180 Degrees Academyİstanbul Gelişim University
Quick Facts
- Location: Avcılar
- Founded: 2008
- Students: 35,000+
- Annual Tuition: $3,000 – $17,000/yr
- Language of Instruction: Turkish English
- Ranking: Fastest Growing
Overview
180 Degrees Academy Updated Guide · April 2026Istanbul Gelisim University
The Complete Student Guide
Everything you need to know about IGU — programs, official fees, rankings, accreditations, and 2026 admission requirements
9 min read International students Avcılar, Istanbul Last updated: April 2026 ✓ Verified and updated with official 2025–2026 data Table of Contents 1 History & Academic Philosophy 2 Location & Campus 3 Faculties & Programs 4 Bachelor's Programs & Tuition 2026–2027 5 Academic Rankings 2026 6 International Accreditations 7 Key Advantages 8 Student Housing 9 Admission Requirements 10 Frequently Asked QuestionsIn the Avcılar district on Istanbul's European side, Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) stands as a testament to extraordinary academic ambition. Since its founding in 2008, it has transformed from a vocational school into a comprehensive research university enrolling over 25,000 students — climbing the ranks of QS, Times Higher Education and Webometrics while earning a coveted position among Turkey's top private universities and becoming a leading destination for international students.
2008Year Founded 25,000+Enrolled Students 7Bachelor's Faculties 71Bachelor's Programs 130+Global Partnerships 66Accredited ProgramsHistory & Academic Philosophy From vocational school to global research university
The Gelişim Foundation — dedicated to education, culture and social services — laid the groundwork in 2008 in Avcılar as a vocational school. In 2011, after receiving full university status from YÖK, Istanbul Gelisim University was formally established. True to its name (Gelişim means "development" or "growth" in Turkish), the university embraces a philosophy of "development in all areas" with the ambition to become a model institution combining academic excellence, scientific research and community service.
"Istanbul Gelisim University believes that higher education is the most powerful tool for sustainable development, and it is committed to cultivating future leaders through curricula that unite theoretical knowledge with real-world application — in accordance with the highest international academic standards."
— Official Vision of Istanbul Gelisim UniversityThe university operates an ecosystem of over 100 modern laboratories, 17 research centres, and 50+ student clubs. According to the official report of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, IGU ranks among the top 3 Turkish universities for student patent applications — a compelling signal of its innovation-driven culture. In April 2026, the university participated in the APAIE 2026 international conference for the first time, underscoring its accelerating global reach.
Location & Campus Avcılar — directly on the Metrobus line
Avcılar District — Istanbul European Side
The main campus sits in a strategic position directly on the Metrobus rapid transit line, surrounded by large shopping centres and close to the coastline and Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa. The campus spans multiple modern buildings (A, B-C, SPES, D, E, G, K) housing faculties, laboratories, research centres, sports facilities and cafeterias.
🚌 Directly on the Metrobus line 🛒 Surrounding shopping centres 🏖️ Near the coastlineThe university also operates a second campus in Esenyurt, offering convenient access from multiple neighbourhoods across Istanbul's European side. Main address: Cihangir Mah. Şehit Jandarma Komando Er Hakan Öner Sk. No:1, Avcılar / İSTANBUL.
Faculties & Programs 7 bachelor's faculties covering every major academic direction
🦷 Faculty of Dentistry
- Dentistry (English / Turkish)
- 5-year undergraduate programme
- Advanced clinical laboratories
💼 Faculty of Economics & Social Sciences
- Business Admin, Economics & Finance
- Political Science, Psychology
- Aviation Management, Int'l Trade
⚙️ Faculty of Engineering & Architecture
- Aeronautical Engineering (standout)
- Computer & Software Engineering
- Architecture, Civil Engineering
🎨 Faculty of Fine Arts
- Interior Architecture & Environmental Design
- Graphic Design, Cinema & TV
- Visual Communication, Gastronomy
🩺 Faculty of Health Sciences
- Nursing, Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
- Nutrition & Dietetics, Audiology
- Social Work, Speech Therapy
🔬 Faculty of Applied Sciences
- Aviation Management, Avionics
- New Media, Translation & Interpretation
- Data Science & Analytics
🏃 Faculty of Sports Sciences
- Sports Coaching, Sports Management
- Exercise & Sport Sciences
- Sport for People with Disabilities
Bachelor's Programs & Tuition Official 2026–2027 academic year fee schedule
The tables below list all bachelor's programmes available at Istanbul Gelisim University for the 2026–2027 academic year with their official annual fees.
