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Istanbul University

Istanbul, 🇹🇷 Turkey Public
#1 National #628 QS World #1201 THE #401 ARWU
Istanbul University campus
58,809 students 17% international Multiple Campuses $2.5k - $5.5k/yr

About Istanbul University

Istanbul University, a public research institution in Istanbul, Turkey, stands as one of the country's oldest and most prestigious universities, with roots tracing back to 1453. It plays a significant role in Turkey's educational and cultural development, embracing the motto "Science Bridge from Past to the Future." The university is dedicated to producing valuable knowledge and fostering competent individuals within a modern scientific environment.

Academics


Istanbul University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, law, medicine, and engineering. The university is known for fostering a rigorous academic environment and has significantly contributed to Turkey's intellectual life. Notable programs include Medicine and Law, with the Istanbul University Law School offering a joint LL.B. program with the University of Hamburg, allowing students to study multiple legal systems. The Istanbul University Graduate School of Business, established in collaboration with Harvard Business School and the Ford Foundation, is the only AACSB-accredited business school among public universities in Turkey.

International Students


Istanbul University actively promotes internationalization, with 7,823 students from 132 countries as of 2019. The International Academic Relations Unit oversees exchange programs like Erasmus and Mevlana, as well as bilateral agreements, facilitating academic mobility and collaboration. While the primary language of instruction is Turkish, the university offers English-taught programs in disciplines such as human medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, business administration, economics, political science, and international relations. Support services for international students typically include guidance with admissions, residence permits, health insurance, orientation programs, and cultural integration.

Campus & Location


Istanbul University's main campus is historically significant, located in the Beyazıt area of the Fatih district, near many of Istanbul's major cultural sites. The university has multiple faculties spread across the city, with a total of 9 campuses. The Beyazıt campus is surrounded by the vibrant streets of Kapalı Çarşı and Beyazıt Square, extending towards the Suleymaniye Mosque. Istanbul itself is a cosmopolitan and multicultural city, offering numerous social and cultural activities.

Career Outcomes


Istanbul University aims to raise individuals who can solve problems and produce constructive solutions, offering an education that helps students discover their true potential. While specific employment rates for Istanbul University were not provided, Turkish universities generally report strong graduate employment rates, with Istanbul Aydın University, for example, reporting an 83.6% employment rate. Key sectors in Turkey welcoming foreign graduates include technology, healthcare, finance, tourism, and logistics. The university also emphasizes university-industry cooperation, providing students with internship opportunities in distinguished institutions.

Highlights

  • Oldest, most prestigious Turkish university
  • Diverse academic programs offered
  • Strong international student presence
  • AACSB-accredited business school
  • Historic campus in Istanbul

Subject Areas

MedicineLawLiteratureScienceEconomics

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Work Placements Sports Facilities Disability Support Scholarships Available

Photos

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

Programs Offered at Istanbul University (26)

Offers programs in:

Arts & Design Business & Management Computer Science Engineering Humanities Law Medicine & Health Natural Sciences Social Sciences

Bachelor Programs (12)

Architecture

STEM

Architecture

Architecture
architecturebacheloristanbullocal languageturkey
60 months local language Full-time

$14,000/yr

Business Administration

Business

Business
business school abroadbachelor's in BusinessBS Business AdministrationBusiness in Turkeybusiness degree career
48 months English Full-time

$13,000/yr

Computer Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
english-taught bachelor engineering in turkeyengineering at istanbul universityenglish-taught bachelor engineeringbachelor engineeringbachelors in engineering
48 months English Full-time

$15,000/yr

Electrical and Electronics Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
bachelor in engineeringbachelors in engineeringbsc engineeringengineering degreeba engineering
48 months English Full-time

$16,000/yr

Dentistry

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
bachelordentistryhealthistanbulsciences
60 months Turkish Full-time

Pharmacy

STEM

Health Sciences

Health Sciences
babachelorbsbschealth
60 months Turkish Full-time

Law

Law

Law
BA lawbachelor of lawlaw at Istanbul Universitylaw in Istanbulstudy law in Turkey
48 months local language Full-time

$12,000/yr

Medicine

STEM

Medicine

Medicine
medicine program in istanbulba medicinebachelor in medicineenglish-taught bachelor medicinemedicine degree abroad
72 months local language Full-time

$25,000/yr

Chemistry

STEM

Natural Sciences

Chemistry
bachelorbiochemistrychemicalchemistrynatural
48 months local language Full-time

