Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul is one of the top private universities in Turkey and highly preferred by international students, thanks to its diverse academic programs and integration with global educational standards. The university is notable for its strong focus on practical and applied training, giving its students real-world work experience before graduation. It also places special emphasis on supporting its students socially and culturally through activities, student centers, and ongoing academic events that contribute to student development and skill-building.
Foundation of Bahçeşehir University
The university was founded in 1998 under the supervision of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and later expanded to include multiple campuses, faculties, and research institutes.
Bahçeşehir University (BAU) is one of Turkey's leading private universities, famous for its prime location on the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul's Beşiktaş district, earning it the nickname 'University at the Heart of Istanbul.'
Year of Establishment: The university was founded in 1998 under the supervision of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
Initially, there was only one campus in Istanbul, but the university later expanded to include several branches and educational campuses to meet the growing needs of students.
Key Dates: 2004 - Opening of the South Beşiktaş Campus.
2007 - Opening of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.
2012 - Opening of the Galata Campus.
2013 - Opening of the Göztepe Campus.
2014 - Acceptance of the first student to the Faculty of Medicine; Establishment of the School of Foreign Languages.
2016 - Opening of the North Beşiktaş Campus.
2017 - Opening of the Faculty of Dentistry; Opening of the Galata IDEA Campus.
2020 - Opening of the Conservatory.
2021 - Opening of the Galata Institute.
Vision of Bahçeşehir University
Bahçeşehir Private University in Istanbul aims to be one of Turkey's leading universities recognized globally, through adopting the latest modern education methods and technologies, and providing a cutting-edge educational environment that supports creativity and scientific research.
Bahçeşehir University's vision centers on achieving academic and research excellence that keeps pace with global developments in technology, science, and innovation, aiming to prepare a qualified generation capable of competing in local and international job markets.
The university prioritizes disseminating knowledge and developing scientific research to serve humanity and society, contributing to raising Turkey's global standing through its advanced educational programs and partnerships with many universities and international institutions worldwide.
Bahçeşehir University seeks to combine modern academic education with applied scientific research to become a model in international higher education, providing its students with a world-class educational experience that prepares them for success in various fields of life.
Mission of Bahçeşehir University
The mission of Bahçeşehir University is to be a leading educational and research institution that seeks to disseminate knowledge and develop sciences to serve humanity and society, contributing to elevating Turkey's global standing in higher education and scientific research.
Graduating globally competitive individuals through applied education and modern curricula.
Supporting research and innovation and linking research outcomes to the job market and community service.
The university's mission focuses on preparing its students to become future leaders by equipping them with the scientific and practical skills necessary to keep pace with global technological, economic, and social developments.
Bahçeşehir University seeks to build a bridge connecting theory with practice, and science with society, to prepare a generation capable of contributing to sustainable development and achieving scientific and human progress at local and international levels.
Goals of Bahçeşehir University
Bahçeşehir University aims to combine modern academic education with applied scientific research to become a model in international higher education and provide its students with a world-class educational experience that prepares them for success in various fields of life.
Providing high-quality education based on modern curricula and interactive teaching methods that keep pace with global technological and scientific developments.
Enhancing the university's international dimension through establishing partnerships and cooperation agreements with major universities and educational institutions worldwide, and providing academic exchange opportunities for students and faculty.
Supporting scientific research and innovation by establishing advanced research centers and funding scientific projects that contribute to practical solutions for societal and global challenges.
Graduating qualified and creative students possessing critical thinking, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to compete in the global job market.
Contributing to community development by applying research outcomes in economic, social, and technical fields, and fostering a culture of social responsibility among students.
Commitment to sustainable development by supporting environmental projects and programs that promote sustainability awareness and natural resource protection.
Promoting human and ethical values in the university educational environment, and building a university community based on diversity, respect, and cultural openness.
Advantages of studying at Bahçeşehir University
Bahçeşehir University is considered one of Turkey's most prominent and distinguished universities due to the high quality of education and global academic opportunities it offers. Its most notable advantages include:
The university is distinguished by its high academic level, featuring elite university professors holding PhDs from prestigious international universities.
It is considered the best university in the media field in Turkey, containing a massive studio equipped with the latest technologies for practical training and education of students.
The university received the Super Brand Turkey award in 2007–2008 in recognition of its educational strength and distinguished corporate brand.
It was the first Turkish university to join the Turquality program, a brand support program backed by the Turkish Ministry of Economy.
The university offers a wide range of unique majors, including the Department of Artificial Intelligence in English, which is the first and only of its kind in Turkey at the undergraduate level.
