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Bilkent University

Ankara, 🇹🇷 Turkey Private Non-Profit
#4 National #415 QS World #601 THE #801 ARWU
Bilkent University campus
12,000 students Suburban $16k - $23k/yr

About Bilkent University

Bilkent University, located in Ankara, Turkey, is a private, non-profit research institution established in 1984. Its name, an acronym for "bilim kenti" meaning "city of learning and science" in Turkish, reflects its founding mission to be a center of excellence in higher education and research. The university consistently ranks among the top universities in Turkey and has a strong international reputation.

Academics


Bilkent University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its many faculties, including Engineering, Science, Business Administration, Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Humanities and Letters, Law, and Music and Performing Arts. The university emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to education, encouraging students to explore various fields from art to technology and humanities to sciences. All programs at Bilkent University are taught in English, providing an immersive educational experience for international students. The Faculty of Business Administration was the first business school in Turkey to receive AACSB accreditation, and the Faculty of Engineering is particularly noted for its quality.

International Students


Bilkent University prides itself on its international perspective, with a diverse community of scholars and students. The Office of International Students plays a crucial role in supporting international students, assisting with the application process, course selection, and accommodation, and offering ongoing guidance for academic and social integration. The university also facilitates cultural integration through orientation programs and cultural trips. Bilkent's campus provides a vibrant social atmosphere with numerous student clubs and cultural events.

Campus & Location


Bilkent University's campus is situated approximately 12 km west of Ankara's city center, covering an area of over 300 hectares. Ankara, as the capital city, offers a dynamic urban environment with access to parks, shopping areas, cultural activities, museums, and entertainment venues. The campus itself features extensive facilities, including the largest university library in Turkey, and hosts various events such as Mayfest, a well-known festival with open-air concerts.

Career Outcomes


Bilkent University has a strong focus on preparing students for successful careers, evident in its active Career Center, established in 1988 as the first of its kind in a Turkish university. The Career Center provides guidance, organizes sector-specific information sessions, personal development seminars, and career fairs to help students make informed career decisions and connect with potential employers. Bilkent graduates find employment in a wide array of industries, including technology, banking, financial services, auditing, and consulting, with many alumni working at notable companies such as Google, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft. The university also fosters strong industry connections through its Technology Transfer Office, which aims to establish successful university-industry collaborations and facilitate innovation-based research and development projects.

Highlights

  • Leading Turkish research institution
  • English-taught, interdisciplinary education
  • Diverse, international student body
  • AACSB-accredited Business School
  • Vibrant campus life, Ankara location

Subject Areas

EngineeringComputer ScienceEconomicsArchitectureLaw

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Work Placements Sports Facilities Scholarships Available

Photos

Bilkent University photo 1Bilkent University photo 2Bilkent University photo 3Bilkent University photo 4Bilkent University photo 5Bilkent University photo 6Bilkent University photo 7Bilkent University photo 8Bilkent University photo 9

Programs Offered at Bilkent University (47)

Offers programs in:

Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science Education Engineering Humanities Law Linguistics & Literature Natural Sciences Physics & Chemistry Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (27)

American Culture and Literature

American Studies

American Studies
American culture literature TurkeyBilkent American studiesEnglish literature TurkeyAmerican studies bachelorcultural studies literature
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Architecture

STEM

Architecture

Architecture
architecturebabachelorbsbsc
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Molecular Biology and Genetics

STEM

Biology

Biology
life sciences degreebest bachelor programs biologybachelor in biologyenglish-taught bachelor biologystudy biology in ankara
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Business Administration

Business

Business
Businessbachelor Businessbachelor of BusinessBSc BusinessBA Business
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Management

Business

Business
babachelorbachelor'sbbabeng
48 months English Full-time

$14,500/yr

Chemistry

STEM

Chemistry

Chemistry
bachelors in chemistrychemistry bachelors programstudy chemistry in turkeybachelors chemistry turkeychemistry program in ankara
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Computer Engineering

