If you’re a student who wants to have a wonderful study abroad experience, Istanbul is the right place for you! Istanbul is a vibrant city that a lot of students choose as their study destination because of its beautiful atmosphere, breathtaking landmarks, and, most importantly, private universities. Students choose private universities in Istanbul because of their high-quality education, flexibility, English-language instruction, and strong industry ties. 

 

One thing you have to be careful about while choosing a private university is the tuition fee. Although it is relatively cheaper than other cities, you can still find universities with high tuition fees, so make sure to take a look before you apply and budget accordingly. The application process for private universities is a little different than that for public ones. In fact, it’s known that private universities in Istanbul don’t require complicated admission requirements. You can immediately apply to private universities without submitting international certificates, like YOS or SAT.

 

What We Will Cover in This Guide

 

In this guide, our main goal is to answer all the questions you have about private universities, whether they’re about the best private universities in Istanbul, what these universities’ rankings are, their reputation, or their fees and scholarships. All our rankings are up-to-date, so you don’t have to worry about enrolling in a bad university!

Top Private Universities in Istanbul

1. Koç University

 

Koç University is considered one of the best private universities in Istanbul for international students. Founded in 1993 and then moving to its current campus near Sarıyer in 2000, the university is known for its academic success and renowned programs. With a lot of facilities, including faculty buildings, laboratories, libraries, dormitories, lodging, sports, and social facilities, the university is loved by many students, in addition to its beautiful atmosphere and surroundings.

 

According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, the university is ranked #431. The university offers a wide range of programs and research centers to help in conducting scientific and application studies, with the help of the university’s faculty members, who are always available for questions. 

 

The university welcomes international students from all over the world, as they have students from over 70 countries. In addition, nearly all undergraduate programs at Koç University have English-taught options, including:

 

• Engineering

• Sciences

• Social Sciences

• Humanities

• Economics

• Law

• Business Administration

• Medicine (School of Medicine offers its entire curriculum in English.)

 

There is also a wide range of support services for international students, including the international student office, the English language support program, academic advising, counseling services, and social and cultural activities. For undergraduate programs, the average cost is $13,100 - $21,500 per year, and $16,500 for graduate programs. There are a lot of scholarships available, including the need-based scholarships, the presidential scholarships, and the founders’ scholarships.

2. Sabancı University

 

The second on our list of private universities in Istanbul is Sabancı University. Ranked #501 according to the QS World University Rankings 2024 and #351 according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, the university is chosen by a wide range of international students. It’s known for its Engineering, Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Computer Science, and Law programs, with research focusing on sustainability, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and social sciences.

 

Sabancı University’s international student percentage is around 15% from over 50 countries, and it has a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs offered in English, especially in business, engineering, and social sciences. There is also a dedicated international student office that provides pre-arrival guidance, visa assistance, orientation programs, cultural events, and academic advising. The university has a modern campus with high-tech classrooms, well-equipped labs, libraries, sports facilities, student clubs, and on-campus housing options. 

 

The university is located in the Tuzla district of Istanbul, where there is easy access to public transportation and proximity to Sabiha Gökçen Airport. The campus is known for its vibrant and diverse environment, with a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. The tuition costs range from $4,200 to $12,500 a year, according to the program, and there are several scholarships available, including the Sabancı University Merit Scholarships and the Türkiye Scholarships.

 

3. Istanbul Bilgi University

 

Another one of the most important private universities in Istanbul for international students is Istanbul Bilgi University. It is another favorite for international students who want to study in Turkey because of its high ranking among private universities. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, the university is ranked #591, with renowned programs in Media and Communication Studies, Visual Arts and Design, Cinema and Television, Law, Political Science, and International Relations, and a research focus in media and communication studies, visual arts, social sciences, law, and human rights.

 

Around 10% of the student body at Istanbul Bilgi University comes from international students, as the university provides English-taught programs in a huge number of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly in Media and Communication Studies, Visual Arts and Design, and Social Sciences. In addition, the university has an international student office that offers pre-arrival guidance, visa assistance, orientation programs, cultural events, and academic advising.

 

The university has three campuses scattered across the European side of Istanbul, which are as follows:

 

• Santral Istanbul

• Dolapdere

• Kuştepe

 

All campuses are well-connected by public transportation, and they all have a vibrant, artistic, and quiet atmosphere. As an international student, you’ll be paying around $4,700-$9,300 a year. You can always apply for the available scholarships, including the Bilgi University Merit Scholarships and the Türkiye Scholarships.

4. Özyeğin University

 

Ranked #6 in Turkey and #401 in the world according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, Özyeğin University is at the top of the list of private universities in Istanbul. It has a wide range of amazing programs, including business administration, engineering (particularly industrial engineering and computer engineering), architecture, aviation, and gastronomy. The university is also known for its research focus on sustainability, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, financial technology, and aviation safety.

