It’s hard to choose a university in Turkey, especially if you want to study in a creative field like design. While researching departments, I came across the “Özyeğin University Industrial Design” program. Not only the course content, but also the faculty’s stance, projects and international connections attracted my attention. OzU EütB (Department of Industrial Products and Design) offers a structure that stands out not only with theory but also with interaction design and applied studio studies.
What is Industrial Design? Why Future Profession?
The Role of Industrial Design Today
Industrial design is the process of combining technology, human behavior and aesthetics to create usable products. Not only furniture or automobiles, but also the coffee machines we use today, the interfaces of mobile applications and even smart glasses are products of design.
This field has become a critical specialization, especially for brands looking for sustainability, user experience and innovative solutions. In 2025 and beyond, designers who can produce creative solutions are in serious demand in the global business world.
Global Trends Driving Industrial Design
Some concepts that stand out in the design world today:
- UX/UI integration: User-friendly digital products.
- Sustainable material use: Designs that reduce carbon footprint.
- Human-centered design: Products shaped by empathy and social sensitivity.
Studying industrial design means the opportunity to catch up with these developments and become one of the creative leaders of the future.
ÖzÜ EütB: An Interaction-Oriented Philosophy of Education
Foundation and Academic Vision of the Department
ÖzÜ EütB was founded in 2013 under the umbrella of the Faculty of Architecture and Design. The philosophy it has adopted since its foundation is quite clear: an education model that is open to the world, flexible, and oriented towards sectoral expertise.
The section is not limited to traditional product design. It offers strong content in different areas such as interaction design, digital interfaces, social impact designs. The courses include practice as well as theory; students can create their portfolio before they graduate.
International Memberships: WDO and Cumulus
Immediately after its founding in 2013, OzU EUTU became a member of the World Design Organization (WDO) and began partnering with universities around the world. In the same year, he also joined the Cumulus (International Association of Universities and Colleges of Art, Design and Media) network.
Thanks to this, students can participate in exchange programs with schools abroad and take part in international workshops.
Applied and Interdisciplinary Education at OzU
Gökceada Design Workshops
One of the most concrete examples of OzU EütB breaking the “classical design education” approach is the Gökçeada Design Workshops. These events, which started in 2014, are based on the idea of “designing in situ”. Students go to an island and develop real projects by getting in touch with local people, nature and existing problems.
In 2015 and 2016, these workshops expanded with international participation. It is not just a homework or a presentation; really functional and applicable solutions have emerged.
OzU Istanbul Institute of Design (IID) and Graduate Opportunities
Another structure that supports an interdisciplinary approach is ÖzÜ/İID – Istanbul Institute of Design. Founded in 2015, it offers graduate-level education in “Design, Technology and Society.”
The researchers come from a wide range of disciplines, from engineers to sociologists. This shows that Özyeğin is not just a university, but a center that develops a culture of design.
Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunities
2025-2026 Tuition
The annual fee for the Faculty of Architecture and Design at Ozyegin University for 2025-2026 is $22,000.
| Program | Annual Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Industrial Design | $22,000 |
This fee seems quite reasonable compared to the facilities offered in a city like Istanbul and at such a well-equipped university.
Scholarships Offered for International Students
ÖzÜ offers success-oriented scholarships, early application discounts and full scholarships for some departments for international students. Scholarships are generally evaluated based on academic achievement, portfolio quality and the content of the application dossier.
Campus Life and Facilities for Students
Technical Equipment of the Faculty of Architecture and Design
The campus of Ozyegin University is a playground for design students. The faculty includes:
- Prototyping labs with 3D printers and laser cutters
- Large volume design studios
- VR/AR practice rooms
- Material library and modeling workshop
Thanks to these technical facilities, students can not only generate ideas, but also design and prototype real physical products.
Student Clubs and Social Life
Campus life is not just about studios. The design clubs, entrepreneurship societies and social responsibility projects that are active at OzU also offer many areas for students to develop themselves.
A high quality of life environment has been created within the campus with dormitories, gyms, open green areas and cafes.
Studying Design in Istanbul: An Inspiring Experience
Education in the City
Istanbul is a dynamic city that offers history and modernism at the same time. The city is an open-air museum for design education. Özyeğin University’s location gives students easy access to creative networks and events in the city.
Art galleries, biennials, design festivals mean that students are in contact with the heart of the industry before they graduate. Being so intertwined with the city contributes greatly to the educational process in terms of visual culture and inspiration.
Professional Networks and Internship Opportunities
Istanbul is one of Turkey’s largest business and design centers. OzU students can find part-time jobs or compulsory summer internships at design studios, technology firms and advertising agencies located here.
The school also has strong sectoral connections. Most graduating students are able to find permanent positions in the places where they do their internships. This significantly reduces the risk of unemployment after graduation.
Industrial Design Your Future is at Özyeğin
Take the First Step with Road to Study
The Industrial Design program at Ozyegin University does not just offer a diploma. It gives you an internationally recognized portfolio, an education process integrated with the city and an identity that can think creatively.
If this vision sounds close to you, you can take the first step with Road to Study counseling. It is possible to get free support on issues such as the application process, paperwork, motivation letter and scholarship application.
Take Action for Your Dream Design Education
A step you take today can change the design world of tomorrow. When choosing a university, look not only at the labels, but also how it will contribute to you. And don’t forget: A leading department in its field awaits you on a contemporary campus in Istanbul.