Atilim University

Atılım University is the oldest private university in the Turkish capital, Ankara, granting it academic prestige and extensive research experience that distinguishes it in the educational environment. The university stands out as a leading destination in engineering and aviation disciplines due to its advanced laboratories and strong international partnerships.

In this comprehensive guide from the “Intilaqa” team, we review everything that concerns the student regarding available majors, tuition fees, and admission requirements, providing a clear roadmap to join one of the strongest educational institutions that balance authenticity and technological advancement.

About Atilim University

Atılım University was established in Ankara in 1996 as a private higher education institution aiming to provide academic programs in science, technology, and social sciences. The university operates under the supervision of the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and adopts English as the primary language of instruction in most of its majors, enhancing the compatibility of its graduates’ skills with international requirements.

Establishment and Organizational Structure

Atılım University began its academic journey nearly three decades ago and has evolved into a comprehensive university currently comprising diverse faculties, including the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, School of Business, Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, in addition to the School of Aviation and Applied Sciences. The teaching process is supervised by a specialized academic staff, and the university follows a strategy focused on bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and professional practice through its affiliated research centers and laboratories.

Accreditations and Academic Standards

Atılım University adheres to local and global quality standards in its study programs. Many of its programs in the Faculty of Engineering have received (MÜDEK) accreditation, a nationally and internationally recognized accreditation ensuring the quality of engineering education. The Faculty of Arts and Sciences programs have also acquired (FEDEK) accreditation. These accreditations reflect the compliance of Atılım University’s curricula with standard academic criteria, facilitating the recognition of its graduates’ degrees when pursuing higher studies or working abroad.

Research Environment and Infrastructure

Atılım University is ranked among the advanced Turkish universities in scientific research indicators. The university possesses a technical infrastructure that includes specialized laboratories in advanced manufacturing, materials science, and aviation. The university also provides a fully equipped environment for international students, who form an integral part of its student body, offering academic and administrative services under a system that ensures equal educational opportunities.

Campus and Student Statistics

The main campus of Atılım University is located in the “İncek” district of Ankara, covering a total area of 250,000 square meters. It serves as the primary center for all academic and research activities. The university currently hosts over 9,000 students, including more than 1,500 international students from approximately 50 countries. This enhances cultural diversity within Atılım University and supports its orientation toward internationalizing higher education and providing an integrated study environment that meets the needs of both local and international students.

Advantages of Atilim University

The academic and institutional value of Atılım University is based on a set of structural and research elements that contribute to enhancing the quality of the educational process and providing an integrated study environment. The most prominent of these advantages include:

1. Global Academic Ranking

Atılım University maintains a consistent presence in prestigious international rankings. It appears in the Times Higher Education (THE) lists as one of the best young universities and is regularly ranked among the top universities in engineering and technology fields, reflecting the quality of its educational and research output according to global standards.

2. Centers of Excellence and Infrastructure

Atılım University possesses unique research centers, most notably the Metal Forming Center of Excellence, which supports research and development in the defense and aviation sectors. The university also provides field training for aviation science students through its own aircraft hangars, granting students direct applied experience in their technical fields.

3. Geographical Location and Cost of Living

The presence of Atılım University in the capital, Ankara, offers a strategic advantage to students, as it is an organized and calm student city. Compared to Istanbul, Ankara is characterized by a lower cost of living, especially regarding accommodation, transportation, and daily services, making it an ideal economical choice for international students wishing to balance quality education with living expenses.

4. International Exchange Programs

Atılım University adopts an educational system open to international institutions through the (Erasmus+) program and exchange agreements with various global universities. These partnerships offer students the opportunity to study or undergo professional training abroad for specific periods, contributing to enriching their academic journey and acquiring practical and cultural skills that support their competitiveness in international work environments.

Atilim University Accreditations 2026

The academic value of Atılım University is supported by an integrated system of local and international recognitions covering all educational and administrative aspects. The most prominent accreditations include:

Higher Education Quality Council (YÖKAK)

Atılım University is among the Turkish universities that have successfully obtained “Full Institutional Accreditation” from the Turkish Higher Education Quality Council. This accreditation confirms the efficiency of all administrative and educational processes within the university according to national standards.

Specialized Accreditations (for specific programs)

• MÜDEK: This accreditation covers major programs in the Faculty of Engineering (such as Computer, Electrical and Electronics, Mechanical, Civil, Industrial, and Software Engineering). It is internationally recognized via the European network (ENAEE) and the Washington Accord.

• FEDEK: The Faculty of Arts and Sciences programs acquired this accreditation, specifically the Psychology, Translation and Interpretation, and English Language and Literature majors.

