Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) is a foundation university based in Istanbul, established in 2008 and granted university status in 2011. Since its foundation, IGU has operated with the mission of enhancing quality, accessibility, and diversity in higher education. The university considers education, research, and community service as its core areas of activity. IGU aims to educate students as internationally competent individuals who adhere to scientific ethical values, think creatively, and are conscious of sustainability. To this end, it continuously updates its student-centered educational programs and focuses on graduating qualified individuals who meet the needs of the modern era.
IGU’s core values include respect for individual differences, openness and transparency, an interdisciplinary approach, the principle of sustainability, collaboration with the real sector, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
IGU contributes to knowledge production by conducting research activities both nationally and internationally and strengthens its societal impact through social responsibility projects and public-private partnerships. Within the framework of its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, IGU envisions generating a global impact in the field of higher education and contributing to societal development through qualified knowledge.
Year of Establishment: 2008 (Vocational School), 2011 (University status)
Number of Faculties: 7
Number of Institutes: 1
Number of Schools: 1
Number of Vocational Schools: 2
Number of Research Centers: 22
Number of Laboratories and Workshops: 145
Total Number of Students (2024): 37,918
Campus Location: Avcılar, Istanbul, Türkiye
Library Facilities: 1 main library and 4 branch libraries
Strategic Plan Period: 2024–2028
Sdg 8: DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
SDG 8, one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), is the cornerstone of the development process in terms of providing decent job opportunities and supporting inclusive, sustainable economic growth. In line with objectives such as increasing labor force participation, promoting equality in employment, reducing youth unemployment, preventing informal employment, and supporting productive sectors, economic growth must be addressed not only quantitatively but also qualitatively. In this context, universities play a crucial role in cultivating qualified human resources through education; shaping economic policies through research; and supporting local and national development through entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems. SDG 8 is not merely an economic objective; it is a critical area of responsibility for ensuring social welfare, social justice, and sustainable development in a holistic manner.