Ibn Haldun University (IHU) — Istanbul

Ibn Haldun University (IHU) is a private university in Istanbul founded in 2015, named after the great 14th-century Muslim historian and sociologist Ibn Khaldun. The university is distinguished by its focus on the Islamic intellectual tradition and its trilingual approach to teaching.

Trilingual instruction: Programs are taught in Arabic, Turkish, and English — making IHU one of the few universities in Turkey where Arabic students can pursue a full academic program in their native language alongside English and Turkish.

Academic focus: Strong emphasis on humanities and social sciences from an Islamic-civilisational perspective, while integrating modern academic methodologies. The university aims to revive the tradition of Islamic scholarship and bridge it with contemporary social sciences.

Size: Around 1,500+ students and 200+ faculty members — a deliberately small, selective student body that allows close mentorship and seminar-style classes.

Ranking: Ranked 164 in Turkey and 9,984 globally. While not the highest-ranked institution in raw numbers, IHU's reputation is built on its niche academic philosophy and the quality of its small graduate cohorts.

Notable programs:

• Islamic Studies and Theology
• History and Civilisation
• Philosophy
• Sociology and Anthropology
• Political Science and International Relations
• Economics
• Literature and Arabic Language
• Educational Sciences
• Psychology

Admission: No YÖS required. The university values academic record, Arabic/Turkish/English proficiency, and a strong interest in the humanities and Islamic studies. Apply at ihu.edu.tr.

Tuition (international students): Approximately $5,000–10,000 per year for undergraduate programs. Many programs are eligible for full or partial scholarships.

Scholarships: IHU is well-known for offering full scholarships to a meaningful share of its international students — covering tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend for top applicants. This makes IHU one of the most accessible quality private universities in Turkey for academically strong Arab students.

Campus: Located in Başakşehir on Istanbul's European side — modern campus with libraries, seminar rooms, prayer facilities, and student housing options.

Recognition: YÖK-accredited. Graduates have placement records in academic programs across the Middle East, Europe, and North America.