Arel University is one of the prominent private universities in Turkey that adopts an educational approach balancing academic knowledge and practical experience. The university is committed to offering diverse study programs that meet the aspirations of international students and qualify them to compete in the global labor market. By relying on an advanced technological infrastructure and strong partnerships with industrial sectors, Arel provides its students with a modern education that keeps pace with global developments. This makes it a center for attracting competencies aspiring for professional excellence in an academic environment that supports innovation and scientific research.
About Arel University
Arel University is classified as an academic institution in Istanbul, adopting an educational philosophy based on integrating theoretical knowledge with direct professional experience. Since its inception, the university has developed an advanced educational curriculum that meets contemporary requirements, providing students with professional competence combining creativity and technical skill.
University Growth and Educational Vision
Arel University was established in 2007 by the “Kemal Gozukara Education and Culture Foundation,” an institution with a long legacy in developing the educational sector. The university began with a vision for expansion, becoming an educational institution attracting thousands of students across various study levels. This continuous development is due to the university’s ability to regularly update its infrastructure and academic programs, aiming to graduate cadres equipped with the necessary tools to compete in local and international markets.
Academic Quality Standards
Arel University adheres to academic quality standards, reflected in its faculties and programs obtaining national and international accreditations, such as (MUDEK) for engineering programs and (FEDEK) for arts and sciences. These recognitions indicate the alignment of study curricula with European standards, granting university graduates a competitive advantage when evaluating their degrees, applying for jobs in global institutions, and continuing their academic careers abroad.
University Life at Arel University
Arel University hosts over 13,000 students, including 1,500 international students from 70 countries. Students are distributed between the “Tepekent” and “Cevizlibag” campuses, where residential facilities and various student clubs are available. The university also supports practical training through broad partnerships with companies, facilitating direct entry into the labor market after graduation.
Advantages of Arel University
Many students seek to join Arel University due to the integrated academic environment it provides to serve their professional future. Below, we highlight the main advantages of studying there:
1. Direct Connection to the Labor Market (Arel Park Project):
This project aims to integrate students into real work environments during their study years. Through it, the university provides partnerships with hundreds of companies and factories, allowing the student to apply their studies practically and gain actual experience that increases their chances of obtaining a job immediately after graduation.
2. Advanced Technological Infrastructure:
Arel University possesses laboratories and workshops equipped with modern technical tools in engineering, media, and medical sciences. These facilities ensure the student trains on the equipment and software used in major companies, reducing the gap between academic education and professional reality.
3. Diversity of Instruction Languages:
Arel University offers most of its majors in English alongside Turkish. This grants the student flexibility in choosing a path that suits their ambition and opens broad prospects for graduates to work in international institutions and companies inside and outside Turkey.
4. Career Path Support for Students:
The relationship between the student and Arel University does not end upon graduation. The university supports its students via the Career Center, which assists them in writing CVs, preparing for job interviews, and searching for job opportunities fitting their majors through the university’s extensive network.
Arel University Accreditations 2026
Arel University continuously updates its international and local recognitions and accreditations for 2026, aiming to ensure the acceptance of its graduates’ degrees in various global institutions and facilitate their professional and academic careers. Here are the most important accreditations:
Higher Education Quality Council (YOKAK)
Arel University adheres to the quality standards approved by the Turkish Higher Education Quality Council, undergoing periodic institutional evaluation programs. This accreditation confirms that the university follows an advanced administrative and academic system focused on improving the educational environment and sustainably developing scientific research according to national standards.
Specialized Accreditations
- MUDEK Accreditation: Engineering programs at Arel University (including Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and Industrial Engineering) obtained this accreditation. It ensures curricula align with European standards, making it easier for graduates to work as internationally recognized engineers.
- STAR Accreditation: Arel University is distinguished by its social sciences programs obtaining this accreditation, covering (Business Administration, International Relations, Political Science and Public Administration, and Logistics). It is valid until 2027, proving the university’s competence in teaching these sectors.
