Istanbul University — Istanbul

Istanbul University is the oldest, largest, and most historically significant university in Turkey. Its origins date back to 1453 — the year Sultan Mehmed II conquered Constantinople — making it one of the oldest continuously-operating universities in the world. It currently ranks 6th among Turkish universities.

Scale: The university operates 12 campuses across Istanbul, with the main campus at the historic Beyazıt Square in the heart of the old city. It hosts 22 faculties, multiple vocational higher schools, around 767 programs, 16 institutes, and 35 research centres.

Notable programs: Arabic Language and Literature, German Language and Literature, Anthropology, Information and Document Management, Geography, Modern Greek, Persian, French, Art History, Psychology, Biology, Mathematics, Nursing, Pharmacy, Journalism, Economics, Theology — and on the engineering side: Computer Engineering, Marine Transportation Management Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Geophysical Engineering, Chemistry, Mining Engineering, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Forestry Engineering, Aquaculture Engineering, Veterinary Medicine.

Faculty of Theology: Istanbul University's Faculty of Theology is one of Turkey's most respected institutions for Islamic studies, attracting students from across the Arab world.

Admission: Istanbul University accepts only the university's own YÖS exam for international applicants. SAT and other certificates are not accepted for most programs. Apply at oss.istanbul.edu.tr/yos.

Tuition (international students): Approximately $300–1,500 per year depending on the program — among the most affordable in Turkey.

Scholarships: Eligible for the Türkiye Bursları full government scholarship; individual faculties may also offer merit-based tuition reductions.

Accommodation: KYK state dormitories ($50–100/month), private student housing, and shared apartments across Istanbul. The Beyazıt main campus is in the historic Fatih district — well-connected by tram and metro.

Recognition: YÖK-accredited and recognised internationally. Istanbul University's diplomas hold particular prestige in the Arab world due to its long association with Islamic scholarship and its position as Turkey's flagship public university.