Choosing a University in Türkiye 2025

عناقيد · Oct 28, 2025

Choosing a University in Türkiye

Türkiye has a broad choice of public and foundation universities. This guide introduces institutions and subject areas to investigate. The ranking section concerns the 2025 QS edition specifically; it is historical information, not the current ranking for 2026 or 2027.

Public universities to consider

Istanbul University: a long-established institution with programmes in medicine, law, communication and many other fields. Compare the actual faculty and campus for your course.
Middle East Technical University — METU, Ankara: an English-medium institution to investigate for engineering, sciences and other subjects.
Istanbul Technical University — İTÜ: an established option for engineering and technology.
Ankara University: offers a wide range of subjects, including humanities, law and political sciences.
Hacettepe University: an important option to investigate for medicine, pharmacy and nursing. Whether it is the best choice depends on the course, your goals and the assessment method.

Foundation universities to compare
Vakıf universities are non-profit foundation institutions, commonly described as private universities.

Koç University: consider its English-medium programmes and research environment, with attention to the exact course and any teaching-language exceptions.
Sabancı University: investigate its programme structure, interdisciplinary study and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Bilkent University: options include engineering, business and international relations, among other fields.
Bahçeşehir University: investigate its international links and opportunities. Do not assume that every institution in the wider BAU network is a branch offering the same degree.
Özyeğin University: offers fields including aviation, hotel management and international trade and business. Check the curriculum and practical training costs, particularly for flight programmes.

These examples are not a guarantee of admission, funding or professional recognition.

Selected universities in the QS World University Rankings 2025
The original guide's approximate figures were inaccurate. The table below uses published 2025 positions from university announcements and YÖK's comparison. It includes only selected institutions and is not a complete Turkish national league table.

University	Global position in the 2025 QS edition
Middle East Technical University	285
Istanbul Technical University	326
Koç University	401
Bilkent University	477
Sabancı University	516
Istanbul University	621–630
Hacettepe University	641–650

Overall and subject rankings measure different things and use specific methodologies. They do not establish qualification recognition, teaching quality in every department or your personal fit. Check newer editions separately if you need current rankings.

Fields to investigate

Medicine and dentistry.
Engineering, including software, electrical and mechanical disciplines.
Business and finance.
Artificial intelligence and data science.
Communication, media and graphic design.
Political science and international relations.

These are study options, not a verified ranking of labour demand or a promise of employment. Professional licensing and recognition matter particularly in regulated fields.

Teaching language and admissions
Public and foundation universities both offer programmes in Turkish and English. Check the exact teaching language; institutional labels do not determine it. Programmes may require language preparation or accepted proficiency evidence.

TR-YÖS is ÖSYM's central international undergraduate admission examination. Other examinations and school-leaving qualifications are accepted where the university's published rules allow them. Eligibility and thresholds vary, and some applications can be submitted online. Consult the current admissions page for your citizenship and schooling history.

Choose using your own priorities

Check whether the university, programme, campus and study mode meet recognition and licensing requirements where you intend to use the qualification.
Compare accommodation and transport costs for the actual campus. Ankara can offer less expensive options than Istanbul, but individual budgets vary.
Research Türkiye Scholarships through its official website. Booking Medical Appointments through MHRS in Türkiye 2025: Registration and Steps, rather than scholarship applications.
Look for realistic accommodation near campus or on a manageable transport route; confirm availability and cost before committing.

Official ranking and programme references

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Choosing a University in Türkiye 2025

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