Istanbul Bilgi University — Istanbul

Istanbul Bilgi University and the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK) officially confirmed that academic activities will continue normally without interruption following the cancellation of the university closure decision.

According to official statements, the academic calendar remains unchanged, and final exams will take place between June 8 and June 20, 2026, as previously scheduled.

Academic Activities Continue Normally

The university emphasized that all academic and administrative rights of students and staff remain fully protected, while research, scientific, and student activities will continue without disruption.

The Board of Trustees has resumed its responsibilities, and the university administration continues operating normally to ensure academic and institutional stability.

About Istanbul Bilgi University

Istanbul Bilgi University is considered one of the leading private universities in Türkiye. It was founded in 1996 by the Bilgi Education and Culture Foundation and has established a strong reputation in Turkish and international higher education.

The university follows the philosophy of “learning not for school, but for life,” focusing on practical education, critical thinking, creativity, and real-world professional skills.

Faculties and Academic Programs

Bilgi University offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs across a wide range of disciplines. English is the primary language of instruction in most programs, alongside selected Turkish-language programs.

• Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences

• Faculty of Architecture

• Faculty of Business

• Faculty of Communication

• Faculty of Law

• Faculty of Health Sciences

• Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

International Partnerships and Student Opportunities

The university maintains a broad network of international academic partnerships, providing students with exchange opportunities and global research collaboration programs.

Bilgi University was previously part of the Laureate Education international network between 2006 and 2019, which contributed to strengthening its international academic presence.

Today, the university hosts more than 20,000 students and over 1,000 academics and researchers within a modern and dynamic educational environment.

Campus and Tuition Fees

One of the university’s most notable campuses is the historic santralistanbul campus, a former power station transformed into a modern educational complex that combines industrial heritage with contemporary academic facilities.

Tuition fees vary by program and generally range between $10,000 and $15,000 annually for most undergraduate programs for international students. Merit-based scholarships are also available for high-achieving students.

Official Recognition

Istanbul Bilgi University is officially recognized by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and enjoys a strong academic reputation in many Arab countries, making it a popular choice among international students seeking higher education in Türkiye.