1. Program Vision

The vision of the Civil Aviation Cabin Services Program is to be a leading education program that trains qualified cabin services specialists preferred in the aviation sector, whose graduates make a difference with their professional knowledge, skills, and ethical values, who can adapt to national and international aviation standards, and who embrace continuous development.

2. Program Mission

The mission of the Civil Aviation Cabin Services Program is to train qualified cabin crew who can ensure flight safety and passenger security in line with the regulations of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and international aviation standards (ICAO/IATA), who can effectively carry out in-cabin service processes, who are competent in crisis and emergency management, who have strong communication skills, who adhere to professional ethics, and who are inclined to teamwork, as required by the civil aviation sector.

In line with a student-centred education approach, the program aims to train individuals who embrace flight safety, quality assurance, and professional ethics, who can adapt to changing aviation technologies, and who have lifelong learning awareness.

3. Program Objective

The Civil Aviation Cabin Services Program is an application-oriented higher education program that aims to equip individuals with strong interpersonal skills, sensitive to different cultures and geographies, and targeting a career in the rapidly developing aviation sector, with professional knowledge, skills, and competencies in line with national and international standards. The program, conducted within İstanbul Kültür University, is based on an educational structure aligned with the legislation and training standards set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as well as the Turkish Higher Education Qualifications Framework (THEQF) defined by the Council of Higher Education (CoHE).

It is aimed that graduates of the program, within a few years after graduation:

EO1. Acquire professional competence in cabin services in the aviation sector in accordance with DGCA regulations and international standards,

EO2. Serve as individuals who can effectively implement flight safety procedures and emergency management,

EO3. Serve as responsible individuals who are sensitive to professional ethics, aviation regulations, and passenger rights,

EO4. Serve as individuals with strong communication skills, team-oriented, and capable of delivering passenger-focused service,

EO5. Develop themselves as individuals with lifelong learning awareness who adapt to changing aviation technologies and sector dynamics.

Defined Performance Indicators for Educational Objectives and Goals

Educational Objective (EO)	Detailed KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)
EO1. Our graduates acquire professional competence in cabin services in accordance with DGCA regulations and international standards.	•      Core course pass rate: HHK module courses (General Aviation, Flight Safety, First Aid, etc.) ≥ 70% •      DGCA module exam pass rate (within EKS/CCTO scope): ≥ 80% •      Internship completion rate: Students completing internship successfully ≥ 90% •      On-time graduation rate: Students completing the program in 2 years ≥ 60%
EO2. Our graduates serve as individuals who can effectively implement flight safety procedures and emergency management.	•      Pass rate in Flight Safety and Emergency Management courses ≥ 75% •      Mock-up and simulation-based practical assessment pass rate ≥ 70% •      Employment rate in the aviation sector within the first 6 months ≥ 20%
EO3. Our graduates serve as responsible individuals who are sensitive to professional ethics, aviation regulations, and passenger rights.	•      Pass rate in ethics and professional responsibility courses ≥ 80% •      Professional conduct score on internship evaluation forms ≥ 3.5 / 5 •      Disciplinary incident rate ≤ 5%
EO4. Our graduates serve as individuals with strong communication skills, team-oriented, and capable of delivering passenger-focused service.	•      Pass rate in communication and passenger services courses ≥ 75% •      Group work and practical evaluation score ≥ 70% •      Student satisfaction score ≥ 3.5 / 5
EO5. Our graduates develop themselves as individuals with lifelong learning awareness who adapt to changing aviation technologies and sector dynamics.	•      Vertical Transfer Exam (DGS) placement rate ≥ 10% •      Professional training/seminar participation rate ≥ 40% •      Graduate tracking participation rate ≥ 30% (data collection process is ongoing)

