Bezmialem Vakıf University — Istanbul

Bezmialem Vakıf University has an extraordinary historical heritage. The original Bezm-i Alem Hospital was established by the mother of Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid I (Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan, mother of Sultan Abdülmecid, 1822–1853). The hospital provided aid to poor Muslims, serving as a charitable medical institution.

From hospital to university: In 2010, this historic institution was transformed into Bezmialem Medical University — continuing its medical mission in a modern educational context. This makes it one of the most historically-rooted medical universities in Turkey.

Languages of instruction — bilingual approach:

• Turkish (~70%) — primary language for most programs
• English (~30%) — for international programs and selected medical specialisations

This bilingual split provides:

• Foundation in Turkish for clinical practice in Turkey
• English-medium tracks for international students
• Strong international academic literature engagement via English

University Faculties:

• Faculty of Medicine — flagship, building on the centuries-old medical institution heritage
• Faculty of Dentistry
• Faculty of Pharmacy
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Nursing
• Plus various supporting departments

Clinical advantages: The university operates and is integrated with the modern Bezmialem Vakıf University Medical Faculty Hospital in Fatih district — one of Istanbul's notable teaching hospitals, providing students with extensive clinical training in central Istanbul.

Admission: No YÖS required. Standard requirements: high school diploma with strong GPA (medical programs are highly competitive), language proficiency for chosen track (Turkish or English).

Tuition (annual, international students):

• Medicine: approximately $22,000–28,000 (premium positioning reflecting medical heritage and clinical resources)
• Dentistry: approximately $18,000–22,000
• Pharmacy: approximately $10,000–14,000
• Health sciences: approximately $6,000–10,000

Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships available, particularly for top international medical applicants.

Recognition: YÖK-accredited and recognised across the Arab world. Medical credentials hold particular weight given the institution's Ottoman charitable medical heritage.