Istanbul Okan University

Istanbul Okan University Overview

Established in 1986, the Okan Culture, Education, and Sports Foundation was founded with a noble mission: to delve into societal, cultural, and economic matters, as well as issues related to sports, health, and education. Its goal was to provide recommendations to address these concerns within the framework of national unity and offer assistance to the state in devising solutions. In 1999, the foundation's vision materialized with the official founding of Istanbul Okan University, an institution characterized by its youthful energy and dynamism within the Turkish education landscape.

The university embarked on its academic journey during the 2003-2004 academic year, marking the establishment of faculties such as Economics and Administrative Sciences, Science and Literature, and Engineering and Architecture. Simultaneously, the Institutes of Social Sciences and Natural Sciences were inaugurated, contributing to the institution's multidisciplinary approach.

Notably, the university's inception was met with remarkable accomplishments. Students proved their mettle by ranking among the top 1100 candidates, propelling the university to an esteemed position within the top 7 foundation universities. The initial year witnessed an intake of 87 students across diverse departments. From its inception, Istanbul Okan University has proudly embraced the moniker "University Closest to Business Life," fostering partnerships with industry giants like Turkish Telekom and DEİK. This orientation has translated into an array of internship opportunities across various sectors for students, blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

The university's growth trajectory continued in 2004, introducing innovative programs such as German and Russian Translation and Interpretation, Industrial Engineering, and International Trade. The year also witnessed the university's rise to prominence, ranking third among institutions that admitted students based on language scores.

The journey led the university to the modern Tuzla Campus in the 2006-2007 academic year, characterized by state-of-the-art facilities including modern classrooms, labs, libraries, and sports centers. This transition underscored the institution's commitment to providing a comprehensive educational environment aligned with contemporary needs.

In subsequent years, Istanbul Okan University expanded its offerings, prioritizing the integration of education and the professional realm. Its enduring commitment to innovation and adaptability has solidified its place as a vibrant institution, continually evolving to meet the ever-changing demands of students and society.