Istanbul Bilgi University
Istanbul Bilgi University – Fostering Creative Minds and Global Leaders
Istanbul Bilgi University
Istanbul Bilgi University, founded in 1996 by the Bilgi Education and Culture Foundation, is a YÖK-accredited private institution with campuses in Santralistanbul, Kuştepe, and Dolapdere. It serves around 20,000 students, including over 2,000 international learners from more than 90 countries.
The university offers 49 bachelor’s, 39 master’s, 7 PhD, and 35 associate programs across seven faculties and three vocational schools. With strengths in arts, business, engineering, and social sciences, its curriculum blends critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application through industry partnerships and research centers.
Bilgi promotes innovation through Erasmus+, global partnerships, and dual degrees with US, UK, and Australian universities. Ranked internationally and supported by strong career services, it combines cultural immersion, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence to prepare graduates for leadership in creative, business, and tech fields worldwide.
What does Istanbul Bilgi University offer its students?
1
Creative Arts and Design Ecosystem
Santralistanbul’s historic campus features studios, galleries, and labs, fostering innovation in film, design, and architecture through industry collaboration.
2
Industry-Aligned Career and Entrepreneurship Support
Career Center and BilgiWorks incubator provide internships, job placements, and startup mentorship, ensuring 85% graduate employment in media, tech, and finance.
3
Global Mobility and International Partnerships
200+ Erasmus+ agreements and dual degrees with US, UK, and Australian universities enable exchanges, internships, and global career pathways.
Istanbul Bilgi University Faculties – Fostering Creative Minds and Global Leaders
Faculty of Architecture
Creative studios at Santralistanbul offer sustainable design, international workshops, and industry collaboration for architecture and interior design professionals.
Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
MÜDEK-accredited programs in AI, robotics, and bioengineering with TEKNOFEST projects and dual degrees for innovation-driven tech and biotech careers.
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
Focuses on global issues in international relations, political science, and history through seminars, Erasmus+, and research centers for policy careers.
Faculty of Business
Integrates case studies, CO-OP internships, and Bloomberg terminals for real-world finance and trade training in Istanbul’s dynamic business environment.
Faculty of Communications
Hands-on media, film, PR, and advertising training with studio production, festivals, and internships at top outlets for digital and broadcast careers.
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Offers psychology, sociology, math, and literature with interdisciplinary research, Erasmus+ exchanges, and policy-focused training for academic and NGO careers.
Faculty of Law
Provides Turkish, EU, and international law training with moot courts, legal clinics, and digital law focus for advocacy and corporate roles.
Advantages of studying at Istanbul Bilgi University
Iconic Campuses in Istanbul’s Cultural Hub
Santralistanbul, Kuştepe, and Dolapdere campuses offer metro access, shuttles, and dorms, linking students to art, tech, and business hubs.
Generous Scholarships and Affordable Education
80% of students receive scholarships up to 100%; tuition starts at $5,000/year, ensuring global access to quality education.
Leadership in Creative Arts and Media
Santralistanbul’s studios and galleries provide hands-on training with Netflix, TRT, and festivals for careers in film and design.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
10+ research centers in AI, law, and migration support TEKNOFEST, startups, and research for innovation-driven academic and professional growth.
Commitment to Social Impact and Sustainability
UI GreenMetric-ranked university promotes green practices, ethical business, and community research for sustainable development and civic leadership.
Strong Industry Ties and Career Launchpad
Career Center ensures 85% graduate employment via internships with 500+ firms, job fairs, and BilgiWorks startup incubation.
