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Last modified: 2026-10-01

# Bilkent University: Admission and Tuition for International Students

Bilkent University (officially İhsan Doğramacı Bilkent Üniversitesi) opened in Ankara in 1984 as Türkiye's first private non-profit university. Teaching is in English, and its entry bar is lower than Koç's: you can apply with a SAT of 1000, a Russian EGE average of 70% or a Kazakh ENT of 80, among other routes. International students admitted in 2026 pay $18,400 a year, and the university assesses applicants for tuition waivers of 20% to 100%. Applications for fall 2026 ran from 2 February to 12 July.

Bilkent Concert Hall on the Bilkent University campus in Ankara, home to its Faculty of Music and Performing Arts. Photo: Dostoyevski1881 / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bilkent_concert_hall.jpg), [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0).

| At a glance | Status on 30 September 2026 |
| --- | --- |
| Type | Private non-profit (foundation, or vakıf) university |
| Location | Ankara, Main and East campuses near Çankaya |
| Size | About 12,500 students from 67 countries; 30 undergraduate and 59 graduate programmes |
| Language | English |
| International tuition | $18,400 a year for 2026 entrants, including 10% VAT |
| University scholarships | Tuition waivers of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% or 100% based on academic record |
| Fall 2026 applications | 2 February – 12 July 2026 |
| Registration | 31 August – 1 September 2026, on campus |
| Ranking | THE World University Rankings 2027: 651–700 band |

## Who Bilkent suits {#section-1}

Bilkent fits students who want an English-taught private research university but do not have the 1300–1450 SAT that Koç expects. Its strengths are engineering, economics, architecture and design, and music: the university has its own Faculty of Music and Performing Arts and a symphony orchestra.

Think about the city as well. Ankara is the capital, quieter and noticeably cheaper than Istanbul. The campus is large and self-contained, with dormitories for 4,830 students, sports facilities, a concert hall and free shuttles into town; see our [Ankara city guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/city-ankara).

If you prefer Istanbul, compare [Koç](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-koc) and [Sabancı](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-sabanci); in Ankara the private alternatives are [TOBB ETÜ](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-tobb) and [TED University](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-ted). The public option in the same city is [Middle East Technical University (METU)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-metu), far cheaper but with higher exam thresholds. All profiles are listed in our [Turkey hub](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-turkey).

## Which undergraduate programmes are open to international students? {#section-2}

Bachelor's degrees take four years, sometimes preceded by an English preparatory year.

| Faculty | Programmes |
| --- | --- |
| Art, Design and Architecture | Architecture, Communication and Design, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, Urban Design and Landscape Architecture |
| Business Administration | Management |
| Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences | Economics, International Relations, Political Science and Public Administration, Psychology |
| Engineering | Computer, Electrical and Electronics, Industrial, Mechanical Engineering |
| Humanities and Letters | American Culture and Literature, Archaeology, English Language and Literature, Philosophy |
| Science | Chemistry, Mathematics, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Physics |
| Music and Performing Arts | Music |
| Applied Sciences | Information Systems and Technologies, Tourism and Hotel Management |

Bilkent's full faculty list also includes law, education, history, translation, Turkish literature and performing arts, but these are not on the list of programmes offered to international applicants, and several are taught in Turkish. Bilkent has no medical or dental school. If you are aiming for an English-taught medical degree in Türkiye, see [medicine in Turkey](https://www.studyu.org/en/program-medicine) and [dentistry](https://www.studyu.org/en/program-dentistry).

## Which exams can you apply with? {#section-3}

Bilkent publishes minimum scores by country. They are a threshold for applying: below it the file is not reviewed, above it a place is still not automatic.

| Qualification | Bilkent minimum |
| --- | --- |
| SAT | 1000 out of 1600 in Math and Reading |
| ACT | Composite 22, with at least 28 out of 36 in sections related to the programme |
| A-levels (Cambridge International and other GCE boards) | Three subjects at grade C or above, one related to the programme |
| IB Diploma | At least 28 out of 45, with at least one relevant HL subject |
| TR-YÖS | At least 350 out of 500 |
| Russia, EGE (Unified State Exam) | Average of at least 70% across three subjects, two of them related to the programme |
| Russia and Kazakhstan, school certificate (attestat) | At least 3.5 out of 5 (or 70%, or 7 out of 10) |
| Kazakhstan, ENT | At least 80 out of 100 in the four core subjects, excluding language |
| International Science Olympiads | Gold, silver or bronze in an olympiad recognised by TÜBİTAK |

A note for applicants from Russia: the International Baccalaureate Organization is on Russia's list of undesirable organisations; this does not change how Bilkent assesses the IB Diploma.

Reading the table. The national-qualification list is dated November 2024 and is still the version linked from the 2026 application page; check it again before you apply. Predicted A-level grades are not evaluated, so students in British-curriculum schools usually apply once results are out in summer. Original documents are checked at enrolment.

"EGE 70%" is an average: scores of 75, 68 and 70 give 71%, which is enough to apply. Choose subjects that match the programme, such as mathematics, physics and computer science for engineering.

