Tuition Fee Guide for Sabahattin Zaim University Programs

In this article, we provide a detailed overview of the tuition fees for various programs at Sabahattin Zaim University for the 2026 academic year.

As one of the top destinations for international students who wish to study in Turkey, the university stands out for its academic excellence and leadership across a wide range of disciplines.

Sabahattin Zaim University is committed to preparing a new generation of highly qualified students who are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to shape a better future.

If you’re considering your academic path carefully, this article will help you make an informed decision by introducing you to the university’s unique advantages, programs, and admission requirements.

Keep reading to learn more!

Overview of Sabahattin Zaim University (SZU)

Sabahattin Zaim University was officially established in 2010 by the well-known Turkish educational foundation İlim Yayma Vakfı (The Foundation for the Dissemination of Knowledge). While the university welcomed its first students in the 2011–2012 academic year, its educational roots date back to 1973. This makes it a well-established institution with a modern vision.

Here are some key highlights about the university:

• The university is named after Professor Sabahattin Zaim, one of the most prominent economists in Turkey, who made significant contributions to the advancement of higher education both locally and internationally.
• SZU hosts approximately 2,000 international students each year, representing over 100 different nationalities. This creates a vibrant, multicultural, and socially enriching environment for all students.
• The university’s main campus is located in the Halkalı district, which houses most academic facilities. Additional campuses include the Faculty of Education in Altunizade and the Research Center in Eyüp.
• Sabahattin Zaim University is recognized as one of Turkey’s leading international research universities due to its strong academic and physical infrastructure. It offers 39 undergraduate programs, 70 master’s programs, and 22 doctoral programs to meet diverse academic ambitions.
• The university aspires to become one of the top five private universities in Turkey.
• SZU’s core values include authenticity, academic freedom, innovation, justice, and environmental sustainability — reflecting a commitment to nurturing principled, creative, and socially aware graduates.
• The university comprises various faculties and institutes, including the Faculties of Education, Law, Engineering, Islamic Sciences, Health Sciences, and Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as vocational schools and graduate institutes.
• Academic programs are offered in Arabic, English, and Turkish.
• The university features a preparatory language school and is an accredited TOEFL exam center — making it a welcoming destination for international students from all over the world.

Read also: Top Turkish Universities and Their National and Global Rankings

Sabahaddin Zaim University Program Fees  

The following table outlines the program fees at Sabahaddin Zaim University:  

Sabahattin Zaim University Ranking

Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University is considered one of the top private universities in Istanbul, Turkey. Additionally:

• According to the QS Emerging Europe and Central Asia (EECA) University Rankings, Sabahattin Zaim University was ranked between 351–400 for the year 2022.
• In the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings, the university ranked in the 801–1000 band for 2024.
• It also secured the 61st position in the 2025 Western Europe University Rankings.

Learn more: Study Costs in Turkey in English

Advantages of Studying at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University

Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University is considered one of the most prominent private universities in Turkey, as it combines high-quality education, a modern academic environment, and unwavering support for both local and international students.

Below are the main advantages of studying at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University:

1. Strategic Location

The university is located in a strategic area called Küçükçekmece on the European side of Istanbul, close to key points such as Istanbul Airport and the E-5 and TEM (European Highway) expressways. The campus is just 10 minutes away from the Sefaköy Metrobus station, allowing students to easily reach any destination in Istanbul thanks to the campus’s proximity to public transportation like the metro and metrobus.

2. Academic Staff

The university boasts a distinguished academic staff, combining talented young faculty members with many academics who hold PhDs from abroad. Additionally, there are expert lecturers and researchers from 35 different countries, providing students with a world-class scientific learning environment.

3. Language of Instruction

In addition to offering high-quality education, the university uses English or Arabic as the primary or partial language of instruction in its programs. It also offers undergraduate programs in Turkish, along with opportunities to learn global languages such as Spanish, Russian, and Chinese for free—enhancing students’ chances of integration into the job market.

4. Career Support Center and Psychological Counseling Office

The Career Center at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University supports students’ training through placements in leading Turkish companies and organizes workshops and professional events in cooperation with top corporations to prepare students early for the job market. The center also supports job fairs and other activities held throughout the academic year on campus, offering diverse internship opportunities to students.

