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
Education lies at the heart of all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and forms the foundation of individuals’ social, economic, and cultural development. Quality education is not only the transmission of knowledge; it also encompasses equal opportunities, lifelong learning, and the provision of an inclusive and accessible learning environment. Universities, through their functions of research, teaching, and community service, play a pivotal role in directly realizing this goal.
Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU), in line with its strategic plans and educational policies, positions among its primary objectives the enhancement of accessibility in education, the provision of inclusive learning opportunities, the promotion of pedagogical innovations, and the support of lifelong learning. This approach aims not only to improve students’ academic achievements but also to foster social responsibility awareness and global citizenship competencies.
The strategic priorities of quality education in achieving the institution’s sustainability goals are:
Within this framework, IGU aims to create an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable impact through quality education, both for its students and for society.
