Higher education in Istanbul 2025

1. Courses are available in English at all levels.
2. Highly qualified teaching staff.
3. A multicultural city environment.
4. Universities steeped in history, dating back to the Medieval and Enlightenment eras.
5. Progressive universities with top international rankings.
6. Affordable and comfortable living conditions for international students.

Istanbul's higher education system comprises several stages: Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate. The fields of study vary from one university to another, but most institutions offer degrees in law, humanities, medicine, and engineering.

1. Bachelor's Degree (Lisans Derecesi):

   • The primary option for students after completing high school is enrolling in Turkish universities.
   • Admission is based on examination scores, after which students can choose various university majors according to their overall exam score.
   • A typical bachelor's program in Turkish universities lasts 4 years. However, engineering courses span 5 years, and some medical programs extend to 6 years.

2. Master's Degree (Yüksek Lisans Derecesi):

   • Upon attaining a bachelor's degree, students can apply for a master's program.
   • A master's degree in many literary, scientific, engineering, and medical disciplines can be earned in just two years.
   • In the first year, which comprises two semesters, students need to pass specific theoretical subjects and attend research seminars. The culmination is the dissertation phase, a pivotal point in obtaining the master's degree.

3. Doctorate/Ph.D. (Doktora Derecesi):

   • After earning a master's degree, students can pursue a doctorate. This is a 6-year program consisting of theoretical classes, research seminars, a comprehensive examination, and dissertation defense.
   • Theoretical classes are held only in the first 1-2 semesters. By the third semester, students initiate their research, which continues into the fourth semester, culminating in the comprehensive examination. Passing this exam is a prerequisite for embarking on the dissertation writing phase.
   • The final dissertation, once successfully defended before an academic committee of five faculty members, earns the student a Ph.D. degree.
   • Further education can continue in the form of producing scholarly articles published in peer-reviewed journals in the student's area of specialization.
   • Medical studies have their unique path. Medical education lasts 6 years, after which students specialize in a specific medical science. They then take the medical specialization examination (TUS). Each student must present a dissertation in their specialty, equivalent to a Ph.D. in other disciplines.

Similar to Istanbul University, the Bosphorus University is regarded as Turkey's premier institution and is highly respected by international academic circles. Founded by American scholars in the 19th century, it continues to uphold an education system akin to that of the United States. Istanbul also boasts the third-oldest technical university globally, the Istanbul Technical University.

While state universities have deep roots, Istanbul's private universities are relatively new. However, they are just as reputable as their public counterparts. With 57 universities, Istanbul annually attracts higher education enthusiasts. The demand is not limited to Turkish nationals, as most of these universities offer advanced programs for international students. Given the favorable currency exchange rate, Istanbul is an affordable destination for quality higher education.

Regardless of whether they are public or private, Istanbul's universities provide a diverse range of subjects. While many offer a broad spectrum of disciplines, some specialize in specific fields of study. For instance, those keen on pursuing engineering can turn to the Istanbul Technical University, the world's third oldest institution specializing in technical sciences. There's also the Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts for those focusing on visual arts and architecture. Both of these universities, established before the 20th century, were founded to cater to students' specific interests and passions. Both institutions are considered prestigious on the international stage and are welcoming to foreign students.

• Koç University (KU)
• Bahçeşehir University (BAU)
• Medipol University Istanbul
• Sabanci University
• Istanbul Technical University

Students interested in enrolling in Istanbul universities should note that they need to successfully pass the YÖS exam with a score of at least 50 out of 100. Additionally, the following documents are required:

• Academic transcript
• High school diploma
• English or Turkish language proficiency certificate
• Certificate confirming the successful completion of the entrance exam (YÖS)

The university may require some original documents to be submitted either by mail or in person.

The YÖS exam is a crucial step for admission into all majors at Turkish universities. In most cases, you need to pass this exam to be accepted. Applicants must take the YÖS test offered by the university they wish to attend and achieve a satisfactory score.

There are several entrance tests in Turkey, such as the SAT, TUS, ALES, GRE, GMAT, and YÖS, with the latter being among the most popular.

The YÖS test covers three main subjects: mathematics, engineering, and intelligence. The total number of questions typically ranges from 80 to 100, and the test consists of three sections:

1. Intelligence Questions: Questions related to IQ usually form the largest segment, roughly half, ranging from 45 to 55 questions.
2. Mathematics Questions: There are around 30 questions in this section. If the total number of questions is 100, this section expands to about 45 questions. The topics cover basic mathematical concepts, from functions, trigonometry, and logarithms, to derivatives and integrals (all these subjects are included in the high school curriculum).
3. Geometry Questions: This section typically comprises 5 to 10 questions and covers fundamental geometry principles.

Education and living costs in Istanbul are relatively low compared to other countries. Bachelor's degree tuition fees can range from $1,000 to $4,500 annually, depending on the degree, program, or specialization. As for the cost of living, an international student should budget at least $500 to $600 per month, which should cover accommodation, food, and transportation expenses.

No university in Turkey or Istanbul is free for international students. However, Istanbul hosts numerous affordable universities. International students can pursue their education here at a reasonable cost. Moreover, there are opportunities to obtain scholarships or apply for grants.