istinye University

Istinye University in Istanbul provides a modern academic model combining scientific rigor with practical application, based on a strategic partnership with the “MLP Care” medical group and a curriculum aligned with artificial intelligence developments. Through its advanced campuses, the university aims to graduate professional competencies ready for the global labor market.

This guide details the available majors, tuition fees, and training opportunities provided by the university for its students.

About Istinye University

Istinye University, located on the European side of Istanbul with its two campuses in Topkapi and Vadi Istanbul, is a modern private university in Turkey. It was established with a vision aimed at integrating academic education with advanced practical application.

Historical and Institutional Background

Established in 2015 by the “21st Century Anatolian Foundation,” the university has rapidly grown to become one of the most developing educational institutions in Turkey.

Main Supporter (Medical Background)

Istinye University is the academic face of the “MLP Care” medical group, the largest healthcare group in Turkey. This partnership grants the university’s students robust training opportunities in the group’s affiliated hospitals:

• Medical Park Hospitals

• Liv Hospital

• VM Medical Park Hospitals

Focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The university integrates technology into education, focusing primarily on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalization across all its educational curricula and various disciplines.

Research Approach and Educational Goals

Istinye adopts an advanced research approach that aims not only to transfer knowledge but to produce scientific knowledge contributing to societal development. Simultaneously, it prepares a generation equipped with leadership and critical thinking skills to compete in the global labor market.

Capacity and Student Body

The university hosts a diverse and rapidly growing student community, currently enrolling over 13,000 students. International students form a significant portion of this number, exceeding 4,000 students from more than 100 different countries, reflecting the growing global trust in its academic quality.

Advantages of Istinye University

Istinye University possesses a set of unique characteristics making it a preferred destination for students, particularly in medical and technological fields. The most prominent advantages include:

1. Strong Partnership with MLP Care Medical Group: This is the university’s most significant advantage, providing medical faculty students with exceptional practical and clinical training opportunities in a vast hospital network, including Medical Park, Liv Hospital, and VM Medical Park. This connection ensures direct exposure to medical cases and modern treatment techniques before graduation.

2. Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Education: Istinye distinguishes itself through a deep focus on digitalization and AI. These subjects are not limited to engineering faculties but are integrated into medical and administrative curricula to prepare students for future technological advancements.

3. Student Exchange Programs (Erasmus): The university is an active member of the EU-funded Erasmus+ program, allowing students the opportunity to study a semester or a full academic year at prestigious European universities and gain international experience.

4. Advanced Infrastructure and Laboratories: The two campuses (Topkapi and Vadi Istanbul) are equipped with modern laboratories and advanced simulation centers, especially for medicine and dentistry students, ensuring the application of theoretical knowledge in a highly realistic environment.

Istinye University Accreditations 2026

The strength of an Istinye University degree relies on a solid set of official accreditations that guarantee its global recognition and credibility:

1. Turkish Council of Higher Education (YOK) Accreditation: The university is officially licensed and accredited by the Turkish state, making its degrees legally recognized within Turkey and by all nations recognizing the Turkish education system.

2. World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS): The Faculty of Medicine at Istinye University is officially listed in the WDOMS. This listing is the primary prerequisite allowing graduates to apply for the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and medical licensing exams in Canada and Europe.

3. Pearson Assured International Accreditation: The English Preparatory School at Istinye University holds the British “Pearson Assured” accreditation. This confirms that English language instruction meets global quality standards.

4. Partner Hospitals Accreditation (JCI): Students in medical majors receive their clinical training in hospitals (Liv Hospital and Medical Park) that are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), the highest global healthcare quality standard.

5. Association for Evaluation and Accreditation of Medical Education Programs (TEPDAD): The Faculty of Medicine obtained the “TEPDAD” accreditation, recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), confirming the medical educational program adheres to international standards.

Istinye University Recognitions

Thanks to its official accreditations, an Istinye University degree holds legal strength, making it accepted worldwide. The scope of recognition includes:

1. European Union Countries (EU): As Istinye University is part of the Bologna Process and grants its graduates the European Diploma Supplement (Blue Diploma), its degrees are directly recognized across all EU countries, facilitating smooth equivalence for further studies or employment.

2. United States and Canada:

   • Medical Majors: Due to the WDOMS listing, medical graduates can evaluate and equate their degrees in the USA (ECFMG) and Canada.

   • Other Majors: Degrees are subject to international evaluation systems (like WES) and are generally accepted as the university is accredited by an official government body (YOK).