The university is one of the most attractive universities for international students, hosting over 3,500 foreign students from more than 76 countries worldwide.
It provides distinguished international study opportunities through academic exchange programs with partner universities in Toronto, Washington, Berlin, Cyprus, and several other countries.
It offers students practical internship opportunities abroad during the summer through agreements with major global companies, giving them excellent professional experience.
The university organizes special support events and programs for its graduates to maintain communication and develop their skills even after graduation.
It includes the latest equipped laboratories and scientific centers across various disciplines, preparing students to gain practical and applied experience in an integrated educational environment.
Tuition Fees at Bahçeşehir University
Study fees at Bahçeşehir University Istanbul vary according to the major and language of instruction as follows:
Bachelor of Medicine in English: $27,000
Bachelor of Dentistry in English: $22,000
Bachelor of Media in English: $8,500
Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering in English: $9,000
Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence Engineering in English: $9,000
Bachelor of Law in Turkish: $8,500
Accreditations and Recognitions
Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul is keen to obtain numerous local and international accreditations to ensure the quality of education across various academic disciplines and to provide officially recognized educational programs.
MÜDEK accreditation for engineering programs.
CEA accreditation for English language programs.
TPD accreditation for psychology programs.
EPDAD accreditation for education programs.
MIAK accreditation for architecture programs.
ECZAKDER accreditation for pharmacy programs.
TEPDAD accreditation for medical programs.
DEPAD accreditation for dentistry programs.
İLEDAK accreditation for evaluating communication education.
STAR accreditation for humanities and social sciences rating.
Faculties and Departments at Bahçeşehir University
Faculty of Medicine
Faculty of Dentistry
Faculty of Pharmacy
Faculty of Educational Sciences
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Communication
Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences
Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
Faculty of Architecture and Design
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Arts and Specialized Institutes
Campuses of Bahçeşehir University
South Beşiktaş Campus
Includes faculties such as Pharmacy, Engineering, Education, Law, Economics and Administrative Sciences, and Applied Sciences (Pilot Captain department).
North Beşiktaş Campus
Includes the Faculty of Architecture and Design, Faculty of Health Sciences, Vocational School of Health Services, and Faculty of Applied Sciences (Culinary Arts).
Göztepe Campus
Includes the Faculty of Medicine.
Palamutköy Campus
Includes the Faculty of Dentistry.
Galata Campus
Includes the Faculty of Communication.
Pera Campus
Includes the Conservatory and the Institute of Performing Arts.
Future Campus
Dedicated to the preparatory year and language for international and local students.
Most Important Majors
Studying Medicine at Bahçeşehir University
Studying Dentistry in English at Bahçeşehir University
Studying Pharmacy in English at Bahçeşehir University
Studying Nursing at Bahçeşehir University
Studying Cybersecurity at Bahçeşehir University
Studying Physiotherapy at Bahçeşehir University
Studying Artificial Intelligence at Bahçeşehir University
Studying Public Relations at Bahçeşehir University
Studying Biomedical Engineering at Bahçeşehir University
Studying Media at Bahçeşehir University
Resources & Services
Bahçeşehir University provides a wide range of services aimed at supporting students academically and socially, ensuring a complete and comfortable university experience. The following are the most prominent services the university offers to its students:
University Dormitories at Bahçeşehir University: Provide a safe and comfortable environment for students near the university campuses.
Includes a variety of housing options such as single and shared rooms, with integrated facilities including restaurants and cafes, laundry rooms, and study and lounge areas.
The dormitory features a modern 24/7 surveillance system to ensure the highest levels of security.
Sports and Cultural Services: Bahçeşehir University encourages its students to develop their talents through over 43 student clubs and societies including sports activities, fine arts, chess club, music club, and various cultural and social activities.
These clubs provide students with an opportunity to develop their skills and build new friendships.
Healthcare Services: The university provides equipped medical clinics for students, offering emergency check-ups, medical consultations, and follow-up on health cases.
The university organizes awareness seminars and lectures to promote health awareness, focusing on first aid, public health, and disease prevention.
Psychological Counseling Services: The Psychological Center at Bahçeşehir University manages free support programs for students in areas of mental health, social adaptation, and coping with academic stress.
The center offers individual and group sessions to help students overcome challenges and improve their academic performance.
Testing Centers
BAU English Proficiency Exam held at the university for students who do not have an external language certificate.
Placement Test in English within the university's preparatory program.
Turkish Language Proficiency Exam (Yeterlilik) via the university's TÜRKMER Turkish Language Center.
