Bahcesehir University

Bahcesehir University (BAU) in Istanbul is one of the most prominent private educational institutions in Turkey. It has successfully established its position as a global university in the heart of Istanbul, thanks to its strategic location, high-quality academic programs, and extensive international network.

Overview of Bahcesehir University Istanbul

Bahcesehir University (BAU) in Istanbul is a prominent private Turkish university established by the Bahcesehir Uğur Educational Foundation. The university is distinguished by its main campus overlooking the Bosphorus in the Besiktas district, offering students a unique academic environment that blends modernity with history.

BAU adopts an educational model that emphasizes practical application and aligns education with the labor market through the Cooperative Education Program (CO-OP). This program provides students with early internship and employment opportunities in major Turkish and global companies.

Foundation of the University

BAU was established in 1998 in Istanbul as part of the BAU Global educational network, which spans 7 countries worldwide: China, the United States, Russia, Canada, Germany, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and Italy. Since its inception, the university has strived to provide educational standards comparable to European and American universities, rapidly positioning itself among the leading academic institutions in Turkey.

University Vision

The university’s vision is centered around three main pillars, derived from its motto, “A Global University in the Heart of Istanbul”:

• To be ranked among the top 500 universities globally and provide students with a broad international perspective through its branches and partnerships worldwide.
• To continuously improve the quality of education, research, and development, contributing to the production and dissemination of knowledge that serves society and humanity.
• To grant students the opportunity to shape their unique educational experience and provide comprehensive support even after graduation through the Alumni Office.

Academic Environment

The academic environment at BAU is characterized by its diversity and strength, designed to encourage student interaction and scientific research:

• The university hosts a distinguished faculty comprising over 1,358 academics.
• The university attracts thousands of international students, with more than 6,345 foreign students from over 74 countries.
• The university’s faculties are distributed across several specialized campuses in vital areas of Istanbul, equipped with the latest laboratories and specialized workshops, particularly in medical and engineering disciplines.

Academic Status and Recognitions

The university is officially recognized by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and holds widespread recognitions across Europe and North America. It also holds advanced rankings within Turkey and maintains a strong global standing among leading universities striving to enter the top 500 globally.

Student Population

BAU is a massive educational institution in terms of student density and diversity. The figures are as follows:

• Total number of students: 25,000 (undergraduate and postgraduate).
• Undergraduate students: over 19,595.
• Postgraduate students: approximately 5,503.
• Alumni: over 46,894 graduates.

Advantages of Bahcesehir University

Bahcesehir University is more than just an educational institution in Istanbul; it is a starting point toward the future, supported by strong infrastructure and unique partnerships.

1. Global Education Network and Mobility

 BAU stands out as part of a massive global educational network belonging to the BAU Foundation, allowing students not only to study in Istanbul but also to seamlessly transition between the university’s branches and institutions worldwide.

2. CO-OP Program for Internships and Employment

 BAU is a pioneer in Turkey in implementing the CO-OP program, a model that directly connects students with the business sector. It guarantees intensive practical training during study years, ensuring students are ready for the labor market upon graduation.

3. Strategic Location and Bosphorus View

 The main campus is located in the vibrant Besiktas district, an unparalleled strategic location in the heart of European Istanbul, featuring a direct and charming view of the Bosphorus Strait.

4. English as the Primary Language of Instruction

 BAU is among the first Turkish universities to teach primarily in English across most disciplines, including highly demanded fields such as Medicine, Engineering, and Business Administration.

5. Strong National and International Accreditations

 BAU’s programs hold accreditations from specialized Turkish and international quality assessment bodies, ensuring the highest standards of education in specific disciplines.

6. Cultural Diversity

 The university hosts a significant percentage of international students, exceeding 6,345 students from over 74 different nationalities, creating a truly global educational environment on campus.

Bahcesehir University Recognitions

Academic recognition is a strong indicator of the quality of education provided by BAU and a crucial factor for international students.

Recognition in European and North American Countries

 Bahcesehir University is recognized in European Union countries and North America, thanks to its adherence to the international standards stipulated by the Bologna Process, a system aiming to unify higher education standards across 48 European countries and beyond.

Recognition in the United States of America

BAU is one of the few Turkish universities recognized in the United States.