• STAR: Covers the School of Business and Administrative Sciences programs, including Business Administration, International Relations, and Political Science.

• TURAK: Specific to Tourism and Hotel Management programs, confirming the quality of training curricula in this sector.

• Language School Accreditations (EAQUALS and Pearson): The Language School at Atılım University obtained the international (EAQUALS) accreditation as one of the first universities in Turkey, in addition to the (Pearson) accreditation ensuring the quality of English language teaching.

• TEPDAD (Medicine): The Faculty of Medicine is accredited by the Association for Evaluation and Accreditation of Medical Education Programs and is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), allowing graduates to take international equivalence exams such as the USMLE in the US and the PLAB in the UK.

International Memberships and Recognitions

• European University Association (EUA): Atılım University holds full membership in the association, facilitating academic exchange and recognition within European Union countries.

• Erasmus+ Program: The university is committed to student and academic exchange with a wide network of educational institutions worldwide.

• ISEP Organization: Atılım University stands out as a member of the International Student Exchange Programs network, allowing its students to study at hundreds of universities in the United States and over 50 other countries.

Atilim University Recognitions

Atılım University stands in the Turkish capital, Ankara, as an academic institution combining extensive research experience with advanced educational standards. The university gains its global trust from the accreditation of the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and the specialized international accreditations its programs hold. This grants its graduates a major competitive advantage when entering the global labor market or practicing specialized professions worldwide.

1. Recognitions in Asia and Africa

Atılım University is considered a premier choice for international students aiming for a reliable university degree, thanks to its stable position in the recognition lists across Asia and Africa. The university’s degrees are officially recognized by the Ministries of Higher Education in numerous countries within these regions. Supported by its official accreditation from the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and its advanced global rankings, graduates can smoothly proceed with degree equivalence procedures to join the workforce in both public and private sectors in their home countries. (Note: Students are advised to verify the current recognition status through their respective Ministry of Higher Education).

2. Global Accreditations and Recognitions (Europe and America)

What gives an Atılım University graduate “cross-border” competence is the alignment of its curricula with the highest international standards and global agreements:

• European Higher Education Area: The university is a core member of the Erasmus+ system and applies the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) in accordance with the Bologna Agreement. This gives its degree legal and academic value equal to degrees issued by European Union countries.

• United States and Canada: Atılım University takes pride in most of its engineering programs holding MÜDEK accreditation. This accreditation is included in the “Washington Accord,” a global agreement meaning that an Atılım engineering graduate holds a degree equivalent in quality to degrees issued in the UK, USA, and Canada.

• Global Medical Pathway: Because the Faculty of Medicine at Atılım University is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), students have full eligibility to enter international equivalence exams like the USMLE in America and PLAB in Britain, and work in major global hospitals.

Local and Global Ranking of Atilim University

Atılım University continues to solidify its position as one of the pillars of academic and research education in Ankara, which is clearly reflected in the figures announced in the international and local rankings for 2025 and 2026:

1. Times Higher Education (THE)

The 2026 reports and detailed 2025 reports demonstrated qualitative stability for the university in research and innovation criteria:

• World Ranking (2026): The university settled in the (1501+) bracket globally, with notable performance in “Research Environment” and “Research Quality,” reflecting continuous scientific output.

• Subject Rankings (2025): The university made major leaps in specific disciplines, ranking 21st locally and 4th among private universities in Physical Sciences, and 29th locally and 9th among private universities in Engineering fields.

• Impact Rankings (2025): It secured its place in the (1001-1500) bracket globally, excelling in Sustainable Development Goals, especially in “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.”

2. QS World University Rankings

According to the 2025 regional editions and sustainability rankings, Atılım maintained a strong international presence:

• Europe Ranking (QS Europe 2025): Placed among the top 601+ universities on the continent, and 46th in Turkey (15th among private universities).

• Sustainability Ranking 2025: The university stood out exceptionally by ranking 7th among private universities in Turkey, reflecting its focus on environmental and social responsibility.

• Regional Ranking (Western Asia 2025): The university ranked 61st, placing it in the elite list among the region’s universities due to its strong academic programs and high capacity to employ graduates and prepare them for the labor market.

3. Webometrics Ranking

In the 2025 update, the university proved an advanced digital and research presence:

• Globally: Ranked 2312th globally, clearly excelling in the “Research Excellence” criterion and the availability of scientific resources.

• Locally: Settled at 57th among all Turkish universities, and is considered among the top 10 foundation universities in Ankara in terms of digital academic impact.

