Are you looking for step‑by‑step instructions to apply to Bilgi University?

Read on to discover how to register at Bilgi University by yourself without errors, understand Bilgi University admission requirements, and whether English proficiency is mandatory.

This article was prepared by the New Horizons team for Turkish university admissions, using the latest official information from Bilgi University’s website.

What are the admission requirements for Bilgi University for Arab students?

Admission requirements at Bilgi University for Arab students are flexible: only the basic academic certificates are required.

• For undergraduate (bachelor’s) admission, you simply need your high school certificate with a minimum 50% grade, rising to 75% for engineering programs.

• For master’s admission, you must submit a Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA, which varies depending on the field and type of program.

• Finally, for PhD admission, the university requires a Master’s degree with thesis, plus additional documents outlined below.

Is there an age limit for admission to Bilgi University?

No. As long as the applicant meets the Bilgi University admission criteria, they can apply and study freely.

If the applicant is under 18, they must submit a parental consent letter and a birth certificate.

Can I apply without a high school certificate to Bilgi University?

Yes. If you're about to graduate from high school, you can apply with just your transcript, and later upload the final diploma when issued.

Which English language certificates are accepted at Bilgi University?

If you prefer to skip the placement test or the preparatory English year, you must provide one of the following:

• Cambridge Advanced (CAE) – minimum grade C

• Cambridge Proficiency (CPE) – minimum grade C

• Cambridge First (FCE) – minimum grade B

• TOEFL iBT – minimum score 75 (TOEFL Home Edition not accepted)

• PTE Academic – minimum score 60

What documents are required to apply to Bilgi University?

It’s crucial to submit all documents exactly as specified to avoid delays or rejection:

For undergraduate applications:

• Certified copy of your high school certificate + official transcript (last four years)

• Passport copy

• Certificate of equivalency/nostrification

• Test scores from English proficiency test (e.g., TOEFL) if available

• Residence permit (if you reside in Turkey)

Read more: Discover Today the Best Private Universities in Turkey for Arab Students

For postgraduate (master’s & doctoral) applications:

• Bachelor’s certificate or provisional certificate with certified Turkish translation

• Equivalency certificate from the Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK)

• Official academic transcript (electronically signed or original with wet stamp and translated)

• ALES results (if required by your program)

• GRE or GMAT scores (if applicable)

• English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IBT, CPE, CAE) if submitted

• Passport and residence permit copies

• Admission contract with thesis (for PhD applicants)

• One personal photo

• Recommendation letter (if requested)

• Statement of purpose (if required)

• Research proposal (if the program asks for it)

How much is the Bilgi University application fee in 2025?

There is no application fee at Bilgi University—submission is completely free, whether online, in person, or via an official agent.

Read more: Study in Turkey | Your comprehensive guide for studying in Turkey

When does registration at Bilgi University open and close?

The application period for the 2025–2026 academic year runs from April through August, with the final deadline being end of August 2025.
Tip: Apply early to secure your seat—Bilgi University fills up fast.

How to register at Bilgi University: Full step-by-step guidance

1. Get a consultation
   Contact New Horizons for guidance on choosing majors, documents, and application timelines.

2. Prepare your documents
   Passport photo, high school certificate & transcript, equivalency certificate, English test scores (TOEFL, FCE, BILET, etc.), and residence permit if in Turkey.

3. Complete the application form
   The New Horizons team fills out the official Bilgi University (Nişantaşı campus) application on your behalf, ensuring accurate details.

4. Upload your documents
   Submit your documents to the team, who will upload them directly into the official Bilgi application portal.

5. Receive conditional admission
   If your documents are complete, you receive a conditional admission letter, and once a part of tuition is paid, the final acceptance letter is issued.

6. Apply for a Turkish student visa
   Use the admission letter to apply at the nearest Turkish consulate, providing:

   • University acceptance letter

   • Bank statement

   • Photo

   • Valid passport (with at least 4 months validity)

   • Visa application form

   • Travel health insurance

   • Personal ID, and visa fee (non-refundable, varies by country)

7. Travel to Turkey & complete official registration
   Upon arrival, New Horizons assists with campus registration and document submission:

   • Original high school certificate (in English or Turkish, authenticated)

   • Original transcript

   • Original passport

   • Language certificate (if any)

   • Equivalency document

   • Proof of payment

8. Take the BILET English placement test
   If no English test certificate is provided, this test is required.

9. Begin your academic program
   If you pass BILET, you start your major directly. If not, you enroll in the English preparatory year, costing approximately $12,000.

