Işık University
Işık University, Istanbul
A Private Istanbul University with a 19th-Century Educational Heritage
Işık University is a private foundation university in Istanbul, Türkiye, founded in 1996 by the Feyziye Schools Foundation, an educational institution whose roots date back to 1885. The university combines a long-standing educational tradition with a modern, internationally oriented campus environment across Istanbul’s European and Asian sides. Its Maslak campus is located in one of Istanbul’s leading business districts, while the larger Şile campus sits on the Black Sea coast and offers a green, secure, residential campus setting.
Işık University offers education through five faculties, two vocational schools, graduate institutes, a School of Foreign Languages, and a continuing education center. Its academic portfolio includes engineering, architecture and design, economics and administrative sciences, arts and sciences, and fine arts. The university is particularly suitable for international students seeking English-taught degrees in engineering, business, economics, international relations, psychology, and related fields.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution Type | Private foundation university |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Campuses | Şile Campus and Maslak Campus, Istanbul |
| Student Community | International students from multiple countries; exact official international-student percentage is not publicly published |
| Languages of Instruction | English and Turkish, depending on program |
| Academic Structure | 5 faculties, 2 vocational schools, graduate institutes, School of Foreign Languages, and Continuing Education Center |
| Rankings | QS Europe: 601+ band; approximately 74th nationally in EduRank’s Turkey ranking |
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Academic Programs & Degrees
Bachelor’s, Associate, Master’s, and Doctoral Options
Işık University delivers programs through its Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, and Faculty of Fine Arts. It also operates two vocational schools, graduate institutes in applied sciences and social sciences, a School of Foreign Languages, and a continuing education center. Programs are available at associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, with English- and Turkish-taught options.
| Program | Level | Language | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| Software Engineering | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| Biomedical Engineering | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| Civil Engineering | Bachelor’s | English or Turkish | 4 years |
| Mechanical Engineering | Bachelor’s | English or Turkish | 4 years |
| Mechatronics Engineering | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| Industrial Engineering | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| Automotive Engineering | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| Architecture | Bachelor’s | Turkish | 4 years |
| Industrial Design | Bachelor’s | Turkish | 4 years |
| Psychology | Bachelor’s | English or Turkish | 4 years |
| Management Information Systems | Bachelor’s | English or Turkish | 4 years |
| Economics | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| Business Administration | Bachelor’s | English or Turkish | 4 years |
| Political Science | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| International Relations | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| International Logistics Administration | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| International Trade | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| Visual Communication Design | Bachelor’s | Turkish | 4 years |
| Cinema and Television | Bachelor’s | Turkish | 4 years |
| Visual Arts | Bachelor’s | Turkish | 4 years; special-talent exam may apply |
| Interior Architecture | Bachelor’s | Turkish | 4 years; special-talent exam may apply |
| Fashion and Textile Design | Bachelor’s | Turkish | 4 years; special-talent exam may apply |
| Vocational School Programs | Associate | Turkish | 2 years |
| Selected Master’s Programs | Master’s | English or Turkish | 1.5–2 years |
| Selected Doctoral Programs | PhD | English or Turkish | 4 years |
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Admission Requirements
Clear Entry Pathways for International Applicants
International students may apply to Işık University undergraduate programs with a high-school graduation certificate or internationally recognized qualifications such as SAT, ACT, GCE A-Levels, Abitur, Matura, or Tawjihi. Applicants to English-taught programs must demonstrate English proficiency or take the university’s English proficiency examination; students who do not meet the required level may be placed in the English preparatory program.
| Qualification / Exam | Typical Use | Applicable Programs |
|---|---|---|
| High School Diploma | Main academic qualification | All undergraduate programs |
| SAT / ACT | Accepted international entrance evidence | Undergraduate programs |
| GCE A-Levels | Accepted international qualification | Undergraduate programs |
| Abitur / Matura / Tawjihi | Recognized national secondary-school qualifications | Undergraduate programs |
| TOEFL / IELTS | English proficiency evidence; university also administers an internal English exam | English-taught undergraduate and graduate programs |
| TÖMER | Turkish-language proficiency evidence where required | Turkish-taught programs |
Document Checklist
- Completed online application form.
- Valid passport copy, including the personal-information page.
