Isparta University of Applied Sciences (IUAS) was established in 2018 following its separation from Süleyman Demirel University (SDU). Although officially founded in 2018, its roots trace back to the Isparta Vocational School, established in 1976. Both institutions share extensive infrastructure and are situated on the same central campus in Isparta. IUAS extends its educational reach throughout the province via vocational schools strategically located across various districts, adopting a student-centered approach that prioritizes practical, performance-based training to prepare students for excellence in the professional world.
The 7+1 and 3+1 Education System
IUAS has made significant strides in enhancing students' employability through its innovative 7+1 (Undergraduate) and 3+1 (Vocational Degree) education systems — a unique model that combines classroom learning with real-world experience. Under the 7+1 system, students complete seven semesters of coursework followed by an eighth semester dedicated entirely to internships or practical training in their chosen field. This system helps students apply knowledge in real-world scenarios and build strong connections with industry, potentially leading to future job opportunities.
Faculties — 4-Year Bachelor's Degree
- Büyükkutlu Faculty of Applied Sciences
- Eğirdir Faculty of Fisheries
- Faculty of Forestry
- Faculty of Technology
- Faculty of Tourism
- Faculty of Agriculture
Vocational Schools — 2-Year Associate Degree
- School of Foreign Languages
- Aksu Mehmet Süreyya Demiraslan Vocational School
- Atabey Vocational School
- Eğirdir Vocational School
- Gelendost Vocational School
- Gönen Vocational School
- Isparta Vocational School
- Isparta OSB Vocational School
- Keçiborlu Vocational School
- Senirkent Vocational School
- Sütçüler Prof. Dr. Hasan Gürbüz Vocational School
- Şarkikarağaç Vocational School
- Şarkikarağaç Tourism Vocational School
- Technical Sciences Vocational School
- Uluborlu Selahattin Karasoy Vocational School
- Distance Education Vocational School
- Yalvaç Vocational School
- Yalvaç Technical Sciences Vocational School
- Yenişarbademli Vocational School
- Information Technologies Vocational School
Institutes — Master's & PhD
Associate's Degree (Önlisans)
Two-year programs designed for students seeking practical skills and knowledge in a shorter academic timeframe. Accessible to vocational junior college graduates without centralized examinations. Offered across the university's network of vocational schools throughout Isparta Province.
Bachelor's Degree (Lisans)
Comprehensive programs typically requiring four years of study — with certain specialized fields requiring a longer duration. Bachelor's programs are provided by the Eğirdir Faculty of Fisheries, Faculty of Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Forestry, Faculty of Tourism, Faculty of Business, and the Yalvaç Büyükkutlu Faculty of Applied Sciences.
Post-Graduate Degree (Lisansüstü)
The Graduate Education Institute oversees Master's programs (2 years) and PhD programs (minimum 4 years) across a wide range of disciplines:
ECTS stands for European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System — a standardized framework used by European and non-European universities to express academic results so that other institutions abroad can recognize and convert them. In one academic year, 60 ECTS credits are typically awarded.
Once you pass your exams at IUAS, the Erasmus Office will prepare a Transcript of Records listing all courses taken and grades received, together with a conversion table so your home university can accurately translate local grades into its own grading system.
Grade Conversion Table
| IUAS Grade | GPA Points | ECTS | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| AA | 4.00 | A | Excellent — outstanding performance with only minor errors |
| BA | 3.50 | B | Very Good — above average standard, with some errors |
| BB | 3.00 | B | Very Good — above average standard, with some errors |
| CB | 2.50 | C | Good — generally sound work with several notable errors |
| CC | 2.00 | D | Satisfactory — fair, but with significant shortcomings |
| DC | 1.50 | E | Sufficient — performance meets minimum criteria |
| DD | 1.00 | E | Sufficient — performance meets minimum criteria |
| FD | 0.50 | FX | Fail — some more work required before credit can be awarded |
| FF | 0.00 | F | Fail — considerable further work is required |
You can review the full IUAS Education and Examination Regulations on the IUAS website.
Students coming to our university within the scope of Erasmus+ programmes can browse available courses and course information packages by department and level at the IUAS ECTS & Erasmus Courses page. As this page is currently being updated, you can also view the full list of courses via the Erasmus Courses spreadsheet.
At IUAS, a diverse array of student communities thrives — each with its own unique focus and objectives. These groups offer platforms for students to engage in social, cultural, and environmental activities, fostering a sense of community responsibility, cultural heritage awareness, and professional development.
Cultural & Artistic
Technology & Innovation
Sports & Physical Activities
Societal & Professional
You can find more information about the Students' Communities and Campus Life (Kampüs Hayatı) on the IUAS website.
Nomination Procedure
Incoming students must be nominated by the Erasmus office of their home university before the relevant deadline, via email at erasmus@isparta.edu.tr. Once nominated, both the student and the sending institution will receive an email with further instructions for completing the application.
Required Application Documents
- (Online) Learning / Training Agreement — signed by the student and the departmental coordinator
- Official Transcript of Records
- English or Turkish Language Certificate (optional)
- Certificate of Erasmus+ student status — issued by the Erasmus Office of the home institution
- Copy of passport (scanned)
- Personal photo (scanned)
- CV in Europass format (optional)
The detailed Checklist for Incoming Students is available on the IUAS Erasmus website.
Application Deadlines
Student Traineeship Mobility
IUAS is also pleased to welcome students applying for Erasmus Traineeship mobility. Please contact the Erasmus Office at erasmus@isparta.edu.tr — the office will inform you about the procedure and guide you to the relevant department coordinator. Some Erasmus Traineeship Opportunities at IUAS are listed on the Erasmus website.
