Canonical HTML: https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-istanbul-universities Markdown URL: https://www.studyu.org/en/md/blog-istanbul-universities.md Language: en Meta title: Istanbul Universities - Study in Turkey's largest educational metropolis | StudyU Meta description: Istanbul Universities - Study in Turkey's largest educational metropolis: requirements, deadlines and costs explained, with answers to common questions. Last reviewed: 2026-07-04 # Istanbul Universities - Study in Turkey's largest educational metropolis - [Free consultation](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply) Contents Free consultation We'll help you study abroad - fast replies. - [Apply now](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply) Published: February 27, 2026 · Updated: May 18, 2026 ## Best Universities in Istanbul: {#h-1} Istanbul Universities - Study in Turkey's largest educational metropolis ### Istanbul University (İstanbul Üniversitesi) {#h-2} Year of foundation: 1453 Status: State Location: Beyazit, Istanbul Major fields: medicine, law, journalism, economics, natural sciences How much is the tuition fee? Tuition at state universities is relatively inexpensive, averaging between $300 and $1,500 a year, but high competition makes admission difficult.. How to enroll? Foreign applicants need to pass the YÖS exam and prove their knowledge of the Turkish language in order to be admitted. The university also gives priority to students with a good diploma and [entrance exam](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-what-exams-are-required-to-apply-to-turkish-universities) score. bogazici university ## Read also ### Admission requirements to study in Turkey ### Antalya Universities - Study in one of the best regions of Turkey ### Best Universities In Turkey For International Students ### Universities in Turkey ### Bosphorus University (Boğaziçi Üniversitesi) {#h-3} Year of foundation: 1863 Status: State Location: Bebek, Istanbul Major fields: engineering, economics, social sciences, linguistics. Bosphorus University is one of the most prestigious universities in Turkey, where education is conducted in English. It is particularly popular with international students and the competition for admission is of course very high. What faculties are in Bosphorus University? This university teaches engineering, economics, science and humanities. Is is possible to enroll without ANY exams? You cannot enter public universities without exams, but private universities offer admission with high school diploma, A-levels, Cambridge diploma, IB and other accredited diplomas. Tuition fees in Bosphorus University Since the university is state-run, prices are low - from 500 to 2,000 dollars a year, and quotas for foreigners are very limited. Students - Istanbul Universities - Study in Turkey's largest educational metropolis ### Private universities in Istanbul {#h-4} Turkey's private universities offer more places for foreigners, programs in English and extensive scholarships. Among the best known: - Koç University - the best private university in Turkey, specialized in economics and business - [Sabancı University](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-sabanci) - research-oriented and interdisciplinary education - [Bahçeşehir University (BAU)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-bahcesehir) - close cooperation with international companies, good exchange opportunities. - [Ozyegin University](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-ozyegin) - one of the country's leading private universities, a top school for business majors How much does it cost to study at private universities in Istanbul? Tuition at private universities ranges from $3,000 to $25,000 per year, depending on the program, university prestige, location. Is it possible to study for free (get 100% scholarship)? Many private universities offer discounts of up to 50% if you have a high GPA and a good academic record. Unfortunately, It's not possible to study with full scholarship at private universities. ## High demand qualifications in Istanbul {#h-5} ### What professions are in demand? {#h-6} Istanbul is the economic center of Turkey, so professions in the field are in demand: ✔️ IT and engineering - programmers, data analysts, engineers ✔️ Finance - accountants, economists, business analysts ✔️ Tourism and hospitality - managers, marketers, guides ✔️ Medicine - doctors, pharmacists, biotechnologists Companies employing Turkish university graduates ## What is the cheapest university in Turkey? {#h-7} The most affordable are public universities in provincial cities, such as Anadolu University in Eskisehir. In Istanbul, state universities are the cheapest to study at, but it is difficult to get into them. ## What city of Turkey is the best to study in? {#h-8} Where is the best place to study in Turkey? - Istanbul - for those who want international connections, business and startups - Ankara - the capital of Turkey with strong public universities - Izmir - a university city with a mild climate and a good standard of living - Eskisehir - one of the most student-oriented cities in Turkey with inexpensive education ## How many years do students study at universities in Turkey? {#h-9} ⏳ How many years does the education at different levels last? - Bachelors - 4 years - Medicine - 6 years - Master's - 2-3 years - PhD - 4-5 years > It is important to know that education in Turkey is based on the Bologna system, which means flexibility in the choice of subjects and study load. This means that a ny of the study programs can be completed earlier or later, depending on the student's workload and desire, academic success and other aspects. This is very convenient and this feature is used by many students, someone prefers to take more subjects and finish university early, someone is more convenient to combine work with study and not to hurry anywhere. So as they say, it all depends on you. ## How to enter university in Turkey without exams? {#h-10} How to enter university in Turkey without exams? ✔️ Private universities accept SAT or international diplomas (IB, A-Level) ✔️ Public universities require [YÖS or TR-YÖS.](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-yos-exam) Campus - Istanbul Universities - Study in Turkey's largest educational metropolis ## What is the best university in Turkey? {#h-11} The best university in Turkey depends on the program and your preferences, location, budget and further plans after graduation, so it is difficult to name a definite list. Our team has selected a list of the best universities according to our opinion and student reviews: - Business, Economics - Ozyegin University - Engineering - Sabanci University - Medicine - Istanbul Medipol University - Humanities - Sabancı University - Architecture - Kadir Has University ## Summary {#h-12} Istanbul offers tremendous educational opportunities. Public universities are prestigious but difficult to get into, while private universities offer more chances and offer English language courses. If you want to enroll in a university in Turkey, it is worth researching the opportunities, costs, available faculties and admission requirements in advance. ### Do you want to apply to university in Istanbul? {#h-13} Leave an application and our experts will help you choose the right program and university for you. Need advice for your specific situation? Talk to a consultant - free, no obligations. ## FAQ {#faq} ### Which Istanbul universities are popular with international students? Common private options include Ozyegin, Bahcesehir, Istanbul Medipol, Istinye, Kadir Has, Bilgi, Yeditepe, Altinbas and Uskudar. Public options such as Istanbul University, Bogazici, ITU and Marmara are strong, but admission is more competitive and often exam-based. ### Is the European or Asian side of Istanbul better for students? The European side is strong for business, internships, culture and many private universities. The Asian side can feel calmer for daily life and also has strong campuses. The practical decision should depend on the campus, housing and commute, not only the side of the city. ### Can I apply to Istanbul universities without exams? Many private universities in Istanbul accept international students through school documents, transcript, passport and language route. Public universities more often require YÖS, TR-YÖS, SAT or similar results, especially for medicine, engineering and highly competitive programs. ### Why does StudyU suggest backup universities in Istanbul? Istanbul has many good universities, but campuses, prices, discounts, offer speed and requirements differ a lot. Backup options protect the season if a quota closes, a discount changes or the first-choice program becomes less attractive. ## Get a free consultation Talk to a real consultant - we will help you choose a program and the maximum discount in a single conversation. - Guaranteed admission to partner universities - Maximum discount guarantee - Help with visa and documents - A personal consultant from the first message to enrollment Write to us Leave a request - and we will get in touch with you.