Want to Study in Turkey?
This list of Turkey’s top universities, compiled using global university rankings by Times Higher Education, will help you choose the best university in Turkey.
Top 7 Universities in Turkey for 2025
To view the complete list of the best universities in Turkey, scroll down.
| Rank in Turkey (2025) | Global Rank (2025) | Global Rank (2024) | University | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| =1 | 351–400 | 351–400 | Koç University | Istanbul |
| =1 | 351–400 | 351–400 | Middle East Technical University | Ankara |
| =1 | 351–400 | 351–400 | Sabancı University | Istanbul |
| 4 | 501–600 | 501–600 | Istanbul Technical University (ITU) | Istanbul |
| =5 | 601–800 | 601–800 | Bilkent University | Ankara |
| =5 | 601–800 | 601–800 | Boğaziçi University | Istanbul |
Reasons to Choose Turkey for Your Studies
Turkey attracts more than 250,000 international students every year to its 207 universities. The country ranks among the top 10 worldwide in terms of international students, thanks to international programs like Erasmus+ and extensive collaborations with universities.
- Many Turkish universities offer their programs in English.
- Students also have the opportunity to learn Turkish, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.
- Turkish universities include large research institutions and specialized smaller universities.
- Turkey’s proximity to European and Middle Eastern countries makes it an ideal choice for students.
Top 4 Universities in Turkey
1. Koç University
- Established: 1993
- Location: Istanbul
- Faculties: Social Sciences and Humanities, Administrative and Economic Sciences, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Law, Nursing, and Medicine.
- Language of Instruction: Most courses are in English, except for some programs in the Faculty of Nursing and Law.
- Research Facilities:
- 132 research labs
- 20 research centers
- 5 research and education forums
2. Middle East Technical University (METU)
- Established: 1956
- Location: Ankara
- Language of Instruction: All programs are in English.
- International Students: Over 1,700 students from almost 100 countries.
- Faculties: Architecture, Basic and Arts Sciences, Economics and Administrative Sciences, Education, Engineering, and Foreign Languages.
- Special Facilities: METU Technopolis (Turkey’s science and tech R&D park), which hosts advanced startups.
3. Sabancı University
- Established: 1994
- Founder: Sabancı Group (one of Turkey’s largest family foundations)
- Faculties: Engineering and Natural Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Sabancı Business School.
- Unique Feature: The only Turkish university that allows students to choose their academic programs.
- Requirement: All students must complete an internship before graduation.
4. Istanbul Technical University (ITU)
- Established: 1773
- Founder: Sultan Mustafa III
- Rank: The third oldest technical university in the world.
- Faculties: 13 faculties, including Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Chemistry.
- Programs: Nearly 40 master’s and PhD programs.
- Research Centers:
- Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, and Genetics Research Center
- Satellite Communication and Remote Sensing Center
- International Collaborations:
- Over 900 international partnerships
- Dual diploma programs with U.S. universities
- Multiple Erasmus programs
For free admission assistance to Turkish universities, contact Banasor experts.