Istanbul Arel University is a foundation university established in 2007. It teaches engineering, health sciences, business, communication, fine arts and the social sciences, with an emphasis on applied, industry-connected learning — so students build practical skills alongside the theory.
Why Arel?
- Admission with an Azerbaijani school certificate — no YÖS exam required
- Some of the most affordable fees in Istanbul: psychology, architecture and nursing at $3,200 a year
- 148 programs across associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels
- Applied, industry-linked approach to teaching
- Up to 50% off on selected programs — for students who apply through us
Programs and tuition (per year)
| Program | Language | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | Turkish | $13,500 / year |
| Psychology | Turkish | $3,200 / year |
| Computer Engineering | English | $4,400 / year |
| Business Administration | English | $3,800 / year |
| International Relations | English | $3,800 / year |
| Architecture | Turkish | $3,200 / year |
| Nursing | Turkish | $3,200 / year |
| Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation | Turkish | $3,300 / year |
Master's: fees vary by program (some at $4,400 (total)) — our counsellor will confirm the exact amount. PhD: $9,000 (total).
Admission requirements
- Bachelor's: Azerbaijani high-school certificate and transcript (translated) — no YÖS needed
- Master's / PhD: bachelor's (master's) diploma and transcript
- GPA of around 2.5 out of 4 (varies by program)
- English-taught programs: a language certificate or the university's own test
- Turkish-taught programs: TÖMER B2 or a preparatory year
Documents you need: passport copy, certificate/diploma and transcript (translated), language certificate (if available), passport photo. Intake: applications are open for the Fall 2026–2027 semester. Accommodation: Arel Student Houses for female and male students, plus private dormitories in Avcılar, Beylikdüzü and Şişli.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to take the YÖS exam? — No, Arel University accepts the Azerbaijani school certificate.
- How long does the application take? — With your documents ready, the offer letter usually arrives within a few weeks.
- I don't speak Turkish — can I still study? — English-taught options are limited (computer engineering, business, international relations and a few others). Most programs are in Turkish and require TÖMER or a preparatory year; Azerbaijani students usually find Turkish easy to pick up.
- How do I get the discount? — Discounts apply to students who apply through us; our counsellor will check whether your chosen program has one.