Bachelors degree in Istanbul - Turkey

Istanbul at a glance

Istanbul, in Turkey, is the former capital of many past empires and the only city which stretches on two continents. Its rich cultural history makes it a natural destination for so many creative energies, especially young students from around the globe. It has a bustling economy, mainly fuelled by its historical and geographic advantages. One of the largest tourist destinations in the world, Istanbul is also the educational engine of Turkey and it offers a competitive mix of Europe and Asia, with a clear pragmatic approach to international education. It is the ideal destination for people who haven’t yet decided on their professional aim, as Istanbul’s universities have plenty of options to study for a chosen career path. Its affordable prices and majestic scenery entice even the most reluctant foreign student.

11.2M

Population
2000 - 3240 TRY/month

Living Costs
27

Universities

Studying

Studying in Istanbul

Istanbul’s many universities, both private and public, have many study programmes to offer international students, especially in the fields of engineering, business and computer sciences. The most numerous programme options are the MBAs and Bachelors in finance, business, commerce, political science and international relations, alongside the many specialised degree choices in engineering. Some of the consolidated study programmes available are in the area of food safety and bioengineering. The Bachelors and Masters programmes in social sciences and humanities include in their curriculum a clear pedagogical approach, being oriented towards the training of future teaching staff. For the other, more applied sciences, the teaching methods are combined with field and laboratory practice, often in partnership with private enterprises. Universities also have options for online courses in business, healthcare management or computer science, as well as specialised graduate schools organising PhD studies in engineering, economics, political science, computer engineering and history.

Career

Career opportunities in Istanbul

Istanbul has a strong and diverse economy, with tourism being the largest sector, with thousands of hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions gathering employees with degrees in business or tourism and hospitality management. The rest of the services sector completes the job market alongside finance and the local industries. The largest employer for finance and business majors is the Istanbul Stock Exchange, alongside the Big4 audit giants. Logistic jobs are also in high demand to cater to the city’s two airports and the official port authority which handles transport and freight. For IT and computer science graduates, potential job destinations include companies like Siemens, Huawei, Vodafone, Philips or IBM, which have important headquarters in the city.

Life

Istanbul city life

Istanbul’s long history as the capital of empires has left it with a rich collection of monuments and landmarks, that are world renown tourist attractions:

Hagia Sophia
The Blue Mosque
The Grand Bazaar
Topkapi Palace
The Golden Horn
Prince Island

Istanbul is a great place for sightseeing, with numerous pedestrian walkways, squares and parks, as well as docks and bridges from where to admire the scenery. There are several options for ferries and boats which offer trips through the Bosphorus Strait, the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.

Istanbul also has a rich sports life, with many valuable soccer teams, as well as world-renown basketball teams. As a bustling tourist attraction, Istanbul also has a rich nightlife with numerous clubs and bars catering to the demands of foreigners interested in music and parties.

International atmosphere in Istanbul

Istanbul is a very cosmopolitan city, especially given its position between Europe and Asia. It is a bustling centre of trade, research and culture, gathering tourists, expats and international students from all across the world. Besides Turkish, English is widely spoken, as well as Arabic, Russian and Greek. Istanbul has quite a tolerant community, with various faiths coexisting peacefully. Thanks to its large student community, the majority of the city is very young and dynamic.

Weather Istanbul

The weather in Istanbul fluctuates greatly due to its geographic position, however, generally, it is very humid, with abundant fog. Winters are cold, with average January temperatures of about 4 °C (39 °F) and unpredictable snowfall. Average annual precipitation are around 810 millimetres (31.9 in). Summers are mild, with little or no rainfall and average temperatures in July of 29 °C (84 °F).

Costs

Accommodation costs in Istanbul

There are plenty of affordable housing options in Istanbul:

Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around 454 EUR/month, while three bedrooms cost 835 EUR/month
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre is about 243 EUR/month, while three bedrooms cost approximately 453 EUR/month
On-campus housing costs around 534 EUR/month for a single room, 484 EUR/month for a double room and 445 EUR/month for a triple room.

Living costs in Istanbul

Istanbul is a reasonably affordable city, with living costs ranging between 400 and 497 EUR/month, excluding accommodation. The budget for food reaches 147 EUR/month, while utilities cost around 82 EUR/month. A local transport monthly pass is 50 EUR, while a one-way ticket costs 0.64 EUR.