- High-school diploma or official certificate of graduation.
- Official high-school transcript, with certified Turkish or English translation where required.
- Exam results, if applying with SAT, ACT, GCE A-Levels, Abitur, Matura, Tawjihi, or another accepted qualification.
- English proficiency score, if available; otherwise, applicants may sit Işık University’s internal English proficiency examination.
- High School Equivalence Certificate, known in Türkiye as Denklik, which is generally required during or after enrollment for final registration.
- Student visa documentation after receiving the acceptance letter; applicants should follow the Turkish embassy or consulate requirements in their country.
ScholarshipsGateway.com helps international students prepare a complete and accurate application file.
Tuition Fees & Cost of Living
Affordable Private Education in Istanbul
Important: Tuition is normally quoted and paid in US dollars. Işık University states that annual fees may be paid once or in two installments before course registration periods. Scholarships and discounts generally apply to undergraduate tuition only and do not cover dormitory or meal fees; students must normally maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 to retain merit-based discounts or scholarships. Always confirm the current-year fee and scholarship terms with ScholarshipsGateway before applying.
| Faculty / Program Area | Instruction Language | Estimated Annual Tuition | Indicative Post-Scholarship Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Programs | English | USD 4,800 | From about USD 4,320 with a 10% early-payment discount |
| Business, Economics, International Relations | English | USD 3,600 | From about USD 3,240 with a 10% early-payment discount |
| Architecture and Design Programs | English or Turkish | USD 3,600 | From about USD 3,240 with a 10% early-payment discount |
| Vocational / Associate Programs | Turkish | From about USD 1,800 | Subject to current scholarship and discount policy |
| Master’s Programs | English or Turkish | USD 3,500 total for non-thesis; USD 4,000 total for thesis programs | Scholarships mainly apply to undergraduate tuition |
| Doctoral Programs | English or Turkish | USD 7,500 total | Subject to program-specific funding and university policy |
Estimated Monthly Living Costs in Istanbul
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | USD 160–465 | On-campus triple-room dormitory fees equate to roughly USD 160–215 per month over a nine-month academic year; private housing in central Istanbul can cost more. |
| Dining | USD 150–300 | Depends on campus meals, self-catering, and eating out. |
| Transport | USD 25–60 | Istanbul public transport card and discounted student fares can reduce costs. |
| Books and Personal Supplies | USD 30–80 | Varies by program, materials, and personal spending habits. |
ScholarshipsGateway.com helps students compare tuition, discounts, and living costs before applying.
For the complete student visa and residence permit guide, see our Student Visa Guide and Residence Permit Guide.
How to Apply for a Turkish Student Visa
To study in Turkey, most international students require a Student Visa (D-type, Long-Stay Visa) before entering the country. Below is a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Receive Your Acceptance Letter
Before applying for a visa, you must have received an official acceptance letter from a Turkish university. This letter is the primary supporting document for your visa application.
Step 2: Book an Appointment
Contact the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in your country to book a visa appointment. Some countries require appointments weeks in advance
Student Housing & Accommodation
On-Campus Living at the Şile Campus
Işık University offers on-campus dormitories for international students at its Şile Campus, with sea-view and garden/forest-view accommodation options. Students studying at the Maslak Campus may also use Şile dormitories or choose private housing closer to central Istanbul. A refundable room deposit is required, and dormitory fees are separate from tuition and meal-plan charges.
| Accommodation Type | Room Configuration | Annual Fee | Included Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Room | Single occupancy; limited availability | USD 5,562 per year | On-campus residence, security, and campus facilities |
| Triple Room | Three students; one single bed and a two-person bunk bed | USD 2,086 per year | Shared student room, campus security, and access to dormitory services |
| Triple Room with Sea View | Three students; sea-view block | USD 1,901 per year | Sea-view accommodation and campus dormitory services |
| Triple Garden Room | Three students; garden-floor block | USD 1,923 per year | Garden-floor accommodation and campus dormitory services |
| Accessible Double Room | Two single beds for students with disabilities | USD 3,243 per year | Accessible room configuration and campus dormitory services |
Meal-plan packages are available separately. For example, the published annual dormitory-plus-meal-plan rate for a triple room is about USD 5,576, while a single room with a meal plan is about USD 9,052. Fees and availability should be confirmed before arrival.