Istanbul Bilgi University Academic Programs
Arts and Sciences (English/Turkish)
- Bachelor of Psychology (EN/TR, 4 years)
- Bachelor of Sociology (EN/TR, 4 years)
- Bachelor of Comparative Literature (EN, 4 years)
- Bachelor of Mathematics (EN, 4 years)
Business (English/Turkish)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (EN/TR, 4 years)
- Bachelor of Economics (EN/TR, 4 years)
- Bachelor of International Trade and Business (EN/TR, 4 years)
- Bachelor of International Finance (EN, 4 years)
- Bachelor of Management Information Systems (EN/TR, 4 years)
- Bachelor of Marketing (EN, 4 years)
Law (Turkish)
- Bachelor of Law (TR, 4 years)
Engineering and Natural Sciences (English)
- Bachelor of Computer Engineering (EN, 4 years)
- Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EN, 4 years)
- Bachelor of Industrial Engineering (EN, 4 years)
- Bachelor of Bio-engineering (EN, 4 years)
- Bachelor of Energy Systems Engineering (EN, 4 years)
- Bachelor of Civil Engineering (EN, 4 years)
Architecture (English/Turkish)
- Bachelor of Architecture (EN/TR, 4 years)
- Bachelor of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design (EN/TR, 4 years)
Communication (English/Turkish)
- Bachelor of Film and Television (EN/TR, 4 years)
- Bachelor of Visual Communication Design (EN/TR, 4 years)
- Bachelor of Public Relations (EN/TR, 4 years)
- Bachelor of Advertising (EN/TR, 4 years)
- Bachelor of Media and Communication (EN, 4 years)
- Bachelor of Arts and Cultural Management (EN, 4 years)
Social Sciences and Humanities (English/Turkish)
- Bachelor of International Relations (EN/TR, 4 years)
- Bachelor of Political Science (EN/TR, 4 years)
- Bachelor of History (EN, 4 years)
- Bachelor of European Studies (EN, 4 years)
Arts and Sciences (English/Turkish)
- Master of Psychology (EN/TR, Thesis, 2 years)
- Master of Sociology (EN, Thesis, 2 years)
- Master of Comparative Literature (EN, Thesis, 2 years)
Business (English/Turkish)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA, EN/TR, Thesis/Non-Thesis, 2/1.5 years)
- Master of International Trade and Finance (EN, Thesis, 2 years)
- Master of Economics (EN, Thesis, 2 years)
- Master of Marketing (EN, Non-Thesis, 1.5 years)
- Master of Management Information Systems (EN, Thesis, 2 years)
Law (Turkish)
- Master of Private Law (TR, Thesis, 2 years)
- Master of Public Law (TR, Thesis, 2 years)
- Master of IT Law (TR, Non-Thesis, 1.5 years)
Engineering (English)
- Master of Computer Engineering (EN, Thesis, 2 years)
- Master of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EN, Thesis, 2 years)
- Master of Industrial Engineering (EN, Thesis, 2 years)
Architecture (English/Turkish)
- Master of Architecture (EN/TR, Thesis, 2 years)
- Master of Interior Architecture (EN, Thesis, 2 years)
Communication (English/Turkish)
- Master of Film and Television (EN/TR, Thesis, 2 years)
- Master of Media and Communication Systems (EN, Thesis, 2 years)
- Master of Public Relations and Corporate Communication (EN, Non-Thesis, 1.5 years)
Social Sciences and Humanities (English/Turkish)
- Master of International Relations (EN/TR, Thesis, 2 years)
- Master of Political Science (EN, Thesis, 2 years)
- Master of History (EN, Thesis, 2 years)
- Master of Migration Studies (EN, Thesis, 2 years)
Additional Graduate Programs (From Graduate Institutes)
- Master of Cultural Management (EN, Non-Thesis, 1.5 years)
- Master of Financial Economics (EN, Non-Thesis, 1.5 years)
- Master of Organizational Psychology (EN, Thesis, 2 years)
Business (English)
- PhD in Business Administration (EN, 4 years, research in strategic management and marketing)
- PhD in Economics (EN, 4 years, focusing on financial markets and policy analysis)
Social Sciences and Humanities (English)
- PhD in Political Science (EN, 4 years, specializing in global governance and conflict studies)
- PhD in International Relations (EN, 4 years, research in diplomacy and migration)
Communication (English)
- PhD in Communication (EN, 4 years, advancing media theory and digital culture)
Additional PhD Programs (From Graduate Institutes)
- PhD in Private Law (TR, 4 years)
- PhD in Public Law (TR, 4 years)
Applied Sciences (English/Turkish)
- Associate of Computer Programming (EN/TR, 2 years)
- Associate of Civil Aviation Cabin Services (EN/TR, 2 years)
- Associate of Logistics (EN/TR, 2 years)
- Associate of Banking and Insurance (TR, 2 years)
- Associate of Occupational Health and Safety (TR, 2 years)
- Associate of International Trade (TR, 2 years)
Design and Arts (English/Turkish)
- Associate of Graphic Design (EN/TR, 2 years)
- Associate of Interior Design (EN/TR, 2 years)
- Associate of Fashion Design (TR, 2 years)
Communication (Turkish)
- Associate of Public Relations and Advertising (TR, 2 years)
- Associate of Radio and Television Technology (TR, 2 years)
Social Sciences (Turkish)
- Associate of Justice (TR, 2 years)
- Associate of Child Development (TR, 2 years)
- Associate of Social Services (TR, 2 years)
Istanbul Bilgi University Academic Programs Admission:
Apply online via official portal.