- FEDEK Accreditation: The Faculty of Arts and Sciences received this accreditation for the Molecular Biology and Genetics major, confirming the quality of study curricula and their alignment with modern scientific and research developments.
- Pearson Accreditation: The School of Languages at Arel University obtained the British “Pearson” quality accreditation. This guarantees students scientific material and global evaluation in the English language, supporting their opportunities to work or study abroad.
International Memberships and Agreements
- Erasmus+ Program: Arel University holds partnership agreements with over 150 European universities, offering students the opportunity for study exchange for a semester or a full year, enriching their educational and cultural experience.
- European University Association (EUA): As a member of this association, Arel University adheres to unified academic standards in Europe (Bologna Process), enhancing the value of its degree when applying for graduate studies in European Union countries.
- International Association of University Presidents (IAUP): This membership contributes to exchanging academic expertise with education leaders worldwide, helping the university develop its strategies to suit continuous global changes.
Arel University Recognitions
Arel University derives its international recognition from being an educational institution officially licensed by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YOK).
1. Recognitions in Asia and Africa
Arel University degrees are widely accepted across numerous countries in Asia and Africa. Graduates returning to these regions benefit from smooth degree equivalence procedures, supported by the official YOK accreditation and the university’s compliance with European standards. Students are advised to verify specific equivalence protocols with their local ministries of higher education upon graduation to ensure seamless academic evaluation and professional registration.
2. International Recognitions (Europe and America):
Arel University enjoys global recognitions allowing its graduates to compete in Western markets:
- European Union: Thanks to the university’s application of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and its membership in the European University Association (EUA), its degrees are equivalent to those issued by European universities, facilitating the completion of graduate studies in EU countries.
- America and Canada: The (MUDEK) accreditation obtained by the university’s engineering programs, which is linked to the “Washington Accord,” enhances the degree’s value, as it is professionally treated as a recognized engineering degree in America and Canada.
Local and Global Ranking of Arel University
Arel University is keen on enhancing its academic presence within accredited ranking lists, reflecting its continuous development in education quality and scientific research. Here is the university’s ranking according to the top 4 ranking bodies for 2025-2026:
1. Times Higher Education (THE)
Arel University actively participates in THE rankings and appeared in the 2026 edition with the following details:
- World University Rankings 2026: The university obtained a (Reporter) status, the stage preceding direct numerical ranking, meaning it has fulfilled all data criteria required for global competition.
- Impact Rankings 2025: The university stabilized in the 1001-1500 bracket globally, with special distinction in “Quality Education” and “Partnerships for the Goals” criteria.
2. QS World University Rankings
According to the latest reports from the QS platform for 2025/2026:
- Regionally: The university is currently focusing on enhancing its position in the Europe and Western Asia ranking. Although it did not enter the top 1000 globally in the overall ranking, it is classified among private Turkish universities holding a good reputation in “Employer Reputation” and “International Students” ratio.
3. Webometrics Ranking
Considered the most prominent reference for evaluating digital presence and research impact, according to the July 2025 update (approved for 2026):
- Globally: The university made progress reaching the 3591st position globally.
- Locally: Ranks 112th among all Turkish universities (public and private), reflecting the strength of its digital academic presence.
4. URAP Turkish Ranking
According to the official report issued by the Informatics Institute at Middle East Technical University for (2025-2026):
- Locally (Overall Ranking): Ranked 156th in Turkey.
- Locally (Private Universities): Placed 47th among foundation (private) universities, confirming the stability of its research performance and academic productivity among competitors in the private sector.
Languages of Instruction at Arel University
Arel University features flexible linguistic options, providing two educational tracks covering the needs of local and international students, with a focus on the English language in technical and administrative majors:
1. Programs Taught in English (100%)
Arel University adopts English as the primary language in a set of vital majors that open employment prospects for its students in international companies and institutions:
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences: Includes Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Molecular Biology and Genetics.
