Registration at Bilgi University

Are you looking for step-by-step instructions for applying to Bilgi University? Continue reading this article to discover how to apply to Bilgi University yourself without errors, understand the university's admission requirements, and whether or not proficiency is a requirement for admission.

This article was prepared by the New Horizons team for admission to Turkish universities, based on the latest information available on Bilgi University's official website.

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

Bilgi University's admission requirements for Arab students are flexible, requiring only the submission of basic certificates for each stage.

• For admission to the undergraduate program, a high school diploma with a GPA of at least 50% is sufficient, and for engineering, a GPA of 75% is required.
• For admission to Bilgi University's master's program, a bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA varies depending on the field and program type.
• Finally, for doctoral admission, the university requires a master's degree with a thesis, along with the required documents, which we will explain below.

Is there an age limit for admission to Bilgi University?

No, as long as the applicant meets the admission requirements, they can easily enroll and study at Bilgi University.

If the applicant is under 18 years of age, they are required to provide a letter of parental consent and a birth certificate.

Can I apply at Bilgi University without a high school diploma?

Yes. If you are about to finish high school, you can apply with just your transcript. Once the transcript is issued, you can submit it directly to the university.

What language certificates are accepted at Bilgi University?

If you do not wish to take a placement test or study a foundation year, you must submit one of the following language certificates:

• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): minimum grade C
• Cambridge Proficiency Test (CPE): minimum grade C
• First Certificate in English (FCE): Minimum score of B
• TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 75 (TOEFL Home Edition is not accepted)
• PTE Academic: 60

What documents are required for admission to Bilgi University?

It is very important to submit all of the following documents in the specified format to avoid delays in response or rejection:

Required documents for the undergraduate level

• A certified copy of the high school diploma (with official transcript).
• All high school transcripts (last 4 years of high school).
• A copy of your passport.
• Certificate equivalency.
• English proficiency test scores, such as the TOEFL (if available).
• Residence permit (if you reside in Turkey).

Required documents for postgraduate studies

Requirements for admission to Bilgi University's master's and doctoral programs vary from one program to another, but we will explain everything you may be required to do:

• Graduation certificate or provisional graduation certificate, along with a certified Turkish translation.
• Equivalency certificate from the Council of Higher Education.
• A signed academic transcript, or an original copy.
• If the academic transcript is not signed, a wet copy or a copy with a certified translation must be submitted.
• ALES test results (if included in the program's admission requirements).
• If the student is applying to the program with GRE or GMAT scores, the original document must be submitted.
• If the student is applying to the program with TOEFL, IBT, CPE, or CAE scores, the original document must be submitted.
• A copy of their passport
• A copy of their residence permit or ID card.
• If applying to a program with a letter of application, a contract form must be provided with the letter (taken during application).
• One photocopy
• A letter of reference (if required).
• Statement of purpose (if required).
• Thesis proposal, if required by the program.

Read more: Admission Requirements for studying at Turkish universities

How much are the registration fees at Bilgi University in 2025?

There are no registration fees at Bilgi University, meaning that applying is completely free, whether online, in person, or even through a university agent.

When does registration at Bilgi University begin and end?

Registration at Bilgi University for the 2025-2026 academic year begins in April and continues through August, meaning that final registration at Bilgi University is before the end of August.

Advice from your advisor:

Submit your application early to ensure admission is available, as Bilgi University is one of the fastest-growing universities in the world.

How to apply to Bilgi University, step by step?

Here are the steps to easily and freely apply at Bilgi University:

Step 1: Get a consultation

Contact a New Horizons advisor to guide you regarding majors, documents, and application deadlines.

Step 2: Prepare required documents 

Prepare the following documents according to the program's grade:

• Passport photo.
• High school diploma + transcript (last 4 years).
• Equivalency certificate or required document.
• English language proficiency certificate, if available (TOEFL, FCE, BILET, etc.).
• Residence permit (for residents of Turkey).

Step 3: Fill out the registration form

The New Horizons team will fill out the official Bilgi University application form on your behalf to verify the accuracy of the information.

Step 4: Upload Documents

All documents will be sent to the New Horizons team and uploaded directly to the university's online application form.

Step Five: Obtaining Admission

If your documents are complete, a preliminary acceptance letter will be issued from the university, subject to payment of a portion of the tuition fee. Once these requirements are met, you will receive a final acceptance letter from Bilgi University.

Step Six: Applying for a Study Visa to Turkey

Use the acceptance letter to apply for a study visa at the nearest Turkish consulate, whether in your country or place of residence, and submit the following documents:

• University admission photo.
• Bank statement.
• Personal photo.
• Passport valid for more than 4 months.
• Visa application form from the consulate.
• Private travel health insurance.
• Personal ID photo.
• Visa fees are non-refundable and vary from country to country.

Step Seven: Travel and Official Registration

After arriving in Turkey, the New Horizons application team will follow up with you to submit the original documents and complete your registration at Bilgi University:

• Original high school diploma (in English or Turkish and certified)
• Original transcript
• Original passport
• Language certificate, if applicable
• Equivalency certificate
• Fee payment receipt

Step 8: Take the BILET Language Test at Bilgi University

If you do not provide a language proficiency certificate, you will take the BILET test at the university.

Step 9: Starting your studies at Bilgi University

If you pass the BILET language placement test, you can study directly in your major. However, if you fail, you will be enrolled in a language preparatory year, which costs $12,000.

