Costs, Requirements, and Advantages of Studying Architecture at Istanbul Bilgi University

Since its establishment, the Faculty of Architecture at Istanbul Bilgi University has been the result of collaboration between prominent academic figures in Turkey and top architectural designers. It has since become one of the leading private universities, committed to applying international standards in the field of architecture.

The university continually aims to guide and mentor creative students, helping them become skilled architects who are able to navigate the latest design technologies and meet the ever-evolving demands of the architecture profession. Students are also encouraged to develop an ethical vision and social responsibility concerning community and environmental issues.

Dear student, if your academic journey begins at Bilgi University—one of Turkey’s most prestigious and distinguished universities—this article will shed light on the costs of studying Architecture at Istanbul Bilgi University and provide comprehensive information about the university’s requirements and advantages, helping you make informed decisions about your future education.

What are the advantages of studying Architecture at Istanbul Bilgi University?

Istanbul Bilgi University offers its students a unique opportunity to study Architecture in an environment that encourages creativity, with the following key advantages:

1. Curriculum in the Faculty of Architecture at Bilgi University

The curriculum for the Bachelor’s program in Architecture, which began enrolling students in 2010, has been designed as a comprehensive educational model. It addresses contemporary issues such as climate change, the unprecedented rise in global temperatures due to pollution, and the rapid depletion of natural resources. Additionally, the program enhances students’ understanding of architectural culture, emphasizing environmental awareness. The courses also teach students how to develop and create new eco-friendly building materials that align with daily life challenges.

2. Faculty Members

Students studying Architecture at Istanbul Bilgi University benefit from an exceptional opportunity to be trained and educated by qualified academic staff who are recognized for their involvement in cutting-edge research in the field of architecture. This training takes place in an open educational environment that welcomes the latest innovations in architectural design.

3. Educational Facilities

The Bachelor’s program in Architecture at Bilgi University follows an interactive teaching model (simulation-based), which includes practical courses conducted in the university’s dedicated studios. Some of the key facilities include:

• Bilgi-Mek Production Lab
  The Bilgi-Mek Production Lab is equipped with modern devices that assist students in completing practical training sessions using simulation technologies, 3D printing, and digital modeling.
• Digital Design Computer Lab
  The Digital Design Lab, designed specifically for architecture students, contains 40 computers equipped with the latest software and applications, helping students to master computer-aided design (CAD) skills.

Another major feature of the Faculty of Architecture at Bilgi University is that it is one of the few architecture faculties that provides each student with their own desk and personal workspace in the studio.

4. 

   Libraries and Study Halls
   

The Latif Mutlu Library at the Central Campus of the Faculty of Architecture at Istanbul Bilgi University offers a wide range of digital resources related to architecture, along with printed materials such as books, journals, and more. Students can access these resources both on-site at the library or online. They can also borrow e-books and tablets for their studies.

5.  Student Exchange Programs

As an architecture student at Istanbul Bilgi University, you have the opportunity to spend a semester or more, or participate in summer or winter programs at partner universities around the world. The university offers:

• Erasmus student exchange agreements with over 260 universities in 43 countries.
• Bilateral student exchange programs with more than 43 institutions worldwide, in collaboration with universities in the USA, Canada, Russia, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.
• London University through honor programs.
• Opportunities for students to gain practical experience in their projects across various European cities, from Oslo to Berlin.
• Bilgi University offers summer schools and language programs in cooperation with partner universities.
• The chance to graduate with dual degrees from both Bilgi University and Arizona State University (ASU) through the Bilgi-ASU joint programs.

Additionally, Istanbul Bilgi University ranks among the top 5 universities in Turkey hosting the largest number of international students.

6. International Quality Standards

Istanbul Bilgi University is considered one of the leading foundational universities in Turkey, and over the past seven years, it has earned several accreditations and rankings, including:

• The university has received accreditation from the WSCUC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), which is specific to Western colleges and universities, making it the first private university in Turkey to obtain this accreditation, valid until 2027.
• It is ranked among emerging universities in Europe and Central Asia by globally recognized institutions like QS and Times Higher Education.
• Bilgi University ranks third among Turkish foundational universities according to the Impact Rankings 2022, which evaluate universities’ positive contributions to sustainable development based on UN criteria, including quality education, gender equality, and economic growth.
• Bilgi University was ranked third among Turkish universities in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 global rankings, a prestigious international evaluation considering academic performance, research output, global reputation, and international impact.