- Administrative and Economic Sciences: Includes Business Administration, International Relations, and International Trade and Finance.
2. Programs Taught in Turkish
The university offers a broad package of majors in Turkish, including medical, engineering, and arts sciences. Most notably:
- Medical and Health Faculties: Human Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Health Management.
- Faculty of Engineering and Architecture: Architecture, Interior Architecture, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Management Information Systems.
- Social and Humanities Sciences: Psychology, Sociology, Political Science and Public Administration, and Turkish Language and Literature.
- Arts and Communication: Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, Graphic Design, Cinema and Television, Cartoon and Animation, and Aviation Management.
Faculties and Majors of Arel University
Majors at Arel University are distributed across 7 main faculties in addition to specialized schools:
Faculty of Medicine
Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Architecture
- Interior Architecture
Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences
- Business Administration
- International Relations
- International Trade and Finance
- Management Information Systems
- Political Science and Public Administration
- International Finance and Banking
- Aviation Management
- Logistics Management
- Accounting and Finance Management
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Turkish Language and Literature
Faculty of Health Sciences
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Health Management
- Child Development
- Social Work
Faculty of Communication
- Cinema and Television
- New Media and Communication
- Journalism
- Public Relations and Advertising
- Visual Communication Design
Faculty of Fine Arts
- Gastronomy and Culinary Arts
- Graphic Design
- Cartoon and Animation
Specialized Schools
- English Translation and Interpretation
Graduate Studies at Arel University
Arel University offers wide options for students wishing to complete their graduate studies at the Master’s level. These programs are designed to combine academic specialization with advanced vocational training. Master’s programs at the university are distributed into two main tracks to suit students’ different needs:
Master’s Programs with Thesis
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychology
- International Relations
- Business Administration
- Computer Engineering
- Human Resource Management
- International Trade and Finance
- Political Science and Public Administration
- Healthcare Management
- Media and Cultural Studies
- Nursing
- Internal Medicine Nursing
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Graphic Design
- Fashion and Textile Design
- Architecture
Master’s Programs without Thesis
- Psychology
- Healthcare Management
- International Trade and Logistics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Architecture
- Fashion and Textile Design
- Graphic Design
Tuition Fees at Arel University
Arel University adopts a flexible pricing policy aimed at providing academic education with international standards at competitive prices, making it one of the most attractive universities for international students seeking a balance between quality and cost for 2026.
Associate Degree Programs (Vocational Institutes)
Associate degree programs (two years) at Arel University are an ideal option for students wishing to enter the labor market quickly and at the lowest costs. The annual fees for these programs are $2,600, covering a wide range of technical, health, and administrative majors.
Bachelor’s Degree Level (Annually)
Tuition fees at the Bachelor’s level vary based on the major and the language of instruction. They generally range between $3,200 and $4,500 for most engineering, administrative, and literary majors, while the Human Medicine major fees reach $13,500 annually, representing an outstanding academic investment in an integrated educational environment.
Master’s Level (Total Program Cost)
Master’s programs at Arel University feature an encouraging total cost, with fees for the entire program ranging between $3,300 and $4,500 for most engineering and administrative programs, reaching $7,500 in specific medical majors like Clinical Psychology, whether the program is a research (with thesis) or professional track.
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.
Practical Life for Arel University Students
Arel University realizes that academic success is merely the beginning. Therefore, it has designed an educational environment focusing primarily on “practical life” and connecting the student to the labor market from day one. The university does not settle for the theoretical curriculum but seeks to graduate cadres possessing the necessary field experience.
Career Planning Center
The Arel Career Development Center (ArelKam) is the main engine for the students’ future, offering vital services including:
- Career Guidance: Counseling sessions to help students choose the career path that suits their skills.
- Workshops: Organizing training courses on how to write a CV professionally and developing personal interview skills.
- Job Fairs: Hosting annual exhibitions connecting students with major Turkish and international companies to provide direct job and training opportunities.
