Balıkesir University — Balıkesir

Balıkesir University (Balıkesir Üniversitesi) is a public university in the city of Balıkesir in northwestern Turkey, between the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean coast. Founded in 1992, the university has grown into a sizeable institution serving the broader northwest Anatolian region.

Ranking: Balıkesir holds approximately the 72nd rank among Turkish public universities — a mid-tier placement, with solid programs in medicine, veterinary, and engineering.

Language of instruction: Predominantly Turkish. International students typically complete TÖMER Turkish preparation before joining their main degree.

Campus and structure: The university operates approximately 10 faculties and 5 institutes, including the Necatibey Education Institute, the Faculty of Construction and Architectural Engineering, and the higher institute for tourism and hospitality services.

Notable faculties and programs:

• Faculty of Medicine — 6-year MD program
• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Faculty of Engineering — environmental, industrial, computer, mechanical, food, civil, electrical and electronic, geology engineering
• Faculty of Architecture
• Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences — economics, international trade and logistics, public finance, world trade, banking and finance
• Faculty of Arts and Sciences — physics, biology, history, chemistry, mathematics, sociology
• Faculty of Health Sciences — nursing, midwifery, counselling and psychology
• Faculty of Theology
• Faculty of Tourism — tourism guidance, tourism and hotel management
• Necatibey Faculty of Education — the institution's historic teacher-training school

Admission: Balıkesir accepts SAT and YÖS for international students. Apply at obs.balikesir.edu.tr.

Tuition (international students): Approximately $500–1,500 per year for most undergraduate programs; medicine and veterinary are higher (~$2,500–4,500).

Scholarships: Türkiye Bursları (full government scholarship) is the main pathway for fully funded international study.

Living in Balıkesir: Balıkesir is a mid-sized city in northwestern Turkey, with a mild Mediterranean climate, easy access to the Aegean coast (Edremit and Ayvalık are 1–2 hours away), and reasonable cost of living. Student rent typically runs $150–300/month. The city is calm and traditional, with good bus connections to Istanbul (5 hours) and İzmir (3 hours).

Recognition: Diplomas are accredited by Turkey's YÖK and recognised across the Arab world. Balıkesir is most attractive to students who want a calm provincial Turkish setting with good access to the Aegean coastline.

Verify current English-medium program availability and medical/veterinary tuition directly with the university before applying.