Social Sciences University of Ankara
Social Sciences University of Ankara
Türkiye’s First State University Dedicated to Social Sciences
Social Sciences University of Ankara (ASBU) is a public, research-oriented university founded in 2013 in Ulus, the historic heart of Türkiye’s capital. It is Türkiye’s first and only state university established specifically to lead education and research in the social sciences, combining undergraduate and graduate study with specialized research centres.
ASBU follows an urban-campus model: its buildings are integrated into Ankara’s historic and cultural landscape, close to the Roman Baths, the Temple of Augustus, Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque, and the early buildings of the Turkish Parliament. Its rectorate building, constructed in 1925, served as Türkiye’s first Prime Ministry building until 1937. This setting gives students an exceptional environment for studying politics, law, society, culture, and international affairs.
The university serves approximately 6,190 students, including 456 international students—about 7.4% of the student body—and offers English-taught degrees in fields such as economics, business, international relations, psychology, sociology, and history.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution Type | Public state university |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Student Population | About 6,190 students; 456 international students, approximately 7.4% |
| Languages of Instruction | Turkish and English; selected programs include Arabic or partial English content |
| Academic Focus | Social sciences, humanities, law, political science, international relations, languages, communication, and Islamic studies |
| Rankings | QS Europe University Rankings 2026: 701–900 band; 76th in Türkiye |
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English-taught and multilingual degrees in the social sciences
ASBU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral education through faculties including Political Sciences, Law, Social Sciences and Humanities, Foreign Languages, Islamic Studies, Communication, and Art and Design, along with a vocational school and research institutes. Its academic model emphasizes research, interdisciplinary learning, and close engagement with Ankara’s civic, governmental, and cultural environment.
| Program | Degree Level | Instruction Language | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| Business Administration | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| International Relations | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| Political Science and Public Administration | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| Psychology | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| Sociology | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| History | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| Philosophy | Bachelor’s | English, 30% English | 4 years |
| Turkish Language and Literature | Bachelor’s | Turkish with 30% English | 4 years |
| Law | Bachelor’s | Turkish with 30% English | 4 years |
| English Language and Literature | Bachelor’s | English | 4 years |
| Japanese Translation and Interpreting | Bachelor’s | Japanese / Turkish | 4 years |
| Russian Translation and Interpreting | Bachelor’s | Russian | 4 years |
| Islamic Studies | Bachelor’s | Turkish with 30% Arabic | 4 years |
| Social Sciences, Law, Political Science, Communication, Islamic Studies, and related fields | Master’s | Turkish / English, program-specific | Typically 2 years |
| Social Sciences, Law, Political Science, Islamic Studies, and related fields | PhD | Turkish / English, program-specific | Typically 4 years |
| Vocational and associate-degree programs | Associate Degree | Turkish / English, program-specific | 2 years |
Find the ASBU degree that matches your career goals.
Explore Programs and ApplyAdmission Requirements
Clear entry routes for international undergraduate applicants
International applicants must be in their final year of secondary school or already hold a high-school diploma. ASBU accepts several international qualifications and entrance examinations; exact score requirements and quotas can change each year, so applicants should confirm the current admission guide before applying.
| Accepted Qualification / Exam | Typical Benchmark | Applicable Programs |
|---|---|---|
| TR-YÖS | Minimum 200/500; generally receives evaluation priority | All international undergraduate programs |
| SAT | Minimum 1100/1600 | All international undergraduate programs |
| ACT | Minimum 24/36 | All international undergraduate programs |
| IB Diploma | Minimum 28/45 | All international undergraduate programs |
| GCE A/AS Levels | Two passes at grade C or above | All international undergraduate programs |
| Abitur | Grade range 1–3 | All international undergraduate programs |
| AP Exams | Scores of 3–5 | All international undergraduate programs |
| French Baccalaureate | Minimum 12/20 | All international undergraduate programs |
| High-school diploma average | Minimum 80/100, subject to available places | All international undergraduate programs |
Document Checklist
- High-school diploma or final-year enrollment certificate, with certified English or Turkish translations where required.
- Official high-school transcripts, translated and certified as required by the university.
- High School Equivalence Certificate (Denklik) from the Turkish Ministry of National Education, normally required before final registration.
