Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University (BANÜ) — Bandırma, Balıkesir

Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University (BANÜ) — known in Turkish as Bandırma Onyedi Eylül Üniversitesi — is a public university in the port town of Bandırma, in Balıkesir province on the southern shore of the Sea of Marmara. Founded on 23 April 2015, the university's name (Onyedi Eylül, "September 17") commemorates the date Bandırma was liberated from foreign occupation during the Turkish War of Independence.

Standing: Despite its young age, BANÜ has become one of the more popular Turkish public universities among international students, with growing local and international visibility — especially for its applied programs and maritime focus.

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

Notable faculties and programs:

• Maritime Faculty — a distinctive offering given Bandırma's role as a major Sea of Marmara port; programs in maritime management, deck officer training, marine engineering
• Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences
• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
• Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
• Faculty of Applied Sciences
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Agriculture
• Faculty of Sports Sciences
• Faculty of Architecture and Design

Admission: BANÜ accepts SAT, YÖS, and high-school diplomas with adequate GPA. Apply at obs.bandirma.edu.tr.

Tuition (international students): Approximately $500–1,500 per year for most undergraduate programs; maritime programs may be priced separately.

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

Living in Bandırma: Bandırma is a mid-sized port town on the Sea of Marmara, with a mild Mediterranean climate, regular ferry connections to Istanbul (~2 hours by fast ferry), and a lower cost of living than the major cities. Student rent typically runs $150–300/month. The town offers a calmer life than Istanbul while staying within easy weekend reach of it.

Recognition: Diplomas are accredited by Turkey's YÖK (Higher Education Council) and recognised across the Arab world. BANÜ is particularly attractive for students interested in maritime studies or who want a Marmara-region public university with strong Istanbul connectivity at modest cost.

Verify maritime-program admission tracks (some may require a separate physical fitness or medical check) directly with the university before applying.