Erasmus+ English Proficiency Exam held on campus (e.g., at Future Campus).
Research Centers
Economic and Social Research Center (BETAM)
Ottoman History Research and Application Center (OTAM)
Creative Industries Center (BAUKEM)
Mediterranean Research Center / Civilization(s) (MEDAM)
Cybersecurity / Internet Security Research Center
Learning & Teaching Application and Research Center
Teacher Professional Development and Research Center (ÖGAM)
Big Data Application and Research Center
Healthy Living and Physiotherapy Research Center
Psychology Application and Research Center (PUAM)
Social Impact and Responsibility Center
Continuing Education Center (BAUSEM)
Community, Health, Behavior & Prevention Center
Turkish / Foreign Languages Research and Application Center (TÜRKMER)
Istanbul Blockchain and Innovation Center
Bahçeşehir Financial Research Center (BFRC)
International Leadership and Research Center (CIFAL) for Corporate Managers and Leaders
Strategic Studies Center
Sustainable Food Systems Center
Human Rights Research Center
Distance Education Center (BAUGO)
Asia-Pacific-Africa Studies Center
Computational Drug Design Center (HITMER)
Speech Disorders Research Center
Competition Law Research Center
Wood / Timber Structures Research and Application Center
Migration and Urban Studies Center (BAUMUS)
Master & Doctorate Programs at Bahçeşehir University
Master Programs
Master of Business Administration (MBA) with thesis, in English, with a registration fee of $14,000.
Master of Public Law with thesis, in Turkish, with a registration fee of $14,000.
Master of Capital Markets and Finance without thesis, in Turkish or English, with a fee of $12,000.
Master of Engineering with thesis, in Turkish or English, with a registration fee of $14,000.
Master of Mechatronics Engineering with thesis, in English, with a fee of $14,000.
Master of Artificial Intelligence without thesis, in English, with a registration fee of $12,000.
Doctorate Programs
Doctorate in Business Administration program in English, with a registration fee of $40,000.
Doctorate in Political Science and International Relations program in English, with a fee of $40,000.
Doctorate in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation program in Turkish, with a registration fee of $40,000.
Doctorate in Computer Engineering program in English, with a registration fee of $40,000.
Recognitions of Bahçeşehir University
Bahçeşehir University enjoys wide recognition at both international and regional levels, making its degrees recognized in various European and Arab countries.
Egypt
Libya
Jordan
Yemen
Lebanon
Sudan
Iraq
Palestine
Syria
Morocco
Saudi Arabia
This international recognition allows graduates opportunities for work and further study abroad easily and confirms the quality of education and academic level provided by the university.
University in Numbers
Programs and Majors
11 Faculties + Faculty of Applied Sciences
3 Vocational Schools
14 Associate Degree Programs
49 Undergraduate Programs
180 Master's Programs
26 PhD Programs
Number of Students
Total Students: 19,595
Associate Degree Students: 1,349
Undergraduate Students: 20,162
Master's Students: 5,521
PhD Students: 514
Foreign Students: 6,345
Top Nationalities Among International Students:
Syria: 615 students
Egypt: 275 students
Palestine: 155 students
Morocco: 132 students
Yemen: 129 students
Faculty Members
Total Academic Staff: 818
University Doctor (Associate/Full Prof.): 125
Research Assistant: 115
Associate Professor: 94
Foreign Academics: 32
Other Statistics
Student Clubs: 81
Laboratories: 82
Research Centers: 20
Internal Cafes and Restaurants: 8
Ranking of Bahçeşehir University Globally and Locally
Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul is considered one of Turkey's leading universities academically and in research, having achieved several global and local rankings highlighting its educational standing.
Global Ranking: 1,598.
Local Ranking: Among the top private universities in Turkey (advanced local positions).
Future Goal: The university aims to be among the top 500 universities worldwide.
YÖK Entrepreneurial and Innovative University Index (2020): Ranked 38th among 191 universities in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Times Higher Education Ranking 2022: 5th place among Turkish universities.
Awards: The university was awarded the title of Turkey's Best Education Brand in 2017.
Vocational School at Bahçeşehir University 2025-2026
General Vocational School
Vocational School of Health Services
School of Foreign Languages
School of Applied Sciences
Conservatory
Institute of Performing Arts
Student Exchange Programs
Wide-ranging student exchange programs and Erasmus agreements and university partnerships in Berlin, Washington, Toronto, Cyprus, and other cities.
Erasmus+ — the famous European program. BAU has been participating since 2004‑2005.
