Key Facts
University Type: Private / Foundation (Non-profit)
Established: 1996
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
International Students: ~14%
Specialization: Business, Economics, International Relations, Engineering, Law, Social Sciences, Arts
Faculties: 8
Programs: 150+ undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programmes
Campuses: 3 (Kuştepe, Dolapdere, SantralIstanbul)
Campus Area: 210,000 m²

History & Foundation

Founded in 1996 by the Bilgi Education and Culture Foundation, Bilgi University has adopted the motto 'Learning for life, not for school' since its foundation. Two years before its official establishment, the university started education with the departments of Business Administration, Economics, International Relations in cooperation with the University of Portsmouth and the London School of Economics under the name of 'Istanbul School of International Studies’. The university now has 8 faculties and more than 150 education programmes. The three main campuses of the university, located in Kuştepe, Dolapdere and SantralIstanbul, are spread over a total area of 210,000 square metres.

Education & Research

Istanbul Bilgi University provides education to students in 8 faculties: Law, Communication, Business Administration, Architecture, Engineering and Natural Sciences, Health Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, and Applied Sciences. Bilgi University has embraced an educational model based on 'learning by doing'; Students can develop their practical skills and take part in projects in the university's wide range of studios, workshops, laboratories and simulation rooms.

Bilgi University carries out student exchanges, joint programmes, and project collaborations with more than 250 universities in over 40 countries. Students have the opportunity to study for one or two semesters at universities in countries such as the USA, UK, Japan as well as EU countries. English preparatory students can benefit from the opportunity to study the preparatory year in the US or Canada. In addition, students in certain programmes can graduate with two diplomas from two countries by means of double degree programmes carried out jointly with the London School of Economics in the UK and Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Milano in Italy.

Istanbul Bilgi University has over 20 research centres. Adopting the principle of 'learning by doing', the university endeavours to support the scientific research of its students and academic staff. The university's Technology Transfer Office provides support in areas such as financing research, physical and logistical needs of researchers, and counselling during the project process. In addition, in order to increase the publication and quality of scientific articles of the university, researchers whose articles are published are awarded individual cash awards as well as research funds.

Student Life & Global Opportunities

Bilgi TALENT (Career-Talent Management Centre), located within Bilgi University, supports Bilgi students and graduates in every step of their careers. In addition to assisting students who want to find internships in Turkey and abroad, participate in student exchange programmes or work part-time, the centre helps students prepare their CVs and organises interview simulation events with the participation of professionals from the sector. The university also offers workshops and certificate programmes on a wide range of topics.

Contact Information
Visitor Address:
SantralIstanbul Campus
Eski Silahtarağa Elektrik Santralı
Kazım Karabekir Cad. No: 2/13
Eyüpsultan / Istanbul, Turkey

Phone: +90 (212) 311 50 00
Fax: +90 (212) 311 50 01
Email: info@bilgi.edu.tr