Various advantages, including relatively affordable costs and scholarship opportunities, have made Turkish universities popular. However, knowing the universities approved by the Ministry of Science in Turkey is one of the main concerns for students planning to study abroad. Turkey has over 200 universities, many of which are state-run. Universities such as Bogazici University, Koc University, and Sabanci University are among the private universities approved by Turkey’s Ministry of Science. These universities offer programs in various languages such as English, Turkish, and French, and their tuition fees are generally higher than those of public universities.
Currently, approximately 700,000 international students are studying in Turkey, reflecting the growing interest in studying in the country. Elm Vira Immigration Institute offers free one-year support to help applicants gain acceptance to the best universities and pursue their desired fields of study.
Which Universities Are Approved by the Ministry of Science in Turkey?
Universities approved by the Ministry of Science in Turkey are ranked annually based on their academic level, performance, and the facilities and services they offer. Universities in Category A are considered to have excellent academic standards, while universities in Category C are classified as having an average level. Private universities approved by the Ministry of Science in Turkey are also categorized in these rankings.

- Group A: Top Universities Approved by the Ministry of Science in Turkey
The top-level universities in Turkey that are recognized by the Ministry of Science include:
- Bilkent University (Bilkent Universitesi)
- Bogazici University (Bogazici Universitesi)
- Hacettepe University (Hacettepe Universitesi)
- Koc University (Koc Universitesi)
- Middle East Technical University (Orta Dogu Teknik Universitesi)
- Sabanci University (Sabanci Universitesi)
- Group B: Good Universities Approved by the Ministry of Science in Turkey
The universities categorized as “good” in Group B are:
- Ankara University (Ankara Universitesi)
- Cankaya University (Universitesi Cankaya)
- Cukurova University (Cukurova Universitesi)
- Dokuz Eylul University (Dokuz Eylul Universitesi)
- Ege University (Ege Universitesi)
- Erciyes University (Erciyes Universitesi)
- Gazi University (Gazi Universitesi)
- Istanbul Technical University (Istanbul Teknik Universitesi)
- Istanbul University (Istanbul Universitesi)
- Karabuk University (Karabuk Universitesi)
- Marmara University (Marmara Universitesi)
- Yildiz Technical University (Yildiz Teknik Universitesi)

- Group C: Average Group of Universities Approved by the Ministry of Science in Turkey
The average group, which includes private universities approved by the Ministry of Science in Turkey, is listed below:
- Akdeniz University (Universitesi Akdeniz)
- Anadolu University (Anadolu Universitesi)
- Atilim University (Universitesi Atılım)
- Bahcesehir University (Universitesi Bahçeşehir)
- Eskisehir Osmangazi University (Universitesi Eskisehir Osmangazi)
- Istanbul Aydin University (Universitesi Istanbul Aydin)
- Istanbul Bilgi University (Universitesi Istanbul Bilgi)
- Istanbul Gelisim University (Universitesi Istanbul Gelisim)
- Izmir Institute of Technology (Izmir Institute of Technology)
- Izmir University of Economics (Izmir University of Economics)
- Kadir Has University (Universitesi Kadir Has)
- Kocaeli University (Kocaeli Universitesi)
- KTO Karatay University (Universitesi KTO Karatay)
- Ondokuz Mayis University (Universitesi Ondokuz Mayis)
- Ozyegin University (Universitesi Ozyegin)
- Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University (Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversitesi)
- Selcuk University (Selcuk Universitesi)
- Uludag University (Uludag Universitesi)
- Gaziantep University (Gaziantep Universitesi)
- Yeditepe University (Universitesi Yeditep)
Familiarizing with Top-Ranked Universities Approved by the Ministry of Science in Turkey
Turkey offers a wide range of public and private educational institutions for international students, with many of these universities offering scholarships and financial aid. Some of these scholarships include additional payments for accommodation, transportation, and other expenses. Scholarships at Turkish universities are granted based on students’ academic performance. Among the top universities in Turkey offering scholarships to international students are Sabanci University, Bilkent University, and Koc University. The best universities in Turkey are introduced below.

- Bilkent University: Private Universities Approved by the Ministry of Science in Turkey
Bilkent University, founded in 1984 in Ankara, became the first private non-profit educational institution in Turkey. The students at this university are typically 18 years old, and the language of instruction is Turkish. Bilkent features a large campus with all the necessary facilities for an active student life, modern educational buildings, an excellent library, and innovative educational technologies.
The university offers high-quality research education at a global level and a wide range of programs in fields such as arts, design, economics, engineering, humanities, law, foreign languages, natural sciences, tourism, information technology, and more. Currently, more than 13,000 students are enrolled across 9 faculties, 2 graduate schools, 3 doctoral institutes, a preparatory program, and an English language school. It also hosts a significant number of international students from 63 countries.
- Sabancı University, Istanbul: Universities Approved by the Ministry of Science in Turkey
For those considering academic migration to Turkey, one of the most innovative educational institutions in the country, focused on fostering entrepreneurial initiatives, is Sabancı University. Established in 1996 in Istanbul, Sabancı University aims to elevate higher education and attract talented international students and faculty. The university has a modern green campus located 40 km from downtown Istanbul. It consists of the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and the Business School, with around 5,000 students.
Sabancı University is recognized as one of the top universities in Turkey and is approved by the Ministry of Science. The university’s members are recognized as entrepreneurial individuals from their student years. For those interested in entrepreneurship, Sabancı offers various events and educational programs, and the university itself runs comprehensive entrepreneurship programs. It provides significant academic and career support to its students, ensuring excellent job preparedness. The university also offers extensive financial aid, with about 50% of its students receiving scholarships and financial assistance. One of the most notable features of Sabancı University is its unique approach to learning, which sets its educational programs apart from other universities.

