Istanbul Okan University is considered a leading academic edifice in Turkey, where its philosophy is based on integrating students into the professional environment from day one under its famous slogan, “Closest to Business Life”. Located in Istanbul, the university houses distinguished faculties in Medicine, Aviation, and Engineering, offering its programs in both English and Turkish. Okan is characterized by its prestigious international accreditations and advanced facilities that attract thousands of international students annually. The Intilaqa Educational Team presents this comprehensive guide to exploring all the university’s majors, updated tuition fees for 2026, and easy admission requirements to help you start your study journey successfully and professionally.
About Okan University
Okan University (Istanbul Okan University) is one of the most advanced educational institutions in Turkey. It adopts an innovative philosophy based on breaking the barriers between academic study and professional reality, making it a strategic center for graduating cadres ready to break into the global labor market from the heart of Istanbul.
Establishment and Expansion
Okan University was established in 1999 by the initiative of the Okan Culture, Education, and Sports Foundation, and officially began providing its educational services in 2003. Since then, the university has successfully made stunning developmental leaps, becoming today an integrated educational environment comprising over 25,000 students aspiring to obtain an education that keeps pace with rapid changes in the digital and technical world.
Quality Standards and Accreditations
Okan University places “Excellence and Quality” as a top priority, as its programs have obtained high-level international and local accreditations, such as (MUDEK) accreditation for engineering programs and (TEPDAD) accreditation for the Faculty of Medicine. What truly distinguishes Okan University is its educational system that applies strict standards ensuring curricula alignment with international requirements, facilitating the degree equivalence process for graduates and their employment in various European and global countries.
University Environment and Diversity
Today, the university embraces a cross-border knowledge community, with over 3,000 international students from more than 106 countries studying at Okan University, giving the campus a unique global character. The “Tuzla” campus stands out as one of the most modern university complexes in Turkey, providing students with advanced recreational and educational facilities, including flight training centers and advanced research laboratories, to ensure a comprehensive and enjoyable study experience.
Future Orientation
The university does not merely transfer knowledge but seeks to encourage innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit by investing in future disciplines such as artificial intelligence technology and aviation engineering. The vision of Okan University focuses on building the student’s leadership character and providing them with the technical and research tools that make them capable of competing and innovating in the complex international work environment.
Advantages of Okan University
Okan University uniquely holds a set of competitive advantages that place it at the forefront of educational choices for international students in Turkey. Its 2026 strategy focuses on providing a comprehensive applied educational experience. Here are the most prominent advantages of studying at Okan University:
1. Direct Connection to the Labor Market (O’COOP)
Okan University is a pioneer in Turkey in implementing the “Cooperative Learning” (O’COOP) system, a program offering students the opportunity to work and train in major companies contracted with the university during their study period. This ensures the student gains genuine professional experience added to their CV before graduation.
2. Excellence in Aviation and Practical Training
Okan University possesses one of the strongest aviation faculties in the region, providing professional practical training using the latest flight simulators. The university also owns its private hospitals to train medicine and dentistry students, ensuring direct exposure to medical cases under high-level academic supervision.
3. World-Class Facilities and Infrastructure
The “Tuzla” campus belonging to Okan University is an integrated “university city.” It extends over a massive area and includes:
- Advanced research centers and technical laboratories.
- Olympic sports facilities (pools, courts, and gyms).
- Modern student housing providing the highest standards of comfort and safety.
4. International Accreditations and Recognitions
Academic programs at Okan University enjoy prestigious international recognitions. It is a member of the International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP) network and actively participates in the “Erasmus+” student exchange program with European universities. Additionally, its engineering and medical programs have obtained qualitative accreditations ensuring the degree’s strength globally.
5. Strategic Location
The location of Okan University in the “Tuzla” district is distinguished by its proximity to the “Sabiha Gokcen” International Airport and major industrial and business areas in Asian Istanbul, making it easy for students to access training centers and major global companies.
Okan University Accreditations 2026
Okan University enjoys a broad network of local and international accreditations for 2026, enhancing the value of its degrees in global academic and professional circles. Here are the most prominent of these accreditations:
Higher Education Quality Council (YOKAK)
Okan University undergoes evaluation by the Turkish Higher Education Quality Council and has obtained institutional quality accreditation, confirming its commitment to the highest national standards in management, education, and scientific research.
Specialized Accreditations (For Specific Programs)
- MUDEK Accreditation: Specific to Faculty of Engineering programs (such as Civil Engineering and Electrical and Electronics Engineering), it is recognized Europeanly and globally within the “Washington Accord.”
