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SDG 1.1 Research on poverty


SDG 1.1.1 Papers co-authored with low or lower-middle income countries

Istanbul Okan University supports the development of international academic collaborations in research addressing the causes and effects of poverty and strategies for its reduction. The University’s co-authored research with institutions in low-income and lower-middle-income countries is monitored by research area, collaborating institution/country, and publication year.
The University’s SDG 1 research outputs across all periods are also tracked through academic databases, research analytics platforms, and search engines, including Scopus, SciVal, InCites, and Google Scholar. These outputs are documented on the following website, together with publication titles, authors, publication years, journal details, and persistent identifiers.
The relevant pages also describe the methodology used to map publications to SDG 1, verify institutional affiliations, and check for duplicate records. Examples of co-authored publications identified as being related to SDG 1 during the 2021–2025 period are listed below:


Araştırmada OKAN


Scopus


GOOGLE SCHOLAR

YÖKAK’tan Üniversitemize Tam Akreditasyon Belgesi!


Internationalization Policy

SDG 1.1.2 No poverty: FWCI

Our University supports research on poverty reduction, income inequality, social protection, inclusive growth, and access to education and essential services for disadvantaged groups. To ensure transparency, an institutional summary is provided.

Araştırmada OKAN


Scopus


GOOGLE SCHOLAR


Internationalization Policy

SDG 1.1.3 No poverty: publications

Istanbul Okan University’s research outputs contributing to poverty alleviation are publicly listed under the heading “Publications Related to SDG 1.” The list includes the publication title, author(s), faculty/department, publication year, journal/book, DOI, and the specific dimension of poverty addressed by each publication. Records for the 2021–2025 period are updated annually. The publicly accessible publication list includes selected publications with DOI links and specifies the data source and the date on which the data were retrieved.

Araştırmada OKAN


Scopus


GOOGLE SCHOLAR


Internationalization Policy

SDG 1.2 Proportion of students receiving financial aid to attend university because of poverty

SDG 1.2.1 Indicator: Low income students receiving financial aid Year: 2025

Istanbul Okan University provides scholarships and other financial support mechanisms to students to reduce the barriers that financial hardship may pose to access to and continuation in higher education. The support measures assessed in this context are classified as tuition fee waivers/scholarships, meals, accommodation, transportation, and need-based work programmes. Data are monitored annually through student records and financial support decisions.

SDG 1.3 University Anti-Poverty Programmes

SDG 1.3.1. Buttom Financial Quantile Admission Target

Istanbul Okan University aims to support access to higher education for prospective students who face difficulties accessing university due to economic disadvantage. Istanbul Okan University is committed to promoting equitable access to education. As we continuously monitor our progress, we are dedicated to ensuring that our student body represents diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and that no talented individual is deprived of educational opportunities due to financial constraints.

To support individuals who fall within the lowest 20% income bracket—representing a significant portion of our country’s population—Istanbul Okan University prioritizes the admission of low-income students. Applicants whose household income is within the bottom 20% are given special consideration during the admissions process.

Admissions from low-income households, particularly those in the lowest 20% income group, account for approximately 60% of our total student population.

All students in this category benefit from at least one of the following financial support mechanisms:

  • 100%, 75%, or 50% scholarships
  • Meal scholarships
  • Housing support
  • Transportation support


Source: TÜİK (Turkish Statistical Institute), 2025

In 2025, whereas the mean annual equivalised household disposable income of Türkiye was 332 thousand 882 TL, TR51 (Ankara) was the region having the highest mean annual equivalised household disposable income with 449 thousand 618 TL within the SR Level 2. It was followed by TR10 (İstanbul) and TR31 (İzmir) regions with mean annual equivalised household disposable income 434 thousand 929 TL and 405 thousand 896 TL respectively. The region with the lowest mean annual equivalised household disposable income was TRB2 (Van, Muş, Bitlis, Hakkari) region with 172 thousand 552 TL.

Average income by city.

Source: TÜİK (Turkish Statistical Institute), 2025

Öğrencilerimize “Çin Başkonsolos Bursu” verildi

SDG 1.3.2 Buttom Financial Quantile Student Success

Our University aims to monitor not only the enrolment of students experiencing economic disadvantage but also their successful completion of their studies.

