Özyeğin University is a private, non-profit research university founded in 2007 by the Hüsnü M. Özyeğin Foundation. Its main campus is in Çekmeköy, on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Why international students choose Özyeğin University
- 1,260 international students in 2024–2025, according to Council of Higher Education (YÖK) data.
- Seven faculties: Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Aviation and Aeronautical Sciences, Law, Architecture and Design, and Applied Sciences.
- One of the few aviation faculties at a private university in Istanbul, popular with future pilots and aviation managers.
- Mainly English-taught programs, with an English preparatory school for students who need it.
About Özyeğin University
Özyeğin University (OzU) was founded on 18 May 2007 by the Hüsnü M. Özyeğin Foundation. It is a non-profit foundation university. Teaching started at a campus in Altunizade, and by 2013 all departments had moved to the main campus in Çekmeköy, on the Asian side of Istanbul. The university describes itself as an entrepreneurial research university.
OzU has seven faculties: Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Aviation and Aeronautical Sciences, Law, Architecture and Design, and Applied Sciences. It also has graduate schools of Engineering and Science, Business, and Social Sciences, and a School of Languages. Three campus buildings hold LEED Gold certification, and the university was the first in Turkey to receive the national Zero Waste Certificate.
Popular programs for international students
Most of OzU’s bachelor’s programs are taught in English. Programs that are taught partly or fully in Turkish require a Turkish certificate at B1 level. These programs are often chosen by international students:
- Computer Science (Computer Engineering)
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Psychology
- Architecture
- Professional Flight Program (pilot training)
You can compare these and other programs on our program search page.
Campus and student life
The Çekmeköy campus is a closed campus with security at the gates. School shuttles run to several parts of Istanbul. The dormitories hold more than 2,600 students in rooms for one to four people, within walking distance of the academic buildings, and international students get priority for housing. The library is open 24/7. More than 30 sports teams compete in national and international tournaments. The international office offers airport pick-up on the official arrival day, help with residence permits, orientation, cultural trips and a buddy program, and there is an International Students Club.
Frequently asked questions
Is Özyeğin University recognized?
Yes. Özyeğin University is a foundation (non-profit private) university approved by YÖK, the Council of Higher Education of Turkey. Its degrees have the same legal status as degrees from other Turkish universities.
Does Özyeğin University teach in English?
Yes, most programs are taught in English. You can send an accepted international English test score. If you do not have one, you take the university’s English Proficiency Examination. Students who do not reach the required level study in the English Preparatory Program first.
How do I apply to Özyeğin University?
Choose a program in the table on this page and press Apply, or request a free consultation. You usually need your high school diploma (or proof that you are in your final year), full transcripts, a passport copy, a photo and a letter of intent. The university may invite you to an interview. Read more in our guide to applying to Turkish universities.
Does Özyeğin University offer scholarships or discounts for international students?
The university lists merit and financial-need scholarships, but its international pages do not describe a fixed scholarship scheme for international applicants. Private universities in Turkey often offer discounts to international students, and an advisor will confirm the current offer for your program. For living costs, see the cost of studying in Turkey and our guide to private universities in Istanbul.
Apply to Özyeğin University with Lord Agency
Choose a program from the list on this page and press Apply to create your free student account, or request a free consultation and an advisor will check your documents, scholarship options and deadlines with you. You can also compare this university with our other partner universities or read our step-by-step application guide.
Compare 2026–2027 tuition fees at private universities in Turkey and North Cyprus and student dorm prices.