In 2008, the Gelisim Education, Culture, Health, and Social Services Foundation took the initiative to establish a vocational school under the name Istanbul Gelisim Vocational School. With the approval of the Ministry of National Education and the Council of Ministers, the Vocational School was officially founded on June 14, 2008, marking the beginning of its educational journey.
Believing that higher education is the most important driver of sustainable development, Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) today offers educational opportunities to both national and international students through 7 faculties, 1 school, 2 vocational schools, 85 undergraduate programs, 68 associate degree programs (daytime), 33 associate degree programs (evening), and, under its Graduate Education Institute, 41 thesis-based / 39 non-thesis graduate programs, as well as 11 doctoral programs. Collaborating with more than 130 universities worldwide, Istanbul Gelisim University encourages its associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students to embrace internationalization.
With Law No. 6114 enacted on February 17, 2011, Istanbul Gelisim University was officially established, encompassing 7 faculties, 1 Graduate Education Institute, 1 school, and 2 vocational schools for the 2025–2026 academic year. Aiming to become a “world university,” IGU has continued to grow each year with strong and determined steps, and it is now among the most preferred foundation universities in Türkiye.
Committed to global success and collaboration with leading international institutions, Istanbul Gelisim University places great emphasis on internationalization. A total of 40 of its programs have been thoroughly evaluated and accredited by international accreditation bodies such as AQAS, AHPGS, and ABET, based in Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States, respectively. With this achievement, IGU has become the university with the highest number of accredited programs in Türkiye, drawing global attention for its progress toward international recognition.
Located in Istanbul — the financial and commercial center of Türkiye and the world — Istanbul Gelisim University provides its students with access to an extensive research complex comprising 150 laboratories. In addition, the university hosts 22 research centers and 76 student clubs that enable students to participate in social, cultural, scientific, and sports activities outside the classroom. As our university continues to grow and evolve with its dynamic structure, we would be delighted to collaborate with you, our valued external stakeholders.
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