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
computer science careerenglish bachelor program turkeysoftware engineer degreeba computer sciencebachelor computer science turkey
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Economics

Economics

Economics
economicsbachelor in economicsstudy economics in turkeyeconomics degreeeconomics program
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Economics, Administrative, and Social Sciences Programs

Economics, Administrative, and Social Sciences

Economics
administrativeandankarabachelorbilkent
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships View details →

Education Programs

Education

Education
Educationbachelor educationbachelor in educationbachelor of educationbachelor's education
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships View details →

Electrical and Electronics Engineering

STEM

Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering
babachelorbachelorsbselectrical
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Engineering Programs

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
engineering programengineering careerba engineeringbachelor in engineeringundergraduate engineering
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships View details →

Fine Arts, Design, and Architecture Programs

Fine Arts, Design, and Architecture

Architecture & Design
architectureartsarts,bachelordesign
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships View details →

Graphic Design

Graphic Design

Graphic Design
graphic design degree programBSc Graphic Designundergraduate graphic designgraphic design program in Turkeybachelor graphic design Turkey
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Humanities and Letters Programs

Humanities and Letters

Humanities and Letters
bachelor's humanities and lettersbachelor humanities and letters abroadstudy humanities and letters in ankarabachelor's in humanities and lettersstudy humanities and letters in turkey
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships View details →

Industrial Engineering

STEM

Industrial Engineering

Industrial Engineering
bachelor of industrial engineeringstudy industrial engineering ankarabest industrial engineering programsoperations managementindustrial engineering in ankara
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Interior Architecture and Environmental Design

Interior Design

Interior Design & Architecture
architecturebabachelorbsbsc
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Law Programs

Law

Law
bachelorjurislawlegalllb
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships View details →

English Language and Literature

Literature

Literature
undergraduate literatureliterature program in Turkeybachelor literature TurkeyBS in Literatureenglish language and literature
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Mathematics

STEM

Mathematics

Mathematics
applied math degreebachelor in mathematicsbachelor in mathematics in turkeybachelor mathematicsbachelor mathematics ankara
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Mechanical Engineering

STEM

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering
babachelorbengbilkentbsc
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Music and Performing Arts Programs

Music and Performing Arts

Arts & Design
artsbachelorbachelorsdesignmusic
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships View details →

Natural Sciences Programs

STEM

Natural Sciences

Natural Sciences
bachelor in natural sciencesbachelor's natural sciencesstudy natural sciences in turkeynatural sciences program in turkeynatural sciences degree
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships View details →

Physics

STEM

Physics

Physics
bachelorbilkentphysicsturkeyuniversity
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Political Science and Public Administration

Political Science

Political Science
bachelor in political sciencebachelor's in political sciencestudy political science in turkeybachelor political science in turkeybachelor political science in ankara
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Psychology

Psychology

Psychology
bachelorbehavioralcounselingpsychologyscience
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

International Relations

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
social sciences university turkeystudy social sciences abroadbachelor in social sciencesstudy social sciences in turkeysocial sciences at bilkent university
48 months English Full-time

$14,500/yr

Master Programs (13)

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Business

Business
master in businessbusiness master degreemsc in businessmsc businessmasters in business
24 months English Full-time

$18,000/yr

MBA (Master of Business Administration)

Business Administration

Business Administration
MBAbusiness administrationentrepreneurshipgraduateleadership
24 months English Full-time
Scholarships

M.S. in Computer Engineering

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science & IT
bilkent universitycomputercomputer scienceengineeringm.s.
24 months English Full-time
Scholarships

M.A. in Economics

Economics

Economics
economist careergraduate program economicsmaster of economicseconomics degreeenglish economics degree
24 months English Full-time
Scholarships

M.S. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering

STEM

Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering
electricalelectronicsengineeringgraduatem.s.
24 months English Full-time
Scholarships

MSc in Computer Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
bilkentcomputerengineeringgraduatema
24 months English Full-time