Alignment of Program Educational Objectives with MEDEK

Criterion	Description (Program Status)
The program must have defined its educational objectives and goals and shared them with the public.	The program's five educational objectives (EO1: professional competence and DGCA regulations, EO2: flight safety and emergency management, EO3: ethics and responsibility, EO4: communication and passenger-focused service, EO5: lifelong learning and development) have been clearly defined. These objectives are shared with the public through the program's web page, Academic Package (ECTS) and promotional materials.
The program must have key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and document the level of achievement of its educational objectives and goals.	Quantitative and qualitative KPIs specific to each educational objective have been defined. For EO1: module course success and DGCA exam pass rates; for EO2: practical and simulation data and employment rates; for EO3: internship evaluation forms and professional conduct scores; for EO4: student satisfaction and communication skills data; for EO5: DGS placement and professional development indicators are used.
Educational objectives must be aligned with MEDEK, the institution, and the vocational school's mission and vision.	Educational objectives are aligned with the institution's vision of 'training qualified human resources', 'quality culture' and 'cooperation with the sector'. The program supports the applied education approach of the Vocational School and ensures the balance of knowledge-skills-competence required by DGCA regulations, ICAO/IATA standards and the aviation sector.
How the educational objectives will be achieved must be defined and an appropriate measurement and evaluation system must be in place.	The process of achieving educational objectives is defined through the chain of EO → Program Outcomes → Course → Measurement-Evaluation → KPI. Measurement and evaluation is carried out through exams (including DGCA module exams), applications, projects and assignments, internship evaluation forms, and student surveys.
The level of achievement of program educational objectives must be systematically monitored.	KPI results are analyzed at the end of each academic year and evaluated by the Quality Commission. The PDCA cycle is operated taking into account course pass rates, internship performances, and stakeholder feedback; results are reported to the Program Board.
The program must have a defined mission and vision and they must be shared with the public.	The program's mission and vision have been determined in alignment with the institutional goals of the university and the Vocational School. This information is shared with the public through the program's web page, Academic Package, and promotional materials.
Mechanisms to ensure the participation of internal and external stakeholders in educational processes must be established and operational.	Course evaluation surveys, student representation, and Program Board meetings are used for internal stakeholders; internship evaluation forms and sector feedback are used for external stakeholders. The data obtained are used in curriculum updates and improvement of educational objectives.

4. Our Committees

Committee Name	Committee Members	Brief Description of Duties
Program Coordination	Lect. (Ph.D.) Oğuz Sönmezoğlu Lect. Sinem İkien Lect. Nur Budaklıer Lect. (Ph.D.) S. Oya Işıkçı	Planning, executing, and coordinating the program's educational processes; updating course content and monitoring quality processes
Scholarship Committee	Lect. (Ph.D.) Oğuz Sönmezoğlu Lect. Sinem İkien	Evaluating students' scholarship applications in accordance with the university's scholarship guidelines and managing the process
Internship Committee	Lect. (Ph.D.) Oğuz Sönmezoğlu Lect. Nur Budaklıer Lect. Sinem İkien	Planning, monitoring, and evaluating mandatory internship processes; coordinating with airlines and ground handling companies
Double Major & Minor Coordination	Lect. (Ph.D.) Oğuz Sönmezoğlu	Informing students about double major and minor processes, managing applications and course equivalency procedures
Lateral Transfer – Adaptation and Exemption Committee	Lect. (Ph.D.) Oğuz Sönmezoğlu Lect. Sinem İkien	Evaluating lateral/vertical transfer and exemption applications, comparing course content, and managing adaptation procedures
Graduation Committee	Lect. Nur Budaklıer Lect. Sinem İkien	Checking students' fulfilment of graduation requirements and managing graduation procedures
Promotion Committee	Lect. (Ph.D.) Oğuz Sönmezoğlu Lect. Sinem İkien	Conducting promotional activities for the program and organizing information events for prospective students
Program Quality Committee	Lect. (Ph.D.) Oğuz Sönmezoğlu Lect. Sinem İkien Lect. Nur Budaklıer (Student representative to be included)	Conducting the program's quality assurance processes, preparing self-evaluation reports, and carrying out measurement-evaluation and continuous improvement activities
Erasmus Coordination	Lect. Kübra Mertel Öztürk	Managing students' participation in national and international exchange programs and ensuring coordination
Social, Cultural and Sports Activities Committee	Lect. (Ph.D.) Oğuz Sönmezoğlu Lect. Sinem İkien (Student representatives)	Encouraging student participation in social, cultural, and sports activities and planning events
Social Media and Student Activities Committee	Lect. Sinem İkien Lect. Hakan Tekçe (Student representatives)	Managing the program's social media accounts, making event announcements, and increasing student engagement

The Civil Aviation Cabin Services Program was established within İstanbul Kültür University Vocational School to meet the increasing need for qualified human resources in the civil aviation sector. The program began accepting students as of the 2016–2017 Academic Year.

Since its establishment, the program has aimed to train cabin crew members who are knowledgeable about DGCA regulations and international aviation standards, who prioritise flight safety and passenger satisfaction, who adhere to professional ethics, and who have strong communication skills, as required by airline operators.

The program's educational structure is continuously updated in accordance with the Bologna process, the Turkish Qualifications Framework (TQF), and the criteria of the Vocational Education Assessment and Accreditation Association (MEDEK).

 

The program is an associate degree program providing two years of education after secondary school. Students who successfully complete all courses in the program, fulfil their mandatory internship requirements, and complete at least 120 ECTS credits are awarded an associate degree in Civil Aviation Cabin Services.

