Istanbul Technical University is a state university in Istanbul, Turkey.
Key facts about Istanbul Technical 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. Each program in the table below shows its language.
- Admission: state universities usually admit international students through their own quotas, based on exam scores such as YÖS or SAT and high school results. Requirements and deadlines vary by university.
- 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 Technical University
Istanbul Technical University (ITU) is a state university. It traces its history back to 1773, when the Imperial School of Naval Engineering (Mühendishâne-i Bahrî-i Hümâyûn) was founded under Sultan Mustafa III. It took the name Istanbul Technical University in 1944. ITU describes itself as Turkey’s first technical university. Today it has 13 faculties, including Computer and Informatics, Electrical and Electronics, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, Aeronautics and Astronautics, Maritime, and Management, plus the Turkish Music State Conservatory.
The main campus is Ayazağa in Maslak (Sarıyer), on the European side of Istanbul. Some faculties use historic city-centre campuses near Taksim, such as Taşkışla (Architecture), Gümüşsuyu (Mechanical Engineering) and Maçka (Management), and the Maritime Faculty is in Tuzla. ITU is known mainly for engineering and architecture. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, ITU was placed 279th in the world and first among Turkish universities.
Popular programs for international students
ITU offers more than 100 bachelor’s programs. Many are taught partly in English (about 30% of courses), and some are taught fully in English. Programs that international students often consider include:
- Computer Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Architecture
You can compare programs on our program search page.
Campus and student life
The Ayazağa campus is on the M2 metro line and city bus routes. It holds the rectorate, most faculties, residence halls, the central library, a large gymnasium, a stadium and the ARI Teknokent technology park. The university offers dormitory places for students, but space depends on availability. The International Relations Coordinatorship is based on the Ayazağa campus, and an international students club (ITU Bees) organises events.
Frequently asked questions
Is Istanbul Technical University recognized?
Yes. ITU is a state university in Turkey under YÖK, the Council of Higher Education. Its degrees are official Turkish university degrees.
Does Istanbul Technical University teach in English?
Partly. In many programs about 30% of courses are in English, and some programs are fully in English. Students without an accepted English score study one year in the English preparatory program first. Students in programs taught at least 30% in English must also get a C1 Turkish certificate within one year of registration.
How do I apply to Istanbul Technical University?
As a state university, ITU uses its own international student quota. You apply online in the summer with your high school diploma, transcript, passport and a statement of purpose. You also need an accepted exam score, for example SAT, ACT, IB, A-levels, TR-YÖS, or national results such as Pakistan’s HSSC. Choose a program in the table on this page and press Apply, or request a free consultation. See also our guide to applying to Turkish universities.
Does Istanbul Technical University offer scholarships for international students?
ITU’s international pages do not publish a fixed scholarship scheme for new international students and refer questions to its scholarship office. International students can also apply for the government Türkiye Bursları scholarship. An advisor can explain your options. For living costs, see the cost of studying in Turkey.
Apply to Istanbul Technical 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 Technical University with our other partner universities or read our step-by-step application guide.