Recognition of the Medical Degree in Canada

Thanks to the BAU Faculty of Medicine receiving the TEPDAD accreditation, it has been listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, thereby gaining recognition from all health institutions in Canada.

Recognition in Asian and African Countries

 In most Asian and African nations, degree recognition is primarily based on a university’s official accreditation in its home country. Because BAU is fully accredited by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK), its degrees are widely recognized by ministries of higher education across both continents. Additionally, the university’s inclusion in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) ensures that medical and health sciences graduates are eligible to take professional licensing exams in various Asian and African countries. 

Bahcesehir University Accreditations 2026

BAU’s acquisition of specialized accreditations from national and international quality assessment bodies confirms its commitment to the highest academic and professional standards. These accreditations serve as a testament to the strength of the curricula and the quality of the teaching staff. Below is the list of accredited programs and the granting bodies, according to data from the university’s official website:

MÜDEK Accreditation

 A Turkish association responsible for evaluating and accrediting engineering programs subject to European quality standards. It has accredited the following BAU majors:

• Computer Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Energy Systems Engineering

TEPDAD Accreditation

 The body responsible for evaluating and accrediting human medicine programs, indicating the prestige of the medical degree issued by this university.

STAR Accreditation

 This association grants accreditation to programs in the fields of Economics, Administrative, and Social Sciences:

• Business Administration
• Economics
• International Finance
• International Trade and Business Administration

MİAK Accreditation

 The accreditation board for architectural engineering programs that adhere to global educational standards in this field.

TPD Accreditation

 The Turkish Psychological Association accredits psychology programs that comply with European educational standards.

EPDAD Accreditation

 An association for the evaluation and accreditation of education faculty programs. It has accredited the English Language Teaching program at BAU.

İLAD Accreditation

 The Communication Research Association accredits programs that meet the highest standards. It has accredited the Public Relations and Advertising program.

Bahcesehir University Rankings (National and Global)

BAU consistently achieves high rankings both locally and globally. It has been listed in various global classifications for 2026:

• THE (Global Ranking): 801 – 1000
• THE (Quality of Education): 18 (Globally)
• URAP (National): 53
• URAP (National – Private Universities): 10
• Webometrics (Global): Approximately 1534

Languages of Instruction at Bahcesehir University

BAU strongly emphasizes English as the primary language of instruction in most of its academic programs to produce graduates capable of competing in the global market.

1. English Language (Primary Language)

 English is the main language of instruction at BAU, covering the majority of disciplines at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Key disciplines in English include:

• Human Medicine
• All Engineering branches
• International Business Administration
• Design

2. Turkish Language (For Specific Programs)

 Turkish is used as the language of instruction for certain academic programs, specifically those related to Law, Turkish Education, or specific PhD disciplines.

Faculties at Bahcesehir University

BAU is divided into 10 main faculties offering a wide range of academic programs that meet global labor market demands, with clear excellence in medical, engineering, administrative, and social fields:

1. Faculty of Medicine
2. Faculty of Dentistry
3. Faculty of Pharmacy
4. Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
5. Faculty of Architecture and Design
6. Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences
7. Faculty of Law
8. Faculty of Communication
9. Faculty of Health Sciences
10. Faculty of Educational Sciences

Graduate Schools These institutes oversee Master’s and PhD programs, operating under the Graduate School umbrella.

Vocational Schools (Associate Degrees) These schools offer two-year diploma programs:

• Vocational School of Health Services
• Vocational School of Applied Sciences

Bahcesehir University Majors

BAU offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate programs across various fields:

1. Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences

• Artificial Intelligence Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Energy Systems Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Molecular Biology and Genetics

2. Medical and Health Faculties

• Human Medicine
• Dentistry
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Nursing

3. Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences

• Business Administration
• International Trade and Business
• International Finance and Banking
• Economics and Finance
• Economics
• Logistics Management
• Political Science and International Relations
• Psychology

4. Faculty of Architecture and Design

• Architecture
• Interior Architecture and Environmental Design
• Industrial Design

5. Faculty of Communication

• Public Relations and Advertising
• Advertising
• Film and Television
• New Media
• Communication Design
• Cartoon and Animation

6. Faculty of Educational Sciences

• English Language Teaching
• Psychological Counseling and Guidance
• Preschool Education

7. Faculty of Law

• Law

Postgraduate Studies at Bahcesehir University

BAU focuses on providing advanced and diverse postgraduate programs, mostly combining theoretical knowledge with applied research (with or without a thesis).

