Ankara Social Sciences University (ASBÜ) — Ankara

Ankara Social Sciences University (ASBÜ) — known in Turkish as Ankara Sosyal Bilimler Üniversitesi — is a public university in Ankara, Turkey's capital. Founded in 2013, it is the 6th public university in Ankara and was established with a specific focus on the social sciences, humanities, and law.

Distinctive focus: Unlike most Turkish public universities, ASBÜ does not offer medicine, engineering, or natural-science programs. Its identity is built around social sciences and humanities, with a particularly strong portfolio in area studies (Oriental and African studies, Western studies, Turkish studies) and Islamic sciences.

Language of instruction: Both Turkish and English options across most programs.

5 faculties:

• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Faculty of Social and Human Sciences — political science, economics, sociology, history
• Faculty of Foreign Languages — including Arabic, Persian, English, and other strategic languages
• Faculty of Religious Sciences
• Faculty of Law

5 research institutes — a distinctive feature:

• Institute of Social Sciences
• Institute of Oriental and African Studies — Middle East, Arab world, Africa
• International Turkish Research Institute
• International Western Research Institute — Europe, North America
• Hacı İbrahim Veli Institute for Islamic Studies

This institute structure makes ASBÜ a strong choice for graduate students focused on regional studies, comparative politics, and Islamic-world research.

Admission: ASBÜ accepts SAT, YÖS, and high-school diplomas with adequate GPA. Apply at isoafls.asbu.edu.tr.

Tuition (international students): Approximately $1,000–2,500 per year for undergraduate programs; law tends to be at the higher end.

Scholarships: Türkiye Bursları covers tuition, housing, stipend, and travel for accepted international students.

Living in Ankara: Ankara is Turkey's capital and second-largest city. Cost of living is significantly below Istanbul — student rent typically $250–450/month — with strong metro coverage, embassies, and major academic infrastructure.

Recognition: Diplomas are accredited by Turkey's YÖK (Higher Education Council) and recognised across the Arab world. ASBÜ is particularly attractive for Arab students interested in law, area studies, Islamic studies, or strategic foreign-language training.

Verify current English-medium program list and admission paths for your chosen faculty directly with the university before applying.