Istanbul Atlas University is a private, non-profit university founded in 2018. Since 2020 it has been teaching at its Vadi Campus in Kağıthane, a modern business and residential district on the European side of Istanbul.
Why international students choose Istanbul Atlas University
- 2,580 international students in 2024–2025 (YÖK), placing it among the 15 most international private universities in Turkey.
- Health sciences and technology – programs from nursing, physiotherapy, nutrition and dietetics and speech therapy to computer engineering, software engineering and psychology.
- Programs in English and Turkish, with some programs offered in both languages.
- A new, compact campus in a well-connected part of the city.
About Istanbul Atlas University
Istanbul Atlas University was founded in 2018 as a non-profit foundation university. According to the university hospital’s website, it was established under the Turkish Balkan Education, Culture and Health Foundation. It admitted its first students in the 2020–2021 academic year at the Atlas Vadi Campus in Kağıthane, on the European side of Istanbul.
The university has faculties of Medicine, Dentistry, Health Sciences, Engineering and Natural Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Art, Design and Architecture, as well as a vocational school, a School of Foreign Languages and a graduate school. Health sciences are a major focus: the university runs Atlas University Hospital in Güneşli (Bağcılar) and a Faculty of Dentistry Hospital.
Popular programs for international students
Many Atlas programs are offered in English, and some have both a Turkish and an English version. The university’s exchange fact sheet lists these bachelor’s programs with an English option:
- Medicine (Turkish or English)
- Dentistry (Turkish or English)
- Software Engineering (English)
- Industrial Engineering (English)
- Computer Engineering (Turkish or English)
- Business Administration (English)
- Psychology (Turkish or English)
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation (Turkish or English)
For medicine and dentistry, see our guide to studying medicine in Turkey in English. You can compare all programs on our program search page.
Campus and student life
The Vadi Campus is in the Hamidiye neighbourhood of Kağıthane, close to metro stations and bus lines. It has a 2,500 m² library, a 2,500 m² cafeteria, 26 specialized laboratories, a 600-seat conference hall and a 1,000 m² sports and gym complex, plus a Wellness Center. The university’s fact sheet lists 59 student clubs and 15 sports teams. The International Office helps with visa documents, orientation, residence permits, tax numbers, bank accounts and health insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Is Istanbul Atlas University recognized?
Yes. Istanbul Atlas 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 Istanbul Atlas University teach in English?
Yes, for many programs. Medicine and Dentistry have separate English and Turkish tracks, and programs such as Software Engineering and Business Administration are taught in English. Other programs are taught in Turkish. An advisor can confirm the language of the program you choose.
How do I apply to Istanbul Atlas University?
Choose a program in the table on this page and press Apply, or request a free consultation. You need a copy of your passport, high school diploma and transcripts. If you meet the criteria, the university sends a conditional acceptance letter, usually within two days. After you pay the deposit, you receive the final acceptance letter for your student visa. Read more in our guide to applying to Turkish universities.
Does Istanbul Atlas University offer scholarships or discounts for international students?
The university’s international pages do not describe a fixed scholarship scheme for international students. Private universities in Turkey often offer discounts, and an advisor will confirm the current offer for your program. See also the cost of studying in Turkey and our guide to private universities in Istanbul.
Apply to Istanbul Atlas 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.