Marmara Üniversitesi
Marmara Üniversitesi is one of the oldest and most important institutions of higher education in Turkey, having been founded on January 16, 1883, as the "Hamidiya High Commercial School." The university began its educational journey in a modest building in the Çağaloğlu district of Istanbul, and its first class graduated in 1887. Over the years, the university has undergone several phases of development and change. It was renamed the "Istanbul Academy of Economic and Commercial Sciences" in 1959, before officially adopting its name, "Marmara University," in 1982, thus establishing its place among Turkish higher education institutions.
Today, the university comprises 16 faculties, 9 graduate schools, and 11 institutes, offering approximately 199 associate and bachelor's degree programs. Nearly 3,000 faculty members and over 70,000 students contribute to its academic activities, making it one of the largest universities in Turkey. What uniquely distinguishes Marmara University is that it is the only multilingual university in Turkey, offering instruction in five different languages: Turkish, English, French, German, and Arabic. This linguistic diversity, coupled with its strong focus on scientific research and providing solutions to economic and cultural challenges, reinforces its position as a leading institution both nationally and internationally.
Why do students prefer Marmara Üniversitesi?
Marmara Üniversitesi is a preferred choice for many international students for a number of fundamental reasons that distinguish it from other universities:
Multilingual education
It is the only university in Turkey that offers academic programs in five languages, including Arabic, thus removing the language barrier for many international students and allowing them to study in their native language or other international languages.
Academic excellence and international recognition
The university enjoys a prestigious position in global rankings, and its degrees are recognized worldwide, giving its graduates broad employment opportunities internationally.
Diversity of specializations
The university offers a wide range of academic programs in various fields such as engineering, medicine, social sciences, arts, management, and Islamic studies, ensuring that students can find a specialization that suits their interests and aspirations.
Focus on Arabic and Islamic studies
Colleges such as the College of Theology and the Institute of Islamic Economics and Finance have a strong reputation, offering in-depth programs in Arabic language and Islamic studies supported by strong academic curricula and advanced research.
Strategic location
The main campus is located in Istanbul, a vibrant center of business, industry and culture, providing students with great opportunities for practical training and professional networking.
A rich cultural environment
Türkiye brings together diverse cultures and traditions, giving students the opportunity to discover a new heritage and develop their personal skills in a supportive international environment.
What colleges and majors are available at Marmara Üniversitesi?
Marmara Üniversitesi offers a wide and diverse range of faculties and majors that cater to the different interests of students, and studies are available in multiple languages:
The main colleges include:
- Faculty of Theology
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Dentistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences
- Faculty of Fine Arts
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Political Science
- Faculty of Business Administration
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Communications
Available specializations in Arabic:
Theology and Islamic Law:
The Faculty of Theology offers its undergraduate programs with 30% of the instruction in Arabic.
In addition to graduate programs specializing in Qur'anic sciences, Hadith, Islamic jurisprudence, and Islamic history.
Islamic economics and finance:
The Institute of Islamic Economics and Finance (MÜİSEF) offers Master's and PhD programs in Arabic in fields such as Islamic economics, finance, and Islamic insurance.
Arabic language and literature:
The university offers specialized programs in the study of Arabic language, rhetoric and literature, especially in the Center for Applications and Research in Arabic Language Teaching (ADMER).
Middle East Studies:
The Institute of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies (IMIC) offers graduate programs related to the history, politics, and economics of the region, with a variety of language options available.
What are the accepted exams and required grades for admission to Marmara Üniversitesi?
Admission requirements at Marmara University vary based on academic degree (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD) and the applicant's nationality.
Bachelor's level:
- The YÖS exam: Questions for this exam are administered in Turkish, English, Arabic, and Russian.
- International exams (ACT/SAT): The university accepts international exam results as an alternative to YÖS, minimum (SAT 1000 - ACT 19).
- High school diploma: A minimum grade of 2.0 out of 4.0 or equivalent (approximately 55%) is recommended.
Postgraduate studies (Master's and PhD):
- ALES exam: This exam is not required for foreign applicants applying for the international student quota, but for Turks it is no less than 65 points.
- Proficiency in Turkish: A (TÖMER) certificate at level (B2) or less is mandatory for foreign students, but students who have graduated from university programs in Turkish are exempt from this requirement.
- Proficiency in English: A minimum score of 70 is required in the (YDS/YÖKDİL) exams or its equivalent in international exams such as TOEFL for Master's degrees, and 60 for PhDs.
- Arabic language programs: Turkish citizens must obtain a minimum score of 75 in the Arabic language proficiency exam conducted by (YÖK/ÖSYM).
- Academic assessment: Bachelor's/Master's degree GPA: 10%, plus a written professional knowledge exam: 40%, and a personal interview: 50%
- Passing score: Applicants must obtain a minimum total of 65 points for admission to Master's programs, and 75 points for PhD programs.
What documents and papers are required for application to Marmara Üniversitesi?
Essential documents required (for online application):
- The online application form must be completed and signed.
- A copy of a valid passport.
- Two recent personal photos with a white background.
- High school diploma (for Bachelor's degree) or Bachelor's degree (for Master's degree) or Master's degree (for PhD).
- Official academic transcripts for previous academic stages.
- Results of the entrance exams (YÖS, SAT, ACT) for the Bachelor's degree.
- Language proficiency certificate (TÖMER, TOEFL, YDS) according to the language of the chosen program.
Additional documents (upon final confirmation or for postgraduate studies):
- A bank receipt proving payment of the application fee (if applicable).
- Letter of recommendation.
- A motivational letter.
- Recognition certificate from the Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK) for universities from which the student graduated outside of Türkiye (application is made after final acceptance).
- The exam entry document (Sınav Giriş Belgesi) that must be printed from the application system before the date of the written exams and interviews.
What are the official application and selection dates for Marmara Üniversitesi?
The entire application process is conducted online through Marmara University's official application portal. Deadlines vary from year to year and from institute to institute, so information will be updated as it becomes available.
Typical application timeline for 2025:
- Application period: From January 8, 2025 to January 23, 2025
- Application approval period: From January 8, 2025 to January 24, 2025
- Professional Knowledge Exam and Interviews: From January 27, 2025 to January 29, 2025
- Final results to be announced: January 31, 2025
- Final registration period for winners: from February 3, 2025 to February 5, 2025
- Announcement of reserve candidate lists: February 7, 2025
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