Istanbul Commerce University is a private university in Istanbul, Turkey. According to Council of Higher Education (YÖK) data, it hosted 1,215 international students in the 2024–2025 academic year.
Key facts about Istanbul Commerce University
- Location: Istanbul, Turkey – Turkey’s largest student city, on both the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus.
- Language of instruction: the programs we list here are taught in Turkish and English. Each program in the table below shows its language.
- Admission: private universities in Turkey usually admit international students on their high school or bachelor’s grades, without a central entrance exam. Some programs, such as medicine, set higher requirements.
- Tuition and deposits: see current fees for every program in the table below, or compare them with other universities in our program search.
About Istanbul Commerce University
Istanbul Commerce University (İstanbul Ticaret Üniversitesi) was founded in 2001 by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Education and Social Services Foundation. This foundation was set up by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ICOC), one of the oldest business organizations in Turkey. The university started with 73 students and now has close to 10,000 students. Because of its links with the business world, it is known for business, trade, finance and economics, and it offers practical training and internships with companies.
The university has six faculties: Humanities and Social Sciences, Business, Law, Communication, Engineering, and Architecture and Design. It also has a vocational school, graduate institutes (including graduate schools of finance and foreign trade), an English Preparation School and a Turkish Learning Center. Its campuses are in Sütlüce (Beyoğlu, on the Golden Horn), Küçükyalı (on the Asian side) and Eminönü.
Popular programs for international students
Business and engineering programs are the most common choices for international students. The university lists these bachelor’s programs among its English-taught options:
- Business Administration
- Economics
- International Trade
- Finance and Banking
- Political Science and International Relations
- Management Information Systems
- Software Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Some other programs, such as Psychology, Computer Engineering and Industrial Engineering, are described as English-supported, and Law is taught in Turkish. You can compare all programs on our program search page.
Campus and student life
The Sütlüce campus, opened in 2013 on the Golden Horn shore, hosts business, communication, humanities and law. Its library covers more than 3,000 square meters and has study rooms and seating for about 500 students. The Küçükyalı campus on the Asian side hosts engineering and architecture and design. Students can join around 50 student clubs, and a Career Planning Center supports internships. The university also takes part in Erasmus+ exchanges with European universities. For more options in the city, see our guide to private universities in Istanbul.
Frequently asked questions
Is Istanbul Commerce University recognized?
Yes. Istanbul Commerce University is a foundation (non-profit private) university approved by YÖK, the Council of Higher Education of Turkey. Its degrees have the same legal status as degrees from other Turkish universities.
Does Istanbul Commerce University teach in English?
Yes, for selected programs, mainly in business, economics, international relations and engineering. Other programs are taught in Turkish or are partly in English. Students who cannot show enough English take the English Preparation School first. Students in Turkish-taught programs can learn Turkish at the university’s Turkish Learning Center.
How do I apply to Istanbul Commerce University?
Choose a program in the table on this page and press Apply, or request a free consultation. You usually need your high school diploma and transcripts, a passport copy and a photo. Read more in our guide to applying to Turkish universities.
Does Istanbul Commerce University offer scholarships or discounts for international students?
The university’s international pages do not publish a fixed scholarship scheme. Private universities in Turkey often offer discounts to international students, and an advisor will confirm the current offer for your program. For living costs, see the cost of studying in Turkey.
Apply to Istanbul Commerce University with Lord Agency
Choose a program from the list on this page and press Apply to create your free student account, or request a free consultation and an advisor will check your documents, scholarship options and deadlines with you. You can also compare Istanbul Commerce University with our other partner universities or read our step-by-step application guide.
Compare 2026–2027 tuition fees at private universities in Turkey and North Cyprus and student dorm prices.