The Vehbi Koç Foundation (VKV), which is intensively active in the fundamental needs of life such as education, health and culture areas since its inception, founded Koç University.
Koç University started education at its temporary campus in Istinye in 1993 and moved permanently to its main campus at Rumelifeneri by 2000.
The principle mission of Koç University is to cultivate Türkiye’s most competent graduates, well-rounded adults who are internationally qualified; who can think creatively, independently and objectively; and who are confident leaders. Concurrently, research conducted at Koç University contributes to scientific development on an international scale and bolsters technological, economic and social development. Koç University consistently strives to advance knowledge through its efforts and to serve Türkiye and humanity as a model of institutional excellence.
Koç University facilitates the coming together of young students who possess superior skills with esteemed faculty members who possess superior knowledge and experience. Through Koç University’s liberal-arts-inspired pedagogy and plethora of extra-curricular enrichment opportunities, students acquire the intellectual courage to inquire and question while developing the character necessary to serve as custodians of democratic values and freedom. Guided by the highest standards of academic and interpersonal development, the institution collectively imparts the critical thinking necessary to analyze knowledge, the creativity to nurture and surpass this knowledge and the curiosity for lifelong learning.
Koç University students are trained to have the intellectual courage to inquire and question, the critical, constructive and creative thinking to analyze and create knowledge and to formulate new results and applications, and the curiosity and drive for lifelong learning, while being the custodians of democratic values and freedom of thought.
Combining traditional academic paradigms with innovative programming and successfully attracting top-tier students, faculty members and research programs, Koç University aims to “raise the bar” for higher education in Türkiye.
From its curricular programs to the architectural design of its buildings, Koç University’s student-oriented approach engenders a uniquely nurturing, yet competitive, environment. Graduates of Koç University become leaders in their professions and, true to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s principles, contribute to the betterment of society.
Koç University was founded as a “Research University”. Our core principles are:
Our motto is to be “a center of excellence” based on the principles in the below areas:
Research
Education
Management