Türkiye’s Top 10 Universities

The Best Universities in Türkiye for International Students

With reputable universities and a wide range of programmes, Türkiye is a popular destination for international students. Many Turkish universities offer programmes in English and a variety of scholarships for foreign students.

QS Rankings of Turkish Universities 2026

Source: QS World University Rankings 2026 — all of these universities are ranked globally.

Middle East Technical University (METU / ODTÜ)

METU is in Ankara and teaches almost all of its programmes in English. Its strengths are engineering, the natural sciences and science policy, and it has extensive links with industry and international projects. A large, research-driven campus, a strong alumni network and an active start-up ecosystem make it an excellent choice for international students.

• Founded: 15 November 1956
• Students: ≈ 23,000–24,000
• International students: ≈ 2,000 (8–10%)
• QS 2026: 269th worldwide
• Top fields: computer engineering and IT; mechanical and aerospace engineering; civil engineering and architecture; natural sciences (physics, chemistry, mathematics); management and economics
• Admission (2025): language of instruction 90% English | exam: SAT (≥1100) or METU EPE | GPA: 2.8/4.0 | English: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80 (required)

Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ)

İTÜ is one of the oldest technical universities in the world. Located in the heart of Istanbul, it is renowned for everything from civil and mechanical engineering to electrical engineering, computing and architecture. Close cooperation with industry and urban projects, well-equipped laboratories and plentiful internship opportunities are among its key features. Some programmes are taught in English.

• Founded: 1773
• Students: ≈ 37,000–38,000
• International students: ≈ 2,500–3,000
• QS 2026: 298th worldwide
• Top fields: civil engineering and architecture; mechanical and aerospace engineering; electrical and electronics engineering; computer engineering and IT; chemical and materials engineering
• Admission: Turkish and English (selected programmes) | exam: SAT, ACT or ITU Exam | GPA: 2.8/4.0 | English: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 75 (without a certificate you must take the ITU Proficiency exam)

Koç University

Koç is a private, research-driven university in Istanbul with an educational model close to American standards. Its schools of medicine, engineering, sciences and management are highly regarded and teach largely in English. Up-to-date laboratories, competitive scholarships and a favourable faculty-to-student ratio create an elite learning environment.

• Founded: 1993
• Students: ≈ 8,000–9,000
• International students: ≈ 1,600–1,800 (20%)
• QS 2026: 323rd worldwide
• Top fields: medicine and health sciences; engineering and technology; management and economics; social sciences and humanities; law and political science
• Admission: fully English | exam: SAT (≥1400) or ACT (≥30) | GPA: 3.2/4.0 | English: IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 90+ | note: Türkiye’s most competitive admissions; motivation letter and recommendation letters required

Boğaziçi University

With historic roots in Robert College, Boğaziçi is one of Türkiye’s most prestigious state universities, and its main language of instruction is English. It particularly excels in engineering, economics, social sciences and management, with a dynamic student life, an international community and rigorous academic standards.

• Founded: 1863
• Students: ≈ 17,000–18,000
• International students: ≈ 1,200–1,400
• QS 2026: 371st worldwide
• Top fields: engineering and computer science; economics and management; social sciences and psychology; education and teacher training; political science and international relations
• Admission: fully English | exam: SAT, ACT or Boğaziçi Exam | GPA: 3.0/4.0 | English: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80 | note: recommendation and motivation letters required for most programmes

Sabancı University

Sabancı is a private, interdisciplinary university in Istanbul that lets students choose their major after enrolment. It focuses on industrial research, innovation and entrepreneurship, and almost all programmes are taught in English. Its academic culture encourages students to take part in real and international projects.