The program corresponds to Level 5 qualification within the Turkish Qualifications Framework (TQF), and graduates hold the professional knowledge, skills, and competencies to be employed in national and international organisations in the civil aviation sector.

 

The language of instruction of the program is Turkish.

During the educational process, courses containing aviation English content are also included to increase students' command of professional terminology and international aviation communication.

 

The program is conducted on a full-time and face-to-face education model.

In addition to theoretical courses, students' professional competence acquisition is supported through practical courses, professional applications conducted in the cabin mock-up environment, VR-supported simulation studies, and mandatory internship applications. In addition, access to course materials is provided and learning processes are supported through digital learning platforms (CATS, etc.).

 

Students are admitted to Vocational School programs through the Central Placement Exam (YKS) conducted by ÖSYM. In Central Placement, candidates are placed in the Civil Aviation Cabin Services Program by ÖSYM, taking into account their TYT scores, their preferences for higher education programs, and the quotas and conditions of these programs. Registrations of students placed in the Civil Aviation Cabin Services Program are carried out by the Student Affairs Department within the schedule set by ÖSYM.

In addition, students can also be admitted to the program through lateral transfer, vertical transfer (DGS), double major/minor, and international student admission, as governed by the regulations set by the Council of Higher Education. These processes are conducted transparently and in a standardised manner in accordance with the relevant legislation.

Furthermore, indicators such as quotas, placement scores, success rankings, and occupancy rates of admitted students are regularly monitored and evaluated within the quality assurance system.

Required qualifications for graduates of the Civil Aviation Cabin Services (Associate Degree) Program to practise this profession:

As a result of the training provided in the İstanbul Kültür University Civil Aviation Cabin Services Program, candidates must have the following qualifications in order to practise their profession:

•      Having no criminal record or criminal record archive.

•      Being medically fit for flight (Cabin crew candidates must obtain a report from DGCA-authorised health institutions certifying their medical fitness for flight in order to be employed at an airline operator).

•      Having no tattoos, scars, etc. visible on the body when wearing cabin crew uniform.

•      Having a height of 160–180 cm for women and 170–190 cm for men (weight not exceeding 5 kg above or 15 kg below the last two digits of the height in cm). (The height criterion is a prerequisite considered by airline operators in recruitment. It does not impose any restriction on students' right to education.)

 

İstanbul Kültür University students who have a successful academic record may study in another program simultaneously with their enrolled program, provided they meet the conditions set out in the relevant double major regulations. Students who successfully complete the Double Major Program are entitled to receive two separate degrees.

The level of development of countries in today's knowledge society is directly related to the qualified human resources they possess. Accordingly, the main objective of vocational training is to train individuals who can integrate theory and practice and respond to the needs of the labour market.

The internship (workplace practice) included in the Civil Aviation Cabin Services Program is a mandatory educational component that enables students to develop their professional knowledge and skills in a real working environment. The internship duration has been set at 40 working days in accordance with the relevant legislation and school regulations.

Internship applications are carried out in airline operators, ground handling companies, and other aviation-related organisations compatible with students' field of study, enabling them to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice.

In this context, the internship process provides students with:

•      Developing professional knowledge and skills in a practical environment

•      Observing the functioning of airline operators and ground handling companies on-site

•      Actively participating in flight safety procedures and cabin service processes

•      Developing teamwork, communication, and organisational skills

•      Gaining awareness of professional ethics, passenger rights, and DGCA regulations

•      Identifying career fields of interest and determining professional orientations

•      Developing problem-solving skills for situations encountered in the workplace

The internship process also contributes to students' communication with potential employers by enabling them to interact directly with sector stakeholders, and helps increase their employment opportunities after graduation.

 

In order to graduate from the Civil Aviation Cabin Services Program, students must successfully complete all courses worth a total of 120 ECTS and achieve a weighted grade point average of at least 2.00 out of 4.00.

In addition, students must complete 40 working days of mandatory internship to develop their professional knowledge and skills in a practical environment. Internships are carried out at airline operators or aviation-related organisations deemed appropriate by the program head and are evaluated and approved by the relevant committee.

Graduation requirements are conducted within the framework of İstanbul Kültür University's Education and Teaching Regulations and are structured to ensure that students acquire the necessary academic and professional competencies.

The program offers students the opportunity to gain educational and internship experience in different countries in line with İstanbul Kültür University's internationalisation policies.

In this context, through the university's Erasmus Coordination Office, students can benefit from:

•      Erasmus+ Student Learning Mobility

•      Erasmus+ Internship Mobility

Through these mobility programs, students have the opportunity to get to know different aviation systems, develop their professional knowledge and skills at an international level, and improve their intercultural communication skills.

