From Istanbul to Consultancy

From Istanbul to Pakistan: Guiding Students to Their Dream Education in Turkey

Living in Istanbul changed my life and now I’m using that experience to help others change theirs.

After completing my second master’s degree in business administration from İstanbul Okan University, one of Turkey’s most reputable institutions, I returned to Pakistan with a mission: to guide students who dream of studying in Turkey. I now work as a consultant, specializing in Turkish education, helping students from Pakistan take the right steps toward their academic future abroad.

My own journey wasn’t just about academics. I was a high-achieving student at Okan University, often securing top positions in various subjects throughout my MBA. But beyond the classroom, I immersed myself in the culture, language, and daily life of Istanbul. I worked at Manara International College and Asia International College during my time there, teaching subjects like Business Studies, Economics, IT, and ICT. These roles helped me grow not only as a professional but also as a person who understands the local academic system inside out.

Istanbul became more than a city to me, it became my second home. I lived in four different towns and cities during my two-year stay, each with its own flavor and charm. From the bustling heart of the European side to the peaceful pockets of the Asian side, I experienced the diversity and depth of Turkey’s social fabric. And let’s not forget the food, Turkish cuisine won me over in every possible way.

Today, I bring all this knowledge and experience back to my home country. I don’t just talk to students about universities and programs, I share lived realities. From admission procedures and visa details to daily life tips and cultural adjustments, I give my students the kind of insider insight that only someone who’s truly lived there can offer.

Turkey isn’t just a destination for education, it’s a gateway to growth, independence, and a broader worldview. I know it, because I lived it. And now, I help others live it too.

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Top Private Universities in Istanbul (2025)

Istanbul, a city where East meets West, is home to some of Turkey’s most prestigious private universities. These institutions offer world-class education, cutting-edge research facilities, and globally recognized programs that attract students from all over the world. In 2025, several private universities in Istanbul have risen to prominence in global rankings, thanks to their academic excellence, strong industry partnerships, and international outlook. Whether you're interested in medicine, engineering, business, or social sciences, Istanbul’s top private universities provide a rich blend of quality education and cultural experience.

1. Koç University – Sarıyer, Istanbul (European Side)

Koç University is widely regarded as the best private university in Turkey. Located in the serene area of Sarıyer, it boasts a large, modern campus and strong English-taught programs. The university excels in research, medicine, engineering, and social sciences. It consistently ranks in the top 100–150 universities worldwide due to its international faculty, research funding, and partnerships with global institutions.

Why It’s on Top:

• Highest global ranking among Turkish privates

• Strong in research and graduate employment

• English-medium instruction and scholarships

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2. Sabancı University – Tuzla, Istanbul (Asian Side)

Sabancı University is a research-driven institution known for its interdisciplinary approach. Located in Tuzla, its modern campus supports innovation in engineering, natural sciences, and business. It ranks among the top 150 globally.

Why It’s on Top:

• Flexible academic structure

• Strong industrial and academic partnerships

• Focus on innovation and entrepreneurship

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3. Istanbul Medipol University – Bağcılar/Kavacık (Both Sides)

Medipol has gained fame due to its focus on medical sciences, pharmacy, and health sciences. With campuses on both the Asian and European sides, it offers high-quality practical education supported by its own hospital network.

Why It’s on Top:

• Leading university in health and medical research

• Large clinical practice network

• Rapid rise in national and international rankings

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4. Yeditepe University – Ataşehir, Istanbul (Asian Side)

Yeditepe is known for its comprehensive programs ranging from engineering to dentistry. The university offers an American-style education with English as the medium of instruction. Its main campus is modern and tech equipped.

Why It’s on Top:

• Wide academic program range

• English-medium instruction

• Strong alumni network and job placement

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5. Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University – Ataşehir, Istanbul (Asian Side)

Acıbadem is a top institution in the medical and health sciences fields. Affiliated with the prestigious Acıbadem Healthcare Group, it provides hands-on medical education with modern laboratories and hospitals.

