The strongest private universities in Turkey: prices, features, and requirements

The strongest private universities in Turkey

In this article, we discuss the top private universities in Turkey, providing comprehensive details on tuition fees, benefits, and admission requirements. Whether you’re looking for competitive academic programs, experienced professors, or diverse environments for creativity, Turkey has what you need to fulfill your ambitions.

Stay with us for more details and the extensive support we offer at Directly Education to make your academic journey in Turkey smoother and more distinguished.

Overview of Private Universities in Turkey

Private universities in Turkey offer a modern educational environment that enhances the academic experience for students. These universities are equipped with the latest technologies and research facilities, allowing students to receive practical and interactive education.

Undergraduate studies in Turkey typically take four years, with the possibility of adding a preparatory language year or extending the duration for fields like medicine (six years) or engineering (five years).

Private universities in Turkey also offer master’s programs lasting two years and PhD programs ranging from three to five years. The international recognition of their degrees supports graduates in pursuing global career and academic opportunities.

Advantages of Private Universities in Turkey:

Here are the main advantages of the best private universities in Turkey:

  • Low Living Costs: Turkey is known for its low living expenses, relying on local production, which makes goods and services affordable. Students can live on a budget ranging from $400 to $600 per month, depending on their chosen lifestyle.
  • Student Discounts: Turkey offers students significant discounts on public transportation, museums, theaters, and even on goods at state-run shopping centers. These discounts allow students to enjoy a rich cultural and social experience at a low cost.
  • Quality Education and International Recognition: Private universities in Turkey are known for their high educational quality and reliance on the latest scientific technologies, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience. The degrees they award are internationally recognized, making it easier for graduates to work and study in various countries around the world.

Easy Visa Acquisition and Student Support: The Turkish government provides streamlined procedures for obtaining student visas and offers comprehensive support that includes student housing, health insurance, and transportation cards. Scholarships are also available to cover tuition fees and provide monthly stipends for students.

Read also: The Cost of Living in Turkey for Students in Dollars and Lira for 2024

The Top 10 Private Universities in Turkey

Here are the top 10 private universities in Turkey:

1.Istanbul Medipol University:

Founded in 2009, Istanbul Medipol University is a private university known for its strong programs in medicine and health sciences.

  • Disciplines: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Engineering.
  • Language: Offers programs in both Turkish and English.
  • Facilities: Includes educational hospitals and advanced medical research centers.
  • Advantages: Renowned for its distinguished health programs and modern infrastructure in the medical field.

Istanbul Medipol University

2. Istanbul Aydın University:

Founded in 2007, Istanbul Aydın University is located on the European side of Istanbul. It is distinguished by its diverse academic programs and advanced infrastructure.

  • Disciplines: The university offers a wide range of disciplines including Engineering, Business Administration, Medicine, and Computer Science.
  • Language: Provides study programs in both Turkish and English.
  • Facilities: Equipped with modern laboratories, educational hospitals, and research centers.
  • Global Recognition: It has a good international reputation and offers various student exchange programs.

3. Istanbul Gelisim University:

Founded in 2008, Istanbul Gelisim University is located on the European side of Istanbul. It is internationally recognized in several disciplines and is considered one of the rapidly growing universities in Turkey.

  • Disciplines: The university includes disciplines in Engineering, Business Administration, Health Sciences, and Fine Arts.
  • Language: Offers study programs in both English and Turkish.
  • International Accreditation: The university is distinguished by receiving international accreditations from educational institutions in the United States and Europe.

Istanbul Gelisim University

4. Nişantaşı University:

Founded in Istanbul in 2009, Nişantaşı University is known for offering a variety of study programs at affordable costs.

  • Disciplines: Engineering, Business Administration, Arts, and Design.
  • Language: Offers programs in both Turkish and English.
  • Facilities: Features a modern educational environment with advanced laboratories.
  • Advantages: The university is renowned for attracting international students and its strong professional programs.

5. Bahçeşehir University:

Founded in Istanbul in 1998, Bahçeşehir University is recognized for its international branch network and student exchange programs.

  • Disciplines: Medicine, Engineering, Business Administration, and Social Sciences.
  • Language: Offers programs in English.
  • Facilities: Provides a global educational environment with international branches in New York and Berlin.
  • Advantages: Offers strong student exchange opportunities and supports scientific research.