3. Recognitions in Asia and Africa: Istinye University degrees are widely accepted across numerous countries in Asia and Africa. Graduates benefit from smooth degree equivalence procedures supported by the official YOK accreditation, allowing them to pursue professional licenses and employment in their home countries seamlessly.

Local and Global Ranking of Istinye University

Istinye University achieved a qualitative leap in the 2025-2026 global rankings, being listed in major international indicators due to its strong research performance:

1. THE World University Rankings 2026:

   • Globally: Ranked within the 1001-1200 bracket globally (a significant achievement for a university founded in 2015).

   • Locally: Ranked 8th among Turkish foundation (private) universities.

   • Strength Point: Ranked #1 across all universities in Turkey in the “International Outlook” criterion, reflecting its global environment and the diversity of its students and staff.

2. URAP Academic Performance Ranking 2024-2025:

   • Locally: Advanced to rank 7th among private universities in Turkey.

   • By Major: Ranked 33rd in Turkey in the field of “Medical and Health Sciences.”

3. QS Europe and Western Asia Rankings 2025:

   • Europe: Ranked within the 601+ bracket for the best universities in Europe.

   • Regional: Ranked 61st among universities in the “Western Asia” region.

4. US News Best Global Universities 2026:

   • Ranked 1463rd globally, and 30th in Turkey (among both public and private universities).

Languages of Instruction at Istinye University

Istinye University features flexible linguistic options, providing parallel educational tracks (English and Turkish) for most of its vital majors:

1. Programs Taught in English (100%)

The university adopts English as the primary language for majors targeting international students and the global labor market:

• Medical Faculties: Human Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Physiotherapy.

• Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences: All engineering departments (Computer, Software, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics, Industrial, Biomedical), in addition to Architecture, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Mathematics, and Chemistry.

• Administrative and Social Sciences: Business Administration, Economics, International Relations, International Trade, Management Information Systems, and Psychology.

• Faculty of Communication and Arts: New Media, Cinema and Television, Digital Game Design, Gastronomy, and Translation.

2. Programs Taught in Turkish

Most of the aforementioned majors are also available in Turkish, in addition to unique majors taught exclusively or primarily in this language:

• Allied Health Majors: Midwifery, Child Development, Nutrition and Dietetics, Speech and Language Therapy, and Health Management.

• Faculty of Arts and Design: Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, Fashion and Textile Design, and Visual Communication Design.

• Humanities and Social Sciences: Philosophy, Turkish Language and Literature, Political Science and Public Administration, and Public Relations.

Faculties of Istinye University

The academic system at Istinye University consists of 9 main faculties:

• Faculty of Medicine

• Faculty of Dentistry

• Faculty of Pharmacy

• Faculty of Health Sciences

• Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences

• Faculty of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture

• Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences

• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

• Faculty of Communication

Majors at Istinye University

Istinye University is a comprehensive educational institution comprising a wide spectrum of faculties and institutes covering all scientific and literary fields. Below is a list of the most important majors frequently requested by international students, categorized by study field:

1. Medical and Health Field

• Medicine

• Dentistry

• Pharmacy

• Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

• Nursing

• Nutrition and Dietetics

2. Engineering and Technological Field

• Computer Engineering

• Industrial Engineering

• Software Engineering

• Biomedical Engineering

• Architecture and Interior Architecture

• Artificial Intelligence Engineering (within graduate programs or computer tracks)

3. Administrative and Humanities Field

• Business Administration

• Management Information Systems (MIS)

• Psychology

• Gastronomy and Culinary Arts

• New Media

4. Associate Degree Programs (Vocational Schools)

• Anesthesia

• First Aid and Emergency

• Oral and Dental Health

• Medical Laboratory Techniques

• Aircraft Technology

Graduate Studies at Istinye University

Istinye University provides advanced academic tracks in a developed research environment. Its programs are divided into two main sections:

1. Master’s Programs

The university includes a wide range of Master’s programs (with and without thesis), categorized as follows:

• Medical and Health Field: Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Dietetics, Health Management, Speech and Language Therapy, Surgical Nursing, Obstetrics and Gynecologic Nursing, Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Cancer Biology.

• Engineering and Technical Field: Artificial Intelligence Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Computer Engineering, Molecular Biology and Genetics.

• Administrative and Social Sciences Field: Business Administration, Management Information Systems, Clinical Psychology, Psychology, Political Science and International Relations.

• Arts, Architecture, and Media Field: Architectural Design, Interior Architecture, Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, Fashion and Textile Design, Cinema and Television.