Following the submission of selection minutes and student nominations by the International Relations Offices of partner universities, the following pre-mobility steps must be completed:
General Procedures
Immigration Office — Residence Permit
The following steps concern the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (Göç İdaresi). All documents must be submitted to the Erasmus Office before your scheduled appointment date.
Required Proof of Address by Accommodation Type
- Own property: Photocopy of the title deed (Tapu). For extension applications, a Residence Certificate and utility bill are sufficient.
- Renting: A notarized copy of your rental agreement.
- Hotels / hostels: An official document or receipt certifying your stay at the facility.
- Student dormitories: An official document or certificate issued by the dormitory management.
- Staying with a host: A notarized undertaking (taahhütname) from the host. If the host is married, a notarized undertaking from their spouse is also required.
Once your semester at IUAS is complete, the following steps must be followed before your departure:
State Dormitories (KYK)
Managed by the Credit and Dormitories Institution (KYK), state dormitories offer affordable lodging with basic amenities — which may include meals and cleaning services. They are typically located near university campuses, offering a secure and practical housing option. A full list of KYK dormitories' contact info in Isparta is available online.
Private Dormitories
Private dormitories tend to offer more extensive facilities compared to state dormitories — including fitness centers, study rooms, and a wider range of room configurations. Fees are generally higher, but the additional comfort and services may suit many students.
Apartments
Independent housing units typically consisting of one or more bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Apartments are popular among students for the freedom and privacy they offer. Many in Isparta are designed with student needs in mind and are located within walking distance of the university.
Rental Flats
Well suited to longer stays and often chosen by families or groups of friends. Typically fully equipped with spacious living areas. Prices vary depending on location, size, and amenities. To search for apartments and rental flats, click here.
Residence Permit & Visa Extension
Foreigners coming to Türkiye for education within the framework of student exchange programs (Erasmus, Mevlana, Farabi, etc.) must submit the required documentation to the relevant institution. The duration of the residence permit cannot exceed the duration of the educational program.
Students who apply for general health insurance within three months of their first registration date are not required to maintain separate private health insurance. Those who do not apply within this period will be subject to general health insurance requirements. If they lose the right to membership in the health insurance scheme, they are required to take out private health insurance.
Source: goc.gov.tr — Residence Permit Types (Article 5). All procedures related to residence permits and visa extensions are carried out by the Presidency of Migration Management under the Ministry of Interior. For detailed information, click here.
Isparta is strategically situated in the southwestern part of Turkey, within the Lakes Region — part of the larger Mediterranean geographical zone. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and lakes, Isparta is renowned for its roses, cherries, and apples, and serves as a central hub connecting various parts of the region through an extensive road and railway network.
Traveling to Isparta
Via Istanbul: Turkish Airlines operates connecting flights from Istanbul to Isparta Süleyman Demirel Airport, located 30 km from the city center with complimentary coach bus service. Istanbul has two major international airports: Istanbul Airport (IST) on the European side, and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side. If you arrive at SAW and need to transfer to IST, please contact the Erasmus Office for guidance. For those preferring land travel, several bus companies offer 24/7 services from Istanbul — taking approximately 11 hours, with tickets priced around 1,000 ₺.
Via Antalya: Antalya International Airport is an alternative entry point, just two hours from Isparta by bus. Buses are available at almost all hours, with tickets priced around 300 ₺. For an updated schedule of bus transportation, check out Obilet.
Transportation Contacts
Climate
Isparta enjoys a continental climate with a Mediterranean influence. Summers are hot and dry; winters are cold and snowy, particularly in surrounding mountainous regions. This varied climate supports diverse flora and fauna and contributes to the region's strong agricultural productivity.
Natural Places
Lake Eğirdir — Turkey's second-largest freshwater lake — offers stunning vistas and is a haven for fishing, boating, and hiking. The Davraz Ski Center provides excellent skiing in winter, and the Kızıldağ National Park invites visitors to explore rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes throughout the year.
Tourism & Outdoor Activities
Beyond skiing at Davraz, Isparta offers paragliding, mountain biking, and trekking along the Lycian Way and Saint Paul Trail. Lake Eğirdir is also a popular destination for windsurfing, sailing, and fishing — making Isparta a compelling year-round destination for sports and outdoor enthusiasts.
Historical Sites
The ancient city of Sagalassos is a remarkable archaeological site featuring well-preserved theaters, baths, and fountains. The Ertokuş Caravanserai and the Firdevs Paşa Mosque are among other notable landmarks that reflect the region's rich architectural heritage.
Local Cuisine
Isparta's cuisine reflects the richness of its agricultural landscape. Signature specialties include rose jam made from the city's famous roses, Tandır Kebabı — succulent lamb slow-cooked in a traditional clay oven — freshwater fish from Lake Eğirdir, and a variety of homemade fruit preserves.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Isparta is considerably more affordable than in Turkey's major metropolitan areas. Housing, food, and transportation costs are all notably lower. You can find some statistics and average numbers for the cost of living in Isparta online.
Useful Links About the City
- Mandatory specification of mobility type: It is mandatory to clearly specify the type of mobility — Study or Traineeship — for all nominations submitted.
- Promotion of mobility opportunities: Partner institutions are expected to announce mobility opportunities to students through various channels, including their website, social media accounts, internal notification systems, and physical posters.
- University listing: IUAS should be added as a partner institution on the official website of the sending university — either on the homepage or within the Erasmus+ section.
- Continuous and strong communication: Active communication between institutions is essential — including joining the shared WhatsApp group, responding to emails promptly, and maintaining direct phone communication where needed.
- Synchronization of call for applications: Application periods should be synchronized so that calls for the same project year are announced simultaneously or as closely timed as possible between partner institutions.