 

Özyeğin University has one of the largest percentages of international students in Istanbul, with 18% of the student body coming from over 70 countries. In addition, the university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in English, especially in business, engineering, and architecture. As an international student, you won’t have to worry about not having support, as the university has an international student office that offers pre-arrival guidance, visa assistance, orientation programs, cultural events, and academic advising.

 

The university’s campus is in Çekmeköy, with high-tech classrooms, labs, libraries, sports facilities, and student housing options. It has access to public transportation with shuttle services offered by the university. The campus’ surroundings are known to be quiet and residential, perfect for students who want to study in peace. The average tuition costs are around $6,200-$12,500, with several scholarship options you can apply for, including the Özyeğin University Merit Scholarships and the Türkiye Scholarships.

 

5. Bahçeşehir University

 

Bahçeşehir University is one of the top private universities in Istanbul for international students. It’s ranked #5 among Turkish universities according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. Also, it’s ranked #1601 in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2024. It has well-known programs in engineering (particularly robotics and artificial intelligence), architecture, computer science, economics and finance, and law, and research focuses on robotics, artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, nanotechnology, entrepreneurship, law, and society.

 

As for international students, around 8% of the student body comes from over 60 countries, and the university has a lot of English-taught courses, including Engineering, Computer Science, and Business Administration. Not to mention, the university has a dedicated international student office that offers pre-arrival guidance, visa assistance, orientation programs, cultural events, and academic advising. 

 

There are seven campuses spread across Istanbul, offering modern classrooms, labs, libraries, sports facilities, and student housing options. The main Besiktas campus has an amazing location on the Bosphorus. You’ll have access to public transportation, buses, and taxis. You’ll enjoy your time on campus because of the vibrant atmosphere! The tuition costs are around $3,800-$9,000, depending on the program. The Bahçeşehir University Merit Scholarships and Türkiye Scholarships are also available if you’re considering a scholarship. 

 

6. Işık University

 

Considered one of the best private universities in Istanbul, Işık University is a respected university. It has a wide range of renowned programs, including law, architecture, political science and international relations, economics, and communication studies, with a research focus on law and society, human rights, sustainable development, urban design, and political communication.

 

The university welcomes international students from all over the world. Around 7% of the student body comes from over 40 countries. A list of English-taught courses is available, including law and political science. In addition, the university’s international student office provides pre-arrival guidance, visa assistance, orientation programs, cultural events, and academic advising.

 

There are two campuses in Istanbul:

 

• Şirintepe Campus: The main campus has modern classrooms, labs, libraries, sports facilities, and student housing options.

• Sarıyer Campus: A smaller campus focused on law and social sciences programs.

 

Both campuses are well-connected by public transportation, and the Sarıyer campus sometimes requires additional buses or taxis. You’ll be paying around $4,500-$7,100 per year, depending on the program. You can also apply for the Işık University Merit Scholarships or the Türkiye Scholarships.

 

7. Yeditepe University

 

Yeditepe University is a well-known, respected university that’s ranked #801 in the world according to QS World University Rankings 2024. It offers an abundance of programs, including dentistry, architecture, law, engineering (particularly software engineering and biomedical engineering), fine arts, and design. The university has a strong research focus on dentistry, oral health, sustainable architecture, legal theory, software development, and digital art.

 

Around 7% of the student body comes from over 80 countries. There are a limited number of undergraduate and graduate programs offered in English, including dentistry, architecture, and business administration. The university offers support for international students in the form of pre-arrival guidance, visa assistance, orientation programs, cultural events, and academic advising. 

 

The campus is in Istanbul's Kayışdağı district, with modern classrooms, labs, libraries, sports facilities, student housing options, and several public transportation methods (Metrobus, metro, buses). You’ll be paying around $5,500-$11,000 depending on the program and your nationality. The university offers two scholarships: the Yeditepe University Merit Scholarships and the Türkiye Scholarships.

 

8. MEF University

 

Ranked #11 among Turkish universities according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, MEF University is a great option if you’re looking for private universities in Istanbul for international students. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, the university is ranked #1201 in the world, with programs excelling in business administration, engineering (particularly industrial engineering and computer engineering), aviation, architecture, and law. The university has a research focus on entrepreneurship, sustainable development, artificial intelligence, financial technology, aviation safety, and urban design.

 

Around 15% of the student body comes from over 60 countries, with a significant number of undergraduate and graduate programs offered in English, especially in business, engineering, and aviation. You will never feel lost at the university because of the pre-arrival guidance, visa assistance, orientation programs, cultural events, and academic advising offered. 

 

There are three campuses spread across Istanbul:

 

• Sarıyer Campus: The main campus has modern classrooms, labs, libraries, sports facilities, and student housing options.

• Menteşe Campus: A smaller campus focused on engineering and aviation programs.