All these rankings rely on global data and indicators for evaluating universities worldwide, serving as key references for students, academics, and other educational institutions.

7. Bilgi Talent Management Center

Istanbul Bilgi University focuses on supporting its students in achieving their career goals by providing 

all the necessary resources for personal and professional development, including career counseling services and opportunities for work and internships.

Overall, the Faculty of Architecture at Bilgi aims to train architects who possess design skills along with the competence for critical thinking and aesthetic judgment. Moreover, the university’s primary goal is to enable students to express their contemporary intellectual vision efficiently, supported by comprehensive engineering knowledge.

What is the Duration of the Architecture Program at Istanbul Bilgi University?

The Architecture program at Istanbul Bilgi University spans 4 years, divided into two semesters per year, amounting to 240 ECTS credits.

This duration does not include the preparatory English language year, which students must attend if they do not pass the language proficiency test or fail to meet the required level.

What are the Conditions for Exemption from the English Language Preparatory Program at Istanbul Bilgi University?

Students may be exempt from the English language preparatory year if they meet the following criteria:

• A minimum score of 75 in TOEFL IBT
• A minimum grade of B in the FCE (First Certificate in English)
• A minimum grade of C in the Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) exam
• A minimum score of 60 in the PTE Academic

Important Note:
If an international student does not achieve the required score in any of the above-mentioned English proficiency tests, they must take the university’s internal English exemption exam. If the student fails, they must enroll in the English preparatory program in Istanbul before beginning their studies. This preparatory year is not included in the total years required for graduation.

What are the Admission Requirements for Studying Architecture at Istanbul Bilgi University in Turkey?

Students who wish to apply for the Architecture program at Istanbul Bilgi University must meet the following requirements:

• A minimum of 50% in the high school diploma or the submission of internationally recognized test scores such as:
  • SAT or ACT, which are used for admission to Turkish public universities
  • GCE A LEVEL, a requirement for admission to British universities and countries following the British educational system
  • Abitur, the German high school diploma
  • Matura, the high school diploma in many European countries
  • Tawjihi, the high school diploma in Arab countries
• Students must submit scanned copies of the following documents to the international student admissions office:
  • A copy of the high school diploma with the official transcript, certified and translated into Turkish or English
  • All high school grades, certified and translated into Turkish or English
  • A copy of the passport
  • 2 recent passport-sized photos
  • English language proficiency test scores (e.g., TOEFL or Cambridge certificates), if available

Graduation Requirements for the Architecture Program at Istanbul Bilgi University

• The student must complete 240 ECTS credits
• The student must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 out of 4.0, without any failing grades.

What Documents are Required for Applying to Study Architecture at Istanbul Bilgi University?

Foreign students must upload the following documents to apply for the Architecture undergraduate program at Istanbul Bilgi University and attach them with the online application form:

• A copy of the high school diploma (with the official transcript)
• High school transcripts from the last 3 years of secondary education
• A copy of the passport
• Equivalency certificate
• A transcript from an English language proficiency test (e.g., TOEFL or Cambridge)
• Residence permit (if the student is residing in Turkey)
• Conditional acceptance letter for students who have not yet graduated from high school
• University letter of acceptance from Istanbul Bilgi University

Once the foreign student obtains a student visa, they must complete the registration process at the Istanbul Bilgi University International Student Registration Office by submitting the original documents as follows:

• Original high school diploma (in English or Turkish)
• Original copy of the high school diploma (in English or Turkish)
• Original passport
• A copy of the Blue Card and Identity Registration Certificate
• Bank receipt for tuition fees
• Certified copy of the English proficiency test (e.g., TOEFL, BILGI-BILET…), though this is not mandatory
• High school diploma equivalency certificate from the Istanbul Regional Education Authority. This document is provided in person by submitting the original foreign high school diploma, its official Turkish translation, and the student’s passport
• Residence permit (if the student is residing in Turkey)

Important Note:
According to a decision by the Turkish Higher Education Council on 16/11/2015, Turkish universities are allowed to accept foreign students only once per year, in the fall semester of each academic year.

Foreign students can track the status of their application by contacting the International Student Admissions Office or by directly contacting Directly Education Services, which efficiently facilitates all study-related procedures in Turkey.

What is the Acceptance Rate for Architecture Programs in Turkey?

The acceptance rate for architecture programs in Turkey depends on whether the university is public or private.

