In short
Boğaziçi University is a highly-ranked public research institution in Istanbul, Turkey, offering programs taught entirely in English with affordable tuition for international students. Its scenic Bosphorus campus provides a unique academic and cultural experience.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1971
- Students
- 3,998
- International students
- 800
- Acceptance rate
- 5%
- Tuition (intl)
- €4–7k/yr
- Languages
- EN, TR
- Location
- Istanbul, Turkey
Bogazici University is Turkey's most prestigious public research university, located on a scenic Bosphorus campus in Istanbul's Bebek district. Founded in 1863 as Robert College — the first American college outside the US — it became a Turkish state university in 1971. English is the primary language of instruction across all faculties, making it uniquely accessible for international students. It ranks among the top universities in Turkey in every major global ranking, including QS (#371).
Why study here
- Turkey's top-ranked public university with primary instruction entirely in English.
- Historic Bosphorus campus offering one of the world's most scenic university settings.
- Highly selective admission with strong alumni outcomes in global careers and academia.
- Affordable tuition compared to Western universities, combined with Istanbul's low cost of living.
- Strong industry and international partnerships supporting research and graduate employability.
Student life
Bogazici's compact campus on the Bosphorus fosters a tight-knit community culture. Students enjoy numerous clubs, cultural events, sports facilities, and proximity to Istanbul's world-class cultural attractions. The university has a lively arts and intellectual scene, with regular lectures, film screenings, and performances. Istanbul's dual-continent setting offers unparalleled urban experiences.
Fees
International3,500–7,000 EUR per year (varies by program and student status)
HomeMinimal for Turkish students (state-subsidised)
LivingApprox. 500–800 EUR/month in Istanbul
International student tuition at Turkish public universities is set by the Council of Higher Education (YOK) and is considerably lower than Western counterparts. Graduate applicants pay a 100 EUR non-refundable application fee per program.
Admissions
Standardized Test (Undergraduate)SAT (Math 700+), TR-YOS (min 450), or GCE A Levels (Grade A in 3 subjects)
High School DiplomaRequired, officially certified
Academic TranscriptsOfficial, wet-signed or e-signed
Statement of PurposeBrief English essay on motivation and goals
Passport CopyRequired for international applicants
Application Fee100 EUR per program, non-refundable
Graduate GPAMinimum 2.50/4.00 for most programs
Graduate GRE/GMATGRE Quantitative 153 for engineering programs
TOEFL iBT79 total, Writing 22
IELTS Academic6.5 overall, Writing 6.5
BUEPTMinimum grade C
Cambridge CAEMinimum grade C
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2026371
US News Global Universities 2025238
THE World University Rankings 2026601
University scholarships
Turkish Government Scholarship (Turkiye Burslari)Full tuition + monthly stipend + accommodation
MA/PhD Scholarship by the Graduate Institute GenevaFull funding for 1-2 year program
Utrecht Network Young Researchers GrantVaries by applicant
Yenching Academy of Peking UniversityFull one-year Master's scholarship
Accreditation
Accredited by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YOK). Faculty of Engineering programs recognized internationally.
Programs
a selectionBoğaziçi University · Turkey
Biomedical Engineering
The Master of Science (M.S.) program in Biomedical Engineering at Boğaziçi University is designed for students seeking advanced knowledge and research opportunities in this interdisciplinary field. The program focuses on applying engineering principles to biology and medicine, preparing graduates for careers in research, academia, and industry. Students will engage with cutting-edge topics and contribute to the development of innovative solutions in healthcare.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Boğaziçi University · Turkey
M.Sc. in Computer Engineering
The Computer Engineering Master of Science program at Boğaziçi University is structured in two main stages: a course-based stage and a thesis stage. The course stage involves completing seven technical elective courses and a mandatory M.Sc. Seminar course. Following the acceptance of a thesis proposal, students will enter the thesis stage to conduct their research and complete their M.Sc. thesis. The program's educational delivery is entirely in English. While admission to the English preparatory class is rare and considered only in extraordinary circumstances, applicants can indicate their interest during the online application process and take the DBS (English Language Level Test) for consideration by the Computer Engineering Department.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Boğaziçi University · Turkey
Machine Learning (CMPE462)
This course provides an overview of artificial learning systems, covering both supervised and unsupervised learning approaches. You will explore statistical models, decision trees, clustering techniques, and feature extraction. The curriculum also delves into artificial neural networks and reinforcement learning, with applications in pattern recognition and data mining. The language of instruction is English.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for Turkey
full fundingSabanci University
Sabanci University Scholarships
Open to international students (and Turkish students who completed prior education outside Turkey) with a good academic record and fluency in English. No separate scholarship application is required; candidates are considered automatically when they apply to a Sabanci University programme.
full
Funding
€17k
Max
Jun 2, 2027
Deadline
partial fundingAmerican Research Institute in Turkey (ARIT)
ARIT Research Fellowships in Turkey
Open to U.S. citizens and to non-U.S. citizens who are resident in the United States or Canada with an institutional affiliation. Applicants must be advanced graduate students (PhD candidates at the All-But-Dissertation stage) or postdoctoral researchers pursuing humanities or social-science research related to Turkey's history, culture or society. PhD applicants must complete all doctoral requirements except the dissertation by mid-2026.
partial
Funding
€5k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
full fundingIstanbul Technical University (ITU) AI and Data Science Applied Research Center, with Google DeepMind
ITU AI Google DeepMind Scholarship
Open to female students of any nationality who are admitted to an eligible M.Sc. programme at ITU for the upcoming Fall term and intend to focus their studies and thesis on Artificial Intelligence. Applicants outside Computer Engineering or Computer Science must have an AI research focus. A commitment to AI research and to joining the ITU AI research community is expected.
full
Funding
€1k
Max
Jun 14, 2027
Deadline
full fundingTurkiye Scholarships (YTB) in partnership with NAMA Foundation
Turkiye Scholarships — NAMA Foundation Joint Scholarship
Aimed at students and researchers from Indonesia, Tanzania, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Yemen, and Malaysia who want to pursue Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD study at universities in Turkey. Applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements of the main Turkiye Scholarships scheme (typically a high grade-point average appropriate to the level), be within the age limits set for each degree level, and apply within the official application window. The monthly award follows Turkiye Scholarships standards.
full
Funding
—
Max
Feb 25, 2027
Deadline
full fundingTurkiye Scholarships (Turkiye Burslari) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)
Turkiye Scholarships - IsDB Joint Scholarship Programme
Open to citizens of IsDB member countries and members of Muslim communities in non-member countries. Applicants must show a strong academic record and meet age limits (generally under 21 for undergraduate, under 30 for master's, under 35 for PhD). Many programmes are taught in Turkish, so applicants must complete a one-year Turkish language course; English-taught programmes may require a recognised language certificate such as TOEFL.
full
Funding
—
Max
Feb 20, 2027
Deadline
full fundingTurkiye Diyanet Foundation (TDV)
Turkiye Diyanet Foundation (TDV) Scholarship
Open to international students of all nationalities applying for Bachelor's or Master's study in Islamic Studies at universities in Turkey under the Turkiye Diyanet Foundation programme. Applicants must hold the academic qualification required for their chosen level, meet the specific entry conditions of the selected programme (which vary by department), and be willing to study in Turkey. Exact age, language, and grade conditions are set per programme each cycle.
full
Funding
—
Max
Mar 1, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary language of instruction at Boğaziçi University?
+
The primary language of instruction at Boğaziçi University is English across all faculties. This makes it an accessible option for international students who wish to study in Turkey.
How do tuition fees for international students compare to Western universities?
+
Tuition fees for international students at Boğaziçi University range from 3,500–7,000 EUR per year, which is considerably lower than those at many Western institutions. Graduate applicants also pay a 100 EUR non-refundable application fee per program.
What are the living costs for students in Istanbul?
+
The estimated living costs for students in Istanbul are approximately 500–800 EUR per month. This affordability, combined with lower tuition, makes Boğaziçi University an attractive option.
What are the admission requirements for international undergraduate students?
+
International undergraduate applicants need a High School Diploma, officially certified academic transcripts, and proof of English proficiency via TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, BUEPT, or Cambridge CAE. Standardized test scores such as SAT, TR-YOS, or GCE A Levels are also required.
Does Boğaziçi University offer scholarships for international students?
+
Yes, Boğaziçi University and associated programs offer various scholarships for international students, including the Turkish Government Scholarship which provides full tuition, a stipend, and accommodation, among others.
Last updated