Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMÜ) — Samsun

Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMÜ) — meaning "19 May University" in reference to the date that marks the start of Turkey's War of Independence in 1919 — is one of Turkey's leading public universities. Founded in 1975 in Samsun on the Black Sea coast, OMÜ ranks 28th among Turkish universities.

Mission: The university focuses on raising the quality of scientific research and aspires to be a leader in innovation in science and technology.

Languages of instruction: Both Turkish and English are used, depending on the program.

Structure: 16 faculties, 5 institutes, 3 higher-education institutes, 11 vocational higher institutes, 1 national music institute, and 23 research and application centres.

Notable programs:

• Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Dentistry
• Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Faculty of Engineering — Computer, Electrical-Electronic, Food, Civil, Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial, Geomatics, Chemical, Materials, Environmental, Agricultural Machinery
• Faculty of Arts and Sciences — Psychology, Philosophy, Chemistry, Turkish Language, Mathematics, Statistics, Geography, History, Art History, Sociology, Biology
• Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences — Economics, Management, International Trade and Logistics, Political Science and Public Administration, Health Administration
• Faculty of Communications — Radio, TV and Cinema, Visual Communication Design, Journalism, Public Relations
• Faculty of Theology, Faculty of Architecture
• Faculty of Health Sciences — Nutrition, Nursing, Social Services, Plant Protection
• Faculty of Meteorology Engineering — a niche specialisation

Admission: OMÜ accepts only the university's own YÖS exam for international applicants. Apply at yostercih.omu.edu.tr.

Tuition (international students): Approximately $500–1,500 per year; medicine and dentistry at the higher end.

Scholarships: Eligible for Türkiye Bursları full government scholarship.

Accommodation: KYK state dormitories and private student housing widely available in Samsun. Living costs are moderate — typical monthly expenses $300–500.

Why Samsun: Samsun is the largest Black Sea coastal city, with a mild summer climate, growing port economy, and a small but established Arabic-speaking student community. Lower costs than İstanbul or İzmir, with the natural beauty of the Black Sea coast.

Recognition: YÖK-accredited and recognised across the Arab world.