Field Training and Practical Experience
Arel University adopts an educational methodology aimed at reducing the gap between academic study and real labor market requirements, focusing on three main axes:
- Mandatory Training System: Most faculties (especially engineering and health sciences) require practical training periods in factories, hospitals, or companies to ensure the student interacts with professional reality.
- Advanced Laboratories: The university possesses engineering, medical, and artistic labs equipped with the latest technologies, making the laboratory an environment that perfectly simulates the future workplace.
- Industrial Partnerships: The university is linked by cooperation agreements with major institutions, facilitating students’ access to real projects during their study period.
University Environment and Social Life
The university believes that developing the student’s personality is an integral part of their practical life:
- Student Clubs: The university houses over 80 student clubs in diverse fields (technological, cultural, sports, and artistic). Participation in these clubs enhances leadership and teamwork skills.
- Campus: Provides an integrated study environment away from the city’s hustle and bustle, with all sports and recreational facilities available to support the student’s psychological balance.
- Annual Events: The university organizes cultural and scientific festivals allowing students to present their projects and innovations to committees of experts and businessmen.
Campuses and Facilities of Arel University
Istanbul Arel University is distributed across three main campuses, each designed to serve specific educational goals and majors, ensuring students an integrated educational environment suitable for the nature of their studies. Here are the details of the university’s campuses and facilities:
Tepekent Campus
- Location: Located in the “Buyukcekmece” district on the European side of Istanbul.
- Majors: It is the main headquarters dedicated to Bachelor’s level students in the faculties of Engineering, Administrative Sciences, Arts, and Sciences and Letters.
- Features: It extends over a vast area providing a quiet study environment, containing a huge sports complex and villa-style student housing.
Cevizlibag Campus
- Location: Features a strategic location in the heart of European Istanbul in the Zeytinburnu district.
- Majors: This campus is dedicated to students of the Faculty of Human Medicine and the Faculty of Health Sciences.
- Features: It houses the latest medical and technical laboratories and simulation labs, and is located directly on the “Metrobus” line, making it easily accessible for students from all over the city.
Sefakoy Campus
- Location: Located in the Kucukcekmece district, directly on the (E-5) highway.
- Majors: Dedicated to students of Vocational Schools (Associate Degree) and Master’s programs.
- Features: Considered a vital headquarters due to its proximity to business centers and main transportation lines, making it ideal for graduate students and employees.
Facilities and Student Services
- Arel Villas Housing: Offers a unique residential experience at the “Tepekent” campus with independent villa systems, providing single and double rooms and comprehensive security services.
- Sports Complex: Contains world-class facilities including swimming pools, fitness gyms, and tennis and basketball courts available to all students.
- Research Centers: The campus houses the AREL-POTENT Center for Technological Research and advanced laboratories for scientific and medical majors students.
Services at Arel University
Istanbul Arel University places the student’s interest at the heart of its strategy, providing a comprehensive package of services aiming to offer a comfortable and creativity-stimulating university experience. Here is a breakdown of the student support services system:
1. Career Support and Employment Services (ArelKam)
The (ArelKam) center is effectively the office responsible for transferring the student from study benches to the labor market via:
- Providing Mandatory Training Opportunities: Securing training placements for students in companies contracted with the university to ensure graduation requirements are met.
- Internal Employment Platform: A private website for Arel students and graduates where exclusive jobs from university partners (over 2,500 companies) are displayed.
- CV Review: A dedicated office to receive students’ CVs and adjust them to suit the standards of Turkish and international companies.
2. Health and Psychological Services
The university provides direct and free care to students on campus:
- Psychological Counseling Center: Offers individual counseling sessions for students to help them solve personal or academic problems with complete privacy.
- Medical Clinics: Permanent medical staff is available at the (Tepekent, Sefakoy, and Cevizlibag) campuses to deal with emergencies and provide primary check-ups.
