University Video

Bilkent University is one of Turkey's leading research universities, with over 50,000 alumni. It has earned numerous prestigious international rankings, including CWTS Leiden, THE (Times Higher Education), and QS World University Rankings, which reflect its quality of education and scientific research, solidifying its position as a leader among Turkish and global universities. Established in 1984 as a non-profit educational institution, Bilkent University aims to provide high-quality education that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application. The university comprises 9 faculties offering undergraduate programs in various disciplines, along with 5 graduate institutes providing Master's and Ph.D. programs. Bilkent University is distinguished by its modern academic environment and advanced facilities that support scientific research and innovation, making it a preferred destination for both local and international students.

Foundation of Bilkent University

Bilkent University was founded in 1984 in the Turkish capital, Ankara, by the İhsan Doğramacı Foundation. It was established as an integrated educational and research center aiming to promote academic excellence and scientific creativity. The university currently houses three graduate institutes and ten faculties covering a wide range of disciplines, making it one of Turkey's most prominent higher education institutions.

Vision of Bilkent University

Bilkent University's mission is to achieve academic and research excellence through the following objectives:

• To be a leading university in education and scientific research, widely recognized by the academic community both nationally and internationally.
• To develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills across various disciplines, ensuring the preparation of creative graduates capable of making effective contributions in their professional and scientific fields.

Mission of Bilkent University

Bilkent University's mission is to create an exemplary educational and research environment based on intellectual advancement and innovation across all sciences and disciplines. This ensures the preparation of a generation of researchers and professionals capable of making active contributions to the development of knowledge and society.

Goals of Bilkent University

Bilkent University strives to achieve a set of strategic goals that support its educational and research mission, most notably:

• Enhancing the quality of university education by implementing the latest academic curricula based on creativity and critical thinking.
• Strengthening the university's research standing by supporting innovative scientific research and encouraging publication in prestigious international journals.
• Creating a global educational environment open to diverse cultures by attracting faculty members and students from various countries.
• Integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application to enable students to acquire skills that qualify them for local and global job markets.
• Serving the community through research projects and cultural, artistic, and volunteer activities that contribute to sustainable development.
• Enhancing international cooperation with universities and research institutions worldwide to exchange expertise and knowledge.
• Focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting creative ideas and turning them into tangible projects.

Advantages of studying at Bilkent University

Bilkent University in Ankara is one of the best private universities in Turkey. Over more than 25 years since its founding, it has kept pace with scientific and technological developments at both local and international levels, making it a distinguished destination for local and foreign students alike.

Tuition Fees at Bilkent University

Tuition fees at Bilkent University for all undergraduate, Master's, and Ph.D. programs are $14,500 annually without any discounts. However, the university provides the possibility of obtaining discounts and scholarships awarded after evaluating the student's file by the relevant admissions committee, which may reduce the final cost based on the student's performance and academic criteria.

• Medicine and Dentistry: ≈ $37,500 annually
• Master's (Foreign Students): ≈ $300 per credit hour
• Ph.D. (Foreign Students): ≈ $350 per credit hour

Accreditations and Recognitions

Bilkent University enjoys wide recognition and accreditation at national and international levels, reflecting the quality of its academic programs and its competence in education and scientific research.

• The university is among the first Turkish universities to receive full accreditation from the Turkish Higher Education Quality Council (THEQC), which confirms its compliance with all academic and institutional quality standards.
• It has earned prestigious global rankings in indices such as QS World University Rankings, THE (Times Higher Education), and CWTS Leiden Ranking, which measure the academic and research performance of universities worldwide.
• Its academic programs are recognized by many international specialized bodies in quality assurance, particularly in engineering, sciences, management, and arts.
• The university employs a rigorous internal system to monitor academic accreditation standards and continuous quality improvement in line with European and international higher education standards.

Faculties and Departments at Bilkent University

Bilkent University includes multiple faculties in engineering, sciences, arts, and management, aiming to provide comprehensive education that develops students' skills scientifically and practically.

• Faculty of Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences
• Economics
• History
• International Relations
• Political Science and Public Administration
• Psychology
• Faculty of Business Administration
• Business Administration
• Faculty of Humanities and Letters
• American Culture and Literature
• Translation and Interpretation
• Philosophy
• English Language and Literature
• Turkish Language and Literature
• Archaeology
• Faculty of Education
• Computer Education and Instructional Technology Teaching
• Faculty of Law
• Law
• Faculty of Music and Performing Arts
• Music
• Performing Arts
• Faculty of Science
• Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture
• Graphic Design
• Interior Architecture and Environmental Design
• Fine Arts
• Communication and Design
• Architecture
• Urban Design and Landscape Architecture

Campuses of Bilkent University

Bilkent University's campus is located in the Turkish capital, Ankara, and is considered one of the most integrated and modern university campuses in Turkey. The campus is distinguished by its architectural design, harmonizing with nature, providing an ideal educational and research environment that combines tranquility, green spaces, and developed infrastructure. The university campus spans a wide area containing a variety of academic, cultural, and sports facilities that meet the needs of students and faculty. It houses faculties equipped with the latest educational technologies, a large library providing diverse knowledge resources, in addition to advanced research centers supporting scientific innovation. The campus also includes modern sports facilities such as multi-purpose fields, gyms, and swimming pools, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for students. Additionally, it provides integrated medical services to ensure the health and safety of the university community. Bilkent University campus is an ideal environment combining higher education, scientific research, and entertainment, contributing to developing students' skills and stimulating their creativity and innovation.