Required Documents:
- Valid passport copy
- High school diploma and transcript (with notarized English or Turkish translation)
- Four passport-sized photographs
Proof of language proficiency:
- For English-taught programs:
- TOEFL iBT 75
- IELTS 6.0
- successful completion of the Bilgi Proficiency Exam
- For Turkish-taught programs: TÖMER B2 certificate
Academic Qualifications:
- SAT (1100+),
- ACT (22)
- IB (30), or equivalent recognized by YÖK
- Minimum GPA: 65% (70%+ required for Engineering and Architecture)
Admission Process:
- Receive a conditional offer within one week of application review
- Pay a $1,000 non-refundable deposit (deducted from tuition upon registration) to receive the Official Acceptance Letter and Visa Support Documentation
Final Registration Requirements:
- Submit original academic documents for verification
- Provide proof of health insurance
- Apply for residence permit within 90 days of arrival in Turkey
Specific Conditions:
- Students without sufficient language proficiency must complete a preparatory year ($5,000 fee)
- Up to 80% scholarships available for international students
- Fall and Spring intakes offered
- Transfer students must submit course syllabi and transcripts for evaluation
- Portfolio may be required for design-related programs
Apply online via official portal.
Required Documents:
- Passport copy
- Bachelor’s degree diploma and transcript (certified English/Turkish translation)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two recommendation letters
- Motivation letter
Language proficiency:
- TOEFL iBT 75
- IELTS 6.0 (or Bilgi Proficiency Exam); TÖMER C1 for Turkish programs
Additional Requirements:
- ALES score of at least 55 (GRE may be accepted)
- Research proposal (required for Communication and Social Sciences thesis programs)
- Departmental interview (especially for thesis tracks)
- Minimum undergraduate GPA: 2.5/4.0
Admission Process:
- Conditional offer issued after evaluation
- Pay $1,000 deposit to secure acceptance and receive visa support letter
Final Registration:
- YÖK equivalency certification required for foreign degrees
- Submission of original documents
Program Structure:
- Thesis programs: 2 years, research-intensive
- Non-thesis programs: 1.5 years, designed for working professionals
- Scholarships available up to 50%
Apply online via official portal.
Required Documents:
- Passport copy
- Master’s degree diploma and transcript (certified translation)
- Detailed CV
- Three academic recommendation letters
- Comprehensive research proposal aligned with faculty expertise
- List of publications (if applicable)
Language proficiency:
- TOEFL iBT 75
- IELTS 6.0 (English)
- TÖMER C1 (Turkish)
Standardized Exams:
- ALES minimum 70 or GRE equivalent
Selection Process:
- Departmental written examination
- Oral interview assessing research potential and proposal viability
Admission Process:
- Conditional offer issued post-evaluation
- Pay $1,000 deposit to confirm enrollment, initiate advisor matching, and obtain visa documentation
Eligibility Criteria:
- Minimum GPA: 3.0/4.0 in master’s studies
- Completion of a thesis-based master’s preferred
- Research portfolio required for Communication and Political Science PhDs
- YÖK equivalency mandatory for all foreign qualifications
- Scholarships available up to 50%
Program Duration: 4 years
Apply online via official portal.
Application Process:
- Designed for high school graduates seeking fast-track career entry
Required Documents:
- Passport copy
- High school diploma and transcript (translated into English or Turkish)
- Four passport-sized photographs
Language proficiency (optional):
- TOEFL iBT 60
- IELTS 5.0 (for English)
- TÖMER B1 (for Turkish)
Minimum Requirement:
- Successful completion of secondary education
- No standardized exams required; aptitude tests may apply for design and aviation programs
- Portfolio required for design-related vocational programs
Admission Process:
- Conditional offer issued after document review
- Pay $500 deposit to receive acceptance and visa support letter
Key Features:
- 2-year duration
- Option for vertical transfer to related bachelor’s programs
- Up to 80% scholarships available for international students
Final Registration:
- Submit original documents
- Fall and Spring intakes offered
Why Apply Through Grant Galaxy Team?
We provide everything you need
We offer a comprehensive study abroad solution in Turkey that guarantees your educational journey from start to finish! At Grant Galaxy, we understand your needs as an international student and strive to provide the best study abroad experience while removing all obstacles from your path.
Guaranteed University Admission in Turkey
- Secure university acceptance to accredited Turkish universities
- Continuous follow-up until final admission confirmation
- Access to exclusive tuition fee discounts up to 50%
Complete Student Visa Process Support
- Full preparation of required student visa documents for embassy submission
- Comprehensive review of all Turkey visa application requirements
- Professional guidance for successful embassy interview preparation
Comprehensive Arrival Assistance in Turkey
- Personal meet-and-greet service at Istanbul Airport and major Turkish airports
- Turkish SIM card with calling credit and internet data
- Arranged airport transfer to your accommodation
Complete Student Living Services
- Assistance finding suitable student housing near your university
- Support in opening a Turkish bank account with premium banks
- Arrangement of comprehensive student health insurance
Legal and Administrative Support
- Fast and secure student residence permit processing
- Timely follow-up for Turkey residence permit renewals
- Free legal consultations for students throughout your studies
Fast and Reliable Services
- Certified document translation within 24 hours
- Exclusive discounted flight tickets for students
- 24/7 student support through multiple channels