Melek Saral studied political science, law, and history at the Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich and the University of Bradford. During her doctoral studies, she was a guest student at European University Institute. Melek received her Ph.D. from the Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich in the field of political science. Prior to her appointment at ASBU, Saral held academic positions at Bundeswehr University Munich, University of Zurich, SOAS University of London, and İstanbul Sabahattin Zaim University.