Most Important Majors

• Engineering: Computer Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering.
• Design, Arts, and Architecture: Architecture, Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Interior/Environmental Design, Urban Design and Landscape Architecture.
• Management, Economics, and Social Sciences: Business Administration, Economics, International Relations, Political Science, Psychology, History.
• Basic and Natural Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Molecular Biology/Genetics.
• Law.
• Arts and Music: Music and Performing Arts within the Faculty of Music and Performing Arts.

Resources & Services

Bilkent University provides a comprehensive set of services that ensure a comfortable and supportive educational experience for students, including:

• University Library: Contains extensive digital and printed sources. Provides individual and group study rooms. Access to international academic databases.
• Academic and Psychological Counseling: Offices to help students choose courses and develop their academic plans. Psychological and social support services to help students cope with study pressure.
• Health Facilities: The university hospital provides discounts and comprehensive healthcare for students. Medical clinics on campus for first aid and primary care.
• Student Housing: The university provides comfortable, equipped housing on or near campus. Includes cleaning services, security, and internet.
• Student Activities: Diverse student clubs in sports, culture, science, and the arts. Events, exhibitions, and training courses throughout the year.
• Modern Laboratories: Equipped laboratories in engineering, medicine, and health sciences faculties. An applied environment supporting practical education and scientific research.
• Technology Services: A comprehensive electronic system for managing lectures and courses. High-speed internet available in all university facilities.
• Food Services and Daily Facilities: Diverse restaurants and cafeterias on campus. Post offices, banking services, and small shops to serve students.

Testing Centers

Bilkent University provides a number of specialized centers for conducting exams and assessing student levels, ensuring a fair testing environment equipped with the highest standards. Among the most prominent are:

• Center for Measurement and Evaluation (BÜSEM): The primary body responsible for organizing centralized exams within the university. Supervises the preparation, administration, and grading of tests. Relies on modern monitoring systems to ensure exam integrity.
• Faculty Exam Centers: Each faculty has organized and equipped exam halls. Used for mid-term and final exams, and practical tests. Provides a suitable environment for large-scale exams.
• English Language Exam Center: Responsible for the English Placement Test. Administers the exemption exam from the English preparatory year. Equipped with computer labs and audio listening halls.
• Practical Exam Centers: Engineering, nursing, medicine, and pharmacy laboratories are used for conducting practical exams. Provide applied evaluations based on students' practical performance.

Research Centers

Bilkent University houses a number of advanced research centers that support innovation and provide a developed scientific environment for researchers and students, especially in medical, engineering, and social fields. Among the most prominent are:

• 1. Center for Health and Medical Research: Focuses on clinical medicine, public health, and genetics research. Equipped with modern laboratories for diagnostics and biological research.
• 2. Center for Technology and Engineering Research: Engages in industrial, mechanical, computer, and electronics engineering research. Supports technology development and industrial innovation projects.
• 3. Center for Pharmaceutical Research: Conducts studies on drugs, pharmaceutical formulations, and toxicology. Collaborates with pharmaceutical companies and specialized laboratories.
• 4. Center for Social Sciences Research: Focuses on psychology, management, public relations, and economics. Conducts field and analytical studies on society and the job market.
• 5. Center for Educational Research: Works on developing teaching and learning methods. Conducts research on curricula and teaching methods.
• 6. Specialized Research Centers within Faculties: Design, architecture, media, and nutrition laboratories. Support graduation projects and graduate studies.

Master & Doctorate Programs at Bilkent University

University in Numbers

Ranking of Bilkent University Globally and Locally

• Nationally: Among the top 10–11 universities in Turkey.
• Globally: Rank 415 according to QS 2026.

Vocational School at Bilkent University 2025-2026

• Institute of Economics and Social Sciences.
• Institute of Engineering and Sciences.
• Institute of Educational Sciences.

Student Exchange Programs

• The university participates in Erasmus+ and bilateral exchange agreements with universities worldwide.
• Participating students can study for one or two semesters at partner universities with credit transfer.
• Usually requires the student to be in their second year or above, with a specific academic average.
• The university provides administrative support, reception, and guidance for students, and the possibility of using university housing based on availability.
• Students can choose courses from different departments within the university according to conditions and agreements.

Housing

Bilkent University provides an integrated residential environment aimed at supporting students and facilitating their university life. The student housing strives to provide comfort, safety, and necessary services to ensure a distinguished educational and living experience for both local and international students, enabling them to focus on their studies and personal and social growth.

• Fully furnished rooms with a bed (or bunk bed), desk, study chairs, wardrobe, and small refrigerator.
• Fast and free internet in all rooms.
• Integrated shared facilities: kitchens, social lounges, group study rooms, laundry rooms, and entertainment lounges.
• Safe and comfortable living environment: central heating, 24-hour hot water, regular cleaning, round-the-clock security.
• Proximity to all university facilities: classrooms, library, laboratories, restaurants, and sports facilities.
• Support for international students and exchange visitors: Provision of facilitated or free housing to ease their integration.
• Health facilities and care services: Presence of a health center on campus and primary medical services.

Costs of Studying at Bilkent University: Tuition Fees by Program for 2025

Frequently Asked Questions about Bilkent University