- TEPDAD Accreditation: A national and international accreditation for the Faculty of Human Medicine programs, ensuring the quality of medical education according to global standards.
- AQAS Accreditation: Okan University obtained this German accreditation for several social sciences and humanities programs, ensuring curricula align with European quality standards.
- FEDEK Accreditation: Specific to the faculties of Arts, Sciences, Natural and Social Sciences.
- Pearson Accreditation: The university obtained the British “Pearson” accreditation for English language programs, allowing students to acquire internationally recognized language certificates.
International Memberships and Recognitions
- European University Association (EUA): The university is an active member of this association, facilitating student exchange processes and academic recognition in European Union countries.
- Erasmus+ Program: The university offers its students student exchange opportunities with over 400 educational institutions worldwide, particularly in Europe.
- ISEP Organization: Membership in the International Student Exchange Programs network, which includes hundreds of universities in the United States and over 50 other countries.
- World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS): The university’s Faculty of Medicine is listed in this directory, which is vital for students wishing to complete their studies or work abroad (e.g., applying for USMLE exams).
Okan University Recognitions
Okan University (Istanbul Okan University) enjoys a prestigious international standing, deriving the strength of its degrees from the recognition of the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YOK) and obtaining qualitative global accreditations. This makes its graduates qualified to pursue their professional and academic paths in various countries around the world.
1. Recognitions in Asia and Africa
Okan 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 growing global ranking and accreditations. 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)
Okan University derives its global strength from partnerships and accreditations that make its degree cross-border:
- European Union Countries: The university is a member of the “European University Association” (EUA) and applies the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), ensuring all European countries recognize its degrees and facilitating the pursuit of graduate studies there.
- United States and Canada: Thanks to the MUDEK accreditation (a member of the Washington Accord), engineering degrees from Okan University are equivalent to their counterparts in America, Canada, and the UK.
- Global Medical Sector: The inclusion of the Faculty of Medicine in the “World Directory of Medical Schools” (WDOMS) grants Okan University graduates the right to apply for the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and work in international hospitals.
Local and Global Ranking of Okan University
Istanbul Okan University confirms its leadership year after year as one of the Turkish universities most connected to the labor market, clearly reflected by its numbers in global and local rankings:
1. Times Higher Education (THE)
The university achieved remarkable results in the 2025-2026 report, confirming its pioneering role in societal impact and innovation:
- Globally (Impact Rankings): The university successfully stabilized within the (601-800) bracket globally, reflecting a qualitative leap in sustainability and scientific research standards.
- Locally: The university emerged as one of the best private universities focusing on “Innovation and Industry,” achieving high ratings in knowledge transfer thanks to its famous slogan, “The University Closest to Business Life.”
2. QS World University Rankings
According to the 2025-2026 regional releases, Okan maintained a prestigious position:
- Europe: It ranked in the top 601+ universities category in the QS Europe ranking for 2025.
- Regional (Western Asia): Ranked 61st, placing it in the elite list among universities in the region thanks to its strong academic programs and its ability to employ graduates.
3. Webometrics Ranking
In the January 2025 update, the university showed a strong digital and research presence:
- Globally: Ranked 3369th among over 30,000 universities worldwide.
- Locally: Stabilized at the 107th position among Turkish universities, and is considered among the best foundation (private) universities in Istanbul in terms of transparency and the impact of academic content.
4. URAP Turkish Ranking
In the latest report issued by the Informatics Institute (2025-2026), the university maintained the stability of its academic performance:
- Locally (Overall Ranking): Ranked 139th among all universities in Turkey.
- Private Universities: Okan University remains on the list of foundation universities most attractive to international students, especially in the fields of Human Medicine, Dentistry, and Aviation Engineering.
Languages of Instruction at Okan University
Istanbul Okan University is distinguished by the diversity of its academic options and linguistic flexibility. It provides two parallel educational tracks for most of its vital majors, giving the student the freedom to choose the language that suits their professional future:
Programs Taught in English (100%)
The university adopts English as the primary language in the majors most in-demand in the international labor market, which are:
- Medical and Health Sciences: Human Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, and Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences: Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Genetics and Bioengineering.
- Administrative and Economic Sciences: Business Administration, Economics and Finance, International Trade, International Relations, Logistics Management, and Information Systems and Technologies.
