In line with its goal of ensuring equal opportunity in access to higher education, IGU develops various admission practices and support mechanisms aimed at increasing the participation of underrepresented groups in the university. These groups include socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, first-generation university students, persons with disabilities, and female students, among others. Through this inclusive approach, the university implements comprehensive practices in areas such as guidance, scholarship opportunities, academic support, and accessibility during both admission and enrollment processes. These practices make a significant contribution to strengthening social justice and enhancing diversity in access to higher education.
In accordance with its policies supporting gender equality in access to higher education, IGU implements initiatives that encourage the participation of female students in university education. An examination of the 2023 and 2024 enrollment data shows that female students constitute approximately 46% of the total student population. This rate demonstrates the university’s consistent commitment to supporting women’s access to higher education in a sustainable manner.
The general overview of equal opportunity for female students (2023–2024) is presented in the table below.
Table 4. Comparison of the Female Student Proportion at IGU (2023–2024)
The distribution of student numbers for 2024 by faculty and gender is presented clearly in the table below.
An analysis of the 2024 data presented below by faculty shows that female students demonstrate strong participation in higher education across many academic units of IGU. The high number of female students in units such as the Vocational School of Health Services (3.716), the Faculty of Health Sciences (2.456), the Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences (2.970), and the Istanbul Gelisim Vocational School (2.933) reveals that women’s access to higher education is effectively supported, particularly in the fields of health and social sciences.
On the other hand, there are some faculties where male students are predominant. However, it is noteworthy that the proportion of female students in these units has increased compared to previous years. For example, the percentage of female students in the School of Physical Education and Sports rose from 28,19% in 2023 to 32,89% in 2024. This increase reflects the positive impact of the university’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equality.
Figure 9. IGU 2024 Gender-Based Student Profile
IGU continues to uphold gender equality not only during the admission process but also in graduation rates. In 2023, among a total of 7.396 graduates, 53,8% were female students (3.980) and 46,2% were male students (3.416). When examining the 2024 data, this proportion further increased in favor of female students, reaching 55,7% (4.353 female / 3.461 male; total 7.814 graduates). This increase indicates that female students have a higher rate of program completion and reflects the effectiveness of IGU’s policies that support the academic continuity of female students.
The following figure presents the classification of 2024 graduates by academic unit and gender.
Figure 10. IGU 2024 Gender-Based Graduate Student Profile
IGU implements a comprehensive scholarship policy to strengthen equal opportunity and support the access of underrepresented groups to higher education. The scholarship opportunities offered by the university are detailed below.
ÖSYM Scholarships
These are non-repayable scholarships granted to students placed through the Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS). Covering a specific portion of tuition fees, these scholarships continue throughout the standard period of study without interruption. They are among the key initiatives that facilitate access to higher education, particularly for students from low-income backgrounds.
Preference ScholarshipThis scholarship is offered to students who list Istanbul Gelisim University among their top five preferences and are placed in one of its programs. It reduces educational costs for students who direct their preferences toward the university, thereby enhancing access to higher education. Candidates who select all their preferences from IGU may be eligible for the scholarship without the top-five preference requirement.
Institutional ScholarshipsThese scholarships are designed for students coming from partner educational institutions who choose to study at IGU. The initiative aims to support access to higher education for students from specific social and educational backgrounds.
On-Campus Preference ScholarshipTo enhance awareness among prospective students and promote informed decision-making, IGU has introduced the On-Campus Preference Scholarship during its orientation and promotion days. This scholarship is offered to students who visit the campus, participate in information sessions, and meet one-on-one with academic advisors. Through face-to-face interaction, students can have their questions answered directly, strengthening their decision-making process and motivation to apply.
The On-Campus Preference Scholarship is valid not only at IGU’s main campus but also at national student fairs in which the university participates. In this way, the scholarship program ensures accessibility for candidates who cannot visit the campus due to geographical or socioeconomic constraints, making the initiative more inclusive in scope.
Sibling ScholarshipThis scholarship is provided when more than one student from the same family is enrolled at IGU. It helps reduce the family’s educational expenses and supports the continuous education of students without financial interruption. The practice offers essential assistance for families with multiple dependents in higher education, facilitating their access to university.
Come To Gelişim ScholarshipThe Come To Gelişim Scholarship is an innovative and inclusive scholarship program launched by IGU in 2019. Rather than focusing solely on exam performance, this scholarship offers opportunities to students who stand out through creativity, entrepreneurship, social responsibility, leadership, artistic talent, original project ideas, or individual achievements. Candidates who do not find traditional academic evaluation sufficient, or who have demonstrated their potential in different areas, apply with a motivation letter.
Applications are comprehensively evaluated by a special committee established within the university, and scholarship rates are determined based on the students’ individual abilities. The Come To Gelişim Scholarship aims to facilitate university access for candidates from underrepresented groups who possess strong potential and a desire for self-development. In this regard, it is a significant initiative that supports social diversity and inclusiveness based on the principle of equal opportunity.
Board of Trustees ScholarshipsIGU aims to promote equal opportunity in education through scholarship models that reward academic excellence and support potential in diverse fields. Within this scope:
These three types of scholarships not only reward traditional academic achievement but also support process-oriented, productive, and creative forms of learning—serving as key mechanisms that foster the access and development of students with diverse competencies in higher education.
To reduce economic inequalities in access to higher education, IGU offers part-time employment opportunities for its students. This initiative serves as both a source of income and a personal development opportunity, particularly for students from underrepresented groups who are in financial need.
