Istanbul Bilgi University

Istanbul Bilgi University is one of the best and strongest private universities in Turkey, especially in engineering specializations. It has successfully achieved a distinguished academic reputation at both local and global levels thanks to the quality of its educational curricula and its reliance on the latest teaching and practical application methods.

Foundation of Bilgi University

Founded in 1995, it has focused from the beginning on modernizing curricula and preparing educational and research infrastructure.

Istanbul Bilgi University was founded in 1995 by the Bilgi Education and Culture Foundation, and since its inception, it has focused on developing curricula and preparing modern laboratories and educational facilities.

The university experienced rapid growth to include today three campuses and more than 30 programs and specializations in multiple academic fields.

The university bases its curricula on cooperation with prestigious global educational institutions like the London School of Economics, to ensure program quality and international education standards.

Bilgi University seeks to provide high-level academic education that aligns with international standards and enhance effective communication between students and faculty members.

The university is committed to providing an educational environment that stimulates innovation and prepares students for a successful professional future.

Vision of Bilgi University

Bilgi University strives to be a leading international university that makes a tangible impact in the educational and academic fields, through an environment that brings together professors and students with a passion for science and innovation, and constantly seeks to achieve development and sustainable knowledge in various specializations.

• To be a leading international university that makes a tangible impact in education and research through an environment that incubates innovation and sustainable knowledge.

Mission of Bilgi University

Istanbul Bilgi University seeks to achieve its educational and research mission through a set of fundamental goals:

• Providing high-level academic education compatible with international standards.
• Enhancing effective communication between students and faculty members to ensure a distinguished educational experience.
• Enhancing Sciences, Arts, and Technology: Contributing to the development of scientific knowledge, supporting artistic production, and participating in modern technological innovations and developments.
• Developing Student Skills: Preparing students with broad horizons, advanced research skills, and effective problem-solving abilities, qualifying them to face academic and professional life challenges.
• The university is committed to providing an educational environment that stimulates creativity and innovation, and prepares students for a successful future in various fields.

Goals of Bilgi University

Istanbul Bilgi University focuses on achieving a set of goals that ensure the preparation of highly qualified graduates for professional life. These goals include:

• Preparing distinguished graduates with applicable intellectual and practical skills in the job market.
• Developing the faculty and raising their academic and research competencies.
• Community contribution through field projects and events that serve the community.
• Istanbul Bilgi University ensures an integrated educational environment that combines advanced academic education with practical experience and community contribution.

Advantages of studying at Bilgi University

Istanbul Bilgi University is distinguished by a number of advantages that make it one of the most prominent private universities in Turkey. The most important of these features are:

Accreditations and Recognitions

Istanbul Bilgi University holds a number of local and international accreditations and recognitions that reflect the quality of its academic programs and the distinguished educational level of its students. The most prominent of these accreditations include:

• WASC Accreditation: This accreditation is granted to universities after a comprehensive evaluation of the quality of curricula and educational services, and reflects Bilgi University's status among the best universities in Turkey.
• QS STARS Accreditation: An international accreditation issued by the United Kingdom, demonstrating the strength of the university's programs and their conformity with global quality standards.
• CEA Accreditation: This accreditation allows the official teaching of English and ensures the quality of language education for students within the university.
• FEDEK Accreditation: Specific to teaching specializations such as Arts Sciences, Sports Sciences, and Natural Sciences, and confirms the quality of education in these fields.
• IFTA Accreditation: Issued by the International Family Therapy Association, it allows the university to offer specializations such as Clinical Therapy, Psychology, and Psychological and Family Counseling, and apply modern learning theories.
• TPD Accreditation: Accreditation issued by the Turkish Psychologists Association for teaching the Psychology specialization according to the highest academic standards.
• MÜDEK Accreditation: Specializes in teaching various engineering specializations such as Electrical Engineering, Mechanics, Energy, Mechatronics, and others, and reflects the university's commitment to international engineering standards.

Faculties and Departments at Bilgi University

The academic programs of Istanbul Bilgi University are divided into faculties, vocational schools, and specialized institutes, to provide a wide range of specializations for local and international students.