How to fill out the Bilgi University application form

1. Go to the Turkish university application portal

2. Enter accurate personal and academic information

3. Select Bilgi University, your program, study level, and preferred language

4. Upload all required documents

5. Ask any questions you have about the process

6. Click Submit and wait for contact from the admissions consultant (you can also request a free WhatsApp consultation now)

How to track your Bilgi University admission status

• Check your email regularly

• Stay in touch with your educational advisor for updates

How long does Bilgi University take to process your application?

Typically, you receive a response within 24 hours. In high‑volume periods, it may take up to 3 business days.

What happens after final admission at Bilgi University?

Once you are officially registered at İstanbul Bilgi University, you become an international student and must follow key steps for legal and comfortable stay in Turkey:

Student residence permit

Apply for a student residence permit (e‑ikamet) within 30 days of arrival. You’ll need:

• Completed e‑ikamet form

• Official student certificate

• Documents from the international student office

• Valid health insurance

• Passport with entry stamp

• Four biometric photos

• Tax number and tax office payment receipt

Health insurance

Required for the residence permit, covering emergency and general treatment.

Student transportation card

You can receive up to 50% discount on public transport in Istanbul. To get your Istanbulkart:

• Visit a licensed Istanbulkart center

• Or a certified vendor (kiosk or store)

Opening a bank account in Turkey

To open a student bank account, you will need:

• valid passport

• residence permit

• proof of housing (address registration)

• Turkish tax number

Read more: The Cost of studying in Turkey 2025

Which office is best for Bilgi University registration?

New Horizons is the official agent for Bilgi University, trusted for registering Arab and international students. Their services are fully licensed and recognized by the university.

Services offered by New Horizons:

• Help choosing the right major based on your skills and goals

• Filling out the official Bilgi University application

• Checking documents meticulously (high school, passport, transcripts)

• Following up until you receive final admission or conditional acceptance

• Guiding you through the Turkish student visa process using your acceptance letter

• Accompanying you to campus for submission of original documents and academic registration

• Assisting you in finding safe, comfortable student housing in or near campus

• Coordinating residence permit, health insurance, student card, and bank account setup

Best Majors at Bilgi University

Bilgi University offers over 150 academic programs across diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels. Strongest departments include:

• Civil Engineering

• Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation

• Nutrition & Dietetics

• Computer Engineering

• Architecture

• Mechatronics Engineering

• Interior Design

• Management Information Systems

• Economics & Finance

Read more: Registration dates for Turkish universities in 2025

Common mistakes when applying to Bilgi University

Students applying by themselves may run into issues such as:

• Submitting incomplete or unofficially translated documents

• Uploading wrong or incorrect files

• Delays that lead to rejection of your application

• Mistyping personal or academic information

• Payment issues or delays

• Forgetting to attach critical documents (e.g. diploma, passport)

• Applying with a GPA below required threshold for your program

• Relying on an invalid language certificate or not passing a test

• Not reviewing your application before submission

• Attempting to register when the university’s online system is incomplete

• Not following up on your application status

• Missing deadlines resulting in automatic rejection

• Not completing in‑person registration in Turkey on time

Useful advice for new Bilgi University students

• Don’t skip your first week—it’s full of information about registration, courses, and university systems

• Teaching language is English—practice it even outside class

• Make use of libraries, labs, and activity centers available on campus

• Participate in social and cultural events to expand your international network

• Use the university app or student portal to keep track of assignments and deadlines

• Apply for your student residence permit within 30 days of entry to avoid legal issues

• Ask New Horizons for help with on-campus or off-campus housing

• Istanbul is beautiful but expensive—plan your budget wisely and use student discounts on transport and food

• Don’t hesitate to ask questions during lectures or via email

Now you have the full, detailed guide to how to register at Bilgi University, including admission requirements, document checklists, timelines, common errors to avoid, and useful tips.
If any questions remain unanswered, take advantage of a free educational consultation, or submit your query via the form.