our team, where we help you choose the right major based on your high school diploma, GPA, budget, and career goals, and provide you with all the details about fees and available programs.
2. Preparing Documents and Submitting the Admission Application
We guide you in preparing the required documents (high school diploma, transcript, passport, personal photo), then upload them electronically to the university in their translated and certified form to submit the official admission application.
3. Receiving Conditional Admission
After the university reviews the documents, a conditional acceptance letter is issued specifying the major the student has been accepted into, the tuition fees, and the amount required as a first payment.
4. Paying the First Installment and Confirming the Seat
The student pays the first installment (registration deposit) to the university’s official bank account, and once payment is confirmed, the university issues the final official acceptance letter.
5. Obtaining the Student Visa
The official acceptance letter is used to apply for a student visa at the nearest Turkish consulate or embassy, along with the passport, health insurance, and the visa application form.
6. Arriving in Turkey and Completing Actual Registration
After arriving in Turkey, actual registration is completed in person at the university’s International Students Office, by submitting the original, notarized copies of the documents.
7. Starting Studies or the Preparatory Year
If the student holds an accredited language certificate, they begin their academic studies immediately. If not, they join the preparatory year at the School of Foreign Languages before starting their specialized studies.
How Can the Intilaqa Team Help You?
The Intilaqa Education team works to help you step by step choose the right major and university for you in Turkey, according to your academic interests and study budget.
We offer you a comprehensive free consultation that includes:
- Recommending the best Turkish universities that teach your major.
- Clarifying the costs and scholarships available.
- Full follow-up throughout the enrollment process until final acceptance.
Whether you’re planning to study at Isik University in Turkey or any other university, you can start learning about the details of studying in Turkey through our complete guide:
