Turkey is home to universities that offer computing-related degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Program names vary by institution: some schools use Computer Engineering, while Sabancı University uses Computer Science and Engineering.
The universities below offer relevant programs for students interested in computer science and related fields. Review each university’s official curriculum and admissions pages before applying because program details can change. Let’s take a look at the best computer science universities in Turkey.
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in Turkey
1. Sabanci University
Sabancı University was established in 1996 in Istanbul. It has three faculties: the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and Sabancı Business School.
The undergraduate program is officially named Computer Science and Engineering. It is a four-year, eight-semester program taught in English. The curriculum covers computer systems, software, hardware, theory, algorithms, artificial intelligence, networks, databases, and security. Students complete a university-wide first-year curriculum before taking more program-specific courses.
The university also offers a thesis-based master’s program and a Ph.D. program in Computer Science and Engineering. The master’s program requires a research-oriented thesis. The Ph.D. program includes a qualification exam and an original thesis.
2. Middle East Technical University
Middle East Technical University (METU) was founded in 1956 in Ankara. Its official university overview lists five faculties, 40 undergraduate programs, 159 graduate programs, and more than 23,000 students. METU’s main campus covers 45 square kilometers.
The Department of Computer Engineering offers an undergraduate program in Computer Engineering, rather than a program named Computer Science and Engineering. The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, and its curriculum is organized across eight semesters.
At the graduate level, the department awards M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Engineering. It currently lists four M.S. programs: Computer Engineering, Artificial Intelligence Engineering, Computer Engineering without thesis, and Software Engineering without thesis. The Ph.D. program includes coursework, a thesis, and a written and oral qualifying examination.
3. Boğaziçi University
Located in Istanbul, Boğaziçi University was formally established on September 12, 1971. It inherited the history and academic tradition of Robert College, the first American college established outside the United States. For the 2024–2025 academic year, the university reported seven faculties and 16,173 students.
The undergraduate Computer Engineering program covers computer hardware, software, and applications. It is a four-year bachelor’s program designed to prepare students to analyze and design hardware and software systems and adapt to changing technologies. The language of instruction at Boğaziçi University is English.
At the graduate level, the department offers an M.S. in Computer Engineering with coursework and a thesis. An affiliated M.S. in Software Engineering offers thesis and non-thesis alternatives. The Ph.D. in Computer Engineering includes coursework, a qualifying exam, and a thesis stage.
4. Istanbul Technical University
Istanbul Technical University (ITU) traces its history to 1773, when Mühendishâne-i Bahrî-i Hümâyûn, or the Imperial School of Naval Engineering, was established. ITU identifies itself with engineering and architecture education.
At the undergraduate level, ITU offers Computer Engineering. The department page links to both a 30% English curriculum and a 100% English curriculum, while noting that no new students have been admitted to the 30% English curriculum since the 2017–2018 academic year. The curriculum covers areas such as software development, computer architecture, computer networks and communication systems, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
Graduate Computer Engineering programs are conducted under the ITU Graduate School. The current graduate listing includes a thesis-based M.Sc. and a thesis-based Ph.D. Both are daytime programs listed as 30% English.
5. Bilkent University
Bilkent University was founded in Ankara on October 20, 1984, by Professor İhsan Doğramacı. It was Turkey’s first private, nonprofit university. Its campus is located west of central Ankara and covers more than 300 hectares.
The relevant undergraduate degree is the B.S. in Computer Engineering. Bilkent University’s medium of instruction is English. The Department of Computer Engineering offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees.
For the M.S., students must complete at least 21 credit units of coursework and successfully defend a thesis. The expected duration is four semesters, with a maximum of six semesters, and the curriculum includes a research seminar. The Ph.D. requires a qualifying exam, a thesis proposal, and a dissertation based on original research.
Computer science and computer engineering programs can include study in areas such as software, systems, artificial intelligence, data, networks, and security. Before applying, review the official program page for the current curriculum, language of instruction, admissions requirements, and deadlines.
We hope this article on universities offering computer science-related programs in Turkey was helpful. Make sure to check out the Study in Turkey and Available Programs for International Students pages to learn more about studying computer science abroad.
