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MENTISGO Official Partner University

Bahcesehir University

Istanbul, Turkey

A MENTISGO partner institution in Istanbul, Turkey, known for programs in Business Administration, Computer Engineering, International Relations.

Bahcesehir University at a Glance

LocationIstanbul, Turkey
StatusMENTISGO Official Partner University
Average FeesUSD 3,000 – 8,000 per year
IntakesFall Intake & Spring Intake

Popular Programs at Bahcesehir University

Business Administration
Computer Engineering
International Relations
Psychology

Why Study in Turkey?

  • ✓Turkey sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, giving students a truly international campus experience without leaving the region.
  • ✓A growing number of private universities, including MENTISGO's partner institutions, now deliver full bachelor's and master's programs entirely in English.
  • ✓Tuition and living costs are considerably lower than in the UK, US, Canada, or Australia, making Turkey a practical choice for budget-conscious families.
  • ✓Cultural, culinary, and historical familiarity, along with a well-established Pakistani student community, makes settling in easier than in more distant destinations.
  • ✓Istanbul offers modern private university campuses, growing industry partnerships, and a genuinely global student population.

Education System in Turkey

Turkey follows a structured higher education system regulated by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). Private ('vakıf') universities such as Bahcesehir and