- Excellence and Languages Majors: Professional Flight (Pilotage), Architecture, Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, Psychology, English Language Teaching, and Translation and Interpreting.
Programs Taught in Turkish
The university provides a wide range of programs in Turkish, some available in both languages and some exclusive to the Turkish track according to the list:
- Medical and Health Sector: Human Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Dietetics, Child Development, and Health Management.
- Faculty of Law: Law major.
- Faculty of Arts: Theater, Music, Cinema and Television, Fashion and Textile Design, and Visual Communication Design.
- Media and Sports Technology: Digital Game Design, New Media and Communication, Public Relations, and Sports Management.
- Educational and Social Sciences: Special Education Teaching, Pre-School Teaching, Psychological Counseling and Guidance, in addition to Psychology.
- Management and Engineering: Business Administration, International Trade, International Relations, Aviation Management, Information Systems and Technologies, Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Civil Engineering.
Faculties of Okan University
Istanbul Okan University comprises 11 main faculties covering various academic fields:
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
- Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture
- Faculty of Business and Administrative Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Applied Sciences
Majors at Okan University
Istanbul Okan University includes a comprehensive list of academic majors encompassing:
Medical and Health Majors
- Human Medicine
- Dentistry
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Child Development
- Health Management
Engineering and Technical Majors
- Computer Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Genetics and Bioengineering
- Information System and Technologies
Architecture, Design, and Arts Majors
- Architecture
- Interior Architecture and Environmental Design
- Digital Game Design
- Visual Communication Design
- Fashion and Textile Design
- Cinema and Television
- Theater
- Music
Aviation and Applied Sciences Majors
- Professional Flight (Pilotage)
- Aviation Management
- Gastronomy and Culinary Arts
Administrative and Economic Sciences Majors
- Business Administration
- International Trade
- International Relations
- Economics and Finance
- Logistics Management
- Sports Management
Humanities, Educational, and Law Majors
- Law
- Psychology
- English Language Teaching
- Special Education Teaching
- Pre-School Teaching
- Psychological Counseling and Guidance
- Translation and Interpretation
- Public Relations
- New Media and Communication
Graduate Studies at Okan University
Okan University offers diverse options for the graduate level. Here is a list of the most prominent Master’s and PhD programs available:
First: Master’s Programs
The university includes a range of vital majors, most notably:
- Business Administration – Available in both English and Turkish.
- Clinical Psychology.
- Architecture & Interior Architecture.
- Computer Engineering.
- Civil Engineering.
- Advanced Electronics and Communication Technology.
- Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Gastronomy.
- Logistics Management.
- International Relations.
Second: PhD Programs
The university is distinguished by strong PhD programs, especially in medical and engineering fields:
- Dentistry Majors: (Orthodontics, Periodontology, Endodontics).
- Mechatronics Engineering.
- Computer Engineering.
- Business Administration.
- Law (Public and Private).
- Health Management.
- Nursing.
- Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Architecture.
Tuition Fees at Okan University
Istanbul Okan University provides balanced educational solutions combining the quality of international accreditations with competitive tuition fees. This allows students to gain robust academic and practical experience at calculated costs that suit various budgets, according to the following structure:
Associate Degree Programs (Annually):
Associate Degree fees in vocational schools start from approximately $2,500. These two-year tracks aim to qualify students technically through intensive field training, raising their readiness to enter the labor market immediately upon graduation.
Bachelor’s Degree Studies (Annually):
Annual installments for the Bachelor’s degree range between $3,500 and reach $21,500 in medical majors. This variation is due to the type of chosen major (engineering, administrative, or medical like medicine and dentistry) and the approved instruction language.
Master’s Degree (Total Program Cost):
Total expenses range between $3,500 and $6,000 for most programs, reaching $20,000 in the Clinical Psychology major. This cost covers both research and professional tracks to deepen the student’s expertise in their career field.
PhD Degree (Total Program Cost):
PhD costs start from $7,000 and reach $15,000 in precise dentistry majors. These fees cover all years of study and research to qualify researchers capable of competing in international academic forums.
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 Okan University Students
Istanbul Okan University adopts a unique educational philosophy based on its famous slogan, “The University Closest to Business Life”; it does not merely offer theoretical curricula but seeks to integrate the student into the labor market from day one.
Here is a comprehensive look at the details of student and practical life inside the university:
1. “Cooperative Learning” Program (O’COOP)
This program is one of the university’s most important pillars, aiming to break the barriers between academic study and professional reality through:
- Integrated Vocational Training: Students get the opportunity to work or train in major companies contracted with the university as part of their study plan.
