Istanbul Bilgi University
Istanbul · Türkiye
Istanbul Bilgi University was founded on 7 June 1996 by Law No. 4142, passed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly at the application of the Bilgi Education and Culture Foundation. It is known for its motto Non scholæ sed vitæ discimus — we learn not for school, but for life. Between 2006 and 2019 it belonged to the US-based Laureate International Universities network; after that partnership ended, Can Holding joined the foundation's supporters. Across three campuses covering roughly 210,000 m², teaching is mainly in English, with some programmes delivered in Turkish.
ApplyAt a glance
- Type
- Foundation university
- City
- Istanbul
- District
- Eyüpsultan
- Program
- 83 programs
- Faculty
- 11 faculties
Gallery
About the university
Overview
The university is led by Rector Prof. Dr. M. Ege Yazgan and comprises 8 faculties, 3 institutes and 3 vocational schools, offering more than 150 programmes. Enrolment is close to 20,000, or 12,199 per THE 2026 data, with 15% international students. Accreditation includes YÖKAK, MÜDEK, FEDEK and QS Stars.
Campus and facilities
santralistanbul occupies 118 dönüm of green space on the Golden Horn, converted from Silahtarağa, Turkey's first power plant, and houses the Energy Museum plus an arts complex. Dolapdere and Kuştepe campuses are near the city centre. All three offer libraries, a law clinic, architecture workshops and engineering labs.
Rankings
Istanbul Bilgi University appears in the 1501+ band of the THE World University Rankings 2026. In the THE Subject Rankings for Social Sciences 2026 it is listed in the 1001+ band.
Latest developments
September 2026 brought the Beyond Borders mentoring programme and BİLGİ Tourism Industry Talks at the Swissôtel. Registration appointments for associate and undergraduate courses opened, second-stage applications for the Music Talent and Performing Arts Management exams began, and assistant Defne Turan took third in the Çanakkale Strait swim.
Programs
83 programs
| Program | Faculty | Level | Language | Duration | Type | Tuition | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Textile and Fashion Design | Faculty of Applied Sciences | Bachelor's degree | English | 4 years | Full time | $6,000/ per year | Apply |
| Tourism Management | Faculty of Applied Sciences | Bachelor's degree | English | 4 years | Full time | $6,000/ per year | Apply |
| Visual Communication Design | Faculty of Communication | Bachelor's degree | English | 4 years | Full time | $6,000/ per year | Apply |