International partnerships also make important contributions to improving the quality of the program's education and training graduates who can compete on a global scale.

Graduates of İKÜ Civil Aviation Cabin Services Program have a wide range of employment opportunities in the aviation transportation sector. Our graduates can successfully continue their careers at national and international passenger airlines, foreign airline companies, general directorate units of airline companies, and various institutions and enterprises affiliated with the civil aviation sector.

Graduates primarily take on roles such as cabin crew, passenger services, ground handling, and airport operations at these institutions.

Some graduates can also continue their academic development by transferring to relevant undergraduate programs through the Vertical Transfer Exam (DGS).

The employment status and career development of program graduates are being monitored through graduate tracking systems and surveys; the data collection process is ongoing within the scope of the first accreditation period.

Transfer to undergraduate education is conducted in accordance with the Regulation on the Continuation of Undergraduate Education by Vocational School Graduates published in the Official Gazette dated 19.02.2002 and numbered 24676, and the principles set by the Council of Higher Education. In this context, the necessary examinations and placement procedures for students graduating from Vocational School programs to transfer to undergraduate programs are carried out by ÖSYM.

Graduates of the Civil Aviation Cabin Services associate degree program can transfer to undergraduate programs through the Vertical Transfer Exam (DGS) in order to advance their professional knowledge and skills.

Program graduates can primarily transfer to undergraduate programs in aviation, tourism, and logistics. Examples include Aviation Management, Logistics Management, Travel Business Management, Tourism Management, and Tourism Guiding.

 The Civil Aviation Cabin Services Program has a strong physical infrastructure and qualified human resources that enable students to comprehensively develop their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in line with the applied professional education approach. The program's infrastructure has been structured taking into account the national and international standards of the civil aviation sector.

The cabin mock-up practice area within the program, which realistically reflects an aircraft cabin, allows students to experience professional applications in a controlled and safe environment. This area supports the practical implementation of core cabin services such as pre-flight preparation, passenger greeting, service processes, safety procedures, and emergency management.

Training equipment used in the program for health and safety training has also been structured to support the development of professional competencies. In this context, adult and child first aid manikins, basic life support applications, and equipment for in-flight health interventions are actively used. Training is conducted by instructors with aviation experience who are also Ministry of Health-approved.

The program's educational processes are supported by technology-assisted learning environments. Accordingly, digital content, audio-visual materials, and simulation-based applications are used in courses; additionally, students' different learning experiences are supported through virtual reality (VR) infrastructure.

The program's human resources consist of academic staff who combine sector experience and academic competence. Courses are conducted by academic staff experienced in the aviation sector, and students have direct access to current sector applications. Classes are planned in groups of maximum 20–23 students to increase teaching efficiency in practical courses.

The program also offers educational opportunities that support an inclusive and accessible service approach. Sign language training has been incorporated into the curriculum, and the importance of foreign language education has been increased to support students in adapting to the international working environment. Students' individual development is regularly monitored and guided through the academic counselling system.

Students can also benefit from:

•      Library and electronic databases

•      Career centre and internship support services

•      Student Dean's Office and psychological counselling services

•      Club activities and social events

•      Design Factory and interdisciplinary project environments

Academic and applied activities conducted within the Civil Aviation Cabin Services Program are planned to develop students' professional knowledge and skills and are carried out in an integrated structure with the sector.

In line with the program's application-oriented educational approach, activities conducted within courses include scenario-based applications, case analyses, group studies, and problem-based learning activities. Through applications conducted in the cabin mock-up environment, students actively experience processes such as passenger services, team coordination, and emergency management.

One of the important activities conducted within the program is practical training carried out in collaboration with the sector. In line with the standards of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), students participate in critical practical training such as firefighting, evacuation, and survival at sea at the training facilities of airline operators. These activities contribute to preparing students for operational environments.

Educational processes are enriched with technology-assisted applications. Virtual reality (VR) applications used in this context allow in-flight emergency scenarios to be experienced in a safe and controlled environment, supporting students' development of decision-making, crisis management, and rapid response skills.

Seminars, talks, and career events are organised to increase students' sector awareness. Through these events held with the participation of leading representatives of the aviation sector, students have the opportunity to interact directly with sector professionals and gain knowledge that will contribute to their professional development.

The main activities conducted within the program include:

•      Technical visits to airline operators and airports

•      Seminars and conferences organised with the participation of expert speakers in the field

•      Workshop activities for developing professional skills (first aid, fire drills, evacuation scenarios)

•      Education and information events for career planning

University-wide events are also announced through the university events calendar (UNICAL) and students are encouraged to actively participate.