Higher education programs in Istanbul
- Higher Education in Istanbul: universities, Bachelor's and Master's programs
- Features of higher education in Istanbul
- Main universities in Istanbul
- Overview of Bachelor's programs in Istanbul
- Overview of Master's and PhD programs in Istanbul
- Tuition fees for International students in Istanbul
- Scholarships and grants for International students in Istanbul
- Life of an International student in Istanbul
- Work and career opportunities after studying in Istanbul
- Is it worth studying in Istanbul?
- Frequently Asked Questions

Bachelor - Computer Engineering
Istanbul Aydin UniversityThe undergraduate programme of the Department of Computer Engineering, established in 2007, aims to educate technically competent and socially conscious engineers who will design and implement information and computing systems mandated by the ever growing and diverse automation needs of modern societies.…

Bachelor - Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Istanbul Aydin UniversityElectrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) is a fundamental component of general engineering education. In terms of study subjects, EEE can be divided into two categories:
- High-voltage, energy, and power systems are all covered in Electrical Engineering
- Telecommunications,…

Bachelor - English Language and Literature
Istanbul Aydin UniversityMission
- Students' knowledge of English language and literature, as well as American literature, will be expanded through a current, critical, and theoretical approach.
- To give students with an interdisciplinary viewpoint while also strengthening their…

Bachelor - English Language Teacher Education
Istanbul Aydin UniversityMission
The Department of English Language Teaching at Istanbul Aydin University assists aspiring English teachers in developing understanding of language teaching material and methods, as well as educational sciences. It also offers a variety of elective courses relevant…

Bachelor - Translation and Interpreting
Istanbul Aydin UniversityCompetent translators are required in practically every industry in today's globalised society, including media, education, commerce, logistics, tourism, publishing, law, and so on. The demand for skilled interpreters with a strong grasp of English has grown in recent years, particularly in Turkish…

Bachelor - Industrial Engineering
Istanbul Aydin UniversityIndustrial engineers study people, machines, equipment, and other related aspects in both the manufacturing and service sectors. The Department of Industrial Engineering's mission is to train engineers who can prevent and solve issues by establishing systems, models, and methods for planning, organising,…

Bachelor - Aviation Management
Istanbul Aydin UniversityWith the advancements in Turkish civil aviation services, the number of passengers has increased dramatically. Parallel to this, significant progress has been made in a variety of related fields. The "Civil Aviation Management" section's major goal is to deliver a very high quality business education…

Bachelor - Business Management
Istanbul Aydin UniversityOur department has nationally and internationally known staff members who are professional academics with a track record of great success. Furthermore, our students are encouraged to seek internships in a variety of different and prestigious institutions.
We are excited to develop future…

Bachelor - International Trade and Finance
Istanbul Aydin UniversityThe Department of International Trade's goal is to give students with the knowledge and abilities needed for business and management, allowing them to acquire an advantage in the workplace and in the national and international competitive world. The department also strives to train the persons based…

Bachelor - Political Science and International Relations
Istanbul Aydin UniversityThe program's goal is to train graduates who are knowledgeable about the history of the international system and the stages it went through, the system's economic, political, and legal structure and operation, the relationships between the states that comprise the international system, and Turkey's…
Higher Education in Istanbul: universities, Bachelor's and Master's programs
Istanbul is not only the cultural capital of Turkey but also one of the leading educational centers in the region. Thanks to its strategic position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the city attracts thousands of international students every year. Modern universities, international programs, English-language education, and high teaching standards make education in Istanbul attractive for young people from around the world.
Features of higher education in Istanbul
Higher education in Turkey follows the Bologna system. This means that after obtaining a bachelor's degree, students can continue their studies in master's programs and then proceed to doctoral studies. Many universities in Istanbul offer programs in English, especially in fields such as business, engineering, medicine, and social sciences.
International students can apply to both public and private universities. The main requirements are a high school diploma (for bachelor's programs) or a higher education diploma (for master's programs), and certificates of English or Turkish language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, YÖS, TÖMER).
Main universities in Istanbul
Here are four leading universities in Istanbul popular among international students:
1. Istanbul Aydın University
One of the most dynamically developing private universities in Turkey. Offers a wide range of programs in English and Turkish. The university collaborates with more than 450 international institutions and actively accepts international students. Specializations: engineering, economics, information technology, medicine.
2. Boğaziçi University
One of the most prestigious public universities in Turkey, located in the European part of Istanbul. Instruction is conducted in English. Strong fields include humanities, engineering, economics, and management.
3. Sabancı University
A modern private university focused on scientific research and innovation. Education is in English, with an emphasis on individual educational paths and international academic mobility.
4. Koç University
A private university with high academic rankings. Education is in English, with a focus on research. Popular among students choosing programs in medicine, business, and law.
Overview of Bachelor's programs in Istanbul
International students can choose from a wide range of bachelor's programs, including:
- Engineering sciences: mechanical engineering, computer technology, electronics
- Economics and management: business administration, international relations
- Humanities and social sciences: sociology, psychology, political science
- Art and design: graphic design, architecture, film
- Medicine and dentistry (in English at several universities)
The duration of bachelor's programs ranges from 4 to 6 years depending on the field.
Overview of Master's and PhD programs in Istanbul
Master's programs last 1-2 years and cover fields such as:
- Business and finance
- Technical sciences
- Education and pedagogy
- International relations
- Healthcare and pharmacy
PhD programs last from 3 to 5 years and require a master's diploma and a research proposal. The language of instruction is English or Turkish.
Tuition fees for International students in Istanbul
Tuition fees depend on the university's status:
University Type | Average Annual Cost |
---|---|
Public | 500 – 1,500 USD |
Private | 3,000 – 15,000 USD |
Medical programs | up to 20,000 USD |
At public universities, tuition for international students is paid but lower than at private institutions.
Scholarships and grants for International students in Istanbul
There are several sources of financial support:
- Türkiye Bursları (Turkish government scholarships) - cover full tuition, accommodation, and airfare.
- University scholarships - many private universities offer discounts (up to 50-100%) based on academic performance.
- International programs (Erasmus+, Mevlana, Fulbright) - for students participating in exchange or joint programs.
Life of an International student in Istanbul
Istanbul offers comfortable and vibrant student life. According to Numbeo:
- Average cost of living: 500–800 USD per month (including rent, food, and transportation)
- Crime Index: 48.94 - moderately safe by global standards
Students can live in dormitories, rent apartments, or stay in student residences.
Work and career opportunities after studying in Istanbul
International students can officially work in Turkey after graduation by obtaining a work permit. In-demand fields include:
- IT and programming
- Tourism and hospitality
- Engineering
- Education and language teaching
- International companies and startups
There are also opportunities to stay in the country through internship and graduate employment programs.
Is it worth studying in Istanbul?
Studying in Istanbul means:
- High-quality education
- Affordable costs
- International environment
- Cultural and language immersion
- Career growth prospects
The city combines ancient traditions with modern technology, offering students a unique experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I enroll in an Istanbul university without knowing Turkish?
Yes, many programs are available in English. An IELTS/TOEFL certificate is sufficient.
2. How long does it take to process a student visa?
The process typically takes 4-6 weeks. A preliminary acceptance letter is required.
3. Is it possible to obtain citizenship after studying in Turkey?
Yes, after several years of legal residence and work, you can apply for citizenship.
4. What exams are required for admission?
It depends on the university. Often YÖS or SAT is required, while in some cases a high school diploma is sufficient.
5. Is it easy for international students to adapt in Istanbul?
Yes, most universities have support services, English-language campuses, and international student communities.