Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University (FSMVU) is one of the leading universities in Istanbul, blending Ottoman heritage with academic modernity. It offers exceptional opportunities for studying in Turkey. The university is ranked 124th nationally, 6,925th in Asia, and 8,981st globally, while holding 24th place among Istanbul’s universities. It delivers programs in Arabic, English, and Turkish, making it a preferred destination for international students seeking to study in Turkey.
Establishment of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University
The university was founded in 2010 thanks to the efforts of five prominent charitable foundations: the “Fatih Sultan Mehmet Khan Foundation,” the “Sinan Agha bin Abdulrahman Foundation,” the “Nurbanu Valide Sultan Foundation,” the “Hatice Sultan Foundation,” and the “Abdullah Oğlu Hacı Abdulaziz Agha Foundation.” It became the first Turkish university to use Arabic alongside Turkish and English in instruction, with a special focus on Islamic sciences.
Vision and Mission
University Vision
The university aspires to be an innovative academic institution providing world-class education and conducting research that contributes to the advancement of society and science, while upholding human values.
University Mission
The mission of Sultan Mehmet Fatih Vakıf University centers on developing students’ critical and creative thinking, enhancing their personal and practical skills, respecting ethical values, and fostering individual contributions in educational and scientific pursuits.
Advantages of Studying at the University
The university offers a multilingual learning environment and modern infrastructure, making it an ideal destination for studying in Turkey.
- International academic staff from diverse nationalities with global experience.
- Instruction in three languages: Arabic, English, and Turkish.
- Six strategic campuses across Istanbul on both the European and Asian sides.
- Student exchange grants with European universities through the Erasmus program.
- International accreditations from prestigious bodies including the European Union and several Arab countries.
- Use of the latest technological equipment in the educational process.
Numbers and Accreditations
The figures reflect the university’s growth and international reach:
- Student body: 14,000 students from more than 100 nationalities.
- Eight faculties, a graduate institute, vocational schools, and two language schools.
- 20 research centers and 6 libraries housing over 90,000 printed volumes and more than 150,000 e-books.
- Recognition across all European Union countries and in Libya, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Yemen, Morocco, and other Arab nations.
Campuses and Location
The university’s campuses are situated in historic and strategic locations within Istanbul:
- Fatih Campus: A historic 1914 building housing the Faculty of Islamic Sciences.
- Gülhane (Piyalepaşa) Campus: Home to the Faculties of Architecture, Design, Engineering, Law, and the Vocational School.
- Topkapı Campus: Dedicated to Islamic Sciences and Arabic language studies.
- Çamlıca Campus: For the preparatory year of languages, located on a tranquil hill on the Asian side.
- Kandilli Campus: Hosts the Faculty of Fine Arts and workshops for handicrafts.
- Üsküdar Campus: Houses the Faculties of Letters, Education, Economics, and Vocational Arts.
Faculties and Programs
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University offers a wide range of majors at the bachelor’s and postgraduate levels:
- Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration, Law, Islamic Sciences, Arts & Humanities, Engineering (Civil, Biomedical, Software), Interior Design, Fine Arts, and more.
- Master’s degrees (with or without thesis) in Business Administration, Education, Architecture, Artificial Intelligence, Islamic Sciences, Political Science, and others.
- PhD programs in Islamic Sciences, Education Management, History, Graphic Design, Engineering, Clinical Psychology, and more.
- Vocational programs in Justice, Information Security Technology, Child Development, and Civil Aviation Services.
Scholarships and Fees
The university supports students with a variety of scholarships and discounts:
- Financial discounts ranging from 25% to 100% for over 95% of students.
- Special scholarships for Qur’an memorizers and high achievers in academics, sports, and the arts.
- Erasmus exchange scholarships with European universities.
- Annual undergraduate tuition fees range from USD 3000 to USD 7000.
Admission Requirements and Documents
Requirements vary by study level:
Bachelor’s
- High school diploma with a minimum GPA of 60%, translated if not in Turkish or English.
- Copy of passport and personal photos.
- Statement of purpose, recommendation letter, and language certificate (if available).
Master’s and PhD
- Bachelor’s degree and transcript with a minimum GPA of 60%.
- Copy of passport and personal photos.
- Statement of purpose, three recommendation letters, and CV.
- Language certificate (if available) according to program language (IELTS/TOEFL/YOS/TÜMER).
Application Periods
The university offers flexible registration periods for international students:
- Bachelor’s: once a year for five months in the fall term (May–September), extendable until October.
- Master’s & PhD: twice a year; fall (May–September) and spring (October–January), with studies beginning in February.
Student Life and Activities
The campus blends academics with extracurricular activities to enrich the student experience:
- Sports halls and clubs equipped for basketball, tennis, and fitness.
- Cafés and healthy-food restaurants on campus offering a comfortable study atmosphere.
- Cultural and artistic student clubs hosting ongoing workshops and events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of studying for a bachelor’s at Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University?
Annual undergraduate tuition fees range from USD 3000 to USD 7000, depending on the major and language of instruction.
Does the university offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. Scholarships include discounts from 25% to 100%, plus special grants for Qur’an memorizers, academic, sports, and artistic high achievers.
What documents are required to apply for a bachelor’s program?
A high school diploma and transcript (translated and certified), passport copy, personal photo, statement of purpose, recommendation letter, and language certificate if available.
When are the registration periods for master’s programs?
Registration is twice yearly: fall from May to September, and spring from October to January, with studies starting in February.
What are the university’s international accreditations?
Recognized across all European Union countries and in many Arab states including Libya, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, and Yemen.