Students working part-time are employed for a limited number of hours per week in various university departments—such as library services, student affairs, research centers, cultural and artistic events, and the international student office—where they take on active roles.
The contributions of this program can be summarized as follows:
Applications are received through the Part-Time Student Program Application Form, which can be completed online, and the selection process is conducted in an open, fair, and accessible manner. In addition, students accepted into this program gain visibility and recognition through official university bulletins published monthly, where their participation and achievements are publicly announced.
This practice goes beyond providing financial support; it represents a holistic approach that strengthens students’ connection with the university, enhances their social engagement, and promotes equality in access to higher education.
IGU provides comprehensive accessibility support to ensure the equal and independent participation of individuals with disabilities in higher education. The Consulting and Coordination Office for Disabled, operating within the university, conducts multidimensional studies in areas such as accessible campus life, academic accommodation, awareness, and support services.
Some of the accessibility practices implemented for students with disabilities are as follows:
Event Example
Event Name: Hearing Loss Awareness
Event Date: 04.03.2024
Event Content: Held in recognition of World Hearing Day on March 3, the event emphasized that the most effective way to minimize the negative effects of hearing loss on individuals is through early intervention. It highlighted the importance of detecting hearing loss at an early stage for successful intervention. Accordingly, the main aim of the event was to raise public awareness about hearing health and to draw attention to the crucial role of early diagnosis of hearing loss in improving quality of life.
Click here for the event link.
Digital and Information Accessibility: Accessible design principles are adopted across the university’s web pages and online platforms to provide suitable digital content for individuals with visual and hearing impairments. Online access to course materials and on-campus information systems facilitates information accessibility for students with disabilities and significantly reduces structural barriers they may face.
Transparent Communication and Feedback: Through the website engelsiz.gelisim.edu.tr, all activities, initiatives, and communication channels of the Consulting and Coordination Office for Disabled are publicly shared. Students can submit their requests and track updates via this platform. These practices reflect IGU’s inclusive higher education policies, which not only ensure access to the university but also promote equal participation in academic, social, and cultural life for all individuals.
IGU organizes free, inclusive, and multifaceted seminar and academy programs to increase higher education awareness among high school students—particularly those from underrepresented groups—support their career orientation, and facilitate access to information during the university transition process. These initiatives help students become acquainted with university life at an early stage and aim to support their academic and personal development.
Some of the programs carried out within this scope include:
Continuing Education Application and Research Center (SEM) Trainings: IGU’s SEM offers a wide range of free face-to-face and online training programs to support lifelong learning and strengthen the interaction of individuals—particularly those outside the university—with higher education institutions. The trainings are organized in diverse fields such as personal development, professional skill acquisition, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, communication, health, psychology, and many others, and are open to participants of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. These programs, organized by SEM, provide individuals with limited access to higher education the opportunity to gain knowledge, develop themselves, and establish a connection with the university. Offered entirely free of charge, these trainings serve as an important tool for enhancing social inclusion and promoting the participation of underrepresented groups in educational environments.
Creative Solutions for Combating Peer Bullying
DIR Floortime
A1-A2 Level English Language Training
In addition, online Career Development Academies have been organized for high school students to support accessibility in digital environments. Through these programs, students from different cities and those facing disadvantages in accessing educational opportunities were able to interact with the university simultaneously.
All these activities are carried out in line with IGU’s vision of social responsibility and equal opportunity, and are designed to be free of charge and open to everyone. In this respect, they serve as supportive and inclusive practices, particularly for students who face social or structural barriers in accessing higher education.
IGU provides additional accessibility support for students applying to the Erasmus+ Learning Mobility Program. Specifically, +10 points are granted to students with disabilities, +10 points to students under state protection as defined by Law No. 2828 on Social Services, and +10 points to students or their first-degree relatives who have received disaster aid from AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority).
This regulation is publicly included in the Application Guide, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process. In addition, students with disabilities who are accepted into the exchange program are assigned a dedicated advisor who provides individualized guidance throughout the mobility period. This inclusive approach is also explicitly stated in the Erasmus+ Policy Statement.
Click here for the Erasmus+ Program.
IGU supports the access of international students to higher education through comprehensive promotional, informational, and guidance services. On the website of the Directorate of International Students , multilingual information is provided on critical topics such as digital brochures, application procedures, tuition fees, academic programs, and scholarship opportunities.
The "Internationalization Policy" and the “Directive on Admission of International or Foreign Students”, published on the website, demonstrate an inclusive and equitable approach to the admission of international students, ensuring transparency and equal opportunity throughout the application and placement processes.
These structures establish a transparent, accessible, and supportive framework for students from diverse countries who may face various challenges in accessing higher education.
IGU secures all of these practices that support access to higher education for underrepresented groups through institutional policy documents. The Gender Equality Policy, Equal Opportunity Policy, Support to Women and Learners with Disadvantages Policy, and Internationalization Policy adopted by the university clearly demonstrate that all student admission and application processes are grounded in the principles of fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness. These policies are publicly accessible and form the foundation of the university’s sustainable access vision.
Click here for the Gender Equality Policy.
Click here for the Policy of Equal Opportunity
Click here for the Policy of Support to Women and Learners with Disadvantages.
As clearly stated above, all these practices reflect IGU’s institutional commitment to ensuring equal access to higher education, supporting underrepresented groups, and fostering an inclusive learning environment.