Why It’s on Top:

• Strong industry integration (Acıbadem Hospitals)

• Leading in medical education

• State-of-the-art facilities

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6. Istinye University – Sarıyer/Topkapı, Istanbul (European Side)

Istinye University is relatively new but has quickly risen in rankings due to its research-oriented environment and strong backing from the MLPCare healthcare group. It offers programs in health, technology, and business.

Why It’s on Top:

• Fastest-growing private university

• Practical education in health sciences

• Modern urban campuses

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7. Bahçeşehir University – Beşiktaş, Istanbul (European Side)

Located in the heart of Istanbul, Bahçeşehir University is known for its international outlook. It has global campuses and exchange programs in the U.S., Germany, and Canada. The university excels in engineering, business, and media.

Why It’s on Top:

• Global campus network

• Strong international student body

• Industry-focused education

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8. Istanbul Bilgi University – Eyüp/Santral, Istanbul (European Side)

Bilgi University is a liberal and progressive institution, especially strong in law, media, and social sciences. It is one of the few Turkish universities ranked in global QS rankings. The Santral Campus is located at a former power plant turned cultural center.

Why It’s on Top:

• Creative, liberal arts focus

• International recognition

• Culturally rich and innovative campus

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9. Özyeğin University – Çekmeköy, Istanbul (Asian Side)

Özyeğin University is a research-oriented institution with a beautiful green campus in Çekmeköy. It is known for its entrepreneurship and innovation culture, and its business and engineering schools are highly ranked.

Why It’s on Top:

• Entrepreneurial ecosystem

• Scholarships and modern campus

• Rising research productivity

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10. Kadir Has University – Cibali, Istanbul (European Side)

Kadir Has University is located near the Golden Horn and has a strong focus on humanities, international relations, and design. It’s a mid-size university that combines tradition with modern academic offerings.

Why It’s on Top:

• Central location in historic Istanbul

• Well-known programs in arts and politics

• English-medium education and international ties

These universities are at the top not only because of academic performance but also because of strong global ties, industry integration, English-taught programs, and active research environments. Each one offers something unique, whether it's health sciences, engineering, social impact, or business education. For international students or local scholars seeking quality education in Istanbul, these ten are the best private options as of 2025.

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A teacher in Istanbul

Teaching in Istanbul, where the majority of students hail from conflict-ridden Arab nations, has been both a rewarding and challenging experience. Despite holding double masters in Information Technology and Business Studies, the struggle lies in motivating students, with only a small percentage genuinely interested in learning.

Navigating through the complexities, I find solace in the proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child." In this case, the village extends beyond the classroom to the broader community, acknowledging the collective responsibility in nurturing these young minds. As I persist in my mission, I am reminded of another proverb, "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second-best time is now." Each effort, no matter how small, contributes to a brighter future for these students.

The impact of war is palpable as students grapple with disrupted lives and parents facing the daunting task of rebuilding in a new country. The burden on these families, exacerbated by Turkey's high inflation rate of 110%, leaves little room for dedicated parental guidance. Yet, amid these challenges, a resilient few emerge as shining examples of transformation.

Right now I'm teaching at Manara International School in Basaksehir, Istanbul, As I continue to inspire change, I reflect on the words of Confucius: "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." It is in the resilience of both students and educators that true success is found, transcending the hardships of the past.

Moreover, the disconnect between managers, school heads, and the daily challenges faced by teachers is glaring. Despite their awareness of the students' academic caliber, there seems to be a lack of empathy or action. Admission processes in many high schools and colleges lack rigorous assessments, contributing to an environment where genuine interest in education takes a back seat.

Compounding the issue, a substantial number of private international schools are under Arab influence. Unfortunately, the emergence of lobbying systems among staff has created a concerning trend. Nationality discrimination is prevalent, overshadowing the significance of education and skills. In this environment, lobbying often triumphs over merit, raising questions about the fairness and integrity of the educational system.

