Study in Istanbul

Istanbul is Turkey's largest city (around 16 million people) and its undisputed education hub: most of our partner universities and the strongest private universities with English-taught programs are based here, which is why most international students choose Istanbul.

Why study in Istanbul

The city is unique - it spans two continents, Europe and Asia, blending Western and Eastern culture. For a student that means an international, multicultural environment, a huge choice of fields and real career opportunities: Istanbul is the country's business and financial capital, home to international companies, startups and internships. Many universities take part in Erasmus+ exchanges with European universities.

Universities in Istanbul

Universities we work with directly in Istanbul. Each has its own guide with faculties, prices and reviews:

Sabanci University

from $36 500/year

Kadir Has University

from $20 000/year

Ozyegin University

from $16 500/year

Bezmialem Vakif University

from $11 000/year

Istinye University

from $5 000/year

Biruni University

from $4 000/year

Nisantasi University

from $3 750/year

Halic University

from $3 500/year

Medipol University

from $3 250/year

Bahcesehir University

from $3 200/year

Bilgi University

from $3 000/year

Fenerbahçe University

from $3 000/year

Gelisim University

from $3 000/year

Atlas University

from $2 900/year

Istanbul Galata University

from $2 900/year

Topkapi University

from $2 900/year

Altinbas University

from $2 750/year

Gedik University

from $2 500/year

Istanbul Commerce University

from $2 500/year

Okan University

from $2 025/year

Isik University

from $1 800/year

Le Cordon Bleu Istanbul

culinary programmes • Istanbul

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All universities in Turkey

Full catalog

Cost of living in Istanbul

Istanbul is pricier than other Turkish cities but still more affordable than most European capitals. A dorm place costs roughly from $1,300/year (shared room) to $4,700/year (single), usually with utilities included. Renting a flat starts at about $500/month in districts away from the centre - closer to the centre and on the European side it costs more. Students get a discounted transport card (İstanbulkart), and a budget of about $400-700/month (excluding tuition) is realistic.

Student life

Popular student districts are Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, Şişli and Beyoğlu - close to campuses, cafés and a vibrant city life. Kadıköy on the Asian side is loved for its relaxed, creative vibe. Beyond studying, Istanbul offers dozens of student clubs, festivals, sport, the Bosphorus, museums and rich history - one of the liveliest student cities in the region.

Study in other Turkish cities

Looking beyond Istanbul? Explore our guides to other student cities in Turkey:

• Study in Ankara - the capital
• Study in Antalya - on the Mediterranean coast
• Study in Izmir - on the Aegean coast

Istanbul districts for students

Your district follows your campus - Istanbul is vast, and an hour each way is normal. Student classics: Beşiktaş and Şişli (central, near BAU and European-side universities - lively but pricier), Kadıköy and Üsküdar (the Asian side - atmospheric and noticeably cheaper, ferry to the center), Sarıyer (north, near Özyeğin and Koç - calm and green). Universities with residences (Özyeğin, Sabancı) solve year one - book right after admission.

Housing and prices

2026 benchmarks: a room in a shared student flat runs about $250-450 a month, a studio near campuses $450-800, university residences $300-600 with utilities. The Asian side averages 20-30% cheaper than the European one at the same commute. A rental contract is required for the residence permit - one more reason to start early.

Transport and budget

Everything runs on the Istanbulkart: metro, metrobus, trams, ferries - the student fare makes commuting near-symbolic. A full student budget with rented housing is $700-1,000 a month; with a residence hall, noticeably less. Bosphorus ferries are the city's best "free" pastime.

Your first week: the checklist

On arrival: student Istanbulkart (with the university letter), tax number, bank card, residence permit (ikamet) application - universities help with appointments. We walk our students through all of it.