Top 10 Universities to Study Architecture in Turkey

Turkey offers a variety of programs in the field of architecture and occupies a prominent position among universities worldwide in this field. It competes with European universities, so it is a suitable choice for international students who wish to become architects.

In this article,  we will discuss the Top 10 Universities to Study Architecture in Turkey starting from definition of architecture major passing through advantages of studying architecture, best Turkish universities, costs and requirements for studying architecture in Turkey. Let's start.

Definition of architecture major

Architectural engineering can be defined as one of the specializations of engineering science that is concerned with imagining and designing the external form of the building and drawing it in the finest details according to strict scientific standards, in addition to the follow-up of civil engineers during the construction of the building and the implementation of the drawing with all its details.

Architecture is not just a science, but it also includes art and creativity. Therefore, this specialization falls under the umbrella of architecture, design, and fine arts in Türkiye.

Advantages of studying architecture in Türkiye

Studying architecture in Turkish universities has many advantages, the most important of them are:

1.  Turkish universities offer a variety of high-quality architecture programs. 
2.  Türkiye relies on faculty members with international teaching experience.
3. Turkish universities have a strong infrastructure, especially in the faculties of architecture, which provide students with the necessary equipment and tools for the academic process. 
4.  Turkish universities emphasize practical application alongside theoretical study.
5.  The cost of studying architecture in Türkiye is relatively low compared to European universities that offer the same major at exorbitant costs.
6.  Türkiye has many distinctive buildings that provide students with many creative ideas to excel in this specialty after graduation.

What are the Top 10 Universities to Study Architecture in Turkey?

There are approximately 15 universities in Turkey that offer architecture. We will discuss the top 10 universities to study architecture in Turkey which include:

1. Istanbul Bilgi University
2. Bahçeşehir University
3. Istanbul Aydın University
4. Istanbul Medipol University 
5. Yeditepe University 
6. Ankara University 
7. Bilkent University 
8. Kadir Has University
9. Özyeğin University 
10. Marmara University

We will discuss these universities in some details through the following:

1.Istanbul Bilgi University

The Faculty of Architecture at Istanbul Bilgi University was established in 2009-2010. It is one of the top 10 universities to study architecture in Turkey, aiming to offer distinguished educational programs taught by some of the world's leading experts in the field.

2.Bahçeşehir University 

Bahçeşehir University was founded in 1998 and is considered one of the top 10 universities to study architecture in Turkey. Its curriculum includes a range of courses in construction, design, technology, construction physics, philosophy, and other courses that prepare you for a successful and distinguished architectural career.

3.Istanbul Aydın University

Istanbul Aydin University is one of the newest private Turkish universities, founded in 2007. Despite its relatively recent history, it has consistently ranked among the top 10 universities to study architecture in Turkey. It's worth noting that the Faculty of Architecture was established in 2013.

The Faculty of Engineering at Istanbul Aydin University comprises a number of departments, including 

• The Department of Architecture
• The Department of Interior Architecture
• The Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design 
• The Department of Industrial Design.

4.Istanbul Medipol University 

Istanbul Medipol University was founded in 2009 and is one of the private Turkish universities that is distinguished by a variety of high-quality educational programs, including the specialty of architecture.

5.Yeditepe University 

Yeditepe University is one of the most powerful private Turkish universities, founded in 1996. This university is famous for the strength of its educational programs. 

The university is dedicated to providing a modern and advanced educational journey that competes with European universities. 

The university offers a variety of specializations, including architecture, which has made it one of the top 10 universities to study architecture in Turkey.

6.Ankara University 

Ankara University is one of the oldest educational institutions that was established immediately after the founding of the Turkish Republic. It is located in the heart of the Turkish capital, Ankara. 

It includes a variety of specializations, the most important of which is architectural engineering. 

The university is keen to graduate generations capable of bearing responsibility and having obtained a sufficient level of education so that they can overcome the difficulties and challenges of the labor market and solve architectural problems and difficulties.

7.Bilkent University 

Bilkent University is one of the most powerful private Turkish universities, founded by Turkish businessman Ihsan Dogramaci in 1984. It is located in Ankara, the capital of Turkey.

It houses a diverse group of faculties offering a wide range of specializations to suit all students' interests. The most prominent of them is architecture. 

The university offers a distinguished program in this specialization, called the Comprehensive Architecture Program, through undergraduate and graduate programs.

8.Kadir Has University

Kadir Has University was founded in 1997 and named after the Turkish businessman Kadir Zeki Has. 

