The study in Istanbul is among the top study abroad destinations, offering students the best experience and the lowest tuition fees.
That's why the New Horizons advisory team has prepared this comprehensive guide to studying at Istanbul's universities.
In this article, you'll learn about the best universities, the latest tuition fees, admission requirements, and how to apply.
Yes, Istanbul is one of the best study cities in Turkey and the world, for several reasons, the most important of which are:
The experience of studying at Istanbul's universities offers many advantages that make it an ideal opportunity to study abroad. These include:
Private and public universities in Istanbul focus on offering the latest curricula and adhering to international standards.
University majors at Istanbul's universities range from medicine and engineering to fine arts and design.
Universities in Istanbul boast exemplary classrooms, modern laboratories, and advanced research centers.
Most universities in Istanbul are connected to the business sector, ensuring you receive the education you need and gain the necessary experience before graduating.
Studying in Istanbul is internationally recognized, especially in Europe and most Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Most universities in Istanbul, especially private ones, are members of the Erasmus+ international student exchange program.
Read more: Your comprehensive guide for studying in Turkey
Yes, studying in English is available at Istanbul universities, especially at private universities.
Most majors, such as medicine, engineering, health sciences, and applied sciences, are taught in English.
Among the most prominent universities in Istanbul that teach in English are:
Here are the most important details about studying at Istanbul's universities:
There are currently 58 universities in Istanbul, representing one-third of the total number of universities in Turkey. They are divided into:
Universities in Istanbul offer various academic programs, including:
The fall semester begins in September and continues through January, while the spring semester begins in February and continues through June of each academic year.
Private university tuition fees in Istanbul range from $1,300 to $44,000 per year. Prices vary from university to university, as well as by major and level of study. These are:
There are the latest Private university fees in Istanbul for 2025:
Topkapi University is the cheapest private university in Istanbul, with tuition fees ranging from $1,750 to $3,250 per year. It offers majors such as:
Private university housing in Istanbul ranges from $150 to $800 per month. Despite the high fees, it is a favorite among international students, as it is located close to universities and offers the highest level of services.
It's natural to feel confused about which type of university you want to attend. We've prepared a table detailing the differences between private and public universities to study in Turkey:
Advice from your advisor:
Choose public universities if you're looking for high-quality education at low tuition fees, are fluent in Turkish, and can meet strict admission requirements.
Choose private universities if you prefer English-speaking education, prefer easier admission requirements, modern facilities, and extensive student support, but are able to afford higher tuition fees.
Here are the top 5 private universities to study in Istanbul for high-quality education at affordable tuition fees.
Biruni University is one of the best medical universities in Istanbul, and is the only one that applies the top 10 models of higher education.
It also has its own hospital for the Faculty of Medicine and another for the Faculty of Dentistry, where students receive the highest levels of training.
Gelisim University is considered the best private university in Istanbul for engineering studies, as it is accredited by the American ABET, which has accredited several engineering specializations:
Nisantasi University boasts international recognition, modern infrastructure, and comprehensive training facilities, making it one of the best private universities in Istanbul for 2025.
Topkapi University in Istanbul is one of Istanbul's top universities. Founded in 2009, it offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.
It is internationally recognized, boasts advanced facilities, and offers a variety of specializations in engineering, arts, economics, health, and sports.
Founded in 2008, Altinbas University, Istanbul, comprises nine faculties and various internationally recognized programs.
It is distinguished by its advanced scientific research, modern facilities, and diverse programs, including medicine, engineering, management, and the arts. It's an ideal option to study in Istanbul at a reasonable cost.
Read more: Registration at Altinbas University for Arab Students
Istanbul's universities offer a variety of traditional and modern disciplines, but recently, these universities have excelled in teaching:
Read more: Accredited Turkish private universities in Arab countries 2025
To study in Istanbul, you need to meet some requirements which vary depending on the type of university. These requirements are:
Public universities in Istanbul require international students to submit a YOS or SAT score with the required grade, along with a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 98% for medicine and dentistry, and 85% for engineering.
Admission to private universities in Istanbul is easier. All you need to do is submit a high school diploma with a GPA of 85% for medical specialties, 75% for engineering, and 65% for other specialties.
No, it is not necessary to provide a language proficiency certificate for admission to Istanbul universities, as they organize a language exam to determine each student's level before studying and whether or not they need to take the preparatory year.
Here are the application documents for private and public universities in Istanbul:
Here are the steps to study in Istanbul, step by step, in a reliable manner:
It is very important to choose the right major correctly before anything else.
Research the best private universities in Istanbul and check their accreditation, recognition, and tuition fees.
It is also important to verify the university's admission requirements and prepare your documents well in advance, along with their translation into English or Turkish.
If you wish to apply to Turkish universities in Istanbul, specifically private universities, go to the application form and fill out the required information with ease.
After your application has been evaluated and you meet the requirements, you will receive conditional acceptance, subject to payment of a portion of the tuition fee, to grant you final acceptance.
Turkish universities require resubmitting the original documents to the university in person, which requires you to obtain a student visa to Turkey.
After completing the final university registration process, you must proceed with obtaining student residency, health insurance, a transportation card, and opening a bank account.
You can shorten all of these steps to one: obtain a free consultation. Your educational advisor will handle the entire registration process and guide you step by step until you begin your studies in Turkey.
When you study in Istanbul, you have four main available options for student housing in Istanbul.
The public transportation system is fully integrated, covering the metro, buses, trams, ferries, and funiculars using Istanbulkart, a smart card that allows you to travel seamlessly across multiple modes with a 50% discount.
Here's a table showing student expenses in various areas in Istanbul:
So, a student in Istanbul needs between 8,700 and 18,775 TL per month, which is approximately $213.9–$461.
New Horizons is one of the best and most well-known offices to study in Istanbul. It is an authorized agent for more than 60 private universities in Turkey and Cyprus and has received numerous awards for the quality of educational consulting and support provided to students.
Study in Istanbul is your ideal destination for studying abroad. You'll experience studying at leading universities, gain professional experience, and enjoy student exchange opportunities with renowned European universities, among many other benefits.
So don't miss your chance to study in one of the world's most beautiful cities, Istanbul. Get personalized advice now and plan your studies with guidance from the best education consultants in Turkey.
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We are a team of passionate education experts committed to delivering high-quality content for students seeking to study in Turkey and beyond. With a deep understanding of universities, programs, scholarships, and student life, we aim to make your academic journey clearer and easier. We don’t just write — we guide, inform, and walk with you every step of the way.
After many years of working on registering thousands of students in Turkish universities, and answering an unlimited number of questions about studying in Turkey, these are the most important questions that concern students
Istanbul has moderate costs for students compared to Europe, but it is more expensive than other Turkish cities.
Topkapi University is the cheapest, with tuition fees ranging from $1,750 to $3,250 per year.
Yes, Istanbul offers high-quality education, diverse universities, and training and job opportunities.
Yes, Istanbul is safe, with student services and security support available.
The average meal price for a student ranges between $10 and $25 depending on the place.
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