ScholarshipsGateway.com supports students with admission, housing guidance, and arrival planning.
Campus Life & Student Facilities
Study, Connect, and Grow in Istanbul
Accommodation & Partner Dormitories
International students can live in Işık University’s Şile Campus dormitories, which provide a secure residential environment near the Black Sea coast. Options include single, triple, sea-view, garden-view, and accessible rooms. Students at the Maslak Campus may also arrange private accommodation in Istanbul.
Clubs, Societies & Culture
Student clubs, societies, cultural activities, and university events help international students build friendships and develop leadership skills. Istanbul’s location also gives students access to museums, historic sites, business events, cultural festivals, and an international city lifestyle.
Libraries, Labs & Sports
Işık University provides academic libraries, laboratories, career services, health and security services, and sports and social facilities across its Şile and Maslak campuses. The Şile campus offers a green, coastal setting, while Maslak places students close to Istanbul’s business district.
Start your Işık University journey with expert international-student guidance.
What are the general admission requirements for international students? +
Requirements vary by university and program level. Generally you need: a high school diploma (for undergraduate) or bachelor's degree (for graduate programs), language proficiency (English or Turkish depending on the medium of instruction), valid passport, academic transcripts, and sometimes a standardized test score (YOS, SAT, or equivalent). Some universities also require a personal statement or letters of recommendation.
What scholarships are available for international students in Turkey? +
The main options are: Türkiye Bursları (full government scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, and stipend), university-specific merit scholarships (ranging from partial to full tuition waivers), and faculty/program-specific awards. Our scholarships directory lists all available opportunities with deadlines and application links.
How do I get a student visa for Turkey? +
After receiving an acceptance letter from a Turkish university, you apply for a Student Visa (D-type) at the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Required documents typically include: acceptance letter, passport, bank statements, health insurance, and biometric photos. Processing times vary by country — apply at least 6–8 weeks before your program start date.
What is student life like in Turkey? +
Turkey offers a rich and affordable student life. Major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir have vibrant cultural scenes, international communities, and excellent student facilities. Turkish universities have active student clubs, sports facilities, and regular cultural events. The local cuisine is exceptional and dining out is affordable compared to Western Europe.
How much does it cost to study and live in Turkey? +
Turkey is significantly more affordable than Western Europe, North America, or Australia. Here is a breakdown of estimated living expenses and tuition fees for international students:
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (TRY) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | TRY 3,000 – 8,000 |
| Food & Groceries | TRY 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Transportation | TRY 500 – 1,000 |
| Miscellaneous | TRY 1,000 – 2,000 |
Estimated Annual Tuition Fees
| Institution Type | Estimated Annual Tuition (USD) |
|---|---|
| State Universities | USD 500 – 4,000 |
| Foundation (Private) Universities | USD 4,000 – 15,000+ |
Use our Cost Calculator for a detailed estimate.
When should I apply? +
Most Turkish universities have Fall intake (September start) with applications open from December to July. Some universities also offer a Spring intake (February start). Government scholarships like Türkiye Bursları typically have a February deadline for the following academic year.
Can I study in English in Turkey? +
Yes. Many Turkish universities — especially foundation/private universities and top state universities like Boğaziçi, METU, Bilkent, and Sabancı — offer programs entirely in English. Some programs are available in both English and Turkish. Always check the language of instruction for your specific program before applying.
Do I need a residence permit after arriving in Turkey? +
Yes. Within 30 days of arriving in Turkey, you must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (Ogrenci Ikamet Izni) through the Turkish Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM). Your university international office will guide you through this process. The permit is renewable annually for the duration of your studies.
Are there part-time job opportunities for international students? +
International students on a valid student residence permit are legally allowed to work part-time in Turkey, subject to restrictions (typically limited hours during term time). Many students find work in tutoring, cafes, or university roles. Your university career center can help with on-campus opportunities.
Is Turkey safe for international students? +
Turkey is generally safe for international students, particularly in the major university cities. Turkish people are known for their hospitality. Standard urban precautions apply as in any large city. Turkey has a large and well-established international student community, especially from Asia and the Middle East, so new students quickly find a welcoming network.
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