It is one of the top 10 universities to study architecture in Turkey. It offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in many specializations, including architecture. 

It aims to graduate distinguished engineers who are able to work in the most difficult conditions.

9.Özyeğin University 

It is a non-profit university founded by the Hasunu Özyeğin Foundation in 2007. It is known for its contributions to the development of education. 

What distinguishes this university is the opportunities it provides for students to participate and train during their studies in architectural work, in addition to career development programs that provide students with many of the skills and experiences necessary to enter the job market and meet its challenges.

Therefore, it has become one of the top 10 universities to study architecture in Turkey.

10.Marmara University

Marmara University is one of the oldest and largest universities in Turkey, founded in 1883. The university offers a wide variety of programs in a wide range of disciplines, taught in both English and Turkish, attracting a large number of international students. 

The Department of Architecture was established in 2020, which includes the Department of Architecture and Industrial Design.

The university aims to graduate distinguished architects capable of impressing the world with modern architectural designs, relying on their academic achievements and drawing on a long history of Turkish architectural civilization.

Departments of architecture specialization in Türkiye

There are a group of specializations in architecture, which we mention as follows

1. Urban planning. 
2. Landscape design. 
3. Interior design. 
4. Decorative design. 
5. History of architecture.

The cost of studying architecture at Turkish universities

The cost of studying architecture at Turkish universities vary according to the type of University public or private as the following:

The cost of studying architecture at private Turkish universities

Tuition fees for architecture studies in English start at $3,361 and go up to $13,000 per year. Tuition fees for studies in Turkish range from $1,950 to $13,000 per year.

The cost of studying architecture at Turkish public universities

Tuition fees at Turkish public universities range between $400 and $700 per year.

The career opportunities for architecture graduates in Türkiye

The field of architecture is one of the fields that provides many job opportunities, the most important of which are as follows

1. Work as a site engineer. Work on construction projects and create detailed drawings. 
2. Study all factors affecting project construction. 
3. Work in interior design and decoration. 
4. Work in architectural documentation for heritage and ancient buildings. 
5. Work as an architectural researcher.

What is the difference between an architect and a civil engineer?

Some people confuse an architect with a civil engineer, believing there is no difference between them. 

Duration of studying architecture in Turkish universities

The duration of studying architecture in Turkish universities is (4 years), to which another year can be added called the preparatory year to learn the language chosen to study this specialization, whether English or Turkish, in the event that a certificate of proficiency in this language is not available.

Disadvantages of studying architecture in Türkiye

1.  One of the most significant drawbacks of studying architecture at Turkish universities is the difficulty of the Turkish language and communication. However, this can be remedied through the preparatory year, during which students learn and master the language.
2.  Many projects require long hours of field work, which causes physical exhaustion.
3.  The costs of study, accommodation and living in Türkiye are relatively high, which increases the financial burden on the student.

The documents required to study architecture in Türkiye

1. Acceptance letter. 
2. Passport or Turkish ID number. 
3. Original high school diploma. 
4. Original high school transcript. 
5. Equivalency certificate. 
6. 4 passport-sized photos. 
7. Language proficiency certificate based on the language you wish to study.
8. Residence permit (if applicable).

How can New Horizons help you to study at one of the top 10 Universities to Study Architecture in Turkey?

The New Horizons team provides many services to students who want to enroll in the Top 10 universities to study architecture in Turkey, especially if it is their first trip to Turkey. These services include:

1. Assisting students in preparing the required documents to apply to a Turkish university. 
2. Assisting students in applying for a student visa and residency after receiving initial acceptance from the university.
3.  Assisting students in applying for scholarship programs to benefit from the financial exemptions offered by the university to students.
4.  Helping the student apply for university housing, which is free or almost free.
5.  Assisting the student in registering for the preparatory year and setting the date for the exams if the student does not have a certificate of proficiency in the language he has chosen to study in.
6.  Obtaining a student transportation card

Conclusion

We have learned about the top 10 universities to study architecture in Turkey. Students can now choose the university that suits them according to their abilities and skills.

Frequently asked questions about the top 10 Universities to Study Architecture in Turkey

Is Türkiye a good place to study architecture? 

Yes, Türkiye offers many distinguished study programs, including architecture.

What is the average for studying architecture in Türkiye? 

Public universities require an average of 80% and private universities 60%.

What is the best Turkish university to study architecture? 

There are many universities that offer a distinguished group of architecture programs, but the best of them by far is Bahcesehir University.