Undergraduate Students: 19,264
Associate Degree Students: 961
Graduate Students (including Master’s): 3,998
Doctoral Candidates (PhD): 514
Total Registered Students: ~24,000
International Students: 6,345 (from various countries)
Bahçeşehir University (BAU) is a private non-profit foundation university established in 1998 in Istanbul, Turkey. Its main campus is located in Beşiktaş, right by the Bosphorus. Known as “A World University in the Heart of Istanbul”, BAU is part of the BAU Global Network, with campuses in Berlin, Washington DC, Batumi, Cyprus.
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Programs)
Turkish Students:
Must have a valid YKS (TYT + AYT) score.
Submit high school diploma, transcript, and ID.
Some programs may require additional documents or interviews.
International Students:
Must provide high school diploma and transcript.
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.5 / 4.0.
Passport copy required.
Foundation/Preparatory program available for students who do not meet English proficiency.
Graduate (Master’s / PhD Programs)
Must hold a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s requires undergraduate completion, PhD requires Master’s).
Submit transcripts, degree certificate, and passport copy.
Some programs may require GRE / ALES scores or a portfolio/motivation letter.
Certain programs may include an interview.
Undergraduate (Turkish):
– English: TOEFL iBT 79 / IELTS 6.0 / BAU English Exam Pass
– 1-year English Preparatory Program available if requirement not met
Undergraduate (International):
– English: TOEFL iBT 79 / IELTS 6.0 / BAU English Exam Pass
– 1-year English Preparatory Program available if requirement not met
Graduate (Master’s / PhD):
– English: TOEFL iBT 79–100 / IELTS 6.5 / BAU English Exam Pass
– Some programs may require higher scores
– English support courses available if requirement not met
Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded based on academic achievement, entrance exam scores, or GPA. Can cover partial to full tuition.
International Student Scholarships: Available for students from abroad based on merit and English proficiency.
Sports & Talent Scholarships: For students with outstanding achievements in sports, arts, or other talents.
Need-Based Financial Aid: Limited assistance available for students with financial need.
Early Application Discounts: Some programs offer discounts for early registration.
Scholarship Renewal: Usually requires maintaining a minimum GPA and satisfactory academic performance.
YÖK Approval: Officially recognized foundation university in Turkey.
ABET: Engineering programs hold international engineering accreditation.
EPAS/EFMD: Business programs accredited by the European Foundation for Management Development (BAU Business School).
Program-Specific International Accreditations: Architecture, design, and some graduate programs have additional international accreditations.
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 – Overall: 801–1000
Young Universities: 173
Asia: 196
THE Impact Rankings – Overall: 59
SDG 4 (Quality Education): World 7, Turkey 1
SDG 5 (Gender Equality): World 2, Turkey 1
SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions): World 50, Turkey 1
Education Sciences – Top 500 globally, top foundation university in Turkey
Computer Science – 601–800 globally, 4th among foundation universities in Turkey
Medicine & Health – 801–1000 globally, 3rd among foundation universities in Turkey
URAP: Overall 190, 53rd among foundation universities in Turkey
On-Campus Dormitories:
BAU has modern on-campus dorms for both local and international students.
Single, double, and shared rooms available.
Facilities include study areas, gyms, laundry, and common lounges.
Off-Campus Housing:
Apartments and private residences near the campuses.
University provides guidance and listings for safe and convenient options.
Support Services:
Accommodation office assists with applications, roommate matching, and housing-related issues.
Some dorms include meal plans; others allow cooking.