2. PhD Programs

PhD programs focus on rigorous scientific research and preparing academics, including:

• Medical and Biosciences Field: Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Molecular Oncology, Neuroscience, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Dietetics, Speech and Language Therapy, Health Management, Clinical Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Obstetrics and Gynecology.

• Scientific and Engineering Field: Architecture, Chemistry, Physics.

• Administrative and Humanities Field: Business Administration, Communications Sciences.

Tuition Fees at Istinye University

Istinye University offers an advanced educational model combining medical technology and modern infrastructure, with a fee structure reflecting high academic value and a genuine investment in the student’s professional future.

• Associate Degree Programs (Annually): Tuition fees are $5,000 for all vocational school programs (two years). This is a unified cost ensuring the student receives intensive technical and practical training qualifying them for the labor market rapidly.

• Bachelor’s Degree Studies (Annually): Fees range between $5,500 and $29,000. The value varies based on the faculty type (medical, engineering, administrative) and the language of instruction, in exchange for providing an educational environment supported by the latest laboratories and university hospitals.

• Master’s Degree (Total Program Cost): The total program cost ranges between $8,000 and $15,000 (depending on the major). This includes all tracks, whether research-based (with thesis) or professional, offering precise specialization to elevate the student’s occupational competence.

• PhD Degree (Total Program Cost): The complete program fee is $12,500. This is a fixed cost covering the four years of study and academic research, aimed at graduating researchers and academic experts to global standards.

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.

[Browse Prices]

Practical Life for Istinye University Students

Studying at Istinye University goes beyond theoretical classrooms; the university provides an integrated “practical life” experience, immersing the student in the professional world from their early years. It features the following aspects:

1. Field Training in Major Hospitals (MLP Care): The strongest advantage for Istinye students (especially in medical majors) is the university’s affiliation with the MLP Care medical group, which owns Medical Park and Liv Hospital. This guarantees students intensive, real-world practical training opportunities in one of Turkey’s largest hospital networks.

2. Vadi Istanbul Campus: The main campus is located in the heart of the upscale “Vadi Istanbul” district. The location is an integrated business and entertainment hub, adjacent to one of the largest shopping malls and forests, providing a modern study environment accessible via the metro and Havaray lines.

3. Digital and Technological Environment (Artificial Intelligence): Istinye is known as an “AI University,” integrating modern technologies across all its majors. Students utilize advanced research centers and digital simulation labs, fostering an environment for technical innovation.

4. Student Exchange and Clubs (Erasmus & Clubs): The university supports an active social life through over 70 diverse student clubs (sports, cultural, scientific) and a massive library acting as a cultural center. It also provides extensive opportunities to study in Europe via the Erasmus+ exchange program.

Facilities and Campuses of Istinye University

Istinye University possesses a modern infrastructure distributed across two main campuses in Istanbul, designed to provide an integrated educational environment combining academic excellence and student welfare:

1. Vadi Istanbul Campus (Vadi Campus)

This is the university’s main campus, located in the Sariyer district, the modern commercial heart of Istanbul.

• Faculties: Houses most non-medical faculties (Engineering, Arts and Design, Economics and Administrative Sciences, and Communication).

• Features: Located next to the Vadi Istanbul shopping center and business hubs. Features a modern architectural design with smart classrooms and open student spaces. Easily accessible via public transportation networks (Metro and Havaray).

2. Topkapi Campus

Located in the Zeytinburnu district, serving as the university’s health center.

• Faculties: Dedicated to medical faculties (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Health Sciences) and vocational schools.

• Features: Contains advanced medical laboratories and clinical simulation centers. Houses the university dental hospital. Its central location makes it easily accessible from various parts of Istanbul.

3. University Hospitals

These are an essential part of the university’s training facilities, where students conduct their clinical practice:

• Istinye University Liv Hospital: Located in the Bahcesehir district, recognized as one of the finest hospitals combining scientific research and medical service.

• Medical Park Gaziosmanpasa: Affiliated with the university and provides extensive training opportunities.

4. Academic and Recreational Facilities

• Libraries: Massive central libraries on both campuses providing print and electronic research resources and quiet study spaces.

• Laboratories: Computer labs, engineering workshops, and medical labs equipped with the latest technologies.

• Sports Facilities: Gyms and courts for practicing various physical activities.

5. Student Housing

While the university does not own on-campus dormitories, it provides comfortable housing solutions through contracts with premium private student dormitories near its campuses:

• Location: Contracted dormitories are situated around the Vadi Istanbul and Topkapi campuses to minimize commute times.