The Psychological Counseling and Guidance Unit at the university aims to support students’ academic and psychological development and facilitate their adjustment to university life.

5.Infrastructure

The university boasts a modern infrastructure that includes fully equipped classrooms and facilities that support technological research. It also features halls for conferences and seminars, where all kinds of cultural, artistic, and sports events can be organized.

The university’s main campus includes all the educational and recreational facilities that support students’ social lives, along with numerous sports amenities that host various athletic and Olympic events and tournaments—ensuring a balanced and healthy student life.

The campus offers a variety of cafeterias and dining areas where students can enjoy meals and relax during their free time.

Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University recently opened its Central Library, the largest in Istanbul, with an area of 13,500 square meters, a capacity of 1,500 researchers, and a collection of one million books. It is considered one of the largest 24/7 libraries in Turkey, renowned for its rich collection, international academic databases, and both individual and group study rooms.

The university also supports students with disabilities by ensuring they receive all necessary services related to academic programs and campus life. It continuously develops appropriate methods to help them succeed and integrate easily into university life.

6. Student Exchange Programs

The university offers numerous student exchange programs that provide students with the opportunity to study abroad through bilateral agreements signed between Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University and universities from various countries around the world, especially in Europe.

The university has also signed Erasmus agreements with over 130 universities in 38 countries, making it one of the most preferred student exchange programs.

Additionally, student exchange agreements for various programs have been signed with 45 universities from 27 countries—from the United Kingdom to Malaysia, from Morocco to Indonesia, and from Brunei to Malta.

Learn more about: Turkish Universities Recognized in Arab Countries

7. University Dormitories

Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University offers separate, safe, and comfortable on-campus dormitories for male and female students, designed in the form of student apartments. These dormitories are equipped with all necessary service and recreational facilities such as cinemas, cafeterias, fitness centers, handicraft workshops, and study halls with state-of-the-art computers. This allows students to enjoy their free time on campus and attend classes on schedule.

8. Scholarships

Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University offers a scholarship system based on several key factors, the most important of which are:

First – Admission Scholarships Based on ÖSYM Placement

Students admitted through the ÖSYM placement process receive tuition fee discounts for the following academic programs (Arabic Language Teaching, Food Engineering, Islamic Economics and Finance, Islamic Sciences, Health Management, Political Science and International Relations, Social Work, Sociology, History, and Turkish Language and Literature) as follows:

• A 30% discount if one of these programs is the student’s first choice.
• A 25% discount if one of these programs is among the top five choices.

For other programs offered by the university:

• Students receive a 20% discount if the program is their first choice.
• Students receive a 15% discount if the program is among their top five choices.

Second – Annual Academic Excellence Scholarships

Students who excel academically benefit from a tuition discount for the following academic year as follows:

• 100% discount for the student ranked first, in addition to financial support and a daily meal at the university cafeteria.
• 75% discount for the student ranked second.
• 50% discount for the student ranked third.

Also read: Registering for the Turkish Scholarship: Admission Requirements and Required Documents

Requirements for Receiving the Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University Merit Scholarship

Below are the conditions for obtaining the merit scholarship at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University:

• Passing all academic courses
• Achieving a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00
• Ranking among the top three students in one’s cohort

Requirements for Applying to the 100% Scholarship at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University

Applicants who wish to apply for a full (100%) scholarship must submit the following additional documents:

• SAT or YÖS exam results
• A motivation letter outlining academic goals
• Letters of recommendation

Helpful Tips to Increase Your Chances of Receiving a Scholarship at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University

To boost your chances of receiving a scholarship at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, consider the following recommendations:

• Submit YÖS exam scores if you’re an international student
• Provide internationally recognized exam scores (e.g., SAT, IB, GCE) if you haven’t taken the YÖS
• Maintain a high school GPA above 80%
• Submit a motivation letter of at least 1,500 characters
• Have at least B2 level English proficiency
• Provide certificates of training, skills, etc.
• Include a sample of academic writing

9. Double Major and Minor Programs

Students at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University who meet the necessary requirements can enroll in double major programs, allowing them to pursue a second bachelor’s degree simultaneously and graduate with two diplomas in different fields. Alternatively, they may choose a minor program that complements their major field of study, based on their interests.