1. Master’s Programs

 Master’s programs are diverse, covering engineering, administrative, legal, social, and medical fields, offered in both English and Turkish:

• Business Administration (MBA)
• Executive MBA
• Human Resource Management
• Strategic Marketing and Brand Management
• Marketing Information Systems
• Capital Markets and Finance
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management
• Financial Technologies
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cyber Security
• Big Data Analytics and Management
• Information Technology
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Energy Systems Operation and Technologies
• International Relations
• Global Politics and International Relations
• Private Law
• Information Technology Law
• Marketing Communication and Public Relations
• Clinical Psychology
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Sports Physiotherapy
• Chiropractic
• Educational Management and Planning
• English Language Teaching
• Educational Technology and Instructional Design
• Guidance and Counseling
• Family Counseling
• Early Childhood Education
• Game Design
• Gastronomy
• Music

2. PhD Programs

 PhD programs focus on advanced research and are offered in the university’s most competitive fields:

• Business Administration
• Economics and Finance
• Industrial Engineering
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Bioengineering
• Private Law
• Public Law
• Political Science and International Relations
• Sociology
• Cinema and Media Research
• Public Relations and Advertising
• Architecture and Design
• Neuroscience
• Nursing
• Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
• English Language Teaching
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Technology
• Guidance and Counseling
• Mathematics

Tuition Fees at Bahcesehir University 2026

• Despite the high quality of education at BAU, its tuition fees are reasonable and generally lower than those of European universities, varying by discipline.
• Associate Degree (Diploma): $3,500 annually.
• Bachelor’s Degree: Ranges between $5,950 and $28,000 annually (Medicine is the most expensive).
• Master’s Degree: Ranges from $7,000 to $18,000 for the entire program.
• PhD Degree: $40,000 for the entire 4-year program.

Note: To view all available majors and their detailed fees accurately, please click the button below to browse the university’s programs and prices schedule for 2026.

[Browse Prices]

Practical Life for BAU Students

BAU adopts the “My Campus is My Workplace” model, aiming to prepare students for the labor market through direct training and practical application.

1. Cooperative Education Program (CO-OP)

 Provides students with long-term internship opportunities in major corporations, including prominent names like Samsung, Microsoft, Schneider Electric, and 3,000 other companies.

Specialized Laboratories Equipped with the latest technologies to support engineering research and projects:

• Computer and Software Engineering Labs
• Artificial Intelligence Lab
• Cyber Security Lab
• Robotics and Control Lab
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Labs
• Circuits and Electronic Systems Lab
• Communications Lab
• Civil and Mechanical Engineering Labs
• Strength of Materials Lab
• Hydraulics and Fluids Lab

2. Medical and Health Faculty Labs

 The foundation of clinical training for medicine, pharmacy, and health science students:

• Anatomy Lab
• Biochemistry and Microbiology Labs
• Clinical Skills Lab
• Pharmacy Labs
• Pharmaceutical Compounding Lab
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry Lab
• Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Labs
• Manual Therapy Lab
• Electrotherapy Lab
• Molecular Biology and Genetics Lab
• General and Analytical Chemistry Labs

3. Specialized Research and Application Centers

• Cyber Security Application and Research Center
• Big Data Education and Research Center
• Artificial Intelligence Application and Research Center
• Economic and Social Research Center
• International Leadership Application and Research Center
• Psychology Application and Research Center
• Health, Behavior, and Prevention Center
• Creative Industries Application and Research Center

4. Applied Facilities and Hospitals

 To ensure clinical training for medical students, the university provides:

• Dentistry Hospitals and Clinics: On-campus clinics equipped with the latest dental technologies and prosthetic labs.
• Major Medical Complexes: BAU is partnered with Medical Park, the largest hospital chain in Turkey.

Academic and Technical Facilities

• Computer and Technology Labs: Over 60 equipped labs.
• Media Center (Galata Campus): Dedicated to communication students, featuring advanced studios.
• Central Library: 2,866 square meters of research space.
• Counseling Facilities: Free psychological and social support for students.