Istanbul Okan University places strong emphasis on the academic success and graduation outcomes of students coming from the lowest 20% income bracket. To ensure that these students not only enroll but also successfully complete their studies, we have established specific goals and support systems.

As in previous years, throughout 2025, a range of support mechanisms specifically designed for low-income students has been implemented, including:

  • Academic Advising Programme
  • Mentorship Programme (alumni and industry mentors)
  • Career Centre coaching
  • Psychological Counselling and Guidance Services
  • Part-Time Student Employment Programme (on-campus job opportunities)

By providing comprehensive resources and closely monitoring their progress, we aim to enhance the academic experience of low-income students and support them in achieving higher graduation rates.

Part-Time Student Employment Programme

SDG 1.3.3 Low-income Student Support

Istanbul Okan University is committed to providing comprehensive support to students from low-income families. To ensure that students can focus on their education, we offer financial assistance aimed at reducing economic burdens such as housing and food expenses. In addition, we provide access to legal services and other essential resources to guarantee that all students receive the support they need to fully engage in their studies. Our aim is to create a supportive environment that enables every student to thrive both academically and personally.

Meal Scholarship


Scholarship


SDG 1.3.4 Buttom Financial Quantile Student Support

Istanbul Okan University offers specially designed programmes to support students from households in the lowest 20% income bracket in successfully completing their education. These support services include targeted academic advising, personalised mentoring, and career development resources. Our programmes are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by these students, providing them with the tools and support necessary to succeed in their studies. We are committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive and complete their education with confidence.

Career Center

SDG 1.3.5 Low or Lower-Middle İncome Countries Student Support

Istanbul Okan University offers a range of programmes to support students coming from low- or lower-middle-income countries. Our aim is to ensure access to higher education for students from all backgrounds and to provide an equitable learning environment.

Prospective or current students may apply to the “Türkiye Scholarships” programme offered to international students, as well as various scholarships provided by TÜBİTAK.

Türkiye Scholarships is a higher education scholarship programme funded by the Republic of Türkiye for international students. Its primary objective is to offer equal opportunities for successful students from around the world to pursue their education with full scholarship support in Türkiye.

According to the World Bank classification, our university hosts students from low- and lower-middle-income countries.


For detailed information about Türkiye Scholarships, please click here.


Click here for TÜBİTAK Scholarships


For the International Office Directorate, please click here

SDG 1.4 Programmes to Eradicate Poverty in the Community

SDG 1.4.1 Local Start-Up/Entrepreneurship Support (2025)

Istanbul Okan University plays an active role in supporting the establishment of financially and socially sustainable enterprises within the local community. To equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to effectively launch and grow their businesses, we offer a variety of resources, including mentorship programmes, training workshops, and access to university facilities. By leveraging our expertise and infrastructure, we aim to empower local entrepreneurs and contribute to the economic and social development of the community.

In 2025, Istanbul Okan University supported entrepreneurship and the establishment of financially and socially sustainable businesses through its Research and Project Development Directorate (ARPROGED), Entrepreneurship Center, Intech-Cub Incubation Center, OPINA (Open Innovation, Autonomous Vehicle Development and Testing Platform), and university-affiliated Application and Research Centers.

ARPROGED contributes to project development, access to national and international funding programmes, university–industry collaboration, intellectual property management, technology transfer, the commercialization of research outputs, and the establishment of technology-based start-ups. The Entrepreneurship Center provides entrepreneurship training, coaching, and mentoring services and supports entrepreneurial activities through the TÜBİTAK 1812 Investment-Based Entrepreneurship Support Programme (BİGG Yatırım).

The Intech-Cub Incubation Center facilitates the transformation of technology-oriented business ideas into commercially viable products and services through business model and business plan development, prototyping infrastructure, academic and industry mentoring, office facilities, marketing and legal consultancy, intellectual property support, and opportunities to connect with investors. OPINA provides an open innovation environment, technical infrastructure, and collaboration opportunities for innovative SMEs, start-ups, and R&D organizations to develop, prototype, test, and integrate connected and autonomous vehicle technologies.