- Professional Certificates: The university offers specialized courses granting the student recognized certificates in business and technology sectors, added to their CV before graduation.
2. Career and Professional Support Center
The university possesses a specialized center acting as a link between students and major Turkish and international companies:
- Job Fairs: The university organizes regular meetings with HR managers to open direct employment horizons for graduates.
- Career Counseling: Assisting students in writing their CVs and successfully passing job interviews.
3. Field Training in Vital Facilities
Okan University has an infrastructure allowing students to practice their majors in real environments:
- Medicine and Dentistry Students: Train at the Okan University Hospital, which houses the latest medical technologies.
- Aviation Students: Undergo intensive practical training at the university’s private training center using advanced flight simulators.
- Engineering Students: Advanced laboratories are available to them in partnership with industrial companies to implement realistic technical projects.
4. Life at “Tuzla” Campus
The university provides an integrated living environment resembling a “small city,” making it easy for the student to focus on their studies and develop their social skills:
- Student Housing: Modern and equipped rooms located directly on campus, saving time and effort.
- Recreational Facilities: The university includes sports centers, swimming pools, cinemas, and cafes, creating a balance between study and entertainment.
- Student Activities: There are over 50 student clubs covering diverse interests (technical, cultural, sports) that help build the student’s leadership character.
Campus and Facilities of Okan University
Istanbul Okan University is distributed across 3 main campuses in Istanbul, the largest of which is the “Tuzla” campus, considered an integrated educational city. Here are the details of the headquarters and facilities:
1. Campuses
- Tuzla Campus: The main and largest headquarters (covering 160,000 square meters) on the Asian side. It houses all main faculties, student housing, and sports facilities, distinguished by its proximity to Sabiha Gokcen Airport.
- Mecidiyekoy Campus: Located on the European side (city center), primarily housing the Faculty of Dentistry and its affiliated training dental hospital, in addition to some graduate institutes.
- Kadikoy Campus: Located in the vibrant Kadikoy district on the Asian side, housing Vocational Schools (Associate Degree), the Conservatory, and some Master’s and PhD programs.
2. Educational and Medical Facilities
- Okan University Hospital (Tuzla): A massive hospital with over 250 beds and 10 operating rooms, serving as the primary training center for human medicine students.
- Dental Centers: The university owns two dental hospitals (in Tuzla and Mecidiyekoy) equipped with the latest simulation units and training clinics.
- Research Centers: The university includes 21 research and application centers, notably the Computer Research Center, the Intelligent Transportation and Automotive Systems Center, and the European Union Research Center.
3. Main Campus Facilities (Tuzla)
- Student Housing: Consists of 5 separate buildings (3 for females and 2 for males) with a capacity exceeding 1,300 beds. The rooms are fully equipped (refrigerator, desk, internet, private bathroom) with 24/7 cleaning and security services available.
- Sports Complex: Includes an indoor semi-Olympic pool, a modern gym, indoor basketball and volleyball courts, in addition to outdoor football and tennis courts, and sauna and steam rooms.
- Social Center: Houses a “cinema” accommodating over 100 people, mini-malls, a massive library, and a variety of cafes and restaurants serving daily meals to students.
4. Specialized Facilities for Aviation Students
The university possesses an aviation training center equipped with advanced flight simulators, and benefits from its proximity to Sabiha Airport and the F1 track to provide a realistic training environment for automotive and aviation engineering students.
Okan University Services
Istanbul Okan University strives to provide an integrated educational and service environment supporting the student from the moment of enrollment until graduation, through the following specialized units:
1. International Student Office (ISO)
Considered the primary reference for international students, providing the necessary support to ensure their legal and living stability in Turkey:
- Legal Support: Supervising all stages of issuing and renewing the student residence permit, and reviewing files to ensure the correctness of official procedures.
- Logistical Support: Assisting in obtaining a tax number, facilitating bank account opening procedures, and providing guidance related to communication and living services in Istanbul.
2. Academic Development and Career Path
- Academic Counseling: The university provides each student with an academic advisor who guides them in choosing courses and coordinating their schedule to suit their specialized path.
- Career Center (O’COOP): Operates under the slogan “Closest to Business Life,” connecting students with a network comprising over 2,500 companies, and providing field training opportunities and jobs for new graduates.
- Student Exchange (Erasmus+): The university offers academic exchange programs with prestigious European and international universities, allowing students to study for a semester or a full year abroad.
