Complete Guide to the Top 5 Universities in Turkey for Engineering Majors
Are you wondering which are the top 5 universities in Turkey for engineering? Engineering majors are highly popular among students worldwide due to their significance in higher education and the promising career prospects they offer.
This popularity stems from the constant demand for engineers across various industries, with the labor market always needing their expertise in multiple engineering fields.
Turkey stands out as a preferred destination for students pursuing engineering degrees thanks to its high-quality academic programs in both public and private universities.
In collaboration with Alemni Shokran, we present to you the top five Turkish universities excelling in engineering education across a range of specialties.
A Brief History of Engineering Education in Turkey
Engineering in Turkey dates back to the Ottoman era, with the first naval engineering school established in 1773 under the name “Mühendishane-i Bahr-i Hümayun.”
Over the past two and a half centuries, Turkish engineers and international graduates have contributed significantly to local and global scientific and technological advancements through both scientific and applied research.
In 1795, civil engineering emerged in Turkey with the establishment of “Mühendishane-i Berri-i Hümayun” for military engineering.
The field further evolved with the creation of the *Imperial School of Military Engineering*, which later became *Istanbul Technical University* in 1944.
The year 1946 marked a turning point with the founding of Istanbul Technical University, which began offering a variety of engineering specialties such as mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering.
Today, Turkey has nearly 200 universities offering advanced engineering programs, reflecting the tremendous growth in this educational sector.
Studying Engineering Majors in Turkey
Engineering is a unique field that combines creativity with precise scientific analysis. Engineers turn theoretical ideas into reality, devising practical solutions that enrich our daily lives.
This discipline is known for sharpening both logical and creative thinking skills, making it an attractive choice for ambitious and intelligent students.
Turkey is a distinguished educational hub for engineering, offering comprehensive programs that blend theoretical and practical learning.
Turkish universities are known for their high academic quality and valuable internship opportunities, preparing graduates to compete in the global job market.
Advantages of Studying Engineering in Turkey
1- Hands-on learning: Turkish universities focus on practical engineering education, benefiting from advanced infrastructures like modern laboratories and state-of-the-art classrooms.
2- English programs: Most engineering programs are offered in English, which facilitates international students’ studies and enhances their future career prospects globally.
3- Accessible admission requirements: Turkish universities have reasonable acceptance rates starting at 60%, allowing a broader range of students to enroll.
4- Competitive tuition fees: Engineering programs in Turkey offer globally competitive tuition fees.
5- High academic standards: Turkish universities attract distinguished professors with doctorates from prestigious American and European universities.
6- International recognition: Turkish engineering degrees are widely recognized, opening up extensive career opportunities
for graduates in Europe and the Arab world.
Engineering Specialties Available in Turkish Universities
– Aerospace Engineering
– Industrial Engineering
– Mechatronics Engineering
– Electrical and Electronics Engineering
– Software Engineering
– Architectural Engineering
– Civil Engineering
– Genetic and Molecular Engineering
– Computer Engineering
– Mechanical Engineering
– Medical Equipment Engineering
– Bioengineering
– Energy Systems Engineering
– Automotive Engineering
– Chemical Engineering
– Communication Engineering
– Environmental Engineering
– Materials and Metallurgy Engineering
– Nuclear Engineering
– Petroleum Engineering
– Robotics Engineering
– Textile Engineering
– Food Engineering
– Mining Engineering
– Space Engineering
– Marine Engineering
Top 5 Turkish Universities for Engineering: Private Universities
1- Bilgi University
Bilgi University is one of Turkey’s top private universities, located in Istanbul, with an advanced global ranking and a standout
reputation in engineering.
Key Highlights:
– Recognized by prestigious international bodies such as the European Network for Accreditation of Engineering Education (ENAEE) and the European Quality Assurance System (EUR-ACE).
– Offers a global learning environment with interaction among students and faculty from around the world.
– Known for excellent job placement opportunities and robust global exchange programs.
  Available Engineering Specialties:
– Civil Engineering
– Mechanical Engineering
– Electrical and Electronics Engineering
– Computer Engineering
– Software Engineering
– Industrial Engineering
– Telecommunications Engineering
– Energy Systems Engineering
– Chemical Engineering
– Mechatronics Engineering
– Bioengineering
2- Istanbul Aydın University
Istanbul Aydın University was established in 2007 and is one of the most well-known private universities in Turkey.
The university is located in Istanbul, Turkey, ranking 34th nationally and between 2001-2200 globally according to the QS World University Rankings.
Key Features:
– A leading private university in Turkey known for providing high-quality education.
– Comprises 12 faculties and 3 graduate schools, offering programs in various disciplines.
– Features a highly qualified and internationally experienced faculty.
– Offers a modern educational environment with advanced facilities and laboratories.
– Provides student exchange programs with international universities through the Erasmus+ program.
– Focuses on scientific research and encourages students to participate in research projects.
Available Engineering Programs:
– Civil Engineering
– Electrical and Electronics Engineering
– Mechanical Engineering
– Industrial Engineering
– Computer Engineering
– Architecture (English)
– Software Engineering
– Aerospace Engineering
– Architecture (Turkish)
– Food Engineering (Turkish)
– Mechatronics Engineering (Turkish)
– Earthquake and Structural Engineering (Turkish)
3- Istinye University
Founded in 2015, Istinye University is another private university in Turkey, located in Istanbul. It ranks 50th nationally and
2500 globally.
Key Features:
– Renowned for excellence in teaching engineering disciplines.
– Focuses heavily on practical training for students.
– Offers students the opportunity to participate in real engineering projects.
– Provides internship programs both within and outside the university.
– Prepares students with hands-on experience to excel in the job market.
– Offers a wide range of engineering specialties.
– Equipped with modern facilities and advanced laboratories.
Admission Requirements for Engineering:
– High school diploma.
– Passing the Turkish university entrance exam (YÖS) or submitting SAT scores.
Available Engineering Programs:
– Biomedical Engineering
– Civil Engineering
– Electrical and Electronics Engineering
– Industrial Engineering
– Mechanical Engineering
– Computer Engineering
– Software Engineering
– Architecture
– Chemical Engineering
– Environmental Engineering
– Materials Engineering
– Medical Equipment Engineering
– Artificial Intelligence Engineering
4- Istanbul Okan University
Established in 1999, Istanbul Okan University is located in Tuzla, on the European side of Istanbul. The university ranks 34th nationally and 2451 globally.
Key Features:
– One of the top 5 universities in Turkey for engineering, offering 8 faculties and 3 graduate schools with about 500 academic staff.
– Offers diverse academic programs in engineering, medicine, and social sciences.
– Committed to providing a modern and advanced educational environment with a wide range of student activities and services.
– Offers student exchange programs with international universities, allowing students to study abroad.
Available Engineering Programs:
– Civil Engineering
– Electrical and Electronics Engineering
– Mechanical Engineering
– Industrial Engineering
– Computer Engineering
– Biomedical Engineering
– Architecture
– Mechatronics Engineering
– Chemical Engineering
– Software Engineering
– Automotive Engineering
– Geomatics Engineering
– Explosives Engineering
5- Bahçeşehir University
Bahçeşehir University, established in 1998, is a private university in Istanbul. It ranks 27th nationally and 1907 globally. In 2023, it was ranked among the top 500 universities globally.
Key Features:
– Known for its high academic standards, hiring PhD holders from international universities only.
– Primarily uses English, with Turkish as an additional language.
– Features a large studio for student training, making it the top choice for media studies in Turkish universities.
– The first Turkish university to introduce the Turquality program for brand management.
– Offers the first undergraduate program in Artificial Intelligence Engineering in English.
– Participates in the COOP program, helping students find suitable job opportunities.
– Has a large library with over 800,000 books in various fields, aiding in scientific research.
Available Engineering Programs:
– Civil Engineering
– Electrical and Electronics Engineering
– Mechanical Engineering
– Computer Engineering
– Industrial Engineering
– Software Engineering
– Biomedical Engineering
– Energy Systems Engineering
– Engineering Management
– Artificial Intelligence Engineering
– Mechatronics Engineering
– Medical Equipment Engineering
– Architecture
Turkish Universities for Engineering: Public Universities
1- Istanbul Technical University (İstanbul Teknik Üniversitesi)
Founded in 1773, Istanbul Technical University is the third oldest public university in Turkey, located in Istanbul.
It ranks 2nd nationally and 690 globally, attracting students interested in mechanical and industrial engineering.
Key Features:
– Renowned for its engineering programs, second only to the Middle East Technical University.
– Utilizes the latest scientific techniques and focuses on research development.
– Features a distinguished faculty with expertise in various engineering fields.
– Offers a diverse range of engineering programs, including emerging fields like medical and environmental engineering.
– Admission requires passing the SAT with a minimum score of 50%.
Available Engineering Programs:
– Computer Engineering
– Geological Engineering
– Textile Engineering
– Industrial Engineering (English)
– Artificial Intelligence Engineering
– Environmental Engineering (Turkish)
– Mining Engineering
– Electrical Engineering
– Aerospace Engineering (English)
– Civil Engineering (Turkish)
– Geomatics Engineering (English)
– Sports Engineering (Turkish)
– Marine Transportation Management Engineering
– Chemical Engineering
– Landscape Architecture
– Shipbuilding and Marine Machinery Engineering (English)
– Electronic and Communications Engineering (Turkish)
– Information Systems Engineering
– Physics Engineering
– Meteorology Engineering
– Food Engineering
– Control and Automation Engineering (Turkish)
– Geophysics Engineering
– Metallurgical Engineering (English)
– Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
– Mechanical Engineering (Turkish)
– Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
– Civil Engineering (English)
– Marine Machinery Management Engineering (Turkish)
– Industrial Engineering (Turkish)
– Geomatics Engineering (Turkish)
– Aerospace Engineering (Turkish)
– Electronic and Communications Engineering (English)
– Shipbuilding and Marine Machinery Engineering (Turkish)
– Control and Automation Engineering (English)
– Marine Machinery Management Engineering (English)
– Metallurgical Engineering (Turkish)
2- Yildiz Technical University (Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi)
Founded in 1982, Yildiz Technical University is a prestigious public university located in the European part of Istanbul, ranked 14th nationally and 1090 globally.
Key Features:
– Offers programs in Turkish, English, and French.
– Focuses on engineering and natural sciences.
– Features advanced libraries with thousands of printed and digital resources.
– Recognized for its strong engineering programs.
Available Engineering Programs:
– Mechanical Engineering (Turkish)
– Mechatronics Engineering
– Environmental Engineering
– Mapping Engineering
– Industrial Engineering (English)
– Chemical Engineering (Turkish)
– Computer Engineering
– Civil Engineering (English)
– Biomedical Engineering
– Metallurgical Engineering (Turkish)
– Food Engineering
– Electrical Engineering
– Bioengineering (Turkish)
– Control and Automation Engineering (English)
– Shipbuilding and Marine Machinery Engineering
– Sports Engineering (English)
– Industrial Engineering (Turkish)
– Bioengineering (English)
– Marine Machinery Management Engineering
– Civil Engineering (Turkish)
– Electronics and Communications Engineering
– Chemical Engineering (English)
– Control and Automation Engineering (Turkish)
– Sports Engineering (Turkish)
– Metallurgical Engineering (English)
If you’re passionate about engineering and want to study one of its unique and diverse disciplines, you’re in the right place. Contact us at Alemni Shokran for comprehensive information about the top engineering majors and universities that offer these programs. Apply now!