💡 Application fee = zeroIGU charges no application fee. Enrolling through 180 Degrees Academy is completely free and includes full advisory support and file management.
🦷 Faculty of Dentistry
| Programme | Duration | Language | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentistry | 5 years | English | $17,250 |
| Dentistry | 5 years | Turkish | $13,500 |
💼 Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences
| Programme | Duration | Language | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | 4 years | English | $4,500 |
| Business Administration | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Economics and Finance | 4 years | English | $4,250 |
| Economics and Finance | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| International Trade and Business | 4 years | English | $4,250 |
| International Trade and Business | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| International Trade and Finance | 4 years | English | $4,250 |
| International Trade and Finance | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Logistics Management | 4 years | English | $4,250 |
| Logistics Management | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Management Information Systems | 4 years | English | $4,250 |
| Management Information Systems | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Aviation Management | 4 years | English | $4,250 |
| Aviation Management | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Political Science and International Relations | 4 years | English | $4,250 |
| Political Science and International Relations | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Political Science and Public Administration | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Psychology | 4 years | English | $4,250 |
| Psychology | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| English Language and Literature | 4 years | English | $4,250 |
| English Translation and Interpretation | 4 years | English | $4,250 |
| New Media and Communication | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Public Relations and Publicity | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Radio, Television and Cinema | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Advertising | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Sociology | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Tourism Guidance | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Turkish Language and Literature | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
⚙️ Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
| Programme | Duration | Language | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aeronautical Engineering | 4 years | English | $6,000 |
| Aeronautical Engineering | 4 years | Turkish | $4,500 |
| Computer Engineering | 4 years | English | $5,500 |
| Computer Engineering | 4 years | Turkish | $4,500 |
| Software Engineering | 4 years | English | $5,500 |
| Software Engineering | 4 years | Turkish | $4,500 |
| Civil Engineering | 4 years | English | $4,750 |
| Civil Engineering | 4 years | Turkish | $4,500 |
| Architecture | 4 years | English | $4,750 |
| Architecture | 4 years | Turkish | $4,500 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 4 years | English | $4,750 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | 4 years | Turkish | $4,500 |
| Industrial Engineering | 4 years | Turkish | $4,500 |
| Mechatronics Engineering | 4 years | Turkish | $4,500 |
🎨 Faculty of Fine Arts
| Programme | Duration | Language | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Architecture and Environmental Design | 4 years | English | $4,250 |
| Interior Architecture and Environmental Design | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Interior Architecture | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Gastronomy and Culinary Arts | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Graphic Design | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Radio Television and Cinema | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Visual Communication Design | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
🩺 Faculty of Health Sciences
| Programme | Duration | Language | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | 4 years | English | $4,250 |
| Nursing | 4 years | Turkish | $5,000 |
| Child Development | 4 years | English | $4,250 |
| Child Development | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Healthcare Management | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Audiology | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Nutrition and Dietetics | 4 years | English | $4,250 |
| Nutrition and Dietetics | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Occupational Therapy (Ergotherapy) | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Perfusion | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation | 4 years | English | $4,500 |
| Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation | 4 years | Turkish | $4,500 |
| Social Work | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Speech and Language Therapy | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
🔬 Faculty of Applied Sciences
| Programme | Duration | Language | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Translation and Interpreting | 4 years | English | $4,250 |
| Aircraft Maintenance and Repair | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Aviation Management | 4 years | English | $4,250 |
| Aviation Management | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Avionics | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Banking and Insurance | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Electronic Commerce and Management | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Gastronomy and Culinary Arts | 4 years | English | $4,250 |
| Gastronomy and Culinary Arts | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Information Systems and Technologies | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Management Information Systems | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| New Media and Communication | 4 years | English | $4,250 |
| New Media and Communication | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Television Reporting and Programming | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Data Science and Analytics | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Public Relations and Advertising | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
🏃 Faculty of Sports Sciences
| Programme | Duration | Language | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports Coaching | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Sports Coaching | 4 years | English | $4,250 |
| Exercise and Sport Sciences | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Exercise and Sport Sciences for People with Disabilities | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Recreation | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
| Sports Management | 4 years | Turkish | $4,000 |
All fees are taken from the official IGU fee schedule for the 2026–2027 academic year. Figures may vary subject to exchange rates or available scholarships. For the latest information: gelisim.edu.tr
Academic Rankings 2026 Continuous ascent across every major index
QS World 2026#7Turkish private universities↑ Rising Times Higher Ed. 20261001–1200Worldwide↑ Rising THE — Business 2025601–800Worldwide✓ Outstanding SCImago 2025#6Turkish private universities↑ Rising Webometrics 2026#42Turkey nationally↑ +293 places Webometrics 2026#1,259Worldwide↑ Rising 📊 What these numbers meanAccording to SCImago 2025, IGU ranks 1st in Turkey in econometrics and finance. In Times Higher Education's Teaching Quality index, the university ranks 24th globally — a remarkable achievement for a private institution of its age. In 2025 it was also added to the TEPDAD accreditation list.
