Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University (İZÜ) — Istanbul

Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University (İZÜ) has an extraordinary founding heritage — it was established by the "Foundation for the Dissemination of Knowledge" (Waqf), which was originally established during the Ottoman era under Sultan Bayezid II (1481–1512). This centuries-old foundation reactivated its educational mission in the modern era through İZÜ, located in a distinguished position in the heart of Istanbul.

The name: The university is named after Prof. Sabahattin Zaim (1926–2007), a renowned Turkish Muslim economist who specialised in Islamic economics, social policy, and labour economics. His name reflects the university's particular strength in Islamic economics and social sciences.

Among Turkey's top private universities: İZÜ is considered one of the best Turkish private universities, hosting thousands of students, including hundreds of international students.

Academic offering:

• 7 faculties, most prominently:
  • Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
  • Faculty of Business and Administrative Sciences
  • Faculty of Health Sciences
• ~34 undergraduate programs
• ~57 master's programs
• ~20 doctoral programs

Notable faculties:

• Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Management — particularly strong in Islamic Economics and Finance
• Faculty of Health Sciences — Nursing, Nutrition and Dietetics, Social Services
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Islamic Sciences
• Faculty of Communications
• Faculty of Architecture and Design

Languages of instruction: Turkish, English, and Arabic options depending on the program — making İZÜ particularly suitable for Arab students.

Admission: No YÖS required. Standard requirements: high school diploma with reasonable GPA, language proficiency depending on program.

Tuition (annual, international students):

• Most undergraduate programs: approximately $5,000–8,000
• Engineering, professional programs: approximately $7,000–10,000

Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships available; the university is known for offering generous scholarships to Muslim students and those pursuing Islamic studies.

Why İZÜ stands out:

• Ottoman waqf heritage — historically resonant institutional identity
• Strong Islamic Economics programs
• Arabic-medium options in some programs
• Central Istanbul location

Recognition: YÖK-accredited and recognised across the Arab world. Particularly strong reputation in Gulf states and Levantine countries for Islamic sciences and economics.