Established in 1994, Sabancı University is a young foundation university and one of the leading higher education institutions in Turkey. Located in Istanbul, the university offers English-medium instruction across all its programs.
Sabancı University is unique with its multidisciplinary teaching model—it is the only university in Turkey where students do not declare their majors in the first year. Instead, they follow a core undergraduate curriculum, which includes courses from diverse disciplines such as Natural Sciences, Arts, and Humanities, before specialising in their chosen field.
Key Facts
University Type: Private / Foundation (Non-profit)
Established: 1994 (first students admitted in 1999)
Location: Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
International Students: ~10%
Language of Instruction: English
Specialization: Engineering & Natural Sciences, Arts & Social Sciences, Management
Faculties: 3
Programs: 13 undergraduate, 25+ graduate and doctoral programs
Campus: 1 main campus (Tuzla, Istanbul)
Student Population: ~4,000 undergraduate and graduate students
History & Foundation
Sabancı University was established in 1994 by the Sabancı Foundation, one of the leading philanthropic foundations in Turkey. In 1995, more than 50 academics, students, and private sector leaders from 22 countries came together for a Search Conference, which laid the foundation for designing a new and unique university model.
Guided by the philosophy of “to create and develop together”, the university focused on research and innovation in its structure and curriculum. Sabancı University welcomed its first students in October 1999, marking the beginning of its journey as one of Turkey’s most innovative and research-driven universities.
Education & Research
Sabancı University’s mission is to educate competent and self-confident individuals at an international level, while contributing to the creation and development of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary research.
All students admitted to Sabancı University take the English Language Assessment Exam (ELAE). Those who do not pass must complete a one-year preparatory program consisting of English and Turkish language courses. Students who pass the ELAE matriculate as freshmen. During the first year, all students follow a common core curriculum, gaining a well-rounded foundation before selecting their specific programs at the end of the second year. This system allows them to explore multiple disciplines and make informed academic choices.
The university offers merit-based scholarships, awarded by the Scholarship Committee, and additional scholarship opportunities for students who achieve outstanding academic results after two semesters.
Sabancı University also has one of the highest research budgets among private universities in Turkey. Since its establishment, it has produced over 6,500 publications and 250 patents. With 10 research centers and forums and more than 25 laboratories, the university actively involves students in research projects, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge in practice and gain valuable scientific experience.
Student Life & Global Opportunities
Of the graduates who do not pursue higher education, 94% secure employment within the first year after graduation, working in diverse fields such as business development, sales, research, and education. Around 7% continue their education, while 5% choose an academic career.
Sabancı University alumni have also been admitted to prestigious master’s and doctoral programs at some of the world’s most renowned universities in the USA and Europe, reflecting the university’s strong international outlook and academic reputation.
Contact Information
Visitor Address:
Sabancı University – Tuzla Campus
Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Caddesi No:27
34956 Tuzla / Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: +90 (216) 483 90 00
Fax: +90 (216) 483 90 99
Email: info@sabanciuniv.edu
