Higher Education Guide For Foreigners: 9 Most Reputable Universities in Istanbul

Istanbul, home to the country’s best public and private universities, is a popular destination for immigrants and foreign students. It is because Istanbul is huge, and has been a cultural meeting point for the east and west for centuries. This feature of Istanbul continues today, and therefore the city embraces all kinds of people and students from all around the world.

In this blog, you can get informed about what it’s like to study in Istanbul, the requirements to get admitted to a Turkish university, and some of the best higher education institutions in Istanbul.

DISCLAIMER: Information such as the universities' ranking and the number of students given in this blog are taken from the websites of these universities and are not listed according to a single ranking system. For detailed information, we recommend that you visit the official websites provided for each university.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Istanbul is a city of world citizens. That is why it’s an attraction point for international students. 
• In this city which has been a cultural meeting point for centuries, there are many higher education institutions to meet the educational needs of millions of students. 
• There are many public and private (foundation) universities in Istanbul and we have compiled some of the best universities for you.

Studying As A Foreign Student in Istanbul

Istanbul overflows with foreign, immigrant, and exchange students from all over the world. The city connects two continents, Europe and Asia, and as a result, is a cultural melting pot. Because of its rich culture and world-class educational opportunities, Istanbul is a great destination for students interested in studying in a foreign country. There are many advantages of studying in Istanbul. Keep reading to see what it’s like to be a student in this majestic city!

Advantages of Studying In Istanbul

Some of Turkey's best universities can be found in Istanbul, making it one of the country's most important education centers. Many well-established public and private universities, which concentrate on various fields such as medicine, engineering, and humanities, open their doors to foreign students. Currently, there are approximately 35 thousand foreign students studying in Istanbul. Since there are many foreign and immigrant students in Istanbul, it’s very easy to blend in and keep up with the everyday life in the city.

 

As well as the great population of foreign students and the cultural diversity they bring, living in Istanbul is a logical choice because of the large housing market. In the regions where most of the schools mentioned in this blog are located, there are very advantageous housing opportunities in terms of transportation to schools and other facilities.

Turkey's K-12 and higher education systems are up to European standards because the country is part of the Bologna Process. When combined with Istanbul’s countless opportunities in many areas of life, this standardization makes Istanbul one of the best international student cities in the world.

 

Prerequisites For Admission To Turkish Universities

There are some requirements and processes to complete in order to enroll in a university in Turkey as a foreign student. Many of these requirements are common in all universities. However, there are some requirements specially asked for in some universities. 

Some of the most common requirements are;

• Having entered YÖS (Foreign Students Examination) or SAT
• A copy of the passport
• English Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or an exam administered by the university- not necessary in universities where the language of instruction is Turkish)
• Certificate of Secondary Education (equivalent to a high school diploma)
• Recommendation letter

These requirements might differ depending on the university you want to study. It’s recommended that you visit the foreign students pages of the universities’ websites to get complete information. 

 

Acknowledged Public and Private Universities 

 

Here you can find some of the most acknowledged public and private universities in Istanbul that are popular among foreign students.

Boğaziçi University

Boğaziçi University is the highest-ranked public university in Turkey. The school takes its foundation date as 1863, same as the Robert College’s, because of the two institution’s shared historical roots. The recognition of the university is not only nationwide, but it is also seen as a respected higher education institution in many foreign countries. 

It is typical for international students to take the YÖS (Foreign Student Examination) and meet a minimum score requirement before enrolling in a university in Turkey. However, if you're an international student hoping to enroll at Boğaziçi University, you should take the SATs and get a certain score. The school has a total of 14.500 students and 755 international students.

 

Boğaziçi University has 6 campuses: South Campus (main campus), North Campus, Uçaksavar Campus, and Hisar Campus are located in the Hisarüstü-Etiler region. The university is known for its students’ rich campus life with many student clubs.

Koç University

Koç University, founded in 1993, is one of Turkey's greatest private universities. The school is a renowned higher education institution affiliated with the Vehbi Koç Foundation. The university is well-known throughout the country and is regarded as a prestigious higher education institution in many other countries. Out of 7000 students, 98 are foreign students. International students who want to attend Koç University must take the SAT, not YÖS, and get a certain score.

 

The main campus of Koç University, with the majority of its buildings and departments, is located in Rumelifeneri, Sarıyer. The spacious campus is packed with amenities for students and provides shuttle services to locations like Hacıosman.

Istanbul Technical University

Originally founded by the Ottoman Empire as an engineering college in 1773, Istanbul Technical University is one of the oldest and most prestigious state universities in Istanbul and Turkey, and also has the title of being the third oldest technical university in the world. Today, ITU is still one of the most prominent engineering and technology-oriented universities. The university is ranked 6th nationwide and 682nd worldwide and has a total of 37 thousand students and 1521 of them are international students. ITU requires international students to take SAT or an equivalent exam for admission.