International Accreditations 66 accredited programmes from the world's most respected bodies
AQAS — Germany
40 departments & 53 programmes — European education standards
ABET — USA
American engineering accreditation for aeronautical & computer programmes
AHPGS — Germany
Health and social sciences accreditation — 120+ countries
PEARSON — UK
British accreditation for English-medium programmes
YÖK — Turkey
Official accreditation from the Turkish Council of Higher Education
Erasmus+
Active membership enabling exchange with leading European universities
🌍 International RecognitionIGU degrees are recognised in Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, and all EU member states. The university's YÖK accreditation and Bologna Process membership underpin this broad recognition.
Key Advantages What makes IGU a standout choice
- Leader in Aeronautical Engineering: IGU's Aeronautical Engineering programme holds the prestigious US-based ABET accreditation and is consistently ranked among the top options for this field across Istanbul's private universities.
- 130+ international university partnerships: Including Nagasaki University (Japan), University of Palermo (Italy) and University of Bristol (UK) — opening genuine pathways for global academic exchange.
- Top 3 in Turkey for student patents: As confirmed by the official Turkish Patent and Trademark Office report — a concrete measure of the university's innovation culture.
- 100+ laboratories and 17 research centres: An exceptional research infrastructure providing high-quality hands-on training across all disciplines.
- 50+ student clubs: A vibrant campus community spanning sports, culture, social responsibility and professional development.
- Three languages of instruction: Turkish, English and Russian — a genuinely international academic environment with a free Turkish preparatory year available.
- Broad Arab-world recognition: Recognised in Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Palestine — an advantage for graduates targeting careers in Arab-speaking markets.
Student Housing Reliable options close to campus
The university provides trusted student housing options in close proximity to the Avcılar campus, with high standards of safety and services:
- Fully equipped rooms: High-speed internet, shared kitchens, study rooms, sports facilities, and laundry services.
- Round-the-clock security: CCTV surveillance, smart card access systems and 24/7 on-site security.
- Prime location: Directly on the Metrobus line, within easy reach of shopping centres, restaurants and the waterfront.
We recommend securing housing as soon as you receive your acceptance — capacity fills quickly at the start of each academic year. Contact us for early booking assistance.
Admission Requirements Documents needed for 2026 applications
- Official high school diploma with certified Turkish or English translation.
- Official high school transcript (certified and translated).
- Copy of valid passport.
- Passport-sized photograph.
- TOEFL (70+) for English-medium programmes; YÖS / TRYÖS exam result for Turkish-medium programmes (optional in some cases).
- Equivalency certificate (can be submitted during or after enrolment).
IGU charges $0 for applications. Enrolling through 180 Degrees Academy is completely free and includes personalised advisory support and full file management.
Frequently Asked Questions What international students ask most
Is an IGU degree recognised internationally?
Yes. The degree is recognised across all EU member states through the Bologna Process, and in numerous countries including Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Palestine. YÖK accreditation provides the foundation for this broad recognition.
What makes IGU's Aeronautical Engineering stand out?
The programme carries the prestigious US-based ABET accreditation and IGU consistently ranks among the top Turkish private universities for this field. With annual fees starting at $4,500 (Turkish) and $6,000 (English), it is one of the most competitively priced ABET-accredited aeronautical programmes in the world.
Can I study without knowing Turkish?
Absolutely. A wide range of programmes are offered entirely in English. For Turkish-medium programmes, a free Turkish preparatory year is available.
Are scholarships available for international students?
Yes, partial scholarships are offered to high-achieving students. Scholarship conditions change seasonally — contact the 180 Degrees Academy team for the most current opportunities.
What is the monthly cost of living in Istanbul?
Estimated monthly expenses including accommodation, food and transport typically range between $400–$700 USD — significantly lower than equivalent costs in London, Paris or Amsterdam.