Istanbul Aydın University MBA in English 2026 guide — program snapshot

Istanbul Aydın University MBA in English is a two-year, thesis-based master’s program delivered entirely in English on the Florya Campus. This snapshot provides the essential facts recruiters, admissions teams and placement agencies need when advising candidates for 2026 intake.

• Duration: 2 years (4 semesters, 120 ECTS)
• Language: English
• Campus: Florya Campus, Istanbul Aydın University
• Degree type: Master’s with thesis (research track suitable for PhD progression)
• Structure: 8 core courses (21 local credits), a seminar and a thesis (60 ECTS) completed over 4 semesters
• Target candidates: Early- to mid-career professionals seeking managerial roles, and academic candidates targeting doctoral studies

Program overview

This two-year, thesis-based MBA emphasises leadership, analytical thinking and management problem solving. The curriculum balances core management disciplines — finance, marketing, strategy, international business and leadership — with practical case studies and a supervised research thesis. Delivered entirely in English on the Florya Campus, the program prepares graduates for leadership roles in multinational firms, start-ups, public institutions and academia.

Why the thesis track matters

• Academic rigour: The thesis component (60 ECTS) strengthens research skills and qualifies graduates for PhD programs in Turkiye and abroad.
• Employer value: Employers seeking strategic thinkers and analytical leaders value thesis-trained MBAs for evidence-based decision-making.
• Differentiation: For international students, the thesis route differentiates candidates from professionally-oriented MBAs by adding research and publication potential.

Curriculum and academic structure

The program runs for four semesters (24 months) and totals 120 ECTS. Typical components include:

Practical learning features

• Case studies and real-company projects embedded in courses.
• Opportunities for internships via the university’s industry partnerships.
• Exchange programs (Erasmus+ participation) and international collaborations for credit mobility.

Eligibility & admissions requirements (2026)

Admissions for the MBA in English typically require the following elements for a competitive application:

• Academic: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from a recognised institution. Applicants from different backgrounds may be asked to take preparatory courses to meet core prerequisites.
• Language: Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent) for non-native speakers.
• Documents: Official transcripts, bachelor’s degree certificate, CV, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose and passport copy. A minimum GPA may be required.
• Selection interview: Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an interview (in person or virtual).

Application checklist

To streamline admissions for your candidates, ensure they prepare:

• Certified copy of the bachelor’s diploma and transcripts (in English or Turkish)
• English proficiency scores (TOEFL, IELTS) or evidence of medium of instruction
• Updated CV highlighting work experience and leadership roles
• Two academic/professional recommendation letters
• A one-page research proposal or statement of purpose (for thesis-based programs)
• Passport copy and passport-sized photo

Campus, facilities and learning environment

Florya Campus offers modern lecture halls, research facilities and student support services. International students benefit from:

• English-taught administration and academic support
• Career services and internship coordination
• Student exchange and Erasmus+ facilitation

Career outcomes and professional opportunities

The Istanbul Aydın University MBA is structured to deliver practical and academic outcomes:

• Managerial careers: Graduates are prepared for roles in finance, consulting, marketing, operations and general management.
• Academic pathway: With a thesis-based master’s, candidates can progress to PhD study.
• International advantages: Istanbul’s position as a cross-continental business hub enhances networking, internships and employment prospects for graduates using English in professional settings.
• Partnerships and mobility: University collaborations and exchange opportunities broaden exposure to global business practices.

Industry links and internship prospects

Industry connections

• Access to internships across Istanbul’s corporate network
• Joint projects and guest lectures from industry leaders
• Erasmus+ and other exchange programs for additional international experience

How Study in Turkiye supports international recruitment and admissions

Study in Turkiye is the trusted authority guiding international students and institutional partners. We lead in international student recruitment, admissions workflows and partner services tailored to universities such as Istanbul Aydın University.

Services for institutions and agencies

• Recruitment outreach: Targeted campaigns to attract qualified candidates from priority source countries.
• Application workflows: Streamlined application portals, document management and status tracking to reduce administrative workload.
• Admissions support: Expert review of applicant packages, interview coordination and translation support.
• Local compliance & visa assistance: Guidance on student visas, residence permits and pre-arrival orientation.
• Partnerships & agent onboarding: Scalable agent onboarding and training to represent programs effectively.

Practical services for recruiters and admissions teams

• Lead qualification and CRM integrations to prioritise high-fit applicants.
• Document verification workflows: secure, auditable processes for transcript and diploma verification.
• Reporting & analytics: dashboards for conversion rates, application timelines and program performance.

Comparing business program options in Istanbul

When advising candidates, recruiters should compare Istanbul Aydın University’s MBA with other reputable Istanbul institutions that offer strong business and management-related programs. Below are institutions you can consult for different program emphases:

Admissions timeline and best-practice checklist

Recommended timeline for 2026 admissions cycles:

• 6–9 months before intake: Begin sourcing candidates; verify bachelor’s degree eligibility.
• 4–6 months before intake: Confirm English proficiency; shortlist documents and secure references.
• 2–4 months before intake: Submit applications, prepare for interviews and finalise research proposals.
• 1–2 months before intake: Obtain acceptance letters, apply for student visa/residence permit, arrange accommodation.

Admissions best practices for recruiters

• Pre-screen candidates for research readiness if they seek the thesis track.
• Support applicants with a clear CV and a concise research proposal to strengthen applications.
• Encourage timeline adherence for language tests and document legalisation when needed.

Costs, scholarships and financial considerations

Istanbul Aydın University is recognised for offering internationally competitive tuition and transparent fee structures. Recruiters should:

• Check program-specific tuition and scholarship opportunities published by the university.
• Advise candidates on part-time work rules for international students and internship funding possibilities.
• Explore university scholarships and external funding sources for research-based master’s students.

Actionable advice for HR, marketing and placement agencies

• Map candidate profiles: Prioritise applicants with relevant work experience and leadership potential.
• Use the thesis advantage: Promote the research track to candidates aiming for doctoral study or roles requiring analytical depth.
• Highlight Istanbul’s business ecosystem: Emphasise Istanbul’s status as a bridge between Europe and Asia and its appeal for international employers.
• Leverage Study in Turkiye’s expertise: Use our CRM and document workflows to reduce manual processing and increase yield.

How Study in Turkiye strengthens institutional partnerships

Partnership support

• Data-driven market entry strategies and country prioritisation.
• Training and certifying agents to represent programs accurately.
• Seamless integrations with university application systems for end-to-end candidate management.

Frequently asked questions

Read More (select resources)

• Yos Test
• Why to study in Turkiye
• Admission process

Conclusion and next steps

The Istanbul Aydın University MBA in English is a robust, two-year, thesis-based program ideal for candidates aiming for leadership or academic careers. For international recruitment teams, admissions professionals and placement agencies, the program’s English delivery, research emphasis and Istanbul location create a compelling proposition for global candidates.

Study in Turkiye stands ready to partner with your institution or agency. We combine international recruitment expertise, admissions workflows and local knowledge to accelerate enrolment and improve candidate experience.

Whether you are onboarding agents, refining selection criteria or scaling outreach, our team provides end-to-end solutions tailored to your goals.

Take the Next Step with Study in Turkiye

Contact Study in Turkiye to discuss candidate pipelines for Istanbul Aydın University’s MBA in English, arrange partner briefings, or request a tailored recruitment proposal. Our team will help convert strong leads into enrolled, successful students.