• Founded: 1999
• Students: ≈ 4,000–4,500
• International students: ≈ 800–1,000
• QS 2026: 404th worldwide
• Top fields: engineering and computer science; management and economics; social sciences and humanities; art and design; natural sciences and mathematics
• Admission: fully English | exam: SAT, ACT or in-house exam | GPA: 3.0/4.0 | English: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80 | note: online interviews for some programmes

Bilkent University

Bilkent, in Ankara, was Türkiye’s first private university and holds a prominent position in engineering, sciences, humanities and the arts. Modern teaching, international faculty, cultural facilities (such as a symphony orchestra) and high-quality dormitories create an attractive campus. Many courses are taught in English and a variety of scholarships are available.

• Founded: 1984
• Students: ≈ 13,000–14,000
• International students: ≈ 1,000–1,200
• QS 2026: 415th worldwide
• Top fields: engineering and computer science; humanities and arts; natural sciences and mathematics; management and economics; music and performing arts
• Admission: fully English | exam: SAT (≥1100) or ACT | GPA: 3.0/4.0 | English: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80 | note: a CV and motivation letter are not required but count in your favour

Hacettepe University

Hacettepe is Türkiye’s hub for medical sciences, and its teaching hospitals are among the largest medical centres in the country. Besides medicine, it is active in pharmacy, dentistry, health sciences and some engineering and science fields. The language of instruction (Turkish/English) varies by faculty, and for medical applicants a research record and strong grades are important.

• Founded: 1967
• Students: ≈ 50,000–55,000
• International students: ≈ 2,000–2,500
• QS 2026: 571st worldwide
• Top fields: medicine and health sciences; pharmacy and dentistry; nursing and midwifery; natural sciences and engineering; social sciences and humanities
• Admission: Turkish and English (limited for medicine) | exam: YÖS required | GPA: 2.8/4.0 | language: TÖMER for Turkish / IELTS 6 for English | note: medical programmes admit only via YÖS or TUS

Istanbul University

Türkiye’s oldest university, with a wide range of fields from medicine and law to the humanities and sciences. Multiple campuses across Istanbul, an extensive network of hospitals and research institutes and a large academic community are among its features. It is a popular choice for students who want a broad choice of subjects and a historic research infrastructure.

• Founded: 1453
• Students: ≈ 70,000–75,000
• International students: ≈ 3,500–4,000
• QS 2026: 628th worldwide
• Top fields: medicine and health sciences; law and political science; humanities and history; natural sciences and mathematics; literature and linguistics
• Admission: Turkish (some English) | exam: YÖS or SAT | GPA: 2.8/4.0 | language: TÖMER (for Turkish) or IELTS 6 | note: medicine and law are taught only in Turkish

Ankara University

One of the pillars of Turkish public higher education, strong in law, political science, social sciences, agriculture and medicine. The university has close ties with government institutions and policy-oriented research. A mix of Turkish and English courses, extensive libraries and research centres, and internship opportunities in the capital are among its key advantages.

• Founded: 1946
• Students: ≈ 60,000–62,000
• International students: ≈ 2,500–3,000
• QS 2026: 697th worldwide
• Top fields: law and political science; social sciences and humanities; agriculture and animal science; medicine and health sciences; natural sciences and mathematics
• Admission: Turkish (some English) | exam: YÖS or SAT | GPA: 2.8/4.0 | language: TÖMER or IELTS 6 | note: no online interview for international applicants

Yıldız Technical University

YTU in Istanbul is known for its strong focus on classic engineering disciplines (civil, mechanical, electrical, surveying) as well as new technologies. Close ties with the city’s industries, applied projects and specialised laboratories make it a popular choice for future engineers. Some programmes are offered in English.

• Founded: 1911
• Students: ≈ 25,000–27,000
• International students: ≈ 1,500–1,800
• QS 2026: 731–740th worldwide
• Top fields: civil engineering and architecture; mechanical and electrical engineering; computer engineering and IT; chemical and materials engineering; surveying and geomatics
• Admission: Turkish and partly English | exam: YÖS required | GPA: 2.8/4.0 | language: TÖMER for Turkish | note: applicants must submit officially translated documents