• Ibni Sina Campus: A new campus specializing in health sciences.

 

Each campus has its own accessibility options. Sarıyer is well-connected by public transportation, while Menteşe requires additional buses or taxis. The Ibni Sina campus is currently under development. The average tuition fees range from $5,000 to $12,000, and there is more than one scholarship option available, including the MEF University Merit Scholarships and the Türkiye Scholarships. 

 

9. Istanbul Medipol University

 

Istanbul Medipol University is another example of one of the best private universities in Istanbul. It has a reputation for offering the best academic programs, especially in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, health sciences, engineering (particularly biomedical engineering), and nursing. The university has a research focus on medical and dental research, pharmacology, health technology, bioengineering, and nursing science. 

 

Around 10-15% of the student body comes from various countries, and a decent number of undergraduate and graduate programs are offered in English, especially in medicine, dentistry, nursing, and business administration. Pre-arrival guidance, visa assistance, orientation programs, cultural events, and academic advising are all available at the university. 

 

The university has two campuses in Istanbul:

 

• Kavacık Campus: The main campus has a university hospital, modern classrooms, labs, libraries, sports facilities, and student housing options.

• Haliç Campus: A smaller campus focused on health sciences and vocational schools.

 

Kavacık campus is located on the Anatolian side, which is accessible by public transportation with shuttle services available, while the Haliç campus is more central and easily reached by tram. The tuition costs range from $5,500 to $14,500. The Istanbul Medipol University Merit Scholarships and the Türkiye Scholarships are also available. 

 

10. Istanbul Aydın University

 

Finally, Istanbul Aydın University is the last on our list of the best private universities in Istanbul! The university offers many programs, especially in communication studies, interior design, tourism and hotel management, law, and computer science, with research focusing on media and communication studies, tourism and hospitality research, urban design, legal theory, and artificial intelligence. 

 

Around 7% of the student body comes from over 60 countries. In addition, a moderate number of undergraduate and graduate programs are offered in English, particularly in communication studies, international relations, and business administration. Also, the international student office provides pre-arrival guidance, visa assistance, orientation programs, and cultural events. Academic advice is available through individual programs. 

 

Several campuses spread across Istanbul:

• Şakrin Campus: The main campus has modern classrooms, labs, libraries, sports facilities, and student housing options.

• Avcılar Campus: A smaller campus focused on technical programs and vocational schools.

• Bahçelievler Campus: It houses the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design.

Şakrin is well-connected by public transportation, while Avcılar and Bahçelievler require additional buses or taxis. You’ll be paying from $4,700 to $9,300. Istanbul Aydın University Merit Scholarships and the Türkiye Scholarships are also available if you’re considering a scholarship. 

 

Ranking Resources For Private Istanbul Universities

 

Before choosing a university, make sure to consult several sources for Turkish university rankings to choose the best one. We recommend checking the QS World University Rankings and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. They both provide accurate rankings to help you choose.

 

Choosing the Right Fit: Questions to Ask Yourself

 

You also have to ask yourself a bunch of questions before choosing a university to make the choice easier for you!

 

• Academic Priorities: During your search, consider which universities excel in your chosen subject area to be able to choose the most suitable university for you.

• Career Goals: Decide which university has strong links to industries you're targeting for internships or post-graduation opportunities. This will facilitate your life after graduation.

• Budget: You have to set a budget for yourself while studying abroad. Tuition fees can be really expensive, see if you can land a scholarship to help you.

• Desired Lifestyle: Decide which lifestyle suits you best. Is it city life, or do you prefer a quieter campus? 

 

FAQS

 

Do I need to speak Turkish to attend a private university in Istanbul? 

Many private universities offer programs entirely, or largely, in English. However, you should check if your chosen university has English-taught programs, as some universities don’t. 

 

Are private universities in Istanbul accredited? How can I verify?

This is an important matter you have to check before you join the university. The Turkish Higher Education Council is a good starting point to check. Also, all accredited universities in Turkey, including private institutions in Istanbul, are overseen by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). 

 

Do private universities in Istanbul offer scholarships specifically for international students?

Yes, private universities offer scholarships for both local and international students. For example, the Türkiye Scholarships offer various scholarships.

 

What are the typical class sizes like at Istanbul's private universities?

This varies from one university to another. If you’re into smaller classes, make sure to check the website beforehand. 

 

Can I work part-time while studying at a private university in Istanbul?

It's illegal for students on a regular student visa to work in Turkey without a work permit. For undergraduate students, after successfully completing one academic year, a limited work permit can be obtained for part-time jobs (maximum 20 hours/week) during term time and full-time during official holidays.

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, studying abroad is a wonderful experience, especially if you’re looking for private universities in Istanbul. It’s important to find a place that suits your preferences and aligns with your academic needs, career aspirations, and desired lifestyle to ensure a good experience. Good luck!