Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University (Acıbadem University) is a private foundation university established in 2007, with a strong focus on health sciences. It is linked to the Acıbadem Healthcare Group, and its Kerem Aydınlar Campus is on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Why international students choose Acıbadem University
- A health-focused university with a School of Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences (physiotherapy, nursing, nutrition and dietetics, health management) and Faculty of Engineering (medical and computer engineering).
- Clinical training in Acıbadem hospitals, including Acıbadem Maslak and Acıbadem Atakent.
- A smaller, selective international community – 390 international students in 2024–2025 (YÖK).
- Programs in English and Turkish – check the language of each program in the table below.
About Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University
Acıbadem University was founded by the Acıbadem Health and Education Foundation under Law No. 5656, published in May 2007. Its first students started in the 2009–2010 academic year. In 2017 it took its current name, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University (ACU), after its founder and Board of Trustees chairman, who also founded the Acıbadem Healthcare Group.
The university focuses mainly on health sciences. It has five faculties: the School of Medicine, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Engineering and Natural Sciences, plus vocational schools and graduate institutes. Students train at Acıbadem University Maslak Hospital (opened 2009) and Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital (opened 2014), and get priority for internships in Acıbadem Healthcare Group hospitals. The CASE center (Clinical Simulation and Advanced Endoscopic-Robotic Surgery Training) holds accreditations from SSIH and NASCE.
Popular programs for international students
ACU’s international admissions page lists these bachelor’s programs as taught in English, or in English and Turkish:
- Medicine (MD) – English
- Pharmacy – English
- Molecular Biology and Genetics – English
- Biomedical Engineering – English
- Computer Engineering – English
- Psychology – English or Turkish
- Nursing – English or Turkish
- Nutrition and Dietetics – English or Turkish
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Sociology and Healthcare Management are taught in Turkish. For medicine and pharmacy, see our guide to studying medicine in Turkey in English, or compare all options on our program search page.
Campus and student life
The Kerem Aydınlar Campus is on Kayışdağı Street in Ataşehir, on the Asian side of Istanbul. A free shuttle runs to Kozyatağı metro station. The campus has a multi-purpose sports hall, a semi-Olympic swimming pool, a fitness center, a library and student laboratories. The Kerem Aydınlar student dormitory is within walking distance. There are around 40 student clubs, such as EMSA, Model United Nations and drama. The International Students and Academic Relations Office supports international applicants.
Frequently asked questions
Is Acıbadem University recognized?
Yes. Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar 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 Acıbadem University teach in English?
Yes, for selected programs such as Medicine, Pharmacy and Computer Engineering. Students in English-taught programs take the university’s placement exam; a score of 70 or higher lets them skip the English Preparatory Program. Turkish-taught programs require proof of Turkish.
How do I apply to Acıbadem University?
Choose a program in the table on this page and press Apply, or request a free consultation. You need a passport copy, a photo, your high school diploma (if available) and transcripts for all years, a letter of intent and a reference letter. Medicine applicants need two reference letters from Math, Biology or Chemistry teachers. Read more in our guide to applying to Turkish universities.
Does Acıbadem University offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. According to the university, international applicants can receive tuition scholarships decided by the ACU Scholarship Committee, based on academic records, exam scores, recommendations and other achievements. No score guarantees a scholarship. An advisor will confirm the current offer. See also the cost of studying in Turkey and our guide to private universities in Istanbul.
Apply to Acıbadem 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.
Full 2026–2027 fee table, dorm options and scholarship rates for Acıbadem University: see every program and price.