Read more: How to apply to Turkish private universities 2025

How do I fill out the Bilgi University application form?

The process is easy and simple. All you have to do is go to the Turkish university application form page.

Second, enter your personal information correctly.

Third, choose the university, major, program level, and language of your choice.

Fourth, upload the required documents to the form for the application team to review.

Fifth, add any questions you would like answered.

Sixth, click the Submit button and wait for the application team to contact you.

If you'd like to communicate directly with an educational advisor, request a free consultation now via WhatsApp.

How do I know if my application to Bilgi University has been accepted?

Check your email or contact your educational advisor to inquire about the status of your application.

How long does the admission and registration process at Bilgi University take?

The university usually responds within 24 hours, but if the admissions system is under heavy pressure, the period may increase to 3 days.

What happens after final registration at Bilgi University?

Once you complete your enrollment at Istanbul Bilgi University, you officially become an international student in Turkey. There are important steps you must take to ensure your legal and comfortable stay and study.

Student Residence

You must apply for a student residency permit within 30 days of entering Turkey.

Bilgi University will assist you in completing the process after submitting the following documents:

• Electronic Residence Application Form (E-ikamet)
• Original student certificate from the university
• Documents from the International Student Office
• Valid health insurance
• Copy of passport with entry stamp
• 4 recent biometric photos
• Tax number with payment receipt from the Tax Office

Student Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for residency and covers emergency and general medical care.

To obtain insurance, you will need:

• A valid passport
• A tax number
• Payment of the insurance fee according to the selected category

Student Transportation Discount Card

Bilgi University students receive a discount of up to 50% on public transportation in Istanbul.

To obtain a student card:

• Go to the nearest official Istanbulkart center
• or to an authorized store (such as a magazine kiosk)

Opening a Bank Account in Turkey for International Students

To open a bank account as an international student, bring the following documents to the nearest bank:

• Residence Permit
• Residence Document (official residence document)
• Passport
• Personal Tax Number

What is the best admissions office at Bilgi University?

New Horizons is one of the best registration offices for Bilgi University. It has obtained the university's official agency, making it the trusted agency for Bilgi University to enroll Arab and international students.

Our services at New Horizons facilitate your enrollment at Bilgi University.

• We help you choose the major that best suits your skills and ambitions.
• We provide a detailed explanation of the study system and available options.
• We will complete the official application form for Bilgi University and upload all documents via the approved online platform.
• We will carefully review your documents (high school diploma, passport, transcript) to ensure they meet admission requirements.
• We will follow up on your application until the official acceptance letter or conditional acceptance is issued if you are still in your final year.
• We will guide you through the steps to obtain a study visa from the Turkish embassy, using your university acceptance letter.
• We will personally accompany you to the Bilgi University campus to submit your original documents and complete your academic registration.
• We help you find safe and comfortable student housing in Istanbul, whether on or near campus.
• We coordinate all student residency and mandatory health insurance procedures to settle your legal status in Turkey.
• We also help you obtain a student card, open a bank account, and avail transportation discounts.

Read more: The best university admissions offices in Turkey

What are the best majors at Bilgi University?

Bilgi University offers 150 undergraduate programs at various academic levels (diploma, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral), most prominently teaching:

• Civil Engineering
• Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Computer Engineering
• Architecture
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Interior Design
• Management Information Systems
• Economics and Finance

What are the common mistakes during registration at Bilgi University?

When a student decides to self-enroll at Bilgi University, they may make mistakes that prevent them from being accepted, such as:

• Submitting incomplete or incorrectly translated and notarized documents.
• Submitting incorrect or incorrect documents during the registration process.
• Delaying the submission of required documents, which may result in cancellation of admission.
• Entering incorrect personal or academic information on the registration form.
• Failure to pay the registration fee on time or experiencing technical difficulties with payment.
• Forgetting to attach important documents such as a high school diploma or passport.
• Submitting a high school GPA lower than the minimum required for admission to the desired major.
• Not paying attention to language requirements, such as relying on an unacceptable language certificate or failing a language test.
• Failure to review the application before submitting, which can result in spelling or technical errors.
• Attempting to register online when the university does not have a fully electronic registration system.
• Failure to regularly monitor the application status and contact the admissions office when a problem arises.
• Ignoring registration deadlines, which can result in automatic rejection of the application.
• Failure to complete in-person registration procedures upon arrival in Turkey on time.

What advice do you have for new students at Bilgi University?

• Don't miss your first week, as it's packed with information about registration, courses, and the university system.
• The official language of instruction is English. Invest your time in strengthening your English even outside of class.
• Use university facilities such as libraries, laboratories, and activity centers, which are always available to you.
• Participate in social and cultural activities and expand your friendships within the international community in Bilgi.
• Use the university app or student portal to keep track of all appointments and assignments.
• Apply for student accommodation within the first 30 days of arriving in Turkey to avoid any legal issues.
• Ask New Horizons about the right accommodation for you, whether on-campus or off-campus.
• Istanbul is a wonderful but expensive city, so plan your budget wisely and take advantage of student discounts on transportation and food.
• Feel free to ask questions during lectures or via email.

Conclusion 

Now you know how to apply to Bilgi University in detail, the admission requirements, and the mistakes that lead to rejection.

If you have any other questions about registration at Bilgi University you haven't yet found answers to, get a free personalized educational consultation, or submit your question to us via the form.

Resources 

Apply in Bilgi University