4. URAP Ranking (Turkey)

In the latest report issued by the Informatics Institute (2025-2026), the university confirmed its research excellence:

• Locally (General Ranking): Ranked 64th among all universities in Turkey, a highly advanced position relying entirely on the quality of published research.

• Private Universities: Atılım University remains among the top 12 foundation universities. It is considered the premier destination in Ankara for Aerospace and Mechatronics engineering students due to possessing research laboratories that are the largest of their kind.

Languages of Instruction at Atilim University

Atılım University in the heart of Ankara uniquely offers an educational model based on global openness. It provides its students with a flexible academic system allowing specialization in English in most of its programs, while offering distinct pathways in Turkish for certain vocational and creative majors, structured as follows:

Programs Taught in English (100%)

The university places utmost importance on English as the language of science and international business, adopting it as the primary instruction language in broad sectors including:

• Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences: Human Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Audiology.

• Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences: Computer Engineering, Software, Mechatronics, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechanical, Civil, Industrial, Automotive Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, Information Security Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, in addition to Mathematics.

• School of Aviation: Professional Flight (Pilotage), Aviation Management, Avionics, and Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance.

• Administrative and Social Sciences: Business Administration, Economics, Finance, International Relations, Psychology, Child Development, Public Relations and Advertising, Translation and Interpretation (English-Turkish), and English Language and Literature.

Programs Taught in Turkish

Atılım University provides a range of majors in Turkish, particularly those related to local legislation or artistic and creative fields:

• Legal and Political Sector: Faculty of Law, and Political Science and Public Administration.

• Architecture and Design: Architecture, Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, Industrial Product Design, Graphic Design, and Fashion and Textile Design.

• Administrative Paths: Options to study in Turkish are available in Business Administration and Economics for certain groups.

Faculties and Majors at Atilim University

Atılım University comprises a diverse range of faculties covering all vital fields, distinguished by a heavy focus on Engineering and Aviation majors.

Faculty of Medicine

• Medicine

Faculty of Engineering

• Computer Engineering

• Software Engineering

• Mechatronics Engineering

• Energy Systems Engineering

• Information Security Engineering

• Automotive Engineering

• Manufacturing Engineering

• Electrical and Electronic Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Industrial Engineering

• Chemical Engineering

• Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

School of Aviation

• Pilotage

• Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance

• Avionics

• Aviation Management

School of Business

• Business Administration

• Economics

• Finance

• International Trade and Logistics

• International Relations

• Political Science and Public Administration

• Tourism Management

• Public Relations and Advertising

Faculty of Health Sciences

• Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

• Nursing

• Nutrition and Dietetics

• Audiology

• Child Development

Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture

• Architecture

• Interior Architecture and Environmental Design

• Industrial Product Design

• Graphic Design

• Fashion and Textile Design

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

• Psychology

• Mathematics

• Translation and Interpretation

• English Language and Literature

Faculty of Law

• Law

Graduate Studies at Atilim University

Atılım University provides an advanced research environment for Master’s and PhD students, with a special focus on administrative, legal, and engineering disciplines that meet the needs of the academic and professional labor market.

1. Master’s Programs

The university offers Master’s programs in two tracks (with thesis and without thesis) to suit different academic and professional goals. Key majors include:

• Business Administration

• Health Care Organizations Management

• Private Law

• Public Law

• Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

• Interior Architecture and Environmental Design

• Finance

• Applied Economics

• Tourism Management

• English Literature and Culture

2. PhD Programs

PhD programs at the university focus on preparing research and leadership cadres in the following fields:

• Architecture

• Business Administration

• Public Law

• Private Law

• Political Science and Public Administration

• Political Economy

Tuition Fees at Atilim University

Atılım University in Ankara strikes a balance between its prestigious research leadership and tuition fees, providing international students with an educational environment supported by the latest laboratories and technologies at calculated rates reflecting the quality of academic standards and international accreditations it holds, according to the following structure:

Associate Degree Programs (Annually)

Diploma fees (for two years) in the university’s vocational schools are $12,000. These pathways aim to prepare technical cadres in specific fields and provide them with the practical experience needed to efficiently enter the Turkish and international labor markets.

Bachelor’s Degree Studies (Annually)

Annual tuition for most engineering, administrative, and aviation sciences majors starts from $11,000, while the fee for Psychology is $21,000, and reaches up to $26,000 in major medical disciplines like Human Medicine. This variation is due to the nature of the major and the required advanced laboratory equipment or intensive clinical training.

Master’s Degree (Total Program Cost)

Total expenses for most Master’s programs range from $6,700 for administrative and legal tracks to $8,800 in specialized health science disciplines like Obstetrics and Gynecology. This cost covers the entire program (whether research or professional track) to enable the student to earn their degree at a fixed total cost.

