Istanbul University

Istanbul University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Turkey. It was founded in 1453, shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, and has since played a prominent role in Turkish higher education. The university has a large and diverse student body, with over 90,000 undergraduate and graduate students studying in its 22 faculties, 24 institutes, and various research centers. Istanbul University offers a wide range of programs in fields such as medicine, law, engineering, social sciences, and humanities, and is known for its high academic standards and research excellence. Its central campus is located in the historic district of Beyazıt, near some of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, making it a popular destination for both local and international students.

The history of Istanbul University dates back to the conquest of Istanbul by Sultan Mehmet II in 1453. Shortly after the conquest, Mehmet II founded a number of educational institutions, including the Medrese of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, which is considered to be the predecessor of Istanbul University.

The Medrese of Fatih Sultan Mehmet was a multidisciplinary institution that offered instruction in a variety of subjects, including Islamic theology, law, medicine, and mathematics. The medrese was open to students of all backgrounds, and it quickly became one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the Ottoman Empire.

In the centuries that followed, the Medrese of Fatih Sultan Mehmet underwent a number of reforms and expansions. In 1846, it was reorganized as the Darülfünun, or House of Multiple Sciences, which was the first Ottoman higher education institution based on European traditions.

The Darülfünun continued to grow and develop throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1933, it was renamed Istanbul University, and it became the first and only university of the Republic of Turkey.

Istanbul University is ranked as the #7 top university in Turkey during 2025.

University Profile

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2025 Ranking	#7
University Name	Istanbul University
Name in Local Language	Istanbul Üniversitesi
Year Established	1453
Motto	Leadership in Higher Education for Centuries

Location

The university is located in Istanbul. Find the address of the university below.

Address	Beyazit, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey

Contact

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Phone	+90 212 440 00 00
Fax	+90 212 520 5473
Website
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Admission Info

Admission to Istanbul University is highly competitive, and the requirements and process vary depending on the level of study and program of interest. For undergraduate programs, applicants must have completed their secondary education and pass the national university entrance exam, called the YKS. The exam assesses students' knowledge in various subjects, including Turkish language and literature, mathematics, science, and social sciences. Prospective graduate students are also required to hold a bachelor's degree and may be required to submit additional documents, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose. The admission process typically involves an application form, an entrance exam, and an interview for some programs. International students may also be required to demonstrate proficiency in Turkish or English, depending on the language of instruction. Overall, admission to Istanbul University is highly competitive, and candidates are evaluated based on their academic performance, test scores, and other criteria relevant to their chosen program.

Accepts International Students	Yes
Student Body	Men and Women

Scholarship and Financial Aids

Istanbul University offers a variety of scholarships to help students cover their tuition and living expenses. Some of the scholarships available to undergraduate and graduate students include the Academic Achievement Scholarship, the Social Support Scholarship, and the Istanbul University Scholarship for Students with Disabilities. There are also scholarships available for international students, such as the Istanbul University International Student Scholarship and the Turkiye Scholarship, which is a government-funded scholarship program for international students from all over the world. Additionally, Istanbul University has partnerships with various organizations and foundations that offer scholarships to eligible students, such as the TUBITAK scholarship for research students and the Jean Monnet Scholarship for European Union studies. To apply for these scholarships, students are usually required to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as academic merit, financial need, or other specific requirements set by the scholarship provider.

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