Universities in Istanbul

Istanbul Okan University

Our vision is to become a world-class university which contributes to the betterment of the nation and its business life by providing education of the highest standards and thereby preparing its students to enter the modern business world, ensuring that they are open to domestic and foreign competition, and instilling them with social responsibility and environmental consciousness.

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Sabanci University

With science, technology, and social structures advancing day by day, the world needs more qualified individuals who possess the knowledge and skills required to pursue a career anywhere in the world. Aware of this pressing issue, in 1994 the Sabancı Group decided to establish a "world university" led by the Sabancı Foundation. The seeds of Sabancı University, the Sabancı Group's most comprehensive social responsibility project in the field of education, were sown in the summer of 1995, at a search conference. Right now, Sabancı University is the highest ranked Turkish university in THE World University rankings and only one of the two Turkish universities that rank in the top 500.

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Vatel Hotel and Tourism Business School

Vatel Group and its campuses throughout the world have won the “Best Hospitality Management School” award in the 17th Worldwide Hospitality Awards, competing against 42 prestigious international schools.

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Istanbul Altinbas University

As Altinbas University, we set an example as a center of excellence by making a difference in education with our top quality academic staff and state-of-the-art facilities. Learn more about why Altinbas is the best choice for you.

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Istanbul Bilgi University

Since its foundation, BİLGİ has attempted to establish a cultural and scientific community that promotes tolerance and respect for a diversity of individuals with different lifestyles, beliefs and ways of thinking within the framework of contemporary universal values, while at the same time maintaining strong ties with all segments of the society.

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Bogazici University

The mission of Bogazici University is to generate knowledge at global scale, to expand the scientific horizons of Turkiye and to educate individuals who will ensure the dominance of contemporary science and technology in the development of the society.

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Marmara University

The University’s mission is to work towards designing the future; along with the 2013-2017 Strategic Plan, Marmara University is working towards determining the position it will occupy in the future. 

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Ozyegin University

As a research university, Özyeğin University always opens new horizons and presents new opportunities to students to enable them to discover their true competencies.

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Maltepe University

Maltepe University, which was founded according to Law 4282 dated July 9, 1997 and is a public legal entity subject to the provisions of Law 2547 and regulations regarding foundations and higher education institutions, started teaching activity by taking students from additional quota in the Academic Year 1997-1998.

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Isik University

ISIK University, along with the kindergartens, elementary and primary schools of Nisantasi, Ayazaga, Erenköy and Ispartakule, has been added to the chain of education of the Feyziye Schools Foundation, and continues its educational mission with campuses on both the Asian and European sides of Istanbul - in Sile and Maslak respectively.

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Yeditepe University

Our University, which was named number one among the foundation universities among Turkey by the 2017 and 2018 reviews of Green Metric, an international platform about sustainability and environmental awareness and determines the greenest universities around the world, is also and only University in Turkey that produces its own energy by the solar panels on the rooftops within the campus. 

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Koc University

The principle mission of Koç University is to cultivate Turkey’s most competent graduates, well-rounded adults who are internationally qualified; who can think creatively, independently and objectively; and who are confident leaders. 

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Bezmialem Vakif University

Bezmialem Vakif University (BVU) vision is to be a leading university in the fields of medical sciences and education, which is taken as a local and global reference point with its education, research and services and members proud of being a part of it.

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MEF University

National and pioneer of quality education in Turkey with the MEF International School Educational Institutions The main objective of the mission is always in the field of education, the university has been created to consolidate a difference.

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BAU

Bahçeşehir University expects to be the leading force regionally and nationally in the enhancement of knowledge. Bahceşehir University aims to educate students who are committed to promoting respect for the rights of others, who are considerate and appreciative of human differences, and of the constructive expression of ideas.

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Istanbul Aydin University

“Towards a Bright Future” being the slogan of the Istanbul Aydin University, it is not surprising to come across our graduate students in the most successful place in their career. Istanbul Aydin University in our country and the world has gained fame with its scientific studies, experienced academic staff and with campuses located in the center of Istanbul, it is a perfect city campus university.

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Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University

The first enterprise for agricultural education during the Ottoman State started when Mekteb-i Zirai Şahane (imperial agricultural school) was founded in 1848 in Yeşilköy district. However, due to various reasons, the school was closed in its second year.

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Yildiz Technical University

Yildiz Technical University is one of the seven public universities situated in Istanbul besides being the 3rd oldest university of Turkey with its history dating back to 1911.

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Kadir Has University

Kadir Has University was founded in 1997, in Istanbul. Civilization city with its campus located in the heart of Istanbul. A colorful university with individual development and training opportunities offered for all ages.