PhD Degree (Total Program Cost)

PhD fees start from $16,500 for Architecture and reach up to $20,500 in Law, Management, and Political Science disciplines. These fees cover all years of study, research, and thesis preparation to qualify researchers capable of leading academic and professional institutions.

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 Atilim University Students

Atılım University places the utmost importance on enabling its students to engage in practical life during their studies. It does not settle for offering theoretical curricula but utilizes all its research and technical capabilities to prepare the student to become an active part of the labor market immediately upon graduation.

1. Undergraduate Research Projects (LAP)

Atılım University uniquely offers the Undergraduate Research Projects (LAP) program, a system that allows bachelor’s degree students to participate in real research projects and obtain funding for them. This program not only enhances academic skills but also grants the student practical experience in solving industrial and technical problems prior to graduation.

2. Advanced Laboratory Environment

The university possesses one of the largest laboratory infrastructures in Turkey (over 195 specialized laboratories). Engineering students, for example, train at the Metal Forming Center of Excellence, a regionally unique center that connects them directly to heavy manufacturing and defense sectors.

3. Field Training and Industrial Cooperation

Thanks to its location in the capital, Ankara, the university has strategic partnerships with major defense and technology companies. The university’s Career Planning Center provides summer and winter internship opportunities and helps students build a strong network with employers through annual “Career Days.”

4. Practical Training in Aviation Sciences

For aviation students, studies are not limited to books; they involve intensive practical training in the university’s own aircraft hangars and aboard its training aircraft, ensuring they acquire the international licenses and technical experience required by global airlines.

5. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center

The university encourages students with ideas for private projects by providing consulting and technical support, transforming university life into a “business incubator” that graduates entrepreneurs capable of leading their own future projects.

Facilities and Campuses of Atilim University

Atılım University is considered one of the most beautiful Turkish universities in terms of urban design and green spaces. Its main campus in the İncek district of Ankara extends over a vast area, providing the student with an ideal environment combining the tranquility of nature with the modernity of technical facilities.

1. Main Campus (İncek Campus)

The campus is distinguished as a “green campus” designed according to global standards. It houses all faculties and research centers in one location, making it easy for students to move between lecture halls and recreational facilities.

2. Infrastructure and Laboratories

The university possesses one of the strongest research infrastructures in Turkey, including:

• Over 195 Laboratories: Covering all engineering, medical, and basic science disciplines.

• Metal Forming Center of Excellence (Mekat): One of the most important research centers in Europe and the only one of its kind in Turkey, serving the defense and aviation industries.

3. Kadriye Zaim Library

Considered among the largest private university libraries in Ankara:

• Spans a massive area and contains thousands of printed and electronic books.

• Provides group and individual study halls equipped with the latest technologies, operating for long hours to meet student needs.

4. Sports and Recreational Facilities

The university believes that university life is not just studying, hence it provided facilities including:

• Indoor Sports Hall: Featuring basketball, volleyball, and table tennis courts.

• Semi-Olympic Pool: Available to students under the supervision of specialized trainers.

• Outdoor Courts: Including football, tennis, and basketball courts.

• Open-Air Theater: Accommodating hundreds of students and hosting annual festivals and concerts.

5. Aviation and Practical Training Facilities

Atılım University provides exceptional facilities including:

• Hangars: Equipped for the practical training of aircraft maintenance students.

• Training Aircraft Fleet: The university owns private aircraft to train “Professional Flight” students at airports near Ankara.

6. University Dormitories

The university offers comfortable and safe housing options close to the campus, along with transportation services to and from the university.

Atilim University Services

Atılım University provides an integrated service system aimed at supporting the student and providing a stable and comfortable study environment. These services are distributed across several key areas:

1. International Student Affairs Office

This office is the primary reference point for every international student at the university, providing the following services:

• Reception and Orientation: Organizing introductory programs for new students to help them understand the university system and familiarize themselves with campus facilities in Ankara.

• Residence Procedures Support: Providing necessary administrative assistance to obtain and renew student residence permits and health insurance in coordination with official authorities.

• Administrative Follow-up: Issuing student documents and answering all inquiries related to registration and tuition fees throughout the study period.

2. Psychological Counseling and Academic Advising

The university cares for the student’s psychological and academic well-being through:

• Psychological Counseling Center: Offering specialized consultations to help students adapt to homesickness and study pressures in strict confidentiality.

• Academic Advisor: Assigning an advisor to each student to assist in selecting courses and planning their educational path in line with their goals.

