15 Cheapest Universities in Istanbul for International Students

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In Istanbul, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Turkey without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Istanbul, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 51 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Istanbul, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Istanbul for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Istanbul ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Yildiz Technical University 2,090 TRY - 4,183 TRY 99%
University of Health Sciences 2,232 TRY - 9,143 TRY 99%
Istanbul Medeniyet University 2,453 TRY - 4,597 TRY 99%
Beykent University 6,112 TRY - 6,722 TRY 98%
Nisantasi University 50,600 TRY - 93,700 TRY 76%
Dogus University 53,900 TRY - 75,400 TRY 75%
Istanbul Gedik University 56,200 TRY - 112,400 TRY 73%
Uskudar University 59,700 TRY - 72,800 TRY 72%
Maltepe University 74,700 TRY - 93,300 TRY 65%
Istanbul Yeni Yuzyil University 75,100 TRY - 187,700 TRY 64%
Istanbul Technical University 79,000 TRY - 264,000 TRY 62%
Istanbul Kultur University 79,300 TRY - 117,400 TRY 62%
Istinye University 86,600 TRY - 222,600 TRY 59%
Altinbas University 117,500 TRY - 320,400 TRY 44%
Fatih Sultan Mehmet University 149,600 TRY - 299,200 TRY 29%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 207,800 TRY for universities in Istanbul.

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1. Yildiz Technical University

Yildiz Technical University is a public university in Istanbul, Turkey. It was founded in 1911 as the Conductors School for Higher Education. Because of its achievements and educational quality, it is regarded as one of the city’s oldest technical and most prominent institutions. Currently, the university is promoting sustainable development in the region.

2. University of Health Sciences

The University of Health Sciences is a public university in Istanbul, Turkey, and is the only institution for health sciences in the country. It was founded in 2015 and now offers 5 institutes, 22 faculties, and 6 vocational schools. With over 23,000 students enrolled, the university also accepts international and military students.

3. Istanbul Medeniyet University

Established in 2010, Istanbul Medeniyet University forwards an innovative and “civilization-oriented” education. This means that it aims to instill values like peace, camaraderie, and entrepreneurship in its students. The university is open to all students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Istanbul Medeniyet University has over 30 hospitals, research centers, and support units. These primary student services go together with quality-of-life services like accommodations, food services, and financial aid. Students may also exercise a variety of interests in different arts, cultural, and sports clubs, teams, and activities.

4. Beykent University

Established through a legal mandate by the Turkish government, Beykent university has provided quality education for over 20 years. It has four campuses in Ayazaga-Maslak, Beylikduzu, Hadimkoy, and Taksim. The university envisions itself as a globally competent and reputable university with a mission to create leaders capable of critical thinking skills.

5. Nisantasi University

The Nişantaş University is a famous institute of higher education located in Turkey. This institution is young in its educational journey, but it has had a vast impact on the development of new methods and techniques of teaching. The university is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and highly qualified faculty, which help the region by providing well-educated youth.

6. Dogus University

Dogus University is a private university in Istanbul, Turkey. It was established as a foundation university in 1995. Because of its innovative and consistent quality of education, the university is ranked as one of the best universities in the country by Web of Science and URAP reports. Students can choose from 35 undergraduate and 21 graduate programs in a wide range of fields.

7. Istanbul Gedik University

Istanbul Gedik University is a private university in Istanbul, Turkey. Halil Kaya Gedik founded it in 2010 to strengthen the country’s welding engineering industry. Gedik Educational Foundation, its partner organization, provides welding technology, training programs, and facilities to the university. Students attending the university will have the opportunity to gain additional experience in the industry and service sector.

8. Uskudar University

Only having served eleven years in the education industry, Uskudar University prides itself in its development of socially responsible and health-aware graduates. The university brandishes a turquoise-colored logo decorated with four lines and a “Maiden’s Tower.” On the one hand, the four lines represent its four main principles: Criticizability, Liberalism, Pluralism, and Participation. On the other hand, the tower represents youth, compassion, excitement, and science.

9. Maltepe University

Maltepe University is a private university in Istanbul, Turkey. It was established in 1997 by the Istanbul Marmara Education Foundation. The primary medium of instruction at the university is Turkish, which is done to improve the students’ native speaking skills. Undergraduate and postgraduate programs are available in education, natural sciences, arts, law, medicine, and engineering.

