Kafkas University is a state university in Kars, Turkey.
Key facts about Kafkas University
- Location: Kars, Turkey.
- 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 Kafkas University
Kafkas University (KAÜ) is a state university in Kars, in north-eastern Turkey. It was founded on 11 July 1992 under Law No. 3837. It started with one faculty transferred from Atatürk University, a vocational school, 245 students and 40 academic staff. Today, according to the university, it has 5 campuses in Kars province, 11 faculties, 3 higher schools, 9 vocational schools, a state conservatory, 3 institutes and 18 research centres.
Its faculties include Medicine, İsmail Aytemiz Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Engineering and Architecture, Health Sciences, Economics and Administrative Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Dede Korkut Education, Theology and Fine Arts. The Sarıkamış Faculty of Tourism and the Sarıkamış Faculty of Sports Sciences are in the Sarıkamış district. The university runs a research hospital and an animal health teaching hospital linked to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
Popular programs for international students
Each year the university publishes a quota list of programs open to international students. The 2026–2027 list includes these bachelor’s programs:
- Veterinary Medicine (5 years)
- Nursing
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Business Administration
- Political Science and International Relations
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
Quotas change every year and must be approved by YÖK. You can compare programs on our program search page.
Campus and student life
The main campus is near the city of Kars. Facilities listed by the university include a swimming pool, a football pitch, a stadium, youth centres, conference halls, a cafeteria, a central library and a guest house. The Kafkas University Foundation runs the Vasfiye-Kazım Eriş dormitory for female students, and students can also stay in state KYK dormitories, private dormitories or apartments in Kars. The KAÜ-TÖMER centre teaches Turkish to international students.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kafkas University recognized?
Yes. Kafkas University is a state university founded by Turkish law and part of the YÖK system, the Council of Higher Education of Turkey. Its degrees are official Turkish university degrees.
Does Kafkas University teach in English?
We did not find any bachelor’s program that the university describes as taught in English. Students in Turkish-taught programs need a B2 or C1 Turkish certificate. Students who do not have one take the KAÜ-TÖMER exam, and students at A1 or A2 level study one year of Turkish preparation first.
How do I apply to Kafkas University?
Kafkas University uses its own quota for international students. You apply online in July with your passport, high school diploma and transcript. Placement uses TR-YÖS results first, then other accepted exams such as SAT, ACT, IB or A-levels, and then high school grades (minimum 50 out of 100) for any remaining places. 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 Kafkas University offer scholarships for international students?
The university’s international pages refer students to the government Türkiye Bursları scholarship program. They do not list a separate university scholarship. For living costs, see the cost of studying in Turkey.
Apply to Kafkas 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 Kafkas 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.