Istanbul University

Istanbul University: Turkey’s Most Prestigious University and Your Gateway to the Future

Istanbul University is one of the oldest and most significant universities in Turkey and the Islamic world. It was founded in 1453, following the conquest of Istanbul by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. Since then, the university has played a pivotal role in the development of higher education and scientific research during the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish Republic.

Today, Istanbul University continues its legacy as a prestigious educational institution that blends deep-rooted heritage with modern academic standards. Every year, it welcomes thousands of local and international students across various scientific, humanities, and medical disciplines.

Why Choose Istanbul University?

1. A Rich Academic History
Istanbul University is the first public university in Turkey and a cradle of higher education and academic research for over five centuries. Its degrees carry high value in both the Turkish and international job markets.

2. Prestigious Academic Standing
The university ranks highly both nationally and internationally and is considered one of the most influential universities in Turkey for scientific research and academic output.

3. Diverse Faculties and Comprehensive Programs
The university includes over 20 faculties and institutes covering all major disciplines, such as:

• Faculty of Medicine (one of the oldest in Turkey)

• Faculty of Pharmacy

• Faculty of Engineering

• Faculty of Science

• Faculty of Law

• Faculty of Letters

• Faculty of Political Sciences

• Faculty of Economics

• Faculty of Dentistry

• Faculty of Theology

• Faculties of Education, Communication, Languages, Nursing, Veterinary Medicine, and more

4. All Academic Degrees
Istanbul University offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in various fields, and is well known for its graduate studies and research excellence.

5. Languages of Instruction

• Turkish (main language)

• English (for select programs like medicine and engineering)

• Arabic (in certain departments such as Islamic Studies and Islamic History)

6. Prime Location in the Heart of Istanbul
Located in the historic center of the city (Beyazıt), the university offers students a unique educational and cultural experience in one of the world’s most historically rich cities.

7. Comprehensive Facilities

• Historic libraries and extensive archives

• Advanced research laboratories

• Fully equipped classrooms

• University hospitals (e.g., the renowned Çapa Medical Center)

• On- and off-campus student housing

• Cultural and sports centers

8. International Student Community
Istanbul University hosts thousands of international students from over 100 countries, creating a diverse and vibrant academic environment rich in cultural and scientific exchange.

9. Exchange and International Cooperation Programs

• Active member of Erasmus+, Mevlana, and Farabi programs

• Academic partnerships with universities and research centers across Europe, Asia, and the Americas

• Member of the European University Association and other global academic unions

10. Affordable Tuition and Public Support
As a public university, Istanbul University offers low tuition fees compared to private institutions, while maintaining a high standard of education.

University Vision:

To become a leading global university in education and research, aligned with scientific advancements, and contributing to the development of sustainable societies through the graduation of qualified and impactful individuals.

Rankings:

• Ranked among the top 1,000 universities globally by QS and THE rankings

• First in Turkey in terms of the number of international scientific publications

Student Population:

Over 75,000 students, including thousands of international students

Academic Staff:

More than 5,000 faculty members

First: Undergraduate Programs (Lisans)

Faculty of Medicine

• Medicine (in Turkish / English)

Faculty of Pharmacy

• Pharmacy (in Turkish)

Faculty of Dentistry

• Dentistry (in Turkish)

Faculty of Engineering

• Electrical and Electronics Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Computer Engineering

• Environmental Engineering

• Geological Engineering

• Industrial Engineering

• Information Systems Engineering
  (Some programs are offered in English)

Faculty of Science

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Mathematics

• Biology

• Statistics

Faculty of Economics

• Economics

• Business Administration

• Finance

• International Relations

• Econometrics

• Islamic Economics and Finance
  (Some programs are available in English)

Faculty of Political Sciences

• Political Science and Public Administration

• International Relations

• Local Administration and Urban Policies

Faculty of Law

• Law (in Turkish)

Faculty of Letters

• Psychology

• Sociology

• History

• Geography

• Philosophy

• Turkish Language and Literature

• Arabic Literature

• English Literature

• French Literature

• Translation and Interpreting (English, French, German)

• Art History

• Linguistics

• Islamic History

Faculty of Theology

• Islamic Law (in Turkish and Arabic)

• Preaching and Fundamentals of Religion

• Comparative Jurisprudence

• Modern Islamic Studies

Faculty of Communication

• Media and Journalism

• Public Relations

• Radio and Television

• Cinema and Digital Media

Faculty of Education

• Turkish Language Teaching

• Foreign Language Teaching

• Primary Education

• Special Education

• Psychological Counseling and Guidance

• Science and Mathematics Teaching

Other Faculties

• Faculty of Nursing

• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

• Faculty of Health Sciences

• Faculty of Fine Arts

• Faculty of Forestry

• Faculty of Business Administration

Second: Graduate and Doctoral Programs (Yüksek Lisans & Doktora)

Istanbul University offers over 200 graduate programs in the following fields:

• Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences

• Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Industries

• Health Management

• Business Administration and Economics

• International and Criminal Law

• Comparative Literature

• Translation and Linguistic Studies

• Political Science and International Relations

• Islamic Law and Qur’anic Studies

• Clinical and Educational Psychology

• Digital Media

• Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis

• Software Engineering

• Environmental Sciences

• Renewable Energy

• Ottoman Studies

• Islamic History

• Education and Pedagogy

• Educational Institutions Management

Many of these programs are taught in English, especially at the master’s and doctoral levels, and are available through exchange programs or direct admission.

