Turkey attracts international students for its academic opportunities and cultural setting. As a country associated with Erasmus+, Turkey can offer access to all Erasmus+ activities, including exchange opportunities.
Some universities in Turkey use English as their language of instruction, while others offer English-taught programs or use both English and Turkish. This can make the transition easier for many international students and allow them to explore the culture while studying. In this article, we will look at universities with English-taught study options in Turkey.
Top Universities for English-taught Programs in Turkey
1. Boğaziçi University
Boğaziçi University traces its roots to Robert College, which opened in Istanbul in 1863 as the oldest American college outside the United States. English was chosen as Robert College’s language of instruction. Boğaziçi University was officially established in 1971 on the former Robert College campus and continues that academic tradition.
Boğaziçi University is a public university whose language of instruction is English. It currently offers 34 undergraduate, 72 master’s, and 35 doctoral programs across seven faculties, one school, and eight institutes.
Its undergraduate programs include chemistry, mathematics, molecular biology and genetics, computer education and educational technology, economics, engineering, and other fields. Graduate programs are available through the university’s institutes. Prospective students should review the official program pages for the current options and requirements.
2. Middle East Technical University
Middle East Technical University (METU) is a state university in Ankara, Turkey, founded in 1956. Its language of instruction is English.
METU has about 25,000 students. Undergraduate and graduate students from many countries may attend for a semester or a full academic year as special or exchange students. METU offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, follows a two-semester academic year, and has a summer school with regular courses.
METU offers programs across fields such as engineering, architecture, education, arts and sciences, economic and administrative sciences, informatics, applied mathematics, and marine sciences. All 13 undergraduate programs in its Faculty of Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. METU also has 19 international joint-degree programs with European and American universities at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
3. Koç University
Koç University is a nonprofit private university in Istanbul, Turkey. It was founded in 1993. Its language of instruction is English.
Koç University offers undergraduate and graduate study in fields such as sciences, administrative sciences and economics, engineering, social sciences and humanities, law, medicine, and nursing.
Koç University offers 22 undergraduate programs across seven colleges. Undergraduate students can explore double-major, minor, certificate, and track opportunities. Graduate students can choose from thesis and non-thesis master’s programs and Ph.D. programs.
4. Istanbul Bilgi University
Istanbul Bilgi University was established in 1996 and follows the motto “Non scholae, sed vitae discimus,” or “learning not for school but for life.” The university has three campuses: Kuştepe, Dolapdere, and santral istanbul.
The medium of instruction at Istanbul Bilgi University is English, except for the Faculty of Health Sciences. Students whose English proficiency is below the required level must complete the English Preparatory Program before proceeding to departmental studies. Through its International Office, BİLGİ provides information about opportunities such as Erasmus+ and bilateral mobility programs.
BİLGİ offers more than 150 associate, undergraduate, and graduate programs. Its current graduate offerings include online options such as Banking and Finance, Human Resources Management, Management Information Systems, and e-MBA programs. Doctoral options include economics, business administration, communication, public law, private law, and electrical-electronics engineering.
5. TOBB University of Economics and Technology
TOBB University of Economics and Technology (TOBB ETÜ) is based in Ankara, Turkey. It began education and training in Ankara in 2004 after being established by TOBEV with the support of TOBB. TOBB ETÜ Tashkent began its first term in September 2020 with two undergraduate programs.
At TOBB ETÜ, the language of education is 70% Turkish and 30% English. Students take an English proficiency exam. The English preparatory class is compulsory for all programs except Turkish Language and Literature, History, Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, and Visual Communication Design.
TOBB ETÜ offers undergraduate and graduate study through academic units in engineering, medicine, economics and administrative sciences, law, architecture and design, humanities, foreign languages, engineering and science, economics and social sciences, and health sciences.
International students interested in studying in Turkey can use the universities above as a starting point when searching for English-taught programs. Because the language of instruction can vary by university and program, review the official program page before applying. Good luck with your search!
We hope this article on the Best English-taught Schools in Turkey was helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the Study in Turkey and Available Programs for International Students pages.
