Istanbul University represents an example of the rapid growth experienced in Turkey’s higher education sector, as Turkish universities compete for leadership, keep pace with scientific and technological advances, and innovate in teaching and training methods. Alongside this modernity, many Turkish universities still preserve their heritage, authenticity, and long history filled with achievements. In this article, we will provide comprehensive information about one of Turkey’s most prestigious universities and discuss studying there in detail.
Introduction to Istanbul University
This university is among the foremost in Turkey—it is the oldest, largest, and most prestigious Turkish university. Its history dates back to 1453 AD when Mehmed the Conqueror founded it after entering Istanbul. Its facilities are spread across Istanbul, with the main campus located in Beyazıt Square.
It is a Turkish public university that conducts instruction in both Turkish and English, offering a wide range of scientific, literary, and applied disciplines. The university has produced many pioneers of the Turkish state, including Turkish President Abdullah Gül.
Now, let’s explore it in some detail:
Ranking
Istanbul University is one of the most prestigious and oldest Turkish universities. Despite its age and heritage, it remains at the forefront of Turkish higher education, ranking fourth in Turkey and 801st among the world’s best universities.
Istanbul University Facilities
The university’s facilities are spread across various parts of Istanbul, with the main campus located in Beyazıt Square. The university comprises 16 faculties, 14 institutes, 2 administrative departments, 74 research centers, and 4 schools, and it includes the following nine campuses:
- Beyazıt Campus
- Fidelity Campus
- Sulaymaniyah Campus
- Hunters Campus
- Cashier Campus
- Kadikoy Campus
- Laleli Campus
- Horhor Campus
- Anchor Campus
Major Faculties at Istanbul University
The university has 16 faculties, with one currently under establishment, distributed throughout Istanbul and offering a wide range of disciplines. These faculties are:
- Istanbul Faculty of Medicine (Medicine)
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Nursing
- Faculty of Literature
- Faculty of Theology
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Management
- Faculty of Political Sciences
- Faculty of Architecture
- Faculty of Aquatic Sciences
- Faculty of Communication
- Faculty of Open and Distance Education
- Faculty of Transport and Logistics
- Faculty of Computer and Information Technologies (Under establishment)
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Istanbul University Institutes
In addition to its faculties, the university includes many scientific, educational, and applied institutes, which are listed below:
- Institute of Ataturk’s Principles and Reforms
- Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Management
- Institute of Graduate Studies in Sciences
- Institute of Aviation Psychology
- Institute of Business Economics
- Institute of Accountancy
- Institute of Oncology
- Institute of Health Sciences
- Institute of Social Sciences
- Research Institute of Turkology
- Institute of Child Health
- International Institute for Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity
- Institute of Islamic Studies
Istanbul University Schools
It includes the following schools:
- School of State Conservatory
- School of Foreign Languages
- Vocational School of Law
- Vocational School of Security and Safety
Admission Requirements at Istanbul University
- Like other Turkish universities, it requires international students to pass the "Foreign Student Exam" or the "YOS Exam" as a basic admission requirement. This exam tests the fundamental knowledge of applicants in areas such as engineering, mathematics, IQ, and more.
- A language certificate in the language of instruction (Turkish or English) used by the university.
- A certified high school diploma.
- A copy of the passport.
- Completion of the required medical examinations and proof of being free from mental and physical illnesses.
Tuition Fees at Istanbul University
Turkish universities generally offer low tuition fees compared to the quality of education provided, making them a destination for international students from around the world. The table below outlines the approximate tuition fees for international students at this Turkish university:
| Educational Level | Cost |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $3000 per year |
| Master’s Degree | $3000 per year |
As for living costs, the average monthly expenses for an individual in Turkey range between 2500 and 3000 Turkish lira, which is approximately $200 to $225.
Notable Alumni of Istanbul University
Over its long history, many graduates have held high-ranking positions in the Turkish state and have become pioneers in Turkey, including:
- Turkish President Abdullah Gül, who graduated from the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences.
- Turkish writer and novelist Orhan Pamuk, a Nobel Prize in Literature laureate whose works have been translated into 34 different languages.
- Turkish-American geneticist, biochemist, and molecular biologist Aziz Sancar, who studied medicine there and received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Advantages of Studying at Turkish Universities
Turkish universities in general, and Istanbul University in particular, offer many advantages that make them a preferred destination for international students from all over the world, including:
- High educational standards with degrees recognized by leading institutions and countries worldwide.
- Modern specializations, advanced curricula, and updated, exemplary teaching and training methods.
- Highly competent academic and training staff.
- Opportunities for university internships and practical training with local companies during the study period.
- A large number of universities distributed throughout Turkey.
- Low tuition fees compared to universities in other countries.
- Numerous scholarships offered annually by the universities and the Turkish government, providing opportunities to waive tuition fees and receive a monthly stipend to cover study expenses throughout the course.
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Thus, we have reached the end of our article about Istanbul University. In this article, we explored the university, its facilities, faculties, institutes, and schools; we discussed its admission requirements and tuition fees, and highlighted its most notable alumni. We also examined the advantages of studying at Turkish universities. If you, dear reader, are looking for a university that combines heritage, authenticity, modernity, and progress, then this is one of the best universities with that unique quality in the world.
We also remind you that Skyline Education is always pleased to assist you with all the necessary information and details about any university in Turkey, as well as with the registration process, in addition to our comprehensive educational services that are indispensable for any student in Turkey.