6. Koç University:

Koç University is one of the leading private universities in Turkey, established in 1993 in Istanbul. The university is known for its academic excellence and holds a prestigious position both locally and internationally due to the quality of its education and research programs.

  • Disciplines: The university offers a wide range of disciplines, including Engineering, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Medicine.
  • Language: The university uses English as the primary medium of instruction.
  • Research: It is renowned for its advanced research centers in various fields, making it a leader in scientific research in Turkey.
  • Global Recognition: The university has a global reputation, ranks highly in international rankings, and has partnerships with many global universities.
  • Facilities: The campus features modern and advanced facilities, providing an optimal environment for learning.

7. Özyeğin University:

Özyeğin University was established in 2007 and is considered one of the leading private universities in Turkey, known for its quality of education and innovative approach.

  • Disciplines: The university offers programs in Engineering, Business, Law, Architecture, and Aviation Management.
  • Language: English is the primary medium of instruction.
  • Research: The university is recognized for its advanced research centers and programs focused on innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • Global Recognition: The university enjoys international recognition and collaborates with many academic institutions worldwide, providing students with exchange opportunities and international experiences.

8. Istanbul Bilgi University:

Bilgi University was established in 1996 and is a private university in Istanbul with a high academic reputation.

  • Disciplines: The university offers programs in Law, Communications, Engineering, and Social Sciences.
  • Language: English is primarily used for instruction.
  • Facilities: The university features modern libraries and advanced research centers.
  • Features: It is known for its international partnerships with leading universities around the world.

Istanbul Bilgi University

9. Bilkent University:

Established in 1984 in Ankara, Bilkent University is one of the best private universities in Turkey and ranks highly in international rankings.

  • Disciplines: Engineering, Fine Arts, Sciences, and Business Administration.
  • Language: English is the medium of instruction.
  • Features: It has advanced research facilities and is considered a center for scientific research in Turkey.

10. Istanbul Okan University:

Founded in 1999 in Istanbul, Okan University is known for its focus on supporting students in integrating with the labor market.

  • Disciplines: Engineering, Business Administration, Medicine, and Arts.
  • Language: The university offers programs in both English and Turkish.
  • Facilities: It provides modern laboratories and strong practical training programs.
  • Features: The university is renowned for providing practical training opportunities for its students and connects them with major companies and institutions.

Do you want to apply to these universities with free admission?

Contact us now on WhatsApp Directly!

The ranking of private universities in Turkey, both locally and globally

The ranking of private universities in Turkey, both locally and globally, is determined by several reliable sources. According to the 2024 Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings, Turkish private universities hold advanced positions both locally and globally.

Here is the ranking of the top private universities in Turkey:

  • Koç University: Ranked among the top universities globally, approximately within the 500 range.
  • Bilkent University: Holds a high position among Turkish universities and is typically ranked within the top 600 worldwide.
  • Bahçeşehir University: Ranked between 801-1000 globally, known for its international connections and student exchange programs.
  • Istanbul Bilgi University: Ranked between 801-1000 globally, recognized for its excellent academic programs and international partnerships.
  • Özyeğin University: Also ranked between 801-1000 globally, renowned for its entrepreneurship and engineering programs.
  • Istanbul Medipol University: Holds a strong local standing in medical fields, with a global ranking between 1000-1200.
  • Istanbul Aydın University: Ranked between 1200-1500 globally, recognized for its advanced academic approach locally.
  • Istanbul Gelişim University: Gaining international recognition, ranked between 1200-1500 globally.
  • Nişantaşı University: Usually ranked in the mid-tier locally, with growing global recognition.
  • Istanbul Okan University: Considered one of the top private universities in Turkey locally, with increasing global prominence and multiple programs across various disciplines.

The ranking of private universities in Turkey, both locally and globally

Here is a list of prominent private universities in Turkey recognized internationally:

  • Koç University
  • Sabancı University
  • Bilkent University
  • Yeditepe University
  • Bahçeşehir University
  • Okan University
  • Işık University
  • Altınbaş University
  • Istanbul Aydın University

Contact us now on WhatsApp Directly and enroll in the best private Turkish universities with ease and free admission!