3. Career Planning and Field Training

The Career Planning Center works to connect students with the labor market via:

• Internship Opportunities: Providing field training opportunities in major industrial companies and institutions in the capital, Ankara.

• Skill Development: Organizing workshops to teach students how to write a CV and pass job interviews successfully.

4. Healthcare and Service Facilities

The campus contains all the facilities a student needs in their daily life:

• Health Center: Provides primary and emergency medical care services for students on campus.

• Public Facilities: Bank branches, post offices, copy centers, and a diverse range of restaurants and cafes are available on campus.

Required Documents and Admission Requirements for Atilim University

Atılım University follows streamlined admission procedures aimed at attracting international talent. It primarily relies on academic grades in the high school diploma as the first criterion for admission, without requiring additional tests like (YÖS) or (SAT) as a mandatory condition, making the enrollment process for international students smoother and clearer.

First: Bachelor’s and Associate Degrees

• Passport: A scanned copy of a valid passport.

• High School Diploma: The original graduation document, provided it is translated into English or Turkish and notarized.

• Transcript: The high school academic record, officially translated and notarized.

• Personal Photos: Recent biometric photos with a white background.

• Admission Criteria: The university does not require “YÖS” or “SAT” certificates; the high school average is used to grant the study seat, bearing in mind minimum required averages varying by major (especially in Human Medicine and Aerospace Engineering).

• Language Proficiency: If not holding an international language certificate, the student takes a placement test within the university. If unsuccessful, the student is directed to the language preparatory school to spend a preparatory year before starting the major.

Second: Graduate Studies (Master’s and PhD)

• University Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applicants) or a Master’s degree “with thesis” (for PhD applicants), translated and notarized.

• Academic Transcript: A comprehensive grade record for previous university study years, translated and notarized.

• Recommendation Letters: Submitting recommendation letters from former academics to support the application.

• Statement of Purpose: A letter outlining the student’s academic and research motivations; a primary requirement for PhD students and competitive Master’s majors.

• Language Requirement (Master’s): A student can take the university’s language exam or study a preparatory year if they do not hold a language certificate.

• Language Requirement (PhD): This is a strict requirement from the Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK); an international language proficiency certificate (such as TOEFL IBT) must be submitted. The university’s internal exams or a preparatory year are not accepted for this stage.

How Can I Register at Atilim University?

To turn your ambition of joining Atılım University into a successful academic path, the “Intilaqa” team has developed a clear operational methodology consisting of 5 basic stages ensuring you secure your study seat seamlessly:

1. Academic Consultation and Study Plan Development

Our relationship begins with a comprehensive analytical session conducted by Intilaqa consultants, where we study your educational qualifications and match them with Atılım University’s outstanding programs, especially in Engineering and Aviation. Our goal at this stage is to guide you toward the major that fulfills your ambitions, while providing you with all information regarding partial scholarships and exclusive discounts we secure for our students at the university.

2. File Review and Digital Submission

Our team takes charge of reviewing and verifying all your identification documents (passport, certificates, and transcripts) to ensure their compliance with Atılım University’s admission requirements. Following this, we upload your file through the university’s official admission system, ensuring the avoidance of any procedural errors that might delay the admission decision.

3. Initial Acceptance and Seat Confirmation

Upon receiving approval from the academic committee, we will deliver your “Initial Acceptance Letter.” Because Atılım University experiences high competitiveness, at this stage, you must pay the reservation “Deposit” directly to the university’s account; this step serves as the sole legal guarantee to confirm your seat and protect it from being filled.

4. Final Acceptance and Visa Procedures

After confirming the financial transfer, the university issues the “Final Acceptance Letter.” This document is the official paperwork you will need to apply for a “Student Visa” at the Turkish consulate in your country. The Intilaqa team will be with you step-by-step to guide you on preparing the visa file to ensure your entry into Turkish territory legally and systematically.

5. Official Enrollment in the Heart of Ankara

Upon your arrival to begin your educational journey, the “Intilaqa” team takes charge of guiding and assisting you through all the final enrollment steps at the university campus. We follow up with you on the verification and submission of original documents to student affairs to ensure the validity of your academic registration, culminating in receiving your official university ID to start your academic journey.

How Does the Intilaqa Team Help You?

The Intilaqa Educational team works to help you step-by-step to choose the most suitable major and university for you in Turkey, according to your academic interests and study budget.

We offer you a comprehensive free consultation that includes:

• Recommending the best Turkish universities that teach your major.

• Clarifying the available costs and scholarships.

• Full follow-up in the registration process until final admission.

Whether you plan to study at Atılım University in Turkey or any other university, you can start by learning about the details of studying in Turkey through our complete guide:

Study in Turkey