Kent University

History and Mission

Istanbul Kent University was officially established on September 7, 2016, under Law No. 6745, Article 167 appended to Law No. 2809, as a foundation-type higher education institution recognized by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YOK). The university was founded by the Engelsiz Egitim Vakfi (ENEV — Education Without Barriers Foundation), which was itself established on June 12, 2015, with the mission of serving society's development in the fields of education, health, and culture. Kent University became ENEV's inaugural and flagship project, embodying the ideals of accessible, inclusive, and internationally competitive higher education. The university's main campus — the Taksim Campus — holds exceptional historical significance. It is housed in the building of the legendary German Hospital (Alman Hastanesi), originally founded on April 6, 1846, by the D.W.V. German Charity Society in Istanbul, based on recommendations from Dr. Georg Hermann Ritter von Muhling. The building was reconstructed in 1874 and spans approximately 22,000 square meters, blending 19th-century historical architecture with modern educational spaces. Students at Kent University thus study within walls that carry nearly two centuries of history, situated in the very heart of the Taksim district — one of Istanbul's most iconic and culturally vibrant neighborhoods. In the 2017-2018 academic year, the university welcomed its first cohort of 760 students, opening 2 faculties and 1 vocational school with 19 academic programs. Growth was rapid: by the 2022-2023 academic year, the number of programs had expanded to 60, and enrollment surpassed 6,000 students, with over 1,000 international students from diverse countries. That same year, the university inaugurated its second campus — the Kagithane Campus — a modern 14-story building equipped with 54 classrooms, 39 laboratories, a library, a cafeteria, and sports facilities built to the latest technological standards. Today, Istanbul Kent University encompasses 6 faculties (Dentistry, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Economics and Social Sciences, Art and Design, and Engineering and Natural Sciences), 2 vocational schools, and 1 foreign languages institute. In 2019, the university opened an advanced Dental Center, and on August 13, 2021, the Faculty of Dentistry achieved membership in ADEE — the Association for Dental Education in Europe — confirming the program's alignment with international standards. The university is also an active participant in the Erasmus+ program, holding agreements with over 200 European partner universities, opening doors for student exchanges and internships across the continent.

Campus Features

The mission of Istanbul Kent University is to prepare a new generation of professionals who possess not only deep technical knowledge and practical skills, but also a high level of empathy, social responsibility, and a global outlook. The university strives to build an educational platform where every student — regardless of background, physical ability, or socio-economic circumstances — can fully realize their academic and personal potential. At the core of Kent University's educational philosophy lies the principle of 'barrier-free education' (Engelsiz Egitim), inherited from its founding organization ENEV. This principle permeates every aspect of the university's operations: from designing accessible campus infrastructure to developing flexible curricula that address the diverse needs of today's students. An interdisciplinary approach allows the university to bridge achievements in medicine, engineering, social sciences, and the arts to address real-world societal challenges. The university places particular emphasis on the healthcare sector: the faculties of Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Health Sciences are equipped with cutting-edge simulation centers and laboratories, while students gain hands-on experience through clinical practice at partner hospitals and medical institutions. Fostering critical thinking, integrating innovative technologies into the educational process, and nurturing leaders capable of improving society's quality of life — these are the key pillars that define the strategic development of Istanbul Kent University for years to come.

Advantages for International Students