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Istanbul Technical University

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Global Rank: 500

Local Rank: 5

Programs: 200

Students: 39000

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Istanbul Technical University (ITU): Over Two and a Half Centuries of Leadership in Engineering and Technology

Istanbul Technical University (ITU) is one of the oldest technical universities in the world. It was founded in 1773 during the reign of Sultan Mustafa III as the “Imperial Naval Engineering School,” with the aim of training military engineers and supporting the Ottoman fleet.

Since its foundation, ITU has played a central role in developing Turkey’s engineering and infrastructure sectors. It directly contributed to the modernization of the Ottoman Empire and later the Turkish Republic, producing generations of engineers, scientists, and technical leaders.

Where is Istanbul Technical University Located?

ITU is located on the European side of Istanbul and has five main campuses:

  • Maslak Campus: The main campus, home to most faculties, laboratories, the central library, and student dormitories.

  • Taşkışla Campus: Near Taksim Square, this historic building houses the Faculty of Architecture.

  • Maçka Campus: Hosts the Faculties of Management, Design, and Applied Arts.

  • Gümüşsuyu Campus: Specializes in Mechanical and Naval Engineering.

  • Tuzla Campus: Located on the Asian coast, it is used for training students in maritime faculties.

ITU’s Vision and Core Values

Vision:
To be a globally leading university in education, research, and innovation in engineering, natural sciences, and architecture.

Mission:
To prepare future leaders by equipping them with applied knowledge, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship to solve societal and global challenges.

Core Values:

  • Academic Excellence

  • Leadership in Research and Innovation

  • Analytical Thinking

  • Social Responsibility

  • Sustainability and Transparency

ITU in Numbers

  • Year Established: 1773

  • Faculties: 13

  • Graduate Institutes: 6

  • Research Centers: Over 30

  • Academic Programs:

    • 41 Undergraduate Programs

    • Over 140 Master’s and PhD Programs

  • Total Students: Over 38,000 (including ~6,000 graduate students)

  • Academic Staff: Around 2,000 professors and lecturers

  • International Students: Over 1,000 from 90 countries

Why Choose Istanbul Technical University?

  • Academic Legacy: One of the oldest engineering institutions worldwide and a leading source of scientific and technical expertise in Turkey.

  • Global Rankings: Ranked among the world’s top 500 universities and the top technical university in Turkey.

  • International Accreditation: Many engineering programs accredited by ABET (U.S.-based Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).

  • Extensive Global Partnerships: Member of the EELISA European network and partnered with over 350 universities globally.

  • Advanced Infrastructure: Features over 400 scientific laboratories and leading research centers in AI, technology, and renewable energy.

  • Vibrant Student Life: More than 150 student clubs and high-quality sports and cultural facilities.

  • Career & Innovation Hub: Home to ARI Technopolis, one of Turkey’s foremost centers for entrepreneurship and innovation.

Academic Programs at Istanbul Technical University (ITU)

Istanbul Technical University offers a wide range of distinguished academic programs in the fields of engineering, architecture, science, management, arts, and technology. Most of these programs are taught in English, making ITU one of the most attractive universities for international students.

Undergraduate Programs (Lisans)

ITU offers 41 undergraduate programs across the following faculties:

  • Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering
    Examples: Computer Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Control and Automation Engineering.

  • Faculty of Civil Engineering
    Examples: Civil Engineering, Transportation Systems Engineering.

  • Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering
    Examples: Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.

  • Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
    Examples: Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering.

  • Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics
    Examples: Aeronautical Engineering, Astronautical Engineering, Systems Engineering.

  • Faculty of Computer and Informatics
    Examples: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity.

  • Faculty of Architecture
    Examples: Architecture, Industrial Product Design, Landscape Architecture.

  • Faculty of Management
    Examples: Economics, Business Administration, International Business (all taught in English).

  • Faculty of Maritime Studies
    Examples: Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Maritime Transportation Management Engineering.

Graduate Programs (Master’s and PhD)

ITU offers over 140 graduate programs, including:

  • Master’s Programs (with thesis / non-thesis – Tezli / Tezsiz)

  • PhD Programs in science, engineering, technology, and architecture.

