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 98%
Istanbul Medeniyet University 2,453 TRY - 4,597 TRY 98%
Bogazici University 28,600 TRY - 57,100 TRY 74%
Istanbul Technical University 31,400 TRY - 69,500 TRY 72%
Istanbul Kent University 42,300 TRY - 61,100 TRY 61%
Nisantasi University 50,600 TRY - 93,700 TRY 54%
Dogus University 53,900 TRY - 75,400 TRY 51%
Istanbul Gedik University 56,200 TRY - 112,400 TRY 49%
Fenerbahce University 56,300 TRY - 75,100 TRY 48%
Istanbul Medipol University 58,700 TRY - 169,500 TRY 46%
Uskudar University 59,700 TRY - 72,800 TRY 45%
Bezmialem Vakif University 60,000 TRY - 187,800 TRY 45%
Beykoz University 65,700 TRY - 75,100 TRY 40%
Maltepe University 74,700 TRY - 93,300 TRY 31%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 108,300 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. 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.

5. 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.

6. Istanbul Kent University

Istanbul Kent University was founded in 2016 by the Unimpeded Education Foundation, an organization dedicated to serving society in the areas of health, culture, and education. The university was established to help provide accessible and high-quality education to Turkish youth and train them to become technical experts in their respective fields. It currently offers undergraduate and graduate programs in design, economics, dentistry, and health sciences. 

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Fenerbahce University

The Fenerbahce University is a new university that was founded in 2016. The university is located in the capital city of Turkey. This university is quite an eccentric institution focused on providing all levels of education so students can choose the field they want to pursue in their educational career.

11. Istanbul Medipol University

Istanbul Medipol University is a private academic and research institution dedicated to facilitating an international learning environment for its students. Its name has consistently appeared in multiple national and global university rankings for its excellent education and research. It offers degrees in a wide variety of study areas such as communication, humanities, and medicine.

12. 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.

13. Bezmialem Vakif University

Founded in 2010, Bezmialem Vakif University (BVU) is a higher education institute that specializes in the fields of Health and Medicine. The university offers programs at the undergraduate level and is open to international students. BVU also participates in Erasmus programs to promote cross-border learning.

BVU’s vision is to become a “leading health university” not only in Turkey but in the world. Its mission is to provide innovative education, accessible healthcare, and quality service in both.

14. Beykoz University

Beykoz University is a private institution that offers a wide range of programs in various academic disciplines, such as business, social sciences, and art. The university is highly aimed at research and sets to provide students with a high-quality education that will be helpful for them after graduating as they venture into their chosen career paths.

15. 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.

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%
Istanbul Medeniyet University 1,200 TRY 99%
Yildiz Technical University 1,670 TRY 98%
Istanbul 29 Mayis University 6,000 TRY - 7,500 TRY 93%
Istanbul Technical University 6,500 TRY - 132,000 TRY 93%
Bogazici University 14,300 TRY 83%
Dogus University 19,300 TRY - 31,200 TRY 77%
Uskudar University 27,100 TRY - 56,000 TRY 67%
Beykoz University 37,600 TRY - 56,300 TRY 55%
Istanbul Kent University 37,600 TRY - 244,200 TRY 55%
Istinye University 45,600 TRY - 50,700 TRY 45%
Istanbul Kultur University 46,700 TRY - 112,000 TRY 43%
Istanbul Aydin University 46,900 TRY - 79,700 TRY 43%
Halic University 47,000 TRY - 56,000 TRY 43%
Istanbul Gedik University 52,500 TRY - 65,600 TRY 36%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 81,800 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. Istanbul Medeniyet University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Istanbul Medeniyet University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Istanbul Medeniyet University is 1,200 TRY.

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.

3. 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.

The tuition fee at Yildiz Technical University for incoming international master’s students is 1,670 TRY. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Istanbul 29 Mayis University

Another affordable university to consider in Istanbul is 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.

The tuition fee in Istanbul 29 Mayis University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 6,000 TRY.

5. Istanbul Technical University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Istanbul Technical 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 6,500 TRY yearly.

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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

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. Beykoz University

Beykoz University is a private institution that offers a wide range of programs in various academic disciplines, such as business, social sciences, and art. The university is highly aimed at research and sets to provide students with a high-quality education that will be helpful for them after graduating as they venture into their chosen career paths.

10. Istanbul Kent University

Istanbul Kent University was founded in 2016 by the Unimpeded Education Foundation, an organization dedicated to serving society in the areas of health, culture, and education. The university was established to help provide accessible and high-quality education to Turkish youth and train them to become technical experts in their respective fields. It currently offers undergraduate and graduate programs in design, economics, dentistry, and health sciences. 

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 Aydin University

Istanbul Aydin University is a leading educational institution located in Turkey’s capital city. The university is dedicated to providing world-class programs that prepare students with broad knowledge and high-level skills that would increase their employment prospects. It also offers different services to students that help them plan for their future and achieve their academic and career goals. 

14. Halic University

Halic University was established in 1998 by the Bizim Losemili Cocuklar Vakfı, a foundation dedicated to providing care and treatment to children with leukemia. The university offers a wide range of programs for both domestic and international students. Through its academic and research programs, it aims to produce qualified individuals with the skills and creativity to formulate innovative solutions to different problems in society.

15. 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.

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 Beykoz University, which offers Logistics Management, Communication and Design, and Gastronomy and Culinary Arts to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Beykoz University offers Visual Arts and Visual Communication Design, Work and Organizational Psychology, and Computer Engineering.

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!