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Turkiye, Istanbul and Okan University

Ten years ago when I was entering university from college. Had to enroll. The result was to come then the intention, the wish was to go to Turkey and study. 

This wish of mine is fulfilled this year in 2022. I did my undergraduate and then my masters in computer science from a university in Pakistan. Now came to Turkey with the intention of doing another master's in business. 

Turkey is home to both Islamist and anti-Islamic races. The system here is completely different from Pakistan. My luggage was two bags. One big bag and one small, small bag weighed eight kilograms. The big bag, however, was thirty kilos. Wheels are also installed to run it. But since the journey was too far, I came to know after leaving the airport. 

On October 18, I was at Istanbul Airport. My flight was from Lahore Pakistan to Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi to Istanbul. The journey was very tiring, but when you see a new environment and you have to manage everything by yourself. You don't remember the fatigue, the fatigue is felt only when you reach your destination. 

My university, Istanbul Okan University, was six hours away from the airport. Which I had to cover by bus travel and train then taxi. Had to wait for half an hour and walk for half an hour. 

I don't like the transport system here in Turkey. You should manage a train. Which connects the whole country. In Pakistan, the train system is very extensive. India is running the best train system. I stayed in UAE 2019, The metro line there was fantastic. Turkey has a large bus system. Traffic on the road is a huge waste of time.

Well, after the journey, when I came to my university, I intended to stay here for a year. I will complete two semesters here (First thoughts). And one for the rest, I will spend the rest of the semester outside somewhere with friends since my degree will be completed in a year and a half. There is a two-year visa. I will also work together with study.  

Then I realized Job is not possible now because the teachers are doing so much work that I have to give full time to study. There will be only one project in the final semester. Then time will be available for me to do a job. 

The food that my university "Istanbul Okan University" serves to its students. As such, we are provided with facilities such as gym, swimming pool, games (including snooker), high speed Wi-Fi, computers and modern libraries. But in this post. I will mention the food. 

Three meals a day are provided to those staying in the hostels. But those who do not live in the hostel can also eat. At half the price compared to the outside market; This is the reason why most of the students prefer Okan food. 

Everything is made in olive or canola oils. Here.. I have not seen unnecessary use of oil. Take food, willingly; Two dishes are made for each meal (whether it is lunch or dinner). There is a beef dish a day, with vegetables; Now the fish season started, yesterday was the best fish, with chicken and white rice. Breakfast: boiled egg, salad, chocolate, jam and bread. Bread You can take as much as you want with every meal. Because here, Bread is made as an alternative to “Roti” i.e. Chapati.

If you want to add black pepper, cumin, hot sauces, olives, ketchup to the food.. add as many things as you want. It's all free. Pepper, salt, water and tissue paper are always present on the dining table. 

Students are given exceptional respect here. No one is lined up. In addition, there are vending machines throughout the university; Add coins and take out whatever you want to eat. 

You can have cold drinks, lassi, pudding, custard or fruit with your meal at a nominal price. The system here is a paperless system, you only need to place your university card on the scanner, not currency.

 

But the hostel system of my university told me that you stay outside bro. Their rent is very high.  $3,450 a year; Now I planned to stay here for one semester only. And I will say goodbye to them by giving 1700$ and something. Anyway, the university is far away from city in Tuzla Istanbul. I love walking around and meeting people which is not possible here. We are in middle of no where. Only, university mates are people around me.

My friends here from class are from Jordan, Iraq and Turkey. My roommates names Ata and Tüçan are from Turkey. Both are under grad’ students. Nice in overall, Their families are good actually. They both stay busy in playing video games and study.

I’m also attaching pictures with this post, to be memorable. November 22, three days later, our first semester midterms begin. My first semester subjects are Financial Accounting, Marketing, Business Economics and Marketing and Organization. 

Now that I am in the new country, I will continue to write about it, that's all for now. Bye bye 

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