For the Turkish exam for foreigners, see our [YÖS guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-yos-exam); for all options, [which exams Turkish universities accept](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-what-exams-are-required-to-apply-to-turkish-universities).

## What English level do you need? {#section-4}

An English certificate is not needed to apply; you can prove your level at registration. Accepted results:

- IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each band, sent directly by the test centre;
- TOEFL iBT 87, ETS institution code 0620;
- Bilkent's own Proficiency in Academic English (PAE) exam, taken after arrival.

External scores must be within their two-year validity at registration. Students below the threshold join the English Language Preparatory Program; that year is also fee-paying, and a Bilkent waiver covers it for up to four semesters. Unlike Koç and METU, Bilkent accepts IELTS.

## How do you apply to Bilkent? {#section-5}

1. Complete the online form at stars.bilkent.edu.tr/intapp during the application window (2 February – 12 July for fall 2026).
2. Upload your passport, diploma or school letter, upper-school grades and one qualifying result from the table above.
3. Indicate that you want to be considered for a scholarship; the decision draws on grades, exam scores and programme choice.
4. Once admitted, arrange a visa if your nationality needs one and book your denklik appointment.
5. Attend registration in person with originals; in 2026 it took place on 31 August – 1 September at the Odeon Amphitheatre near the main gate.

Denklik is Türkiye's equivalence certificate for a foreign school diploma. Registration cannot be completed without it, and local appointments can be slow, so getting it at a Turkish consulate before departure is the safer route. See our [denklik guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-get-denklik-in-turkey-instruction-faq).

## How much does Bilkent cost? {#section-6}

Bilkent charges international students in US dollars according to their year of entry. Rates for the 2026/27 academic year, including 10% VAT:

| Year of entry | Tuition for 2026/27 |
| --- | --- |
| 2026 | $18,400 |
| 2025 | $17,600 |
| 2023 and 2024 | $16,950 |
| Before 2023 | $16,300 |

The fee is the same for every undergraduate programme and is paid in two equal instalments before fall and spring course registration, by wire transfer to the university's USD account at Garanti Bank in the student's name. Each new cohort's rate is higher than the last. If the 2026 rate held, four years without a waiver would total $73,600, and a preparatory year would add one more annual fee. For legal payment routes from Russia, see [how to pay for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia).

## What waivers and scholarships does Bilkent offer? {#section-7}

Tuition waivers. Bilkent awards international students partial or full waivers at five levels: 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%. Top students on a full waiver may also receive an accommodation scholarship.

To keep a waiver you must:

- take at least the minimum course load of your programme each semester;
- keep an annual GPA of 2.00/4.00 or higher (2.50 for the accommodation award);
- attend all classes;
- avoid disciplinary penalties.

Missing these conditions drops the waiver by one or two levels permanently. Waivers last up to four semesters in the preparatory programme and up to ten semesters in a four-year degree.

Merit scholarship for students without a waiver. At the end of each year, international students with an annual GPA of 3.30 or more who rank in the top 5% of non-scholarship students in their programme can receive a waiver for the next year: 100% for the top 1%, 80% for the next 1%, and so on down to 20%.

Government scholarship. You can also apply for Türkiye Bursları between 10 January and 20 February; the undergraduate stipend is TL 6,500 a month (about $133). See our [Türkiye Scholarships guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-study-grant-turkey).

## How much do dormitories and living in Ankara cost? {#section-8}

Dormitories on the Main and East campuses house 4,830 students in single, double, triple and quadruple rooms. Fall-semester prices for 2026/27, including VAT:

| Room type | Fee per semester |
| --- | --- |
| Quadruple, bunk beds (Main Campus) | $1,053 (TL 51,600) |
| Triple | $1,546 (TL 75,800) |
| Double, single beds | $2,097 (TL 102,800) |
| Double, East Campus | $2,034 (TL 99,700) |
| Standard single | $3,288 (TL 161,200) |

The international office estimates other costs per semester at about $700 for food and $90 for books, plus around $180 a year for health insurance; campus and city shuttles are free. A realistic first-year budget with a double room is about $24,000–25,000 including full tuition. Compare off-campus options in [student accommodation in Turkey](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-accomodation-turkey) and the [cost of living guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-living).

## Do you need a visa, and how does the residence permit work? {#section-9}

Türkiye's foreign ministry exempts ordinary Russian passport holders from visas for tourist and business trips of up to 60 days, and Kazakh citizens for up to 90 days in any 180. Bilkent advises checking your visa regime with the Turkish consulate, as visas can take 6–8 weeks where required. After enrolment, students apply for a student residence permit through e-ikamet; Türkiye's migration authority decides on it. See the [Turkey student visa guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-in-turkey-requirements-and-application-process).

International students must join Türkiye's General Health Insurance (GSS) after registration. Undergraduates may work only with a work permit and not before their second year.

## Master's and PhD {#section-10}

Bilkent runs three graduate schools: Economics and Social Sciences, Education, and Engineering and Science. Programmes include the MBA, economics, international relations, political science, law (LL.M.), psychology, computer, electrical, industrial and mechanical engineering, materials science and nanotechnology, molecular biology and neuroscience.

