Istanbul has more private universities than any other city in Turkey, and most of them actively welcome international students. Many teach full degree programs in English, admit students based on their high school results and offer discounts for international applicants.
This guide lists the private universities in Istanbul we work with, which ones are most popular with international students, and what an English-taught bachelor’s degree costs at each of them in 2026.
In short: English-taught bachelor’s programs at private universities in Istanbul start from about $1,500 a year, most fall between $3,800 and $8,000, and medicine, dentistry and pharmacy cost more. You can usually apply with your high school diploma and an English certificate – or study a preparatory English year first.
Public vs private universities in Istanbul
Turkey has two kinds of universities. State universities charge low fees but admit international students mainly through competitive entrance exams, and many programs are taught in Turkish. Private (foundation) universities charge tuition, but they admit international students directly, offer far more English-taught programs and usually reply to applications within days or weeks.
That is why most international students who want to study in English in Istanbul choose a private university.
The most popular private universities with international students
According to Turkey’s Council of Higher Education (YÖK) statistics for the 2024–2025 academic year, these foundation universities in Istanbul host the largest numbers of international students. Biruni University and Istanbul Medipol University lead the list, with more than 12,800 and 11,600 international students respectively.
- Biruni University – English-taught bachelor’s programs from $4,000 a year
- Istanbul Medipol University – English-taught bachelor’s programs from $4,500 a year
- Istanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University – English-taught bachelor’s programs from $2,300 a year
- Istanbul Aydin University – English-taught bachelor’s programs from $2,500 a year
- Istanbul Gelişim University – English-taught bachelor’s programs from $4,250 a year
- Istanbul Esenyurt University – English-taught bachelor’s programs from $3,100 a year
- Istanbul Topkapı University – English-taught bachelor’s programs from $1,950 a year
- Bahcesehir University
- Nişantaşı University – English-taught bachelor’s programs from $3,800 a year
English-taught bachelor’s fees at Istanbul private universities (2026)
The table shows, for each university, how many English-taught bachelor’s programs it currently offers through our portal and the lowest yearly tuition among them. Medicine, dentistry and pharmacy are excluded from the starting price because they cost considerably more – see our medicine fees guide for those.
| University | English-taught bachelor’s programs | Starting yearly tuition* |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul Rumeli University | 1 | $1,500 |
| Istanbul Topkapı University | 11 | $1,950 |
| Istanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University | 4 | $2,300 |
| Istanbul Kültür University | 11 | $2,465 |
| Istanbul Aydin University | 33 | $2,500 |
| Altınbaş University | 18 | $2,500 |
| Beykent University | 26 | $2,500 |
| Istanbul Health and Technology University | 9 | $2,500 |
| Işık University | 16 | $2,700 |
| Beykoz University | 8 | $3,000 |
| Istanbul Esenyurt University | 5 | $3,100 |
| Istanbul Arel University | 9 | $3,350 |
| Istanbul Galata University | 5 | $3,500 |
| Fenerbahce University | 15 | $3,800 |
| Nişantaşı University | 16 | $3,800 |
| Biruni University | 10 | $4,000 |
| Istanbul Atlas University | 16 | $4,194 |
| Istanbul Gelişim University | 25 | $4,250 |
| Üsküdar University | 12 | $4,400 |
| Istanbul Medipol University | 30 | $4,500 |
| Maltepe University | 10 | $4,500 |
| Istanbul Okan University | 29 | $4,500 |
| İstinye University | 27 | $5,500 |
| Istanbul Kent University | 14 | $5,800 |
| Kadir Has University | 21 | $7,000 |
| Yeditepe University | 63 | $8,000 |
| Özyeğin University | 22 | $16,500 |
Fees are per academic year, as listed in our admissions portal on 17 October 2026. Universities can change prices and discounts at any time – check the live fee for each program on our program search.
How to choose the right university
- Program first. Make sure the university offers your exact program in English and that it fits your career plans.
- Total cost. Compare yearly tuition, the deposit and how long the program takes (most bachelor’s degrees are four years, plus an optional preparatory year).
- Location. Istanbul is huge. A campus on the European or Asian side will shape your daily commute and where you live.
- Campus and facilities. Hospitals for health programs, labs for engineering and studios for design make a real difference.
- Application status. Popular programs fill up – check whether applications are still open before you decide.
Admission requirements
Requirements differ by university and program, but for most bachelor’s programs you need:
- High school diploma (or expected graduation) and transcript.
- Passport copy.
- Proof of English (IELTS, TOEFL or similar). Without one, you can take the university’s English test or start with a preparatory year.
Medicine, dentistry and some engineering programs may ask for higher grades or an entrance exam score.
Frequently asked questions
How many private universities are there in Istanbul?
Istanbul is home to more than 40 foundation (private) universities – more than any other city in Turkey. We work directly with most of the ones that accept international students; see the full list on our universities page.
What is the cheapest private university in Istanbul?
Starting fees change every year and depend on the program. The table above shows the current lowest English-taught bachelor’s fee at each university, so you can compare them side by side.
Can I study in Istanbul in English?
Yes. Most private universities in Istanbul offer a wide range of English-taught programs, from engineering and business to psychology and architecture.
Do private universities in Istanbul offer scholarships?
Many offer discounts for international students, especially when you apply early. Your advisor can tell you which discounts are available for your program.
Next steps
- Compare programs and live fees on our program search.
- Read how to apply to Turkish universities, step by step.
- Request a free consultation and get a personal shortlist of Istanbul universities that fit your grades and budget.