 

Istanbul Techincal University’s main campus, Ayazağa Campus, is located at Maslak, Sarıyer, where there is a science and technology park called “Teknokent”. There are also Taşkışla, Gümüşsuyu, Maçka, and Tuzla campuses within Istanbul.

Istanbul Bilgi University

In 1996, the Bilgi Education and Culture Foundation established Istanbul Bilgi University. Today, the school is one of the most prestigious private universities in Istanbul and Turkey, with success in a wide range of fields and disciplines. The school's communication faculty draws special attention. The school is ranked 34th in the country and 15th in the world. There are 2000 international students among the almost 30 thousand total. International students may apply with SAT or equivalent. The main campus, Santralistanbul, is located in the Eyupsultan district. There are two other campuses in Kuştepe and Dolapdere regions. 

 

Reputable Private Universities Suitable For Immigrants in Istanbul

Here are a few of the prestigious private universities in Istanbul that are most preferred by immigrants. 

Istanbul Medipol University

 

Founded in 2007, Istanbul Medipol University is a foundation university affiliated with Turkey Education Health and Research Foundation. The school specializes in medicine and health-related fields. Although it has faculties such as education, law, and communication, the most popular departments of Medipol University are under the faculties of medicine, pharmacy, and health sciences. In studies based on the year 2020-2021, Istanbul Medipol University was ranked 66th out of 166 Turkish universities and 12th out of 56 foundation universities. According to the results of the Entrepreneurial and Innovative University Index 2020 published by TÜBİTAK (the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey), Medipol University is the 34th most successful university.

8 thousand of the 36 thousand students of the school are foreign students from different nationalities, creating an international student population that is very rich in culture and vibrant campus. Two main campuses are located at Kavacık, Beykoz. The school also has a campus in the Golden Horn, European Side.  

Istanbul Aydın University

Istanbul Aydın University, which started to serve as a foundation university in 2007, was established by the Anatolian Education and Culture Foundation. Currently, the university is ranked 35th nationally and 1315th worldwide. Istanbul Aydin University has a unit called International Student Union (ISU) dedicated to integrating the university's 4,000 international students. 

The university’s main campus is located in Küçükçekmece, which is very easy to reach via Metrobus and has many new housing projects. With its large foreign student population and the ISU unit that facilitates their integration, Istanbul Aydın University provides a vibrant cultural atmosphere and campus life.

Istanbul Kültür University

Istanbul Kültür University is a foundation university that opened its doors in the Bakırköy district of Istanbul in 1997. As a member of the Center for European and International Relations, Istanbul Kultur University students graduate with an international diploma recognized by 27 European Union countries. The school is now ranked 52nd in the nation and 3156th in the globe. There are a total of 16 thousand students enrolled in the university and 1369 of them are international students. 

Four main campuses of the university are located in Ataköy, İncirli, and Şirinevler regions within the Bakırköy district, offering easy access among the campuses. 

Istanbul Arel University

Istanbul Arel University is a foundation university that first welcomed students in the city of Istanbul's Büyükcekmece district in the year 2007. The current ranking of the institution is 112th in the country and 3597th in the world. There are a total of 13,000 students enrolled at the university, and 1,132 of them are international students.

The university provides free transportation between its three independent campuses in Büyükcekmece, Kücükcekmece, and Zeytinburnu. The campuses are located in the districts of Büyükcekmece, Kücükcekmece, and Zeytinburnu.

Özyeğin University

Özyeğin University is a private institution that was established in 2007 by Özyeğin Foundation. It is located in the Çekmeköy district of the Anatolian Side. The university holds a ranking of 1381st in the world and 29th in Turkey. In addition to that, the 2021 U-Multirank ranking places it as the top university in Turkey, making it the greatest in the country. There are 620 students from other countries enrolled among the school's total of 8500 students. There is another campus in Altunizade, which is located in the Üsküdar district, Anatolian Side.

FAQs

Can Foreigners Go To School In Turkey?

All children of foreigners with a residency permit in Turkey have the right to free education in public schools.

What Are The Requirements To Study In Turkey?

The general requirements to study in Turkey are

• Having entered YÖS (Foreign Students Examination) or SAT
• A copy of the passport
• English Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or an exam administered by the university- not necessary in universities where the language of instruction is Turkish)
• Certificate of Secondary Education (equivalent to a high school diploma)
• Recommendation letter

Can I Study In Turkey Without Yös?

Some universities admit students based on SATs such as Koç University, Boğaziçi University, and Bilgi University. 

Can I Study In Turkey Without Knowing Turkish?

Depending on the language of instruction, you might not need to know Turkish to study in Turkey.

Are Turkish Universities Recognized In Europe?

Turkey is involved in the Bologna Process, a standardization for higher education institutions across the European Higher Education Area, making Turkish universities’ diplomas recognized in Europe.