Istanbul Okan University
university
Istanbul Okan University

Istanbul Okan University

The University Closest to Practical Life.

Tepeören Mahallesi Tuzla Kampüsü, Tepeören, İstanbul Okan Üniversitesi, 34959 Tuzla/İstanbul, Türkiye

About Istanbul Okan University

Istanbul Okan University, founded in 1999 by the Okan Foundation for Culture, Education, and Sports, began offering courses in the academic year 2003–2004. It aims to train students to become creative and contemporary architects who are well-equipped with cutting-edge technologies, historical and social awareness, environmental sensitivity, and ethics. The university focuses on practical skills development and has cooperative projects with various companies and institutions to secure job opportunities for graduates. With education primarily in English, it strives to produce architects qualified in foreign languages and prepared for international competition. The university envisions itself as an innovative, pioneering 'global university' that addresses societal and business needs with global and professional standards. It offers a balance of experienced practitioners and emerging academics, and emphasizes internship and industry collaborations to ensure employment-ready graduates.
Program NameDetails
Bachelor of Architecture (English)
Bachelor

A program balancing creative studio practice, technology, and sustainability, preparing students for careers in architecture. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills.

4 years, full-time
English
Approx. $4,000 per year (discounted rate available around $3,800)
Deadline: N/A
Bachelor of Architecture (Turkish)
Bachelor

A program focusing on designing and building buildings and urban spaces. It balances academic rigor with hands-on design practice.

4 years, full-time
Turkish
Approx. $3,500 per year (discounted rate available around $3,325)
Deadline: N/A
Interior Architecture and Environmental Design
Undergraduate

Covers designing and managing interior spaces. The program aims to balance academic rigor with hands-on design practice.

4 years, full-time
Turkish
N/A
Deadline: N/A
Master of Architecture (with Thesis)
Master

A research-oriented program focusing on theoretical development and design workshops. It addresses architectural problems from urban design to building scale.

~2 years
English
Approx. ~$6,000 (after scholarships)
Deadline: N/A
Master of Architecture (without Thesis)
Master

A program focusing on professional practice and practical application. It aims to handle design technologies and production models with a creative, critical, and environmentalist thinking approach.

~2 years
English
N/A
Deadline: N/A
PhD in Architecture
PhD

A pathway for advanced research in architectural theory, urban design, conservation, and technological integration. It is designed together with the Master's programs of the Department of Architecture.

4 years, full-time, on-site
English
Program fees listed in ranges around $12,000–$14,500
Deadline: N/A

Performance & Metrics

Institutional Stats
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Students
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Faculty
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Alumni
6
Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
Istanbul Okan University is a member of the European University Association (EUA) and has national recognition from Turkiye's Ministry of Higher Education, underpinning degree validity. It also actively participates in Erasmus and other exchange programs.
Admissions
Estimated at around 50% for international undergraduate applicants, with program-level variation (40–70% for general programs; significantly lower for high-demand professional programs like medicine/dentistry).
Acceptance Rate
Deadlines
Early preparation is recommended 9–12 months before intake (portfolio refinement, English tests). The application window is typically 6–9 months before intake for document collection and formal submission. Decisions are usually made 2–3 months before the start date.
Requirements
PhD: Master's degree, research dissertation, and other documents. Language proficiency.
Master's: Bachelor's degree certificate with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 out of 4.00. CV/resume, Statement of Purpose/Research proposal for thesis option. Language proficiency.
Undergraduate: High school diploma with a GPA of at least 60% (80% or higher for competitive programs like Medicine and Dentistry). No entrance exam for most programs. Portfolio required for design/art-based programs like architecture. Language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS for English programs).

Istanbul Okan University Academic FAQ

Istanbul Okan University is The University Closest to Practical Life.

The acceptance rate for Istanbul Okan University is Estimated at around 50% for international undergraduate applicants, with program-level variation (40–70% for general programs; significantly lower for high-demand professional programs like medicine/dentistry)., reflecting the selectivity of its academic programs.

Applicants are typically required to submit: [object Object].

Istanbul Okan University provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Bachelor of Architecture (English), Bachelor of Architecture (Turkish), Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, Master of Architecture (with Thesis), Master of Architecture (without Thesis).

The institution maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of Approximately 25:1 for the university overall (based on 12,908 students and 513 full-time employees), though studio classes typically aim for a lower ratio (e.g., 15:1 for individualized attention, with some sources suggesting 1:12 in design studios)., ensuring personalized mentorship and studio culture.

Istanbul Okan University is situated in Istanbul, Türkiye, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, Istanbul Okan University holds accreditations from: Istanbul Okan University is a member of the European University Association (EUA) and has national recognition from Turkiye's Ministry of Higher Education, underpinning degree validity. It also actively participates in Erasmus and other exchange programs..