World Exchange Program — allows students to spend a semester at a partner university worldwide under agreements between BAU and various universities.
Study Abroad / Summer & Winter School opportunities — meaning students are not limited to full-semester exchange; they can also participate in short-term programs (summer/winter) at partner universities.
Students can be at undergraduate, master's, or diploma level — meaning the programs are not exclusive to undergraduates.
Exchange for one semester or an academic year — depending on the partner university and the agreed terms.
Proficiency in Turkish is not mandatory — many majors at BAU are taught in English.
Possibility to transfer credits earned during the exchange into your academic record at BAU (after signing a learning agreement) — important for those who want to avoid losing a year.
Housing
Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul has several campuses spread across strategic locations within the city, where each campus is designed to meet the needs of different specializations and provide a modern, advanced learning environment for students.
Advanced Educational Facilities: Include modern classrooms, advanced laboratories, research centers, and libraries equipped with the latest scientific resources.
Diverse Student Activities: Include student clubs, cultural and artistic events, and diverse sports programs to enhance interaction among students.
Easy Accessibility: University campuses are located in central areas like Beşiktaş, Karaköy, Eyüp Sultan, and Beyoğlu, with easy access via public transportation.
Multicultural Environment: The campuses host international students from various nationalities, providing an international educational experience and promoting cultural exchange.
Campus Specialization: Each campus contains specific faculties or institutes, such as Medicine, Engineering, Health Sciences, Arts, and Communication, to provide integrated academic focus.
Costs of Studying at Bahçeşehir University: Tuition Fees by Program for 2025
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Registration & Documents
Learn about the required documents for registration at Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul, Turkey. All documents must be translated and officially certified.
Recent passport-size photograph
Copy of passport translated into Turkish or English
Original high school diploma with a minimum grade of 60%, translated and certified in Turkish or English
Original high school transcript translated and certified in Turkish or English
Foreign language proficiency certificate based on chosen language of study: For English-taught programs: TOEFL iBT score of at least 79 for bachelor's and 66 for master's. For Turkish-taught programs: YÖS or TÖMER certificate at minimum B1 level for bachelor's and C1 for master's or PhD
Additional certificates (optional) that may grant discounts or admission priority, such as: academic excellence certificates, training or work experience certificates, recommendation letters or statement of purpose (especially for graduate studies)
Frequently Asked Questions about Bahçeşehir University
Where is Bahçeşehir University's campus located?
Bahçeşehir University is located in Istanbul, with its main campus situated in the Beşiktaş district, offering a distinctive view of the Bosphorus Strait.
Is Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul considered an excellent university?
Bahçeşehir University is an ideal choice for students wishing to study Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy, as the university provides wide opportunities for practical training in its hospitals and advanced laboratories. The university is also distinguished by the strength of its engineering programs thanks to its applied curricula and training opportunities in university labs. The university is also famous for its excellence in media majors, featuring fully equipped modern studios that provide students with practical training, qualifying them to enter the job market with confidence and competence.
What are the tuition fees at Bahçeşehir University?
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students at Bahçeşehir University range from $7,900 up to $28,000 for the English-taught Medicine program. Master's program fees are approximately $12,000, while PhD fees reach about $40,000.
What is Bahçeşehir University's ranking among Turkish and global universities?
Bahçeşehir University holds a distinguished ranking, placing 24th locally, 603rd in Europe, and 1,598th globally.
Does Bahçeşehir University provide assistance services for international students regarding internships, residence, and visas?
Students in medical majors at Bahçeşehir University benefit from practical training opportunities in the university's hospitals and laboratories, while engineering and media students receive practical training in labs and studios, in addition to participating in field projects with companies. The university's International Office also provides comprehensive guidance for international students regarding student visa and residence permit procedures, including appointments, required documents, and essential steps. It is important to note that this support is advisory and not legal, so starting procedures early is recommended to avoid any delays.
Are Turkish university degrees recognized in Gulf countries?
Yes, Turkish university degrees are recognized in most Gulf countries, including degrees from Bahçeşehir University, Istinye University, and many other Turkish universities.
What is the availability of scholarships and discounts at Bahçeşehir University for international students?
Yes, Bahçeşehir University typically offers partial scholarships, early payment discounts, and exemptions for academic excellence for certain specific programs. It is important to note that these scholarships usually apply to tuition fees only and do not cover housing, insurance, or lab usage. Students can also choose to pay in two installments: 50% upon registration and 50% in the second semester. It is always essential to refer to the acceptance letter, as it is the final reference for determining the approved amount.
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