41 Best Private Universities in Istanbul for International Students
There are a lot of great countries and cities that need to be visited and discovered in your lifetime, and one of the main locations that need to be visited for your studies is Istanbul, which is one of the cities in Turkey. When visiting Istanbul, in addition to developing your skills and academic knowledge, you will become part of a new system and society that will open and enrich your cultural horizons.
Private institutions are a great way to reach your academic goals and get that well-deserved degree. To help you out, check out the list below if you’re looking to study in a private university in Istanbul. Each university page provides you with specific details on tuition, admission, language requirements, available courses, and more. So, make sure to check the university pages! Let’s dig in!
Private Universities in Istanbul
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.
2. Sabanci University
Sabanci University is a private university in Istanbul, Turkey. It was established in 1994 by the Sabanci Foundation. The university follows a Foundations Development program in which students must improve their language skills. Sabanci University provides a multidisciplinary approach to education to develop well-rounded students and help them gain more skills for career advancement.
3. Istanbul Bilgi University
Istanbul Bilgi University has considered the modernization of the educational industry and society, enabling its policies and rules to adapt to future-oriented strategies. As one of the internationally-renowned universities in Turkey, it seeks to provide academic freedom and gather intellectual students with the same cause from all over the world.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Ozyegin University
Ozyegin University (OzU) was established by the Hüsnü M. Özyeğin Foundation in 2007 and has continued to provide quality education in Turkey. Some of the university’s core values are freedom, flexibility, cooperation, and accessibility. The university also curates a strategic plan every few years, creating tangible goals for students and parents to see.
7. 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.
8. Kadir Has University
Abiding by its world-level standard of education, Kadir Has University has remained a reputable private higher education institute in Turkey since 1997. Four values guide its longstanding quality service: Education, Research, Public Service, Corporate Structure, and Financial Sustainability. Over the years, Kadir Has University has opened its doors to all Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate students locally and internationally.
9. 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.
10. Bahcesehir University
Bahcesehir University is a private university in Istanbul, Turkey. It was founded in 1998 and is one of the country’s only universities that focus on English education delivery. Students must have a high level of English proficiency to enroll. Undergraduate and postgraduate programs are available in the social sciences, communication, law, engineering, architecture, and natural sciences.
11. Isik University
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.
12. 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.
13. Acibadem University
Acibadem University offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs in English and Turkish languages. It has provided its services since 2007 and continues to create quality opportunities for students in and out of Turkey. Research opportunities are also a priority of the school, as established by its research policy.
Furthermore, Acibadem University has the Kerem Aydinlar Campus that houses multiple academic, interests, and sports facilities. Additionally, over ten service and research centers are in the university. Two of the ten centers are the Distance Learning Application and Research Center and the Biomaterial Application and Research Center.
14. 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.
15. Istanbul Okan University
Istanbul Okan University is an innovative university that is widely recognized for its superior online education processes amid a global pandemic. It offers various academic programs in the arts, applied sciences, and humanities that strive to meet international standards of education and training. The university envisions itself as a global leader in education and research.
16. Istanbul Zaim University
The Istanbul Zaim University is a private institute located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was established in 2015, and it offers both undergraduate and graduate programs in different fields, including food engineering, engineering, food nutrition, and social sciences. The university has a strong focus on research and has collaborations with several international institutions that allow students to attend different exchange programs.
17. Istanbul Ticaret University
Istanbul Ticaret University is a private university in Istanbul, Turkey. It was founded in 2001 with only 73 students and 6 faculties. The university now has over 9,000 students spread across multiple campuses. The university focuses on commerce but also offers programs in communication, engineering, law, humanities, and social sciences.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. MEF University
MEF University is a private university in Istanbul, Turkey. It was established in 2012 by the Ibrahim Arikan Education and Research Foundation. It is the first university to use a flipped educational model, in which students can learn in both digital and face-to-face settings. The university’s goal is to produce innovative and entrepreneurial graduates while also assisting research-oriented scholars in professional fields.
25. 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.
26. Istanbul Arel University
Istanbul Arel University was established in 2007 in the largest city in Turkey to respond to society’s need for knowledgeable and skilled individuals with the moral and ethical values necessary to influence positive change in society. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines. It is also committed to conducting intensive scientific research to help different industries and other sectors of society.
27. 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.
28. Istanbul Gelisim University
Istanbul Gelisim University was established in 2008 by a foundation called the Development, Education, Culture, Health, and Social Service Foundation. The university has produced more than 40,000 graduates over the years in different fields of economics, health sciences, and business administration. Its campus, located in Turkey’s capital city, has 20 research centers and 100 laboratories.
29. 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.
30. Istanbul Topkapi University
Istanbul Topkapi University is a private university in Istanbul, Turkey. It was founded in 2009 as the Plato Vocational School with the goal of training specialists in various fields. The university currently offers 35 undergraduate and 25 graduate programs in fine arts, engineering, economics, education, health sciences, and social sciences.
31. Piri Reis University
Covering a variety of disciplines from Maritime Studies to Engineering, Piri Reis University has continued to be a reputable place of learning since 2008. Loyal to its motto of “The Future is Here,” the university allows its students to reign free in both academics and sports. Piri Reis University lets students engage in various sports and extracurricular activities. This is in confidence that the students are safe with the various services on campus. Such services include healthcare, student counseling, and accommodations for international students.
32. 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.
33. Biruni University
Biruni University is a private university in Istanbul, Turkey. It was named after scholar al-Biruni, who made significant contributions to science and mathematics, and was established in 2014. The university strives to provide nationally and internationally recognized education. At the university, students are trained to become excellent researchers and academicians, especially in the field of healthcare.
34. Demiroglu Bilim University
Demirolu Bilim University is a private institution of higher education in Istanbul, Turkey. This institution dates back to 2014, and it offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, including psychology, nursing, and medicine. The university focuses on research and new methods to provide high-quality education for all domestic and international students.
35. 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.
36. Ibn Haldun University
Ibn Haldun University was established in 1996 by the Turkish Youth and Education Service Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing education, lodging, and other services to underprivileged youth in the country. The university has established itself as an international leader for its academic and research excellence in different areas of social sciences. Its unique comparative approach to studying the social sciences allows students to acquire a broad understanding of different theories and perspectives in the process of formulating their own ideas and concepts.
37. 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.
38. 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.
39. Istanbul Rumeli University
Istanbul Rumeli University was established in 2015 by an organization named Balci Foundation, which believes that education is instrumental to the development of society. It aims to raise independent and free-thinking individuals with traditional and contemporary knowledge and imbibe a solid dedication toward the welfare of humanity. The university also focuses on internationalization and provides opportunities for its students and faculty to gain international experience.
40. 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.
41. Istanbul Esenyurt University
Istanbul Esenyurt University is a small university that is located in the capital city of Turkey. This university has a total enrollment of 3,999 students that study in different programs. The main idea or motivation behind this institution is to educate and motivate students so they can improve the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does Private Universities in Istanbul Cost?
There are 41 private universities in Istanbul, out of which, we have tuition fee of 34 private universities available.
As you plan your studies abroad, we hope that this article will help you in choosing a good private university.
We know that attending a private university can be expensive, given its benefits and added perks. But remember that public universities are always an option, too, as they're affordable and can provide you with the same high-quality education. With that, feel free to check out our list of public universities in Istanbul to learn more about your options for your next academic destination.