Bahcesehir University Campuses

BAU’s faculties and facilities are distributed across several main campuses in Istanbul:

1. Besiktas South Campus: The main campus hosting major administrative, engineering, law, and educational faculties.
2. Besiktas North Campus: Hosts architecture, design, and health science faculties.
3. Besiktas Balmumcu Campus: Fully dedicated to the Faculty of Dentistry and its training hospital.
4. Galata Campus: The center for media and communication training.
5. Göztepe Campus: Dedicated to basic medical science training and labs.
6. Pera Campus: Supports artistic and performance disciplines (BAU Conservatory).
7. Future Campus: Primarily used for language preparatory studies.
8. BAU IDEA: An innovation and project support center in Beyoglu.

Services Provided by Bahcesehir University

BAU offers comprehensive services to enrich the academic, social, and professional experience of its students:

1. Educational and Academic Services

• Foreign Languages School: Intensive preparatory programs for English and Turkish.
• International Exchange Programs: Opportunities to study abroad via Erasmus+ and BAU Global.

2. Career Support and Employment

• CO-OP Center: Connects students with internships in over 3,000 companies.
• Career Counseling Center: Workshops, job fairs, and mock interviews.

3. Social and Psychological Support

• Psychological Counseling Center: Individual counseling and support groups.
• Special Needs Center: Ensures equal access to all university facilities.

4. Sports and Extracurricular Activities

• Sports Teams: Basketball, football, rowing, etc.
• Student Clubs: Dozens of cultural, academic, and social clubs.

5. Accommodation and Logistics

• Student Housing: On-campus and partnered off-campus dormitories.
• Transportation Services: Free shuttle buses connecting the various campuses.

Admission Requirements at Bahcesehir University

BAU relies purely on academic criteria for admitting international students.

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

 The primary requirement is a high school diploma or its equivalent from a recognized institution. Most national diplomas are directly accepted without SAT or YÖS exams.

• Human Medicine: Minimum high school average of 85%.
• Engineering Majors: Minimum high school average of 75%.
• Other Majors: Minimum high school average of 65%.

Language Requirements A language certificate is a secondary condition for admission. Students can be conditionally accepted without it but must pass the proficiency exam or complete a preparatory year before starting academic classes.

• English: TOEFL (72-79).
• Turkish: TÖMER (C1 for Medical, B2 for others).

Required Documents for Bachelor’s:

• High school diploma (translated and notarized).
• High school transcript (translated and notarized).
• Valid passport.
• Personal photograph.
• Language certificate (if available).

Master’s Degree Requirements

 Bachelor’s degree with a minimum CGPA of 65%. No GMAT/GRE required. Required Documents:

• Bachelor’s diploma.
• Transcript.
• Passport.
• Photo.
• Language certificate.

PhD Requirements

 Master’s degree. Language proficiency (English or Turkish) is strictly mandatory. Required Documents:

• Master’s diploma and thesis summary.
• Bachelor’s diploma.
• Passport.
• Photo.
• Valid language certificate.

How to Register at Bahcesehir University?

The registration process is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth admission:

1. Initial Consultation:

 Contact the Intilaqa team to determine the most suitable major based on your academic background and budget.

2. Document Preparation:

 Intilaqa will guide you in gathering and electronically submitting your translated and notarized documents to the university.

3. Conditional Acceptance:

 Upon review, the university issues a conditional acceptance letter (often within 24 hours).

4. Deposit Payment:

 To secure your seat and receive final acceptance, you must pay the initial deposit (usually half of the annual tuition) directly to the university’s official bank account.

5. Student Visa:

 Use the final acceptance letter to apply for a student visa at the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate in your country.

6. Final Registration:

 Upon arriving in Turkey, submit your original notarized documents in person to the Student Affairs Office.

7. Commence Studies:

 Begin your academic program or enroll in the language preparatory year.

How Can the Intilaqa Team Help You?

The Intilaqa Educational Services team assists you step-by-step in choosing the most suitable major and university in Turkey, based on your academic interests and budget.

We offer a comprehensive free consultation that includes:

• Recommending the best Turkish universities that offer your desired major.
• Clarifying tuition fees and available scholarships.
• Complete follow-up throughout the registration process until final admission.

Whether you plan to study at Bahcesehir University in Turkey or any other university, you can start exploring the details of studying in Turkey through our comprehensive guide:

Study in Turkey