Tuition Fees at the Top Private Universities in Turkey

The tuition fees at the top private universities in Turkey are relatively high compared to public universities, but they are considered affordable given the high value these universities offer in terms of education quality, advanced infrastructure, and outstanding career opportunities.

For example, major universities like Koç University or Sabancı University have tuition fees ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 annually, offering high-level academic programs and globally competitive specializations. Medical programs, which may exceed $30,000 per year, provide students with training opportunities and internationally recognized degrees.

If you want to know more details about the programs, universities, and fees, feel free to contact us on WhatsApp Directly.

Cheapest Private Universities in Turkey

Turkey offers several private universities that provide study programs at affordable costs without compromising the quality of education.

Here’s a list of the cheapest private universities in Turkey:

  • Yeni Yüzyıl University: Established in 2009 in Istanbul, it is known for its medical programs and affiliated hospitals. Tuition fees range between $2,000 and $3,500 per year for most programs, making it an excellent choice for students wishing to study medicine and health sciences.
  • Beykoz University: Located on the Asian side of Istanbul and founded in 2016, it has five campuses and offers various programs in engineering, arts, and design, with fees ranging from $1,950 to $2,448 per year. It emphasizes practical training alongside theoretical education.
  • Istanbul Arel University: Situated on the European side of Istanbul and established in 2007, it offers bachelor’s programs with a fixed fee of $2,300 per year for all specialties, making it a cost-effective and popular option among international students.
  • Istanbul Kent University: Founded in 2016 in Istanbul, it offers programs in business administration, psychology, and more, with costs starting from $2,250 per year, along with a modern educational environment that focuses on student support and skill development.
  • Istanbul Nişantaşı University: Established in the heart of Istanbul in 2009, it includes five colleges and a graduate studies institute. Tuition fees are approximately $2,450 per year for most programs, and it is well-known for its engineering and medical programs.

Admission Requirements for the Top Private Universities in Turkey

Private universities in Turkey are widely recognized for their educational quality and international partnerships, providing students with extensive opportunities for internships and employment after graduation.

Here are the admission requirements for the top private universities in Turkey, characterized by simplicity and clarity:

  • High School Diploma.
  • Valid Passport: A copy of the passport must be provided.
  • Proof of English or Turkish proficiency: Students are required to provide a certificate proving their proficiency in English, such as TOEFL or IELTS, or in Turkish, such as TOMER. If these certificates are not available, the student may be subjected to a language test organized by the department they wish to join.

These are the basic requirements for admission to private universities in Turkey, which allow international students to enroll in any desired program without the need for specific test certificates like “YOS” required by some universities.

Are you confused about the papers and documents you need and want to verify with an expert?

Contact us now via WhatsApp directly.

Contact Directly to enroll in the strongest private universities in Turkey.

Are you aspiring to study at one of the strongest private universities in Turkey? We have good news for you…

Contact us at Directly today and get the chance to enroll with free acceptance. We will support you from the beginning until you attend your first lecture in your dream major!

Reach out to us via WhatsApp Directly to achieve your dream! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best private university in Turkey?

Koç University is considered the best private university in Turkey due to its excellence in scientific research, high-quality education, and advanced infrastructure.

Are private universities in Turkey internationally recognized?

Yes, private universities in Turkey are internationally recognized, especially those that hold accreditations from European and American higher education organizations.

What is the cheapest private university in Istanbul?

Istanbul Aydın University is considered one of the cheapest private universities in Istanbul, offering competitive tuition fees and a variety of programs at affordable costs.

Most Turkish universities also offer language courses to improve students’ proficiency in English or Turkish if their language skills are weak.

How many private universities are there in Turkey?

 There are approximately 70 private universities in Turkey, spread across different cities, and they are known for providing high-quality educational services.

What are the best fields of study in Turkey?

The best fields of study in Turkey include engineering, medicine, and business administration, along with popular fields such as social and human sciences

What is the acceptance rate in Turkish universities?

The acceptance rates in Turkish universities vary, but generally, the acceptance rate in private universities ranges from 60% to 70%, providing greater opportunities for students to access higher education.

Scroll to Top