$16,000/yr

MA in English Literature

Humanities

Humanities
artsbilkentculturegraduatehumanities
24 months English Full-time

$15,000/yr

M.S. in Industrial Engineering

STEM

Industrial Engineering

Industrial Engineering
engineeringindustrialm.s.mastertechnical
24 months English Full-time
Scholarships

M.A. in Interior Architecture and Environmental Design

Interior Design

Interior Design
graduate programinterior designm.a. in interior architecture and environmental designmaster degreemaster in interior design
24 months English Full-time
Scholarships

M.A. in International Relations

International Relations

International Relations
bilkent university international relationsenglish master international relations in turkeyenglish-taught master international relationsgraduate program international relationsinternational relations program in ankara
24 months English Full-time
Scholarships

M.S. in Materials Science and Nanotechnology

STEM

Materials Science

Materials Science
bilkentgraduatem.s.mamaster
24 months English Full-time
Scholarships

M.A. in Psychology

Psychology

Psychology
graduatem.a.mamastermba
24 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Master's Programs (General)

Master's Programs (General)
master in master's programs (general)master master's programs (general)study master's programs (general) in turkeymaster master's programs (general) in turkeymaster master's programs (general) ankara
24 months English Full-time
Scholarships View details →

PhD Programs (7)

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Genetics

STEM

Biology

Biology
phd in biologydoctorate in biologydoctoral program biologyphd biology programstudy biology in turkey
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Ph.D. in Computer Engineering

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science
computer sciencecomputer science degreecomputer science programcomputer science phdPhD program
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Ph.D. in Economics

Economics

Economics
ankaraeconomicsph.d.phdphd_economics
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Ph.D. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering

STEM

Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering
doctoraldoctorateelectricalelectronicsengineering
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Ph.D. in Physics

STEM

Physics

Physics
phd in physicsphysics phd degreestudy physicsstudy physics in turkeyphd physics in turkey
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

Ph.D. in Political Science

Political Science

Political Science
PhD in Political Sciencedoctorate in Political Sciencestudy Political Science in TurkeyPolitical Science in AnkaraPolitical Science program Turkey
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships

PhD Programs (General)

PhD Programs (General)
phd programs (general) program in ankaraphd programs (general) programstudy phd programs (general) in turkeyphd programs (general) degreedoctorate phd programs (general)
48 months English Full-time
Scholarships View details →

Bilkent University Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

6.5+ IELTS
87+ TOEFL
2.8+ GPA
Required GRE
Required GMAT
Acceptance Rate Selective (20-40%)
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline November 4, 2025 (Spring 2026)
Tuition (per year) $16k - $23k/yr
Housing (monthly) ~$850
Application Fee $30
Teaching Language English, French
Accreditation
Yükseköğretim Kurulu (Council of Higher Education)Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABETYÖKAK (Turkish Higher Education Quality Council)

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bilkent University

Common questions from international students considering Bilkent University.

What is the acceptance rate at Bilkent University?

Bilkent University is classified as "Selective (20-40%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does Bilkent University cost for international students?

Tuition at Bilkent University ranges from $16k - $23k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing (approximately $850/month), books, and living expenses.

What is Bilkent University ranked globally?

Bilkent University holds the following rankings: QS World #415, Times Higher Education #601, ARWU #801, #4 in Turkey. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

What English language requirements does Bilkent University have?

Bilkent University typically requires IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 87+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.

Are scholarships available at Bilkent University?

Yes, Bilkent University offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.

When does Bilkent University start its semesters?

Bilkent University has intakes starting in Fall, Spring. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

How many English-taught programs does Bilkent University offer?

Bilkent University offers 47+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.

Where is Bilkent University located?

Bilkent University is located in Ankara, Turkey 🇹🇷. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

How do I apply to Bilkent University?

For specific details about Bilkent University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

What programs does Bilkent University offer?

For specific details about Bilkent University, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

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