10.  Entrepreneurship

Zaim Technopark, the first technopark established among private universities in Istanbul, is located on the university’s main campus. Its objectives include:

• Implementing outstanding student projects
• Providing internship and employment opportunities for qualified students
• Offering services in energy, food, IT, and healthcare sectors
• Marketing innovative ideas and enhancing university-industry collaboration
• Developing tech projects and supporting various economic sectors
• Turning students’ innovative ideas into real-world projects

11. Research Centers

The academic research conducted in the university’s research centers represents an important reference for the broader community. Over 100 projects have been carried out with support from TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey), KOSGEB (Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization), and ISTKA (Istanbul Development Agency). Key research centers include:

• Center for Research and Studies in International Islamic Economics and Finance
• Mehmet Akif Ersoy Center for Research in History, Literature, and Civilization
• Research Center for Nuclear Sensor Technologies and Robotics
• Research Center for Gifted Children Education
• Distance Education Research Center
• Center for Islamic and Global Affairs
• Halal Food R&D Center – the first of its kind among Turkish universities, specializing in testing food products, issuing conformity certificates, and verifying that additives used in food production are natural and healthy.

You may also be interested in: Advantages of Studying in Turkey: Universities, Requirements, and Costs

Admission Requirements at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University

Regarding admission to Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, the university has outlined a set of conditions that applicants must fulfill to ensure acceptance. Chief among these is completing the online application form and attaching the following documents in Turkish or translated into English:

1. A copy of the high school diploma, translated and notarized by a notary or consulate (the original diploma and equivalency certificate will be required upon enrollment).
2. The student’s high school transcript.
3. A copy of the passport or Turkish ID for students residing in Turkey.
4. A recent personal photo.

Upon receiving the letter of acceptance, students must submit the following documents to finalize their registration at the university:

1. The letter of acceptance
2. The original high school diploma (certified with a stamp), along with a notarized or consulate-approved official translation
3. An equivalency certificate, proving that the high school diploma is equivalent to those issued by Turkish high schools and recognized by the Turkish Ministry of Education
4. The original transcript for all high school years, certified and translated by a notary or the consulate
5. Passport (all pages showing personal information and validity period)
6. Residence permit
7. Proof of payment of the registration fee
8. Four personal photos
9. Language proficiency certificate (if available)
10. A signed copy of the Foreign Student Commitment Form attached to the acceptance letter

Note:

Students are exempted from the language preparatory year if they provide an official language proficiency certificate with the required score (e.g., TOEFL score of 72 for English).

Read also: University Admission Deadlines and Requirements in Turkey

What are the Academic Programs at Sabahaddin Zaim University?

Sabahaddin Zaim University offers a wide range of academic programs across various fields through its faculties, institutes, and higher schools.  

1- Faculties & Undergraduate Programs 

2. Graduate Institute 

Below are the master’s and doctoral programs offered:  

1. Master’s Programs  

2. PhD Programs  

Third – Higher and Preparatory Schools

1. Higher Schools

• School of Foreign Languages, Translation (English)
• School of Physical Education and Sports

2. Language Preparatory Schools

• Arabic Language School
• English Language School
• Turkish Language School

How Can Directly Help You Enroll at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University?

Directly offers a comprehensive package of student services—many of which are free—for international students, based on its belief in the importance of providing better opportunities and supporting students in achieving their academic and professional dreams.

Directly would be happy to help you secure university admission at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University if you’re interested in studying in Turkey.

Here are some of the services Directly offers as the leading student service company in Turkey:

1. Free consultations to help you choose the university and academic program that best aligns with your academic and professional goals, by providing detailed information on university admission requirements in Turkey.
2. Accurate information on tuition fees across various majors and available scholarships.
3. Free university admission services.
4. Assistance in preparing and submitting university applications.
5. Help in obtaining a student visa and residence permit.
6. Support in communicating with the university after admission, and assistance with travel arrangements and finding suitable accommodation at competitive prices.
7. Ongoing support throughout your academic journey at the university.

In conclusion, we have reviewed tuition fees at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, along with a complete guide to its programs and admission requirements. If you’re aiming to study at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University and have any questions,

don’t hesitate to contact us via Directly WhatsApp.

We’ll be happy to connect you with our educational advisor. We wish you a successful academic journey!