Akdeniz University was founded in 1982 in Antalya, and incorporated a number of higher education institutions in the West Mediterranean region of Turkey. In 1992 the units of Akdeniz University which were located in Isparta were transferred to Süleyman Demirel University, and in 2006 the units in Burdur were transferred to Mehmet Akif Ersoy University.

From its foundation to the present day, Akdeniz University has played a significant role in the development of activities of vital importance in the fields of education, research and development and service to society, as well as putting its signature on a list of outstanding successes in the fields of health, science, social development, education and arts at both the national and international level.

Today, Akdeniz University has 46 academic units including; 24 faculties, 7 institutes, 2 schools, 1 conservatory, and 12 vocational schools.