10. Istanbul Yeni Yuzyil University

Istanbul Yeni Yuzyil University is a private university in Istanbul, Turkey. It was founded in 1974. It is conveniently located in the city proper, making it more accessible to international students. As one of the country’s most prestigious universities, there are several campuses from which students can choose. The teaching system is based on a European model, giving students a global perspective on education.

11. Istanbul Technical University

Istanbul Technical University is a public university in Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the world’s oldest technical universities, founded in 1773. Since its inception, it has strived to innovate scientific applications for the community’s long-term development. The university is well-known for its leading role in engineering and architectural education.

12. Istanbul Kultur University

Istanbul Kultur University is a private institution for higher education that believes in the power of the youth in determining and molding the future of society. The university aims to raise socially aware and responsible intellectuals and professionals with an entrepreneurial mindset.  It offers high-quality programs in different fields of engineering, humanities, and management.

13. Istinye University

Established in 2015, Istinye University was founded by the 21st Century Anatolian Foundation with a mission to create a positive impact on society through higher education and scientific research. The university strives to enrich its students’ academic experience by exposing them to social and industrial realities and encouraging them to participate in different community service activities. It focuses on its students’ holistic development by imparting strong foundational knowledge, high-level skills, and ethical values.

14. Altinbas University

Altinbas University is a private university in Istanbul, Turkey. It was founded in 2008 to carry on the legacy of its founder, Mehmet Altinbas, training culturally aware citizens in the country. The university, which has nine undergraduate schools and a graduate studies center, offers a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in various fields.

15. Fatih Sultan Mehmet University

Fatih Sultan Mehmet University was established in 2010 by five Turkish foundations to help improve the quality of education and research in the country. It also aims to train qualified professionals to shape the future of humanity and preserve its culture and values. The university is also known for conducting high-level research in various fields and applying it to different areas of society.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Istanbul for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Istanbul ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Koc University 0 TRY - 456,800 TRY 100%
Yildiz Technical University 1,670 TRY 99%
Istanbul Medeniyet University 2,400 TRY 99%
Beykent University 5,000 TRY - 7,200 TRY 97%
Isik University 12,000 TRY - 15,000 TRY 92%
Dogus University 19,300 TRY - 31,200 TRY 88%
Istanbul 29 Mayis University 24,000 TRY - 30,000 TRY 84%
Uskudar University 27,100 TRY - 56,000 TRY 82%
Istanbul Technical University 33,300 TRY 78%
Bogazici University 42,800 TRY 72%
Istinye University 45,600 TRY - 50,700 TRY 70%
Istanbul Kultur University 46,700 TRY - 112,000 TRY 69%
Istanbul Gedik University 52,500 TRY - 65,600 TRY 65%
Nisantasi University 54,300 TRY - 234,100 TRY 64%
Yeditepe University 55,900 TRY - 93,200 TRY 63%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 148,400 TRY for universities in Istanbul.

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1. Koc University

Highly regarded as one of the most prominent private universities in Turkey, Koc University prides itself on its proven academic excellence and contributions to society. The university, home to some of the best innovators and accomplished individuals, has been notably recognized for its first-class education.

Fostering critically-minded students into reaching their fullest potential is the institute’s primary goal. It provides a combination of traditional and advanced learning approaches so that its teachings are adaptable to the current market and industry needs.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Koc University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 TRY to 456,800 TRY annually for their master's degree.

2. Yildiz Technical University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Yildiz Technical University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Yildiz Technical University is 1,670 TRY.

Yildiz Technical University is a public university in Istanbul, Turkey. It was founded in 1911 as the Conductors School for Higher Education. Because of its achievements and educational quality, it is regarded as one of the city’s oldest technical and most prominent institutions. Currently, the university is promoting sustainable development in the region.

3. Istanbul Medeniyet University

Established in 2010, Istanbul Medeniyet University forwards an innovative and “civilization-oriented” education. This means that it aims to instill values like peace, camaraderie, and entrepreneurship in its students. The university is open to all students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Istanbul Medeniyet University has over 30 hospitals, research centers, and support units. These primary student services go together with quality-of-life services like accommodations, food services, and financial aid. Students may also exercise a variety of interests in different arts, cultural, and sports clubs, teams, and activities.