- Valid passport and passport-quality photograph.
- Accepted exam result or diploma evidence, such as TR-YÖS, SAT, ACT, IB, A-Levels, Abitur, AP, or French Baccalaureate.
- Language proficiency evidence for English-taught programs where applicable; Turkish-taught programs may require Turkish proficiency or enrollment in a Turkish preparation program.
- For graduate study: bachelor’s diploma and transcript for master’s applications; bachelor’s and master’s diplomas for doctoral applications, along with references, CV, and other institute-specific documents.
- Student visa and residence-permit documentation after receiving the acceptance letter.
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Get Free Consultation at ScholarshipsGateway.comTuition Fees and Cost of Living
Affordable public-university education in Türkiye’s capital
Important: ASBU’s international-student tuition is reviewed annually under Turkish presidential regulations and may change. Published 2025–26 undergraduate fees were approximately 25,000–30,000 TRY per semester, depending on the program. Fees are payable in Turkish Lira unless otherwise stated, registration cancellation after enrollment is generally non-refundable, and scholarship eligibility is assessed according to the university’s current international-admission rules.
| Faculty / Program Area | Instruction Language | Estimated Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Political Sciences: Economics, Business Administration, International Relations, Political Science and Public Administration | English | Approx. 60,000 TRY per year |
| Social Sciences and Humanities: Psychology, English Language and Literature | English | Approx. 60,000 TRY per year |
| Social Sciences and Humanities: History, Sociology, Turkish Language and Literature | English / Turkish | Approx. 50,000 TRY per year |
| Law | Turkish with 30% English | Approx. 50,000 TRY per year |
| Foreign Languages: English Language and Literature, Russian Translation and Interpreting | English / Russian | Approx. 60,000 TRY per year |
| Foreign-language preparation class | English / Turkish, as applicable | Approx. 5,000 TRY |
Estimated Monthly Living Costs in Ankara
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | USD 120–350 | Dormitory or shared private accommodation; central private flats can cost more |
| Food and dining | USD 120–220 | University canteens, local markets, and affordable restaurants |
| Transport | USD 15–35 | AnkaraCard public transport, metro, buses, and discounted student fares |
| Study supplies and personal expenses | USD 50–120 | Books, mobile data, utilities, entertainment, and daily necessities |
| Estimated total | USD 305–725 | Indicative only; lifestyle and accommodation choice affect the final budget |
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Request Free Financial GuidanceFor 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 and Accommodation
Live in the centre of Ankara, close to history, transport, and campus
ASBU’s main campus is in Ulus, one of Ankara’s most central districts, giving students convenient access to public transport, shops, cafés, museums, and the city’s major institutions. International students can consider state dormitories, private student residences, and shared or independent flats; availability and pricing should be confirmed before arrival.
| Accommodation Type | Room Configuration | Estimated Monthly Cost | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| State or university-affiliated dormitory | Shared rooms; limited single rooms | USD 80–180 | Furnished rooms, Wi-Fi, study areas, laundry, security, and common facilities |
| Private student residence | Single, double, or shared apartments | USD 180–350 | Furnished rooms, utilities, internet, cleaning options, gym or study rooms in some residences |
| Shared private flat | Private bedroom in a shared apartment | USD 150–300 | Kitchen, living area, bathroom, internet, and greater independence |
| Studio or one-bedroom flat | Single occupancy | USD 300–550 | Private kitchen and bathroom, furnished or unfurnished options, utility bills may be separate |
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A multicultural university experience in historic Ankara
Accommodation and Partner Dormitories
Students can access dormitory options and private residences across Ankara. The central Ulus location makes it practical to combine affordable shared housing with easy access to campus, public transport, and city amenities.
Clubs, Societies, and Culture
ASBU’s multicultural community supports student clubs, academic societies, cultural events, seminars, and international activities. Its location near Ankara’s historic government, religious, and archaeological landmarks creates rich opportunities for field-based learning and cultural engagement.
Libraries, Labs, and Sports
The university highlights an extensive library, research centres, and facilities supporting social-science research, including behavioral, big-data, and simulation-oriented work. Students also benefit from Ankara’s broader sports, cultural, and public facilities.
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Free Consultation Apply NowWhat 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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