• Faculty of Communication
• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Faculty of Sports Sciences
• Faculty of Engineering
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Applied Sciences

Campuses of Bilgi University

Istanbul Bilgi University includes three distinguished campuses, providing students with an integrated educational environment and a distinguished university experience:

Testing Centers

Here are some important testing centers at Istanbul Bilgi University:

• BİLET Test: English language test for placement or exemption from preparatory, conducted on campus (Kuştepe and Santralİstanbul).
• Graduate Exam (Master's / PhD) – BİLET 3: Online English test for applicants to graduate studies at Bilgi.
• Proficiency / Placement exams within the preparatory program (conducted at different stages of BİLET).

Research Centers

Here are the most important scientific research centers at Istanbul Bilgi University

• Atatürk Principles and Revolution History Research Center
• Conflict Resolution Center
• Center for Environment, Energy and Sustainability
• Maritime Law Center
• Intellectual Property Law Center
• Financial Studies Center
• Migration Studies Center
• Human Rights Law Center
• Business Ethics Center
• Comparative Labor and Social Security Law Center
• Cultural Policy and Management Research Center
• Advanced Economics Research Center
• Competition and Political Law Center
• Civil Society Studies Center
• Sociology and Education Studies Center
• Turkish Language Teaching Application and Research Center
• International Trade and Arbitration Law Center
• Distance Education Center
• Higher Education Studies Center
• High Energy Physics Research Center

Master & Doctorate Programs at Bilgi University

Recognitions of Bilgi University

Istanbul Bilgi University enjoys wide recognition at the international level, as its educational programs are accredited

• Istanbul Bilgi University is recognized in most European countries and a number of Arab countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Jordan, Yemen, Lebanon, Palestine, Somalia, Sudan.

University in Numbers

Istanbul Bilgi University is one of the most prominent private universities in Turkey. Here are the most important numbers and statistics about its programs, students, faculty, and educational facilities: Programs and Specializations of Bilgi University

Ranking of Bilgi University Globally and Locally

Istanbul Bilgi University holds a distinguished position at both local and international levels, according to the latest university rankings:

• At the Global Level: Bilgi University ranks 1418 globally among 11,994 universities worldwide, according to the Webometrics ranking.
• At the Local Level: The university is among the top 20 universities in Turkey, ranking 19th locally among Turkish universities.
• This ranking reflects the university's strength in the quality of education and scientific research, and confirms its position as one of the best private universities in Istanbul and Turkey.

Vocational School at Bilgi University 2025-2026

The university includes 3 different vocational schools offering diverse educational programs:

• School of Justice Vocational School
• School of Advanced Vocational Studies
• Vocational School of Health Services
• Graduate Programs Institute
• European Institute
• Institute of Information and Technology Law

Student Exchange Programs

Istanbul Bilgi University places great importance on providing student exchange opportunities to expand students' academic and cultural horizons.

• The university has more than 600 exchange agreements with European universities, providing students with diverse opportunities for learning and international experience.
• Bilgi University is an active member of the Erasmus program, which enables students to study for a semester or a full academic year at European universities outside Turkey, benefiting from different academic and cultural experiences.

Housing

Istanbul Bilgi University does not provide its own on-campus housing, but it cooperates with specialized companies to provide comfortable and safe housing options for its local and international students, making the study experience in Istanbul easier and more comfortable. Prominent housing places available for students:

• Republica Aparts Ortaköy: Located in the Ortaköy area near the university and transportation.
• Republica Aparts Maslak: Located in the Maslak area and is characterized by easy access to the university and surrounding facilities.
• Republica Florya: For male students and located in the Küçükçekmece area.
• Republica Aparts Büyükçekmece: Located in the Büyükçekmece area and provides a suitable environment for students.

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

Security: 24/7 camera surveillance and the presence of a security team to ensure student safety.Room Options: The possibility to choose between single or shared rooms, with a private bathroom and fully equipped furniture.Easy Access: Proximity of housing to bus and coach stations to facilitate daily commuting.Sports and Recreational Facilities: Include a fitness center, swimming pool, and video game room.Additional Services: The residences contain a laundry room, 24/7 internet service, supermarket, ATM, and some shops to meet the daily needs of students.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bilgi University