Examples of Master’s Programs:

  • MSc in Renewable Energy

  • MSc in Software Engineering

  • MSc in Infrastructure Engineering

  • MSc in Urban Planning

  • MSc in Nanotechnology Engineering

Examples of PhD Programs:

  • PhD in Environmental Engineering

  • PhD in Sustainable Architecture

  • PhD in Computer Science

  • PhD in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Language of Instruction

  • English: Most undergraduate and graduate programs are taught in English.

  • Turkish: Offered in a limited number of graduate programs only.

Preparatory Year

Students who are not proficient in English must either pass a placement test or complete a one-year English preparatory program at ITU’s School of Foreign Languages.

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Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Campuses

Istanbul Technical University consists of five main campuses strategically located across Istanbul. These campuses offer integrated facilities and diverse academic infrastructures, providing students with a rich experience both academically and socially.

1. Maslak Campus (Maslak Kampüsü) – Main Campus

  • The largest and most important campus of the university, located in the heart of Istanbul’s financial and commercial district on the European side.

  • Hosts most faculties, particularly the core engineering departments.

  • Home to the central ITU Library, conference halls, research centers, and large-scale laboratories.

  • Includes student dormitories, sports fields, dining centers, mosques, and extensive green spaces.

2. Taşkışla Campus (Taşkışla Kampüsü)

  • Located near Taksim Square, this is one of the university’s oldest buildings, known for its classical Ottoman architectural style.

  • Houses the Faculty of Architecture.

  • Considered one of the historic landmarks associated with ITU.

3. Maçka Campus (Maçka Kampüsü)

  • Located in the Maçka district and dedicated to social and administrative sciences.

  • Includes the Faculty of Management and the Faculty of Fine Arts.

  • Noted for its proximity to the city center and cultural hubs.

4. Gümüşsuyu Campus (Gümüşsuyu Kampüsü)

  • Situated in one of the most scenic neighborhoods along the Bosphorus.

  • Primarily serves the Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

  • Equipped with advanced engineering laboratories.

  • Located near major tourist attractions.

5. Tuzla Campus (Tuzla Kampüsü)

  • Dedicated to practical training in maritime engineering.

  • Features the Maritime Training Center and educational ships.

  • Located further from the city center, serving students specializing in navigation and marine engineering.

On-Campus Housing at Istanbul Technical University (ITU)

Istanbul Technical University offers a range of on-campus housing units located within its main campus in Maslak, designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and fully integrated living environment—especially for students coming from outside Istanbul or abroad.

Housing Locations

  • Male Student Dormitories
    Spread across multiple buildings near the academic faculties, these dorms mainly serve engineering and science students. They are conveniently located close to the central library and student clubs.

  • Female Student Dormitory
    A dedicated building within the main campus, equipped with a comprehensive security system and designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for female students.

Key Features of ITU Student Housing

  • Individual and group study rooms

  • High-speed free internet access in all rooms

  • Regular cleaning services and year-round central heating

  • Shared, fully equipped kitchens and dining facilities

  • Laundry rooms operated via card system

  • Recreational and student activity rooms

  • On-campus health unit for medical emergencies

Room Options

  • Single rooms – limited availability

  • Double and triple rooms – most common

  • Fully furnished (bed, wardrobe, desk, chair)

Application and Requirements

  • Priority is given to international students and first-year students.

  • Housing applications can be submitted after receiving official university admission.

  • Applications are made via the university’s online system or through the International Office.

  • Monthly housing fees are symbolic and vary based on room type and services.

  • Students must renew their housing application for each academic year.

Local and International Accreditations of Istanbul Technical University (ITU)

Istanbul Technical University is one of the most recognized Turkish universities both locally and internationally. It enjoys broad trust within academic and professional circles due to its rich history and the high quality of its academic programs.

Local Accreditations

  • Officially recognized by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK); ITU is one of the most prestigious and accredited public universities in Turkey.

  • A founding member of the Union of Turkish Technical Universities.

  • Its degrees are accredited and recognized by all Turkish governmental institutions, including the Ministries of Health, Education, Engineering, and Environment.

International Accreditations

  • Recognized in most European and Arab countries, with degrees accepted in many countries through academic recognition and student exchange agreements.

  • An active partner in international exchange programs such as Erasmus+, Mevlana, and Farabi.

  • Some of its engineering programs are accredited by ABET, the prestigious U.S.-based Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, giving ITU a strong global reputation in engineering and applied sciences.

  • Holds active memberships in several international educational and research alliances, including:

    • EUA (European University Association)

    • SEFI (European Society for Engineering Education)