3. Transportation Services
To facilitate student movement between distant campuses, the university provides:
- Free Buses: A fleet of buses transporting students for free from central Metrobus stations to the main campus in “Tepekent.”
- Inter-Campus Connection: Regular and scheduled trips connecting the university’s three campuses with each other throughout the study day.
4. Media Training Services (Arel Media)
A unique service for communication and media students allowing them:
- Arel Radyo: A real radio station managed by students where they broadcast their programs, giving them radio work experience.
- Arel TV: An integrated studio equipped with cameras and editing rooms to produce visual content displayed on the university’s channels.
Required Documents and Admission Requirements for Arel University
Arel University follows an facilitated approach in the registration and admission process, aligning with the policy of private Turkish universities aiming to ease the enrollment of international students in their programs. The university bases its criteria on the student’s high school academic record, without imposing aptitude tests (like YOS or SAT) as a mandatory condition.
First: Bachelor’s and Associate Degree Levels
- Passport: A clear copy of a passport valid for no less than 6 months.
- High School Diploma: The original high school diploma, translated into Turkish or English and notarized.
- Transcript: A detailed grade report of high school subjects, translated and officially notarized.
- Personal Photos: Recent biometric photos with a white background.
- Admission Criteria: The university adopts the high school GPA as a basic criterion, with admission starting from 50% for institutes, 60% for administrative and literary majors, and 70% for engineering and health sciences, up to an 80% minimum for the Human Medicine major.
- Language Requirement: If the student does not possess an accredited language certificate, they take a placement test at the university; if not passed, they enroll in a preparatory year.
Second: Graduate Studies Level (Master’s)
- Graduation Certificate: A copy of the Bachelor’s degree, translated and notarized.
- University Transcript: A detailed statement of the student’s grades during university study years, translated and notarized.
- Motivation Letter: Optional for some programs, clarifying the student’s goals for studying the major.
- Language Requirement: The student can begin studying the language (preparatory year) if an accredited language certificate is unavailable upon application, or take the placement test held by the university.
How Can I Register at Arel University?
To ensure your smooth transition from the planning stage to sitting on the study benches at Arel University, we have summarized the roadmap for you into 5 professional and direct steps, accompanying you through all administrative and legal details:
1. Professional Consultation and Academic Evaluation
Your journey begins with an evaluation session with our team to study your academic qualifications. We help you balance your passion with your GPA to choose the most suitable major for you at Arel University, providing a comprehensive explanation of all the exclusive discounts and scholarships we offer you to alleviate financial burdens.
2. Document Verification and Electronic Submission
Once the major is chosen, our experts conduct a comprehensive review of your file (passport, certificates, and transcripts) to ensure they match the university’s standards. After that, we handle the application process via the official Arel University admission portal, with real-time follow-up to guarantee swift file processing and avoid any delays.
3. Conditional Acceptance Issuance and Seat Securing
Upon the university’s approval, we send you the “Initial Acceptance Letter.” At this stage, you must pay the first installment of the tuition fees directly to the university’s official bank account; this is a fundamental step to secure the seat in your name and protect it from running out, especially in high-demand majors.
4. Final Acceptance Receipt and Consular Procedures
After payment confirmation, the university issues the “Final Acceptance Letter.” This document is your official key to head to the Turkish consulate or embassy in your country to apply for a student study visa, and we provide you with all necessary tips to ensure the visa application is approved.
5. Final Registration and Receiving University ID
As soon as you arrive in Istanbul, we provide you with full support to complete your procedures at the Arel University Student Affairs Office. We will guide you step-by-step to submit your official papers, and once verified, you will receive your university number and student card to officially begin your study journey.
How Does the Intilaqa Team Help You?
The Intilaqa Educational Team works to assist you step-by-step in choosing the most appropriate 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 available costs and scholarships.
- Full follow-up in the registration process until final acceptance.
Whether you plan to study at Arel University in Turkey or any other university, you can start by learning about the details of Study in Turkey through our complete guide:
