Istanbul Bilgi University

Istanbul Bilgi University Overview

Established in 1996, Istanbul Bilgi University stands as a prominent private educational institution in Turkey. With its headquarters in the vibrant city of Istanbul, the university boasts four centrally-located campuses: SantralIstanbul, Kuştepe, Dolapdere, and Kozyatağı. As of 2020, the university's impressive enrollment figures near 20,000 students and an alumni network of 45,000 graduates. The academic community is strengthened by the presence of around 1,500 dedicated academicians. Offering a diverse range of educational opportunities, Istanbul Bilgi University encompasses 7 faculties, 3 institutes, 4 schools, 3 vocational schools, and over 150 programs catering to associate, undergraduate, and graduate students.

The university's founding principle, "Non scholae, sed vitae discimus," encapsulates its commitment to holistic education that prepares students not just for academic pursuits, but for life itself. The establishment of Istanbul Bilgi University was made possible by the initiative of the Bilgi Education and Culture Foundation, which submitted its application on June 7, 1996, ultimately securing approval from the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Before its official inception, the precursor to the university, the Istanbul School of International Studies, began its educational journey in 1994. In collaboration with prestigious institutions such as Portsmouth University and the London School of Economics, the precursor school provided courses in Business Administration, International Relations, Economics, and LSE Economics programs.

In 1997, the Kuştepe Campus opened its doors, featuring 3 faculties, 2 institutes, and 12 programs that attracted over 1,000 students. Education commenced at the Dolapdere Campus in 2000, marking a significant milestone as the university celebrated its inaugural class of graduates. A pivotal period in the university's evolution occurred between 2006 and 2019 when Istanbul Bilgi University entered a long-term partnership with Laureate Education and joined the esteemed Laureate International Universities network. This alliance connected Istanbul Bilgi University with a global network of academic institutions spread across five continents, collectively serving over 1,000,000 students.

The university expanded its physical presence in 2007 with the inauguration of the santralistanbul Campus, situated within the historic Silahtarağa Power Plant, an iconic Ottoman Empire-era power plant that underwent a meticulous restoration process. Subsequently, the year 2015 marked the establishment of the Kozyatağı Campus on Istanbul's Asian side. The university's continued growth and progress were fortified in 2019 when Can Holding became a supporter of the Bilgi Education and Culture Foundation, further reinforcing the institution's mission to provide high-quality education and contribute to the development of Turkey's educational landscape.