Applicants need ALES (Türkiye's graduate entrance exam) or GRE scores, GMAT for business administration, proof of English, transcripts and references, submitted at stars.bilkent.edu.tr/gradapp. Bilkent reports that about 90% of graduate students receive support as a tuition waiver or a waiver plus a monthly stipend. See [master's programmes in Turkey](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-programs-in-turkey-admission-requirements-and-costs).

## Is a Bilkent degree recognised in Russia and Kazakhstan? {#section-11}

Bilkent awards Turkish state degrees: lisans (bachelor's), yüksek lisans (master's) and doktora. In Russia foreign degrees are recognised through the National Information Center of Rosakkredagentstvo (nic.gov.ru); in Kazakhstan through ENIC-Kazakhstan.

## Common mistakes {#section-12}

- Applying with predicted A-level grades, which Bilkent does not evaluate.
- Reading "EGE 70%" as a per-subject minimum; it is an average across three exams.
- Budgeting with old figures: the 2026 entry rate is $18,400.
- Missing classes while on a waiver; poor attendance can suspend it.
- Leaving denklik until you reach Ankara.

## FAQ {#section-13}

### Can I apply to Bilkent straight after Russian school?

Yes. A 70% EGE average over three exams is enough to apply, and the Russian school certificate with a 3.5/5 average also appears on the list. English can be proved later, at registration or through the PAE exam.

### How much does Bilkent cost for international students?

For the 2026 cohort, every bachelor's programme costs $18,400 per year including VAT, split into a fall and a spring payment. Dormitories are extra, from $1,053 to $3,288 per semester depending on the room.

### What scholarships does Bilkent offer?

International students can receive tuition waivers from 20% to 100% in steps of 20%, and a limited number of top students on a full waiver may also receive an accommodation scholarship. Keeping a waiver requires an annual GPA of at least 2.00 and full attendance. Türkiye Bursları is a separate option.

### Does Bilkent accept IELTS?

Yes, with an overall 6.5 and no band below 5.5. A TOEFL iBT of 87 or a pass on Bilkent's PAE test is an alternative. Students who fall short join the English preparatory programme before starting their degree.

### When should I apply?

For fall 2026, applications ran from 2 February to 12 July and registration took place on 31 August – 1 September. Dates for 2027 will be published on the How to Apply page; expect a similar February–July window.

### Does Bilkent teach medicine?

No. There is no medical or dental faculty at Bilkent, so prospective doctors and dentists should compare other Turkish universities.

### How can StudyU help with Bilkent?

Comparing Bilkent with other universities, checking how your school qualification maps to its requirements, and preparing documents and the application are provided under an agreement with StudyU. Bilkent decides on admission and waivers, Türkiye's education ministry issues denklik, and the migration authority issues the residence permit.

## Sources {#section-14}

- [Bilkent: undergraduate application 2026–2027](https://w3.bilkent.edu.tr/international/how-to-apply/)
- [Bilkent: minimum scores for national and international qualifications (PDF)](https://w3.bilkent.edu.tr/form/Ulusal_ve_Uluslararasi_Sinavlarda_Aranan_Asgari_Puanlar.pdf)
- [Bilkent: tuition for international students 2026–2027](https://w3.bilkent.edu.tr/bilkent/international-and-other-students-tuition-fees/)
- [Bilkent: scholarships for international students](https://w3.bilkent.edu.tr/international/scholarships-for-international-students/)
- [Bilkent: English language proficiency](https://w3.bilkent.edu.tr/international/english-language-proficiency/)
- [Bilkent: registration 2026–2027](https://w3.bilkent.edu.tr/international/registration/)
- [Bilkent: how to prepare (visa, insurance, living expenses)](https://w3.bilkent.edu.tr/international/how-to-prepare/)
- [Bilkent Dormitories: fees 2026–2027](https://yurtlar.bilkent.edu.tr/en/dormitory-fees/)
- [Bilkent: undergraduate programmes](https://w3.bilkent.edu.tr/international/undergraduate-programs/) and [Bilkent in brief](https://w3.bilkent.edu.tr/international/bilkent-in-brief/)
- [Bilkent: graduate admission](https://w3.bilkent.edu.tr/bilkent/application-for-admission/)
- [Türkiye Scholarships: dates and stipends](https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/fulltimeprograms)
- [Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visa information](https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa)
- [Times Higher Education: Bilkent University](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/bilkent-university)

Checked on 30 September 2026. ECB reference rate on 30 September 2026: €1 = $1.1355 and TRY 55.6596, so $1 ≈ TRY 49.02.

If you want to know whether your EGE or school results meet Bilkent's bar, and whether METU is worth a parallel application, send us a [request](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply).

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.

## Next steps

- [Koç University: Admission and Tuition for International Students](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-koc)
- [Middle East Technical University (METU, ODTÜ): Admission for International Students](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-metu)
- [Study in Turkey: universities, tuition and admission](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-turkey)
- [Study in Ankara](https://www.studyu.org/en/city-ankara)
- [Sabanci University](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-sabanci)
- [TOBB University of Economics and Technology](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-tobb)

Updated: October 2026