Kilis 7 Aralık University — Kilis

Kilis 7 Aralık University (Kilis 7 Aralık Üniversitesi) is a public Turkish university in the city of Kilis, in southeastern Turkey directly on the Syrian border. Founded on 29 May 2007, the university's name (7 Aralık, "7 December") commemorates the date of Kilis's liberation from foreign occupation during the Turkish War of Independence (7 December 1921).

Language of instruction: Turkish is the official language of instruction. The university offers an Arabic Language and Literature program — particularly relevant given Kilis's significant Arabic-speaking community (the city has historically deep Arab cultural ties and hosts a large Syrian refugee population).

Structure: The university operates 7 faculties, research and applied-research centres, institutes, and vocational schools, with a range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.

Notable faculties and programs:

• Faculty of Letters and Sciences — Arabic language and literature, geography, philosophy, mathematics, biology and genetics, sociology, history, Turkish language and literature
• Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences — economics, business administration, political science and public administration, international trade
• Faculty of Theology
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Engineering and Architecture — mechanical, civil, electrical and electronic engineering
• Faculty of Health Sciences — nursing, healthcare management
• Faculty of Agriculture — horticulture

Admission: Kilis accepts its own YÖS exam only — SAT and high-school diplomas alone are not accepted. Apply at yosbasvuru.kilis.edu.tr.

Tuition (international students): Approximately $400–1,000 per year for most undergraduate programs — among the more affordable Turkish public universities.

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

Living in Kilis: Kilis is a small border city in southeastern Turkey, with a warm Mediterranean-influenced climate, a significant Syrian and Arab-speaking population (the city has historically deep cultural ties with northern Syria), and very low cost of living — student rent typically $100–200/month. The city is reachable from Gaziantep (~1 hour). Best suited to Arabic-speaking students looking for a familiar cultural environment combined with low cost.

Recognition: Diplomas are accredited by Turkey's YÖK (Higher Education Council) and recognised across the Arab world. Kilis is particularly attractive to Arabic-speaking students — especially Syrians — who want familiar cultural surroundings with low cost.

Note: Kilis accepts its own YÖS exam only. Verify dates, fees, and exam centres directly with the university before applying.