Languages of Instruction

• Turkish: The primary language for most programs

• English: Available in selected programs, especially in Medicine, Engineering, and Economics

• Arabic: Offered in certain programs within Theology and Islamic Studies

Campus Life at Istanbul University

Istanbul University boasts a number of campuses spread across the city, each dedicated to specific faculties and academic programs. These campuses reflect the university’s unique blend of historical heritage and modern infrastructure, mirroring the spirit of the city itself.

1. Main Campus – Beyazıt Campus (Beyazıt Kampüsü)

• One of the oldest university campuses in Turkey, located in the historic heart of Istanbul, near major landmarks such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

• Hosts faculties such as Letters, Economics, Law, and Science.

• Its iconic gate is considered a symbol of higher education in Turkey, with the historic building dating back to the Ottoman era.

2. Cerrahpaşa Campus (Cerrahpaşa Kampüsü)

• Home to the Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, a renowned center for medical education.

• Includes a large university hospital used for clinical training and serving patients from all over Istanbul.

3. Avcılar Campus (Avcılar Kampüsü)

• Located on the European side of the city.

• Hosts faculties such as Engineering, Science, and Business Administration, along with advanced research centers and institutes.

• Features modern buildings, well-equipped laboratories, and on-campus student housing.

4. Fatih / Bakırköy Campus

• Dedicated to health-related faculties such as Nursing and Health Sciences.

• Close to university hospitals and medical centers, providing practical training opportunities for students.

5. Küçükçekmece Campus (Küçükçekmece Kampüsü)

• Includes several technical and vocational programs.

• Equipped with modern research facilities.

Campus Facilities and Services

• Extensive academic libraries, including the central Beyazıt Library, housing rare manuscripts and multilingual collections.

• Advanced research and application laboratories with modern equipment.

• Affordable student dormitories, available in various locations across the city.

• Sports facilities, including gyms, football and basketball courts, and swimming pools.

• On-campus cafeterias and restaurants offering subsidized meals for students.

• Medical and counseling centers providing health and wellness support within the campuses.

• Convenient transportation links, with easy access between campuses via public transit such as metro and metrobüs.

Student Housing at Istanbul University

Istanbul University provides a number of on-campus housing units, primarily designated for its students—especially international students or those coming from outside Istanbul. These facilities aim to offer a safe and comfortable educational living environment within close proximity to university campuses.

Campus Housing Locations

Avcılar Campus (Avcılar Kampüsü):

• Hosts one of the university’s largest dormitory buildings.

• Serves students from the Faculties of Engineering, Science, and Business Administration.

• Located near the academic buildings, the dorm is known for its peaceful environment and convenient educational facilities.

Cerrahpaşa Campus (Cerrahpaşa Kampüsü):

• Provides dedicated housing for students of Medicine and Nursing.

• Located adjacent to the university hospital, ensuring easy access for clinical and practical training.

Küçükçekmece Campus (Küçükçekmece Kampüsü):

• Offers dormitory facilities for students enrolled in technical programs.

• Equipped with essential on-site services.

Key Features of University Housing

• Priority admission for international students and those from outside Istanbul.

• Affordable fees compared to private housing options.

• Structured and secure educational environment, monitored 24/7.

• Study and reading rooms available within the dormitories.

• Free internet access in all rooms.

• Cleaning, heating, and maintenance services included.

• Direct proximity to faculties and laboratories.

• Occasional student events held within the dorms to promote social interaction.

Application Process

• Students can apply for dormitory housing after receiving their university admission.

• Applications can be submitted through the official university website or via the International Relations Office / Foreign Students Office.

• Rooms are assigned based on capacity (single or double rooms).

• A nominal monthly fee is required, which varies depending on the campus.

Accreditations and Recognitions of Istanbul University

1. National Accreditation (YÖK / YÖKAK)

• Istanbul University is officially recognized by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK), which is essential for the validity of degrees both within Turkey and internationally.

• The university has received full accreditation from the Turkish Higher Education Quality Council (YÖKAK), confirming its compliance with the highest academic and administrative quality standards in the country.

2. International Business Accreditation

• The Faculty of Business Administration at Istanbul University has earned the prestigious AACSB accreditation, placing its programs among the top 6% of business schools worldwide.

3. Broad International Academic Engagement

• The university participates in the Bologna Process, facilitating mutual degree recognition between Turkey and EU countries.

• It is actively involved in international academic exchange programs such as Erasmus+ and Mevlana, and maintains exchange agreements with over 100 universities worldwide.

4. Additional Specialized Accreditations

• Many faculties are engaged in international quality initiatives, including academic accreditation for sciences and participation in global research collaborations and projects, ensuring that degrees are widely recognized in numerous countries.