$11,500/yr

Psychology

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
bachelor in social sciencesbachelor social sciencesbs social sciencesstudy social sciences in turkeybachelor social sciences in turkey
48 months local language Full-time

$11,000/yr

Economics

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
babachelorbachelorsbsbsc
48 months English Full-time

$12,500/yr

International Relations

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
bachelor social sciences in turkeybachelor social sciences istanbulbachelor social sciences turkeystudy social sciences in istanbulstudy social sciences in turkey
48 months English Full-time

$10,000/yr

Master Programs (8)

MSc in Architecture and Urban Studies

STEM

Architecture

Architecture
architecturegraduateistanbulmamaster
24 months English Full-time

$17,000/yr

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Business

Business
masters in businessstudy business in turkeystudy business in istanbulmsc businessmasters business program
24 months English Full-time

$20,000/yr

MSc in Data Science

STEM

Computer Science

Computer Science & AI
algorithmscodingcomputercomputer sciencecomputer science & ai
24 months English Full-time

$19,000/yr

MSc in Computer Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
masters in engineeringstudy engineering in turkeyengineering masters in turkeymsc engineeringmaster of engineering
24 months English Full-time

$18,000/yr

MSc in Environmental Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
best engineering programs Turkeymasters engineeringmaster engineeringengineering programengineering at Istanbul University
24 months English Full-time

MA in History

Humanities

Humanities
master's of HumanitiesIstanbul University HumanitiesHumanities at Istanbul Universitystudy Humanities in IstanbulHumanities Turkish program
24 months Turkish Full-time

MA in International Relations

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
internationalmasterrelationssciencessocial
24 months English Full-time

$15,000/yr

MA in Clinical Psychology

Social Sciences

Psychology
clinical psychologyMA clinical psychologyIstanbul UniversityTurkey psychologypsychotherapy
24 months local language Full-time

$16,000/yr

PhD Programs (6)

PhD in Biomedical Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
phd in engineeringdoctoral program engineeringengineering program in istanbulphd engineeringphd engineering in turkey
48 months English Full-time

$25,000/yr

PhD in Electrical and Electronics Engineering

STEM

Engineering

Engineering
electricalelectronicsengineeringistanbulphd
48 months English Full-time

PhD in History

Humanities

Humanities
doctor of philosophydoctoraldoctoratehistoryhumanities
48 months local language Full-time

$20,000/yr

PhD in Law

Law

Law
phd lawlaw phdlaw degreephd law in local languagephd in law
48 months local language Full-time

$22,000/yr

PhD in Physics

STEM

Natural Sciences

Natural Sciences
phd in natural sciencesnatural sciences phd istanbulstudy abroad natural sciences turkeystudy natural sciences in turkeyphd in physics
48 months English Full-time

PhD in Economics

Social Sciences

Social Sciences
study social sciences in turkeysocial sciences program in istanbulenglish phd social sciencessocial sciences degreepe
48 months English Full-time

$23,000/yr

Istanbul University Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

6+ IELTS
78+ TOEFL
2.5+ GPA
Required GRE
Required GMAT
Intakes Fall, Spring
Application Deadline May 31, 2026
Tuition (per year) $2.5k - $5.5k/yr
Teaching Language Turkish, English, German, French, Arabic
Accreditation
Yükseköğretim Kurulu (Council of Higher Education)AACSB

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Frequently Asked Questions About Istanbul University

Common questions from international students considering Istanbul University.

How much does Istanbul University cost for international students?

Tuition at Istanbul University ranges from $2.5k - $5.5k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing, books, and living expenses.

What is Istanbul University ranked globally?

Istanbul University holds the following rankings: QS World #628, Times Higher Education #1201, ARWU #401, #1 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 Istanbul University have?

Istanbul University typically requires IELTS 6+ or TOEFL 78+ 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 Istanbul University?

Yes, Istanbul 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 Istanbul University start its semesters?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul University offer?

Istanbul University offers 15+ 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 Istanbul University located?

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

What are the admission requirements for Istanbul University?

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

What programs does Istanbul University offer?

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

How does Istanbul University compare to other universities?

Istanbul University is a strong choice that compares favorably to peer institutions (QS World #628). Each university has different strengths — we recommend comparing specific programs, location, cost, and graduate outcomes for your field rather than overall rankings alone.

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