Sakarya University — Adapazarı

Sakarya University is among Turkey's strongest public universities for engineering and medicine, located in Adapazarı in the Sakarya province — about 150 km east of Istanbul. Founded in 1970 as an engineering and architecture institute, it became a state engineering academy in 1971 and gained full university status later.

Quality recognition: Although a relatively young university, Sakarya was the first public Turkish university to receive the government Educational Quality Document for its administrative departments, and also earned the Quality in Advanced Technical Modernisation Document in engineering — a strong signal of its standards.

Why students choose Sakarya: The university is one of the most popular destinations for international students in Turkey, due to:

• Proximity to Istanbul — 1.5 hours by car, easy weekend access
• Lower tuition than many other public universities
• Strong engineering programs, particularly sought-after by Arab students
• Affordable living costs in Adapazarı/Sakarya

Major faculties:

• Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences
• Faculty of Dentistry
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Fine Arts
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Sharia Sciences
• Faculty of Arts
• Faculty of Journalism and Communication
• Faculty of Administration
• Faculty of Engineering
• Faculty of Technical Sciences
• Faculty of Technology

Admission: Sakarya accepts SAT, YÖS, and Tawjihi certificates. Apply at yosbasvuru.sabis.sakarya.edu.tr.

Tuition (international students): Approximately $400–1,000 per year — among the most affordable in Turkey.

Scholarships: Eligible for Türkiye Bursları full government scholarship.

Accommodation: KYK state dormitories, private student housing, and affordable shared apartments. Living costs in Sakarya are notably lower than Istanbul — typical monthly expenses $250–450.

Recognition: YÖK-accredited and recognised across the Arab world. The engineering diplomas from Sakarya are well-regarded by Turkish industry and Gulf-region employers.