Bahçeşehir University (BAU) is a private foundation university established in 1998. Its main campus is on the Bosphorus in Beşiktaş, and it is part of BAU Global, a network that also includes campuses outside Turkey such as BAU International Berlin and BAU International University in Batumi.
Why international students choose Bahçeşehir University
- 6,130 international students in 2024–2025 (YÖK), among the most international private universities in Turkey.
- Faculties including Medicine, Law, Engineering and Natural Sciences, Architecture and Design, Communication, Health Sciences, and Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences.
- Many English-taught programs and an English preparatory school for students who need it.
- A city-centre campus on the Bosphorus, plus international partnerships and exchange options.
About Bahçeşehir University (BAU)
Bahçeşehir University, usually called BAU, was founded in 1998 by the Bahçeşehir Uğur Education Foundation, and its first students started in the 1999–2000 academic year. BAU has faculties of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Engineering and Natural Sciences, Architecture and Design, Communication, Law, Educational Sciences, and Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences. It also has a conservatory, a vocational school, an English preparatory school and graduate schools.
The main campus is on Çırağan Caddesi in Beşiktaş, on the European shore of the Bosphorus. BAU also teaches at its Beşiktaş North, Galata, Pera and Göztepe campuses. The university belongs to a wider BAU Global network with institutions in Berlin, Washington DC, Batumi and Cyprus. Through its Dual-Up program, BAU students can earn a second diploma from BAU Berlin.
Popular programs for international students
BAU offers more than 160 programs at bachelor’s, master’s and PhD level, and a large number are taught in English. These are some of its English-taught bachelor’s programs:
- Medicine (MD)
- Dental Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Computer Engineering and Software Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence Engineering
- Architecture
- Business Administration
- Psychology
For health programs, read our guide to studying medicine in Turkey in English. You can compare all options on our program search page.
Campus and student life
BAU is a city university: its campuses hold classrooms, labs and offices, and there are no on-campus dormitories. Students live in nearby private residences, such as Ortaköy Aparts, which is affiliated with BAU and about ten minutes from the main campus. Free shuttle buses connect the campuses. The International Office helps students with arrival and residence permits. BAU also holds an International Day, where students from different countries present their cultures at country booths.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bahçeşehir University recognized?
Yes. BAU is a foundation (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 Bahçeşehir University teach in English?
Yes. Many programs are taught in English, including Medicine, Dental Medicine, Pharmacy, engineering, business and design programs. Some programs, such as Law and the conservatory programs, are in Turkish. After registration, students take BAU’s free English or Turkish proficiency exam unless they already have the required score.
How do I apply to Bahçeşehir University?
Choose a program in the table on this page and press Apply, or request a free consultation. Bachelor’s programs start only in the fall (September); many master’s programs also have a spring intake. After acceptance you receive an official acceptance letter for your student visa. See our guide to applying to Turkish universities.
Does Bahçeşehir University offer scholarships or discounts for international students?
BAU’s international office lists a success scholarship for top-ranked students after the second year, a 10% sibling discount, extra scholarships for some departments, and a GPA-based scholarship for master’s applicants. An advisor will confirm which offer applies to you. See also the cost of studying in Turkey.
Lord Agency at Bahçeşehir University
In June 2026 our team visited the Bahçeşehir University International Office in Istanbul. As a thank-you for their support of our students, we presented a hand-carved wooden relief inspired by Persepolis.
Apply to Bahçeşehir 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 this university with our other partner universities or read our step-by-step application guide.
Full 2026–2027 fee table, dorm options and scholarship rates for Bahcesehir University: see every program and price.