The tuition fee at Istanbul Medeniyet University for incoming international master’s students is 2,400 TRY. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Beykent University

Another affordable university to consider in Istanbul is Beykent University.

Established through a legal mandate by the Turkish government, Beykent university has provided quality education for over 20 years. It has four campuses in Ayazaga-Maslak, Beylikduzu, Hadimkoy, and Taksim. The university envisions itself as a globally competent and reputable university with a mission to create leaders capable of critical thinking skills.

The tuition fee in Beykent University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 5,000 TRY.

5. Isik University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Isik University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 12,000 TRY yearly.

Isik University is a private educational institution founded in 1996 by the Feyziye Schools Foundation. It was established to provide high-quality education and training that meet the current demands of industries and promote the welfare of society. Courses are also taught by notable experts with broad knowledge and experience in their respective disciplines.

6. Dogus University

Dogus University is a private university in Istanbul, Turkey. It was established as a foundation university in 1995. Because of its innovative and consistent quality of education, the university is ranked as one of the best universities in the country by Web of Science and URAP reports. Students can choose from 35 undergraduate and 21 graduate programs in a wide range of fields.

7. Istanbul 29 Mayis University

Istanbul 29 May University is dedicated to pursuing an excellent reputation in terms of social studies education. The university highly supports the research endeavors of its students, offering multilingual education that caters to a large number of foreign students population. The university also participates in exchange programs to expand its internationalization and is the first institution in Turkey to establish Arabic language training.

8. Uskudar University

Only having served eleven years in the education industry, Uskudar University prides itself in its development of socially responsible and health-aware graduates. The university brandishes a turquoise-colored logo decorated with four lines and a “Maiden’s Tower.” On the one hand, the four lines represent its four main principles: Criticizability, Liberalism, Pluralism, and Participation. On the other hand, the tower represents youth, compassion, excitement, and science.

9. Istanbul Technical University

Istanbul Technical University is a public university in Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the world’s oldest technical universities, founded in 1773. Since its inception, it has strived to innovate scientific applications for the community’s long-term development. The university is well-known for its leading role in engineering and architectural education.

10. Bogazici University

Bogazici University aims to enrich education and offer students innovative and creative teaching approaches. Since its establishment, it has been at the forefront of transforming societies and helping shape a better future through academic and scientific activities. By educating individuals with a burning passion for service, the university aims to develop future leaders and industry experts successfully.

11. Istinye University

Established in 2015, Istinye University was founded by the 21st Century Anatolian Foundation with a mission to create a positive impact on society through higher education and scientific research. The university strives to enrich its students’ academic experience by exposing them to social and industrial realities and encouraging them to participate in different community service activities. It focuses on its students’ holistic development by imparting strong foundational knowledge, high-level skills, and ethical values.

12. Istanbul Kultur University

Istanbul Kultur University is a private institution for higher education that believes in the power of the youth in determining and molding the future of society. The university aims to raise socially aware and responsible intellectuals and professionals with an entrepreneurial mindset.  It offers high-quality programs in different fields of engineering, humanities, and management.

13. Istanbul Gedik University

Istanbul Gedik University is a private university in Istanbul, Turkey. Halil Kaya Gedik founded it in 2010 to strengthen the country’s welding engineering industry. Gedik Educational Foundation, its partner organization, provides welding technology, training programs, and facilities to the university. Students attending the university will have the opportunity to gain additional experience in the industry and service sector.

14. Nisantasi University

The Nişantaş University is a famous institute of higher education located in Turkey. This institution is young in its educational journey, but it has had a vast impact on the development of new methods and techniques of teaching. The university is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and highly qualified faculty, which help the region by providing well-educated youth.

15. Yeditepe University

Yeditepe University offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate, and Associate degree programs. These are open to students in and out of Turkey. International students may take up preparatory school to brush up on their English language knowledge. Summer school is also available for international and local students to shorten their studies at the university.

Additionally, Yeditepe University has various student services and policies to help them in their studies. These include a research policy, an Epilepsy awareness project, language training scholarships, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Istanbul?

Applying to cheap universities in Istanbul requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Turkey for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Istanbul?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Istanbul. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Istanbul is the Altinbas University, which offers Architecture, Business Administration, and Economics to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Beykent University offers Computer Engineering, Interior Architecture, and Economics.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Istanbul, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Istanbul as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Istanbul for international students was helpful!