Acceptance Rate for Architecture at Public Universities

Public universities in Turkey require a high acceptance rate in the high school diploma, typically no less than 80% at the minimum. Additionally, students must pass the YÖS (Foreign Student Exam) in Turkish or the SAT in English.

Acceptance Rate for Architecture at Private Universities

The acceptance rates at private universities are usually lower than those at public universities. Typically, a high school diploma score of at least 50% is sufficient for foreign students to be admitted to the Architecture faculty in Turkey.

For Istanbul Bilgi University, the minimum acceptance rate is 50% in the high school diploma.

What is the Cost of Studying Architecture at Bilgi University and Other Turkish Universities?

The cost of studying Architecture at Bilgi University differs from other private universities in Turkey. This difference is influenced by factors such as the type of program and the language of instruction.

Here is an overview of the cost of studying Architecture at Bilgi University and other major private universities in Turkey.

The preparatory year fees are not included in the total years of study required for graduation. The annual tuition fee for the English language preparatory program is $8,100 (including taxes).

What are the specializations and departments of the Faculty of Architecture at Istanbul Bilgi University and Turkish universities?

The curriculum of the Faculty of Architecture at Istanbul Bilgi University covers aspects related to the following subjects:

• History and Theory of Architecture
• Building Technology
• Building Materials and Methods
• Urban Design
• Sustainability
• Architectural Drawing
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
• Building Systems (Lighting, Electricity, Acoustics)

The departments of the Faculty of Architecture at Turkish universities offering architecture programs include:

• Department of Architectural Design
• Department of Architectural Technology
• Department of History and Theory of Architecture
• Department of Urban Planning
• Department of Building Conservation

What are the main courses for the Architecture program?

The following courses are taught in the Faculty of Architecture at Istanbul Bilgi University:

• Architectural Drawing
• Basic Design
• History of Cultures and Ideas
• English for Academic Purposes
• Architectural Drawing
• Basic Design
• Introduction to Architecture
• Architectural Design
• Building Materials and Techniques
• Statistics
• History of Architecture
• Building Materials and Techniques
• Strength of Materials
• History of Architecture
• Professional Practice on Construction Sites
• Space Production and Urban Conditions
• Environmentally Conscious Building Design
• Introduction to Urban Design
• Sensory Architecture: Light and Sound
• History of Cities
• Principles of Conservation and Restoration
• Professional Practice, Rules, and Regulations
• Special Topics in Design

What are the career prospects for an Architecture graduate from Istanbul Bilgi University?

The career opportunities for an architect from Istanbul Bilgi University include:

• Working in architectural offices in project development
• Working in building material companies in marketing, customer support, or in the development of new building material products
• Working in government institutions, municipalities, or public service in urban planning, city design, and the development of regulations concerning the conservation of historical buildings and sites, or working in the field of environmental sustainability for construction
• Working in journalism and publishing in architectural content editing, writing articles on architecture and design, or working in marketing and public relations for architectural firms
• Pursuing graduate studies (Master’s or PhD) in architecture and working in academic teaching
• Obtaining a license to practice architecture and establishing a private architectural office

How does Directly Educational help you apply to study Architecture at Istanbul Bilgi University?

Directly Educational offers a comprehensive range of services to international students wishing to study architecture at Istanbul Bilgi University, including:

• Discount on tuition fees of up to 80% when applying through Directly Educational
• Providing students with comprehensive information about the study programs at Istanbul Bilgi University, including (admission requirements, tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, visa conditions)
• Assisting students in obtaining university acceptance for free
• Helping students submit the correct documents and ensuring their translation into Turkish, if necessary
• Handling all the routine and administrative procedures required for university registration efficiently and professionally
• Opening a bank account for the student for free
• Issuing a free transportation card for students to use public transport
• Assisting in securing suitable accommodation for students, whether in university dormitories or private student apartments at affordable prices
• Preparing the student residence permit file
• Completing the student’s registration at the university free of charge without any additional costs
• Scheduling an appointment for certificate equivalence and submitting the documents on time for free

In conclusion:

This has been our comprehensive guide on the costs of studying architecture at Istanbul Bilgi University and the essential requirements for enrolling in this program, which attracts many students nowadays due to the increasing demand in the job market. This field offers endless opportunities, and we wish all students the best of luck. We hope this guide has been helpful.

For any further assistance or inquiries related to studying in Turkey, feel free to contact Directly Education via WhatsApp. We are here to help with everything related to your study journey, from admission requirements to visa and accommodation arrangements.