The University's Application and Research Centers conduct research and development activities within their respective areas of expertise, facilitate the practical application of scientific knowledge and technical expertise, foster collaboration with industry stakeholders, and support the development of innovative solutions. Collectively, these structures form an institutional ecosystem that strengthens entrepreneurial capabilities, facilitates access to technical expertise and research infrastructure, supports the commercialization of innovative business ideas, and contributes to business development.

Application and Research Centers


ARPROGED


Entrepreneurship Center


Intech-Cub Incubation Center


OPINA-Open Innovation Platform


BAP


Business Continuity Policy

We Signed a Cooperation Protocol with Teknopark Istanbul

Istanbul Okan University and Teknopark Istanbul signed a collaboration protocol on Thursday, 17 December 2025. Through this protocol, academic knowledge and entrepreneurial capabilities will come together on a common platform.

Formalized with the signatures of our Rector, Prof. Dr. Güliz Muğan, and Teknopark Istanbul General Manager, Prof. Dr. Abdurrahman Akyol, the protocol will provide R&D companies and entrepreneurial firms with opportunities to develop joint projects by leveraging the University's academic expertise and technical infrastructure.

By supporting innovative ideas and strengthening research and development processes, this collaboration aims to facilitate access to qualified human resources and generate added value. This strategic step will foster a more dynamic and sustainable interaction between the University and industry while making significant contributions to the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

SDG 1.4.2 Financial Support for Local Start-Ups/Entrepreneurs (2025)

Our university provides financial mentorship to support the establishment of financially and socially sustainable enterprises within the local community. Our aim is to help local entrepreneurs bring their innovative ideas to life and create lasting economic and social impact. Through investments and targeted financial guidance offered to these enterprises, we contribute to the growth and development of a vibrant local economy.

Ofislerimiz

Finans ve Destek Ofisi

Teknoloji ve Ticarileştirme ve İş Geliştirme Ofisi

Proje Destekleri Ofisi

Üniversite Sanayi İş Birliği Ofisi

Fikri ve Sinai Mülkiyet Hakları Ofisi

Klinik Araştırmalar Ofisi

Laboratuvar Hizmetleri Ofisi

TÜBİTAK Marmara Technopark Collaboration

The “Letter of Intent” and the “TÜGİP Incubation Center Cooperation Protocol” were signed between Marmara Technopark and Istanbul Okan University at a ceremony attended by Mr. Mehmet Ali Okur, General Manager of Marmara Technopark, and Prof. Dr. İbrahim Alinur Büyükaksoy, Vice Rector of Istanbul Okan University.

Following the signing ceremony, the delegation visited the TÜBİTAK MAM Food Innovation Center and the TÜGİP Incubation Center at Marmara Technopark.

For the Directorate of Research and Project Development, please click here.

Üniversitemiz, Otomotiv Teknolojileri Patent Başvurusunda 6. Sırada!


SDG 1.4.3 Programmes to Improve Access to Essential Services (2025)

Istanbul Okan University organises specially designed trainings and programmes aimed at improving access to essential services for all members of the community. These programmes focus on enhancing access to key services such as healthcare, education, and social support. Through workshops, seminars, and collaborative projects, we aim to address gaps in service accessibility and ensure that individuals from all backgrounds can benefit from these vital resources. We are committed to contributing to the creation of a more equitable and inclusive society through these initiatives.

OKSEM


OKAN Etkinlik


Social Contribution Policy


Learn and Application Center Policy


Research and Development Policy


Education Policy


Küresel Akademik Ağlar Güçleniyor: Tsinghua Üniversitesi Zhili College Öğrencileri Üniversitemizde

SDG 1.4.4 Development of Anti-Poverty Policies (2025)

Istanbul Okan University actively participates in policy development processes at the local, regional, national, and global levels to support the implementation of programmes and policies aimed at eliminating poverty in all its dimensions. By collaborating with government agencies, non-profit organisations, and international institutions, we contribute our research, expertise, and insights to the development of effective poverty reduction strategies.

Our engagement in these policy discussions helps shape initiatives that address the root causes of poverty and support sustainable development efforts. We are committed to utilising our academic and community resources to drive meaningful change and contribute to the global fight against poverty.

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