How is Gastronomy Education at Ozyegin University?
If you look at the kitchen not only as a profession but also as a passion, Özyeğin University’s Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts might be for you. Standing out with its modern campus and visionary education in Istanbul, the university does not limit gastronomy to classical recipes. Rather, it brings business acumen, sustainability awareness and even an artistic touch.
The difference this program makes is that you are equipped with theoretical knowledge, but at the same time you get hands-on training in the real kitchen, in the conditions that a restaurant chef faces. And this is not just a claim. The program has an exclusive partnership with the globally respected Le Cordon Bleu International in Turkey. In other words, while studying here, you take direct lessons from Le Cordon Bleu instructor chefs and learn their techniques one-on-one.
This is not just the kitchen. With a wide range of education from financial accounting to marketing, from restaurant feasibility studies to gastronomy culture, you also develop your business management skills. In this way, when you graduate, you are not only a good cook but also a good manager.
You can also check out our Özyeğin University Faculty of Applied Sciences page for more.
2025-2026 Özyeğin University Gastronomy Fees
For international students, the tuition fees and details of Özyeğin University Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts for 2025-2026 are summarized in the table below:
| Academic Term | Annual Fee (USD) | Duration of Study | Certificate Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–2026 Academic Year | $22,000 | 4 years | Le Cordon Bleu + Bachelor’s Degree |
This fee is very competitive considering the content and prestige of the education. Özyeğin University offers not only knowledge but also a global vision by working with a world-class institution like Le Cordon Bleu. When you graduate, you will not only have a diploma in your pocket, but also an internationally recognized certificate.
Practical Education: Not Just Theoretical Knowledge
What makes this department so special is that the practical training is not just supportive, but central. Over the course of four years, students have the chance to present their culinary creations to real guests. How? The university’s own practice restaurant, L’Atelier Bleu, exists for this very purpose.
Here, dishes prepared in courses such as “International Cuisine” and “A la Carte Food Production” are served to real guests in a 110-seat restaurant setting. This is so much more than the classic university experience.
Moreover, practice is not limited to the kitchen. Tasting and sensory analysis are carried out in the Sensory Analysis Laboratory. In addition, with the 3-stage internship process (1010 hours in total), the student steps into the sector even before graduation. These internships can take place not only in Turkey but also abroad, including airlines, luxury hotels and cruise ships.
Before the class starts, everything starts with a demo by the chefs in the demonstration kitchen called Gastroditorium. This is embedding the “watch first, do later” system in your life.
Opportunities for International Students
Coming to Turkey as an international student can sometimes be daunting, but Özyeğin University understands this very well. Thanks to special scholarship programs for gastronomy students, consultancy services and English-language content, this transition is quite smooth.
Living in a city like Istanbul is an advantage in itself. The variety of food and drink is incredible. In addition to hands-on training, you are in direct contact with a wide universe of gastronomy, from street flavors to Michelin-starred restaurants.
The university’s dormitory facilities are very comfortable and on-campus life is very active. With social clubs, workshops and activities outside the kitchen, life is not just about classes. And most importantly, the school provides you with opportunities for collaboration, enabling you to further develop your industry network while studying.
Living in Istanbul: Paradise for a Gastronomy Student?
Living in Istanbul is an adventure in itself, but if you are a gastronomy student, this city is like an open-air laboratory for you. There is a story on every street and a different culture in every bite. Menemen in Beşiktaş in the morning, a chef’s bakery in Balat at lunch, fine dining in Karaköy at night. Each one offers different and powerful flavors to inspire you.
Moreover, the location of the school is ideal for experiencing this dynamism. Access to the city center is easy, the campus is modern and green. This offers a space where you can breathe while experiencing the chaos of Istanbul.
It’s a great advantage to be surrounded by so many restaurants, cafes, chefs, events and festivals while studying a creative field like gastronomy. Doing homework while drinking your coffee by the Bosphorus? Or shop at local produce markets and try your own recipe? All possible.
Istanbul is also home to the most vibrant events in the gastronomy world. You can be intertwined with the sector by participating in organizations such as tasting days and chef workshops. This is a great opportunity for you to develop yourself outside of school.