- Middle East Technical University (METU)
One of the top universities in Istanbul and approved by the Ministry of Science in Turkey, Middle East Technical University (METU) was founded in 1956. This university, located in the suburbs of Ankara with a population exceeding 5 million, is considered the best public technical university in Turkey and focuses on education and research in engineering and natural sciences. The university offers around 43 undergraduate programs, 107 master’s programs, and 69 doctoral programs across 5 faculties.
The primary language of instruction at METU is English, and it is one of the leading research centers in Turkey. METU boasts various scientific centers and laboratories in fields such as engineering, business, architecture, computer science, marine sciences, mathematics, natural sciences, and many others.
- Koç University, Istanbul: Private Universities Approved by the Ministry of Science in Turkey
Koç University is one of the private universities approved by the Ministry of Science in Turkey, established in 1993. Currently, it is one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Turkey and is ranked as the best university in the country based on international academic rankings. The university has around 6,000 students, and its campus is located in Istanbul.
Koç University offers top programs in social sciences, engineering, technology, business, nursing, and medicine. Unlike many other Turkish universities, Koç University focuses on international education and collaborates with leading educational institutions worldwide, including the University of California and Cornell University. Most of its programs are taught in English.
Koç University is considered one of the medium-tier universities in Turkey, and international students are welcome to apply. To be admitted, applicants must provide documents related to entrance exams and previous academic performance. Like many Turkish universities, the academic year at Koç University traditionally consists of two terms.

- Hacettepe University
Hacettepe University is a public non-profit higher education institution located in the urban area of Ankara. Established in 1967, Hacettepe University is considered one of the best public higher education institutions in Turkey and is recognized by the Ministry of Science in Turkey. Based on faculty performance, this university is consistently ranked among the top ten universities in Turkey. Globally, it is often placed within the top 5% of the world’s elite academic institutions.
The most popular faculty at Hacettepe University is its Faculty of Medicine, which is known for its high-quality medical education and is ranked among the top 400 medical schools globally. The university serves approximately 48,000 students. Hacettepe is part of the European University Association (EUA) and offers international student exchange programs, providing students with opportunities to study at institutions abroad. Admission to any of Hacettepe University’s faculties is based on passing the entrance exams with appropriate results.
- Boğaziçi University
Boğaziçi University (Bosphorus University) is a prestigious higher education institution in Istanbul, Turkey, founded in 1863. As one of the oldest universities recognized by the Ministry of Science in Turkey, Boğaziçi University currently has around 11,000 students, with 7% of them being international students.
Boğaziçi University is ranked among the top five universities in Turkey and is part of the European University Association (EUA). It is ranked 512th globally in university rankings. The university is particularly known for its advanced research programs, with many of its programs offered in English.
Students often choose Boğaziçi University for fields such as applied sciences, engineering, and social sciences. The university has six campuses and offers the widest range of programs across various disciplines.
One of the best places in Turkey to study the Turkish language, national history, culture, and literature is the Boğaziçi University Library. It is a university library with an open shelf system and a capacity for 1,000 people in a space of over 10,000 square meters. The library holds 748,000 works and 852,000 electronic publications. On average, 3,300 people visit the library daily, borrowing 205 books, reserving 3, and reading 270 electronic lessons and 4,500 articles and books from databases. Each year, at least 5,000 new titles are added to the collection through purchases and donations, with the number of electronic books increasing at an even faster rate.

Advantages of Studying in Turkey
The high quality of education, favorable conditions for studying in Turkey, and the availability of scholarships for international students have made Turkish universities increasingly attractive for higher education. Additionally, studying in Turkey allows international students to study without the need to learn Turkish, as many programs are offered in English and French. Most importantly, many Turkish universities are recognized by the Ministry of Science in Turkey.
Other advantages of studying in Turkey include:
- Proximity to Iran
- Ease of obtaining a student visa
- Recognition of degrees awarded by Turkish universities worldwide
- High university rankings and diversity of academic programs
- Lower tuition fees compared to European countries
- More affordable living costs in Turkey compared to other countries
- Access to benefits for international students living in Turkey
Conclusion
Studying in Turkey has become popular due to scholarships for international students, affordable costs, and programs offered in English. One of the most important factors when enrolling in Turkish educational institutions is knowing which universities are recognized by the Ministry of Science. The Ministry categorizes universities into three levels: excellent, good, and average.
Top-tier universities such as Bilkent, Boğaziçi, Hacettepe, Koç, Middle East Technical University (METU), and Sabancı are part of the “excellent” category. Among these, Boğaziçi, Koç, Sabancı, and Bilkent are private universities with higher tuition fees than public universities. Elm Vira Immigration Institute, with over 200 successful cases annually in the field of academic immigration, offers reliable pathways to obtaining admission to your desired country. One of the key services of this institute is free consultation for prospective students.
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