3. Healthcare and Psychological Support
- Medical Services: Students benefit from the facilities of the Okan University Hospital (General and Dental), providing advanced therapeutic services and training privileges for medical faculty students.
- Psychological Counseling Center (OPDEM): The center provides psychological and social support via counseling sessions (individual or group) to help students adapt to studying abroad and academic pressures with complete privacy.
4. Digital Infrastructure and Mobility Solutions
- Technical Environment: High-speed Wi-Fi coverage is available across the entire campus, with the O’Learn learning management system allowing students easy access to lectures and digital resources.
- Transportation Services: Given the main campus’s location in Tuzla, the university provides an organized Shuttle network connecting the university to major city centers (like Kadikoy, Kartal, etc.), facilitating students’ daily movement.
Required Documents and Admission Requirements for Okan University
Istanbul Okan University adopts a flexible admission policy relying on the high school GPA as the primary criterion, without requiring additional aptitude tests like (YOK) or (SAT), simplifying international students’ enrollment.
Here are the detailed required documents and precise admission criteria:
First: Bachelor’s and Associate Degree (Institutes)
- Passport: A clear and valid copy of the student’s passport.
- High School Diploma: An original copy of the graduation certificate, translated into Turkish or English and officially notarized.
- Transcript: A detailed grade report of the high school stage, translated and notarized.
- Personal Photos: A recent and clear biometric photo.
- Evaluation Criteria: The university does not require “YOS” or “SAT” certificates for admission; initial acceptance is granted based on the high school GPA, the minimum of which varies according to the chosen major (especially in medical and aviation fields).
- Language Proof: In the absence of an international language certificate, the student takes a placement test on campus. If not passed, the student enrolls in an intensive preparatory year to learn the language before starting major courses.
Second: Graduate Studies (Master’s and PhD)
- Graduation Documents: Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants) or a Master’s degree “With Thesis” (for PhD applicants), translated and notarized.
- Academic Record: A comprehensive transcript of previous university study years, translated and notarized.
- Recommendation Letters: Submission of recommendation letters from former academic professors to support the student’s research profile.
- Motivation Letter: A letter explaining academic and research goals, a fundamental requirement for PhD students and for evaluation in qualitative Master’s programs.
- Language Criterion (For Master’s): The student can take the university’s language exam or enroll in a preparatory year if they lack an accredited language certificate.
- Language Criterion (For PhD): A mandatory requirement imposed by the Higher Education Council (YOK); it requires submitting an accredited international proficiency certificate (like TOEFL iBT). The preparatory year system or internal university tests are not accepted for this stage.
How Can I Register at Okan University?
To turn your dream of studying at Istanbul Okan University into reality, we have organized the registration steps via the “Intilaqa Team” into 5 clear stages ensuring speed and accuracy in procedures:
1. Academic Consultation and Path Determination
Your journey begins with an evaluation session with our advisors, where we analyze your academic background and match it with Okan University’s diverse majors. Our goal here is to ensure you choose the program that combines your passion and your GPA, while informing you of the strongest discounts and partial scholarships exclusively provided by the university to our students.
2. File Preparation and Official Application
In this stage, we review all your supporting documents (such as the high school diploma and passport) to ensure they meet the required technical and linguistic standards. After auditing, our team uploads your file directly via the admission system at Okan University, avoiding any errors that might delay or reject the application.
3. Initial Acceptance Issuance and Reservation Confirmation
Once the university approves your application, we will hand you the “Initial Acceptance Letter.” To ensure the opportunity is not lost, especially in competitive majors like Professional Flight or Medicine, you will need to transfer the Deposit amount to the official university account; this step is the only guarantee to permanently reserve your academic seat.
4. Final Acceptance and Student Visa Issuance
After confirming the receipt of the financial payment, Okan University issues the “Final Acceptance Letter.” This document is your legal key to head to the Turkish embassy in your country and begin procedures to obtain a “Student Visa.” Our team will guide you on how to submit the application to ensure you enter Turkish territory legally and smoothly.
5. Final Registration on Campus
Upon your arrival in Istanbul to begin your educational journey, the “Intilaqa Team” guides you and assists you through all final enrollment steps at the university campus. We follow up with you on the process of verifying and submitting original documents to student affairs to ensure the validity of your academic registration. Once the signature on the record is complete, you receive your official university ID to start your study journey according to scheduled timetables.
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 Okan University in Turkey or any other university, you can start by learning about the details of Study in Turkey through our complete guide:
