In short
Koç University is a private, non-profit research university in Istanbul, Turkey, offering English-medium graduate programmes with strong research opportunities and industry connections. It provides significant scholarship support for international students.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1993
- Students
- 5,130
- International students
- 600
- Acceptance rate
- 12%
- Tuition (intl)
- €21–44k/yr
- Languages
- EN, TR
- Location
- Istanbul, Turkey
Koç University is a private, non-profit research university in Istanbul, Turkey, founded in 1993 by the Vehbi Koç Foundation. It is consistently ranked among Turkey's top two or three universities and in the global top 400 by QS. Seven colleges — including Engineering, Medicine, Law, and Business — offer programmes at bachelor's, master's, and PhD levels, with graduate instruction predominantly in English. The university's strong research culture and close ties to Turkish industry through the Koç Holding ecosystem make it a premier destination for ambitious students.
Why study here
- Ranked #1 or #2 in Turkey and top 350 globally (QS 2025), with a rapidly growing research profile
- English-medium graduate programmes taught by internationally trained faculty
- Located in Istanbul — a city bridging Europe and Asia — offering a uniquely cosmopolitan student experience
- Direct access to Koç Holding internships and Turkey's top corporate employers
- Generous fully-funded PhD and competitive master's scholarships available for international applicants
Student life
Koç University's main campus in Sarıyer, Istanbul, is a self-contained, secure residential campus with dormitories, sports facilities, cafeterias, and cultural spaces. The campus sits near the Bosphorus with easy access to central Istanbul by shuttle. Students can join over 100 clubs and societies, take part in inter-university sports competitions, and access the university's performing arts and conference centre. Istanbul itself provides an extraordinary urban backdrop — historic sites, world-class restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and international airports connecting students to Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Fees
InternationalMaster without Thesis: approximately $24,300–$51,800 USD per year. Funded Master with Thesis programmes (Science, Engineering, Humanities): full scholarship. PhD in Business Administration: full scholarship. Health Sciences Master with Thesis: approximately $30,800 USD per year.
HomeDomestic Master without Thesis: approximately ₺975,000–₺2,080,000 TRY per year. Funded programmes are fully covered by scholarship.
LivingOn-campus student housing ranges from approximately $400–$700 USD per month. Monthly living costs (food, transport, personal) estimated at $600–$900 USD.
Tuition fees are paid in two semester instalments. The Turkish Scholarships programme can cover full tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend for eligible international students.
Admissions
Bachelor's degreeRequired for master's programmes; a strong academic record (GPA 3.0+/4.0 preferred)
Master's degreeRequired for PhD programmes; MSc/MA from an accredited institution
Statement of PurposeCritical component explaining academic background, research interests, and fit with the programme
Reference lettersMinimum 3 academic references submitted via online portal
TOEFL iBT80+ (programme-specific requirements may be higher)
IELTS Academic6.5 overall
PTE Academic58+
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2026323
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025601
URAP Turkey National Ranking 20242
University scholarships
Turkish Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları)Full tuition + accommodation + monthly stipend + flights
Funded Master with Thesis (Science & Engineering)Full tuition waiver + monthly stipend
Funded PhD in Business AdministrationFull tuition waiver + monthly stipend
Accreditation
Koç University is accredited by YÖKAK (Higher Education Quality Council of Turkey) and its business programmes are pursued for AACSB accreditation. The College of Engineering programmes hold MÜDEK accreditation (Turkey's engineering accreditation body, a full member of EUR-ACE/ENAEE). The medical school is accredited by the Turkish Medical Association standards.
Programs
a selectionKoç University · Turkey
BA Business Administration
Koç University offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration, a full-time undergraduate program delivered in English. Located in Istanbul, Turkey, the program aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of business principles and practices. The College of Administrative Sciences and Economics is accredited by AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, reflecting the high standards of education provided.
Bachelor's
Level
€33k
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Koç University · Turkey
Data Science for Sustainable Development Goals (DS4SDGs)
The Data Science for Sustainable Development Goals (DS4SDGs) course is a project-based program designed to immerse students in the practical application of digital technologies to address global sustainability challenges. Focusing on areas like machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and geographic information systems (GIS), the course aims to develop both technical proficiency and analytical thinking. Students engage with real-world data and complex societal problems, starting with foundational training in Python and GIS, progressing to advanced machine learning applications. The learning process culminates in a capstone project, supported by faculty mentorship and peer collaboration. The semester concludes with a hackathon where students present their work to experts.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Koç University · Turkey
Koç University Pre-College Program
The Koç University Pre-College Program offers high school students the opportunity to take university-level courses online. Students can select up to four courses based on their preferences and eligibility. The program aims to provide an enriching academic experience, allowing students to explore diverse subjects and gain a preview of university studies. Each course is designed to offer a focused learning experience within its specific discipline.
Certificate
Level
€2k
Tuition
—
Duration
Koç University · Turkey
Medicine School - High School Program
This program offers a focused, two-week intensive experience in medicine for high school students. It provides a glimpse into the medical field through a structured curriculum covering various medical disciplines. The program is designed to give participants hands-on exposure and theoretical knowledge, simulating aspects of medical education.
Diploma
Level
€2k
Tuition
2 mo
Duration
Koç University · Turkey
MSc in International Management (MIM)
Koç University offers two Master of Science (MSc) programs in International Management: the CEMS-MSc in International Management (CEMSMIM) and the Koç Master of Science in International Management (MIM). These programs are designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills for careers in the global business arena. The CEMS-MSc in International Management is a collaborative program with the CEMS Global Alliance in Management Education, offering a unique international experience. The Koç MIM program provides a comprehensive curriculum focused on international business principles and practices. Both programs aim to prepare graduates for leadership roles in multinational corporations and international organizations.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
Koç University · Turkey
Summer Academy - Applied Molecular Biology and Genetics
The Koç University Summer Academy offers a specialized program in Applied Molecular Biology and Genetics, designed to provide high school students with an immersive experience in the field. This short-term, face-to-face program delves into fundamental concepts and practical applications within molecular biology and genetics, offering a glimpse into university-level study. The program spans two weeks, with each week focusing on different aspects of the discipline. Students will engage with topics such as the molecular toolkit, lab literacy, model organisms, DNA isolation, microscopy, genetically modified organisms, and protein biology. The curriculum is structured to include lectures, seminars, hands-on workshops, and engaging activities, providing a comprehensive and interactive learning environment.
Certificate
Level
€2k
Tuition
1 mo
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 are the tuition fees for international students at Koç University?
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International Master's without Thesis programmes range from approximately $24,300–$51,800 USD per year. Health Sciences Master with Thesis programmes are around $30,800 USD per year. Many graduate programmes are fully funded.
Are there scholarship opportunities for international students?
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Yes, Koç University offers several scholarship opportunities, including the Turkish Scholarships which can cover full tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend. Fully-funded PhD in Business Administration and funded Master's with Thesis programmes in Science and Engineering are also available.
What are the admission requirements for master's programmes?
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For master's programmes, a bachelor's degree with a strong academic record (GPA 3.0+/4.0 preferred) is required. Applicants also need to submit a Statement of Purpose and at least three academic reference letters.
What is the English proficiency requirement for international students?
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International students typically need to demonstrate English proficiency through tests like TOEFL iBT with a score of 80+, IELTS Academic with an overall score of 6.5, or PTE Academic with a score of 58+. Programme-specific requirements may be higher.
Where is Koç University located and what is the city like?
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Koç University is located in Istanbul, Turkey, a vibrant city bridging Europe and Asia. The main campus is in Sarıyer, offering a dynamic environment with easy access to cultural, artistic, and sporting activities.
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