The Medicine (English) undergraduate program at İstanbul University – Faculty of Medicine offers a full medical education in English, combining basic medical sciences with clinical training for future physicians. The program is designed to equip students with strong foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology and other medical sciences, along with practical medical skills and clinical rotations. The curriculum spans six years (preparation year + main medical training) and provides comprehensive training to prepare graduates for medical practice.
Located in Istanbul, a city rich in historical and cultural heritage and with established medical infrastructure, this program emphasizes both academic excellence and clinical competence. Students benefit from experienced faculty, modern laboratories, and hospital facilities, gaining exposure to diverse medical disciplines and patient care from early years. The program aims to prepare physicians who are ready to meet both national and international healthcare standards.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Standard period of study: 6 years (including English preparatory if required)
- Location: Istanbul
- Study Type: Undergraduate (full-time, international)
- Admission semester: Fall semester
- Area of study: Medicine, Basic & Clinical Medical Sciences
- Admission modus: National university exam (SAY / YKS)
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations of Medical Science
- Introduction to Medicine
- Life Stages / Human Development
- Molecular Basis of Life / Cell Biology
- Medical Skills Laboratory (basic practical skills)
- Tissue & Histology
- Anatomy / Movement / Basic Biological Sciences
Year 2 – Basic Medical Sciences & Systems
- Blood and Immune System
- Circulation (“Circulation I”)
- Digestion I
- Endocrine System / Metabolism
- Respiration I
- Urogenital & Reproductive System I
- Pathology and Introduction to Clinics
- Continued laboratory/skill practice
Year 3 – Continued Preclinical & Transition to Clinical Sciences
- Continued systems courses (Circulation II, Digestion II, Endocrine–Metabolism II)
- Nervous System & Senses II
- Respiration II
- Semiological and clinical skill courses (Medical Skills Laboratory III, Semiology)
- Urogenital & Reproductive II / Movement II / Other organ systems
Year 4 – Early Clinical Courses & Clinical Foundations
- Internal Medicine
- General Surgery
- Cardiology
- Child Health & Diseases
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Medical Genetics, Biostatistics & Medical Informatics
- Introductions to specialty clinics / hospital-based courses
Years 5–6 – Advanced Clinical Training & Internship Preparation
- Clinical rotations across various departments (internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics–gynecology, etc.)
- Specialized elective and elective-clinic courses
- Clinical electives, advanced diagnosis and treatment planning
- Final clinical internships / practical hospital training in preparation for graduation and professional practice
Career Opportunities
Graduates become fully qualified physicians (MD) and are eligible to undertake medical practice, join hospitals, clinics, public health institutions, or pursue specialization. With an English-taught medical degree, they may also apply internationally or engage in research, academic medicine, or global health careers. The program’s strong clinical training and İstanbul’s large healthcare network provide ample opportunities for internships, residencies, and professional placements.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing the Medicine (English) program at Istanbul University means joining a long-established medical institution known for its scientific excellence, advanced clinical training, and strong academic tradition. The program offers a parallel structure to the national medical curriculum while providing students with access to English-language medical literature, internationally recognized coursework, and a multicultural learning environment.
The program’s unique strength lies in its integrated curriculum, early exposure to clinical settings, and comprehensive training across all major medical departments. With opportunities for electives, research participation, and hands-on clinical rotations, students develop critical thinking, diagnostic skills, and professional confidence.
Contact Information
İstanbul University – Faculty of Medicine
Çapa, Fatih
34093 İstanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 414 20 00
Fax: +90 212 532 41 30
Email: tip@istanbul.edu.tr
Student Affairs Office
Çapa, Fatih
34093 İstanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 414 20 00 (ext. 30200)
Email: ogrenciisleri@istanbultip.istanbul.edu.tr
International Office – İstanbul University
Beyazıt Campus
34452 İstanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 440 00 00
Fax: +90 212 440 03 52
Email: international@istanbul.edu.tr