• Services: Includes modern furnished rooms (single or shared), high-speed internet, cleaning services, 24/7 security, and utility facilities (laundry, kitchens).

• Transportation: Scheduled shuttle services are often provided between the dormitories and the campuses.

Istinye University Services

Istinye University provides a comprehensive system of services and support aimed at facilitating the academic and personal lives of its students, particularly international ones:

1. International Student Support (International Office): The primary contact point offering full logistical support to foreign students:

   • Legal Procedures: Tracking the student’s residence file entirely and guiding them through the application process.

   • Living Facilities: Assistance in obtaining a tax number, opening a bank account, and purchasing a SIM card.

2. Academic and Career Services:

   • Academic Advising Center: Provides specialized advisors to help students select courses and plan their academic paths.

   • Career and Internship Center: Connects the university to a vast corporate network (especially within the MLP Care group) and supports students in finding summer internships and post-graduation jobs.

   • Erasmus+ Program: Offers a unique opportunity for study or practical training at partner European universities.

3. Health and Psychological Services:

   • Healthcare: Students enjoy access privileges to health services and clinics affiliated with university hospitals (Liv Hospital & Medical Park).

   • Psychological Counseling and Support: The support center provides confidential sessions to help students adapt to university life.

4. Technology and Infrastructure Services:

   • Digital Technology: Provision of high-speed Wi-Fi, an advanced university network, and modern Learning Management Systems (LMS).

   • Transportation Services: Provision of scheduled shuttle buses between main campuses and certain student housing areas.

Required Documents and Admission Requirements for Istinye University

Istinye University facilitates admission procedures for international students. It does not mandate exams like YOK or SAT for its programs, relying primarily on the high school diploma GPA:

1. Admission Requirements and Required Averages

• For Medical Majors (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy): These require competitive averages. Admission generally requires minimum averages starting from 75% for Medicine and 70% for Dentistry and Pharmacy.

• For Engineering and Other Health Majors: Students are accepted with averages starting from 60% – 65% and above.

• For Vocational Schools (Diploma) and Other Majors: A 55% average in high school is sufficient.

2. Required Documents for Bachelor’s and Associate Degrees

• A valid passport copy.

• A copy of the high school diploma (or temporary certificate for recent graduates).

• A copy of the transcript for high school academic years.

• Translation of documents (diploma and transcript) into English or Turkish.

• A biometric personal photo.

3. Required Documents for Graduate Studies (Master’s and PhD)

• A passport copy.

• University graduation certificate (Bachelor’s for Master’s, and Master’s for PhD).

• University academic transcript.

• A statement of purpose (sometimes required to explain the choice of major).

• An academic recommendation letter (often required for PhD programs).

4. Language Requirements (Preparatory Year)

• Submit an internationally recognized certificate (TOEFL for English or TOMER for Turkish) for exemption from the preparatory year.

• If no certificate is provided, the student takes a university placement test.

• If the test is not passed, the student completes a language preparatory year on campus before starting their major.

How Can I Register at Istinye University?

To ensure a smooth and effective admission process and secure your study seat at Istinye University, here is a guide summarized in 5 main steps:

1. Free Evaluation and Major Selection: The process begins by sending your academic file to our specialized team. We evaluate your grades for free to ensure you meet the admission requirements. We assist you in identifying the major best suited to your ambitions and clarify all applicable fees and discounts.

2. Document Verification and Application Submission: After selecting the major, we verify all required documents (passport, diploma, translated transcripts) for accuracy. The admission application is then officially submitted to the Istinye University admissions office on your behalf, ensuring rapid processing.

3. Obtaining Initial Acceptance and Seat Confirmation: Upon academic approval, an “Initial Acceptance Letter” is sent. To finalize securing your seat, you must transfer the first tuition installment (deposit) directly to Istinye University’s official bank account.

4. Receiving Final Acceptance Document and Visa Procedures: Once the financial transfer is confirmed, the university issues the “Final Acceptance Document.” This is the official paperwork needed to apply for a “Student Visa” at the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country.

5. Final Enrollment on Campus: The final step occurs upon your arrival in Istanbul. You head to one of Istinye University’s campuses to submit the original copies of your certificates to the Student Affairs Office to receive your university card and schedule.

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 the available costs and scholarships.

• Full follow-up in the registration process until final admission.

Whether you plan to study at Istinye University in Turkey or any other university, you can start by learning about the details of studying in Turkey through our complete guide:

study in Turkey