Universities in Istanbul:
Top Universities Ranking in 2023

Universities in Istanbul are numerous and the population of Istanbul also varies in terms of the number of students. The most crowded city of Turkey is known as the most vibrant city, as well as a city of universities that offers opportunities in every sense. Istanbul is also a city of education. Istanbul hosts a total of 61 universities, including 13 state universities, 44 private universities and 4 foundation Vocational Schools, which incorporates 30% of universities in Turkey.

Universities in Istanbul and the achievements of these universities in both the national and international arena reveal their quality. In addition to being a city that connects the sides of two continents, Istanbul is also a great city of civilization and universities.

Universities in Istanbul and Other Educational Institutions

To meet the educational needs and demand of the population of more than 15.46 million in the city, the number of universities in Istanbul raised rapidly and 9 universities were established by the state. Moreover, the establishment of private universities has gained momentum especially after 2006. Today, there are 61 universities in Istanbul of which 13 of them are State and 44 are Private.

Universities in Istanbul stand ahead of others in some areas. For example, while a university is at the forefront in the field of technical education, another university can be perfect of the others in social sciences and another in health sciences. For this reason, it will be useful to analyze the opportunities offered by the university before making a university choice.

The top 10 Turkish universities in 2021 according to QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings are

Middle East Technical University (METU)

Bogazici University

Bilkent University

Hacettepe University

Koc University

Sabanci University

Middle East Technical University

Istanbul Technical University 

Istanbul University

Ankara University

Gazi University

Top Universities in Istanbul 2021 are Bogazici University, Koc University, Sabanci University, Istanbul Technical University and Istanbul University – all of which are ranked within the top 30 universities in Turkey. 

Universities in Istanbul | Private and State Universities

Universities in Istanbul also offer variety for candidates with the opportunities they have and the education they offer. Moreover to universities that are best in the field of technical education, universities that are perfect in social sciences or pioneers in health sciences are also situated in Istanbul.

Besides, while there are military universities in Istanbul; Air and naval military universities are also among the universities that draw attention and the students have shown lots of interest in. University candidates are suggested to analyze not only the base scores of the universities but also the chances and facilities offered by the university before making a choice.

Among the universities in Istanbul, there are a total of 61 universities, of which 13 are state universities, 44 are private universities and 4 are foundation Vocational School

13 State Universities in Istanbul

1. Istanbul University
2. Marmara University
3. Bogazici University
4. Istanbul Technical University
5. Yildiz Technical University
6. Mimar Sinan University
7. Turkish-German University
8. Galatasaray University
9. Istanbul Civilization University
10. University of Health Sciences
11. National Defense University
12. Istanbul University Cerrahpasa
13. Turkey Japanese Science and Technology University

Private Universities in Istanbul

1. Uskudar University
2. Bahcesehir University
3. Yeditepe University
4. Beykent University
5. Istanbul Bilgi University
6. Istanbul Aydin University
7. Koc University
8. Istanbul Gelisim University
9. Istanbul Okan University
10. Istanbul Culture University
11. Sabanci University
12. Ozyegin University
13. Maltepe University
14. Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University
15. Kadir Has University
16. Halic University
17. Dogus University
18. Altinbas University
19. Istanbul City University
20. Acibadem University
21. Piri Reis University
22. Istanbul Science University
23. MEF University
24. Bezmialem Vakif University
25. Istanbul Ayvansaray University
26. Istanbul Kent University
27. Beykoz University | universities in Istanbul
28. Istanbul 29 May University
29. Fenerbahce University
30. Biruni University
31. Gedik University
32. Isik University
33. Istanbul Arel University
34. Istanbul Esenyurt University
35. Istanbul Kemerburgaz University
36. Istanbul Rumeli University
37. Nisantasi University
38. New Century University
39. Istanbul Medipol University
40. Lokman Hekim University
41. Istanbul Atlas University
42. Samarkand University of Science and Civilization (In Establishment)
43. Ibn-i Haldun University
44. Istanbul Science University

Foundation Vocational Schools | Universities in Istanbul

1. European Vocational School
2. Istanbul Concept Vocational School
3. Atasehir Adiguzel Vocational School
4. Istanbul Sisli Vocational School