Studying in Istanbul: All 35 Universities, Compared

Istanbul is the obvious starting point for almost anyone studying in Türkiye. It is home to 35 of the universities in our catalogue and around 3,858 programs, more than two thirds of everything we list, with tuition starting from just $1,300 a year. This guide compares them all so you can find the right fit.

Why study in Istanbul

Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents, and that energy carries into student life. You get a global, English-friendly environment, world-class internships in finance, tech, media and trade, deep history on every corner, and excellent transport and flight connections home. It is also where the widest choice of programs and price points sits, from budget-friendly private universities to internationally ranked names.

The 35 universities at a glance

Tuition is the lowest published starting fee per year; “English-taught” is the number of programs offered fully in English. Click any university to open its full profile, campus and programs.

A few that stand out

• Istanbul Aydin University is the largest on the list, with 345 programs across almost every field.
• Bahcesehir University offers the most English-taught programs in the city (114), an AACSB-backed MBA and a central Beşiktaş campus.
• Kadir Has University is a boutique, well-ranked option in a restored historic building on the Golden Horn.
• Istanbul Kent University is the most affordable entry point, with programs from about $1,300 a year.

How much does it cost?

Istanbul covers the full range. Tuition starts around $1,300 a year at the most affordable universities and rises to $12,000 or more at the premium names, with most private universities sitting between $3,000 and $6,000. Living costs are higher than the rest of Türkiye, roughly $500 to $800 a month, but scholarships, sibling and cash-payment discounts bring the total down. See live discounts in our programs explorer and the full breakdown in our scholarships and tuition guide. If budget is your priority, compare it against our cheapest universities roundup.

Popular programs in Istanbul

Whatever you want to study, Istanbul has it. Some of the most popular master’s choices include an MBA or Business Administration, Computer Engineering, Psychology, Architecture, International Relations and International Trade, nearly all available somewhere on this list in English.

How to choose

With 35 options, start from the program and your budget, not the name. Our post on how to choose the right university and major gives you a simple framework, and our Study in Türkiye guide walks through admission, visa and timing.

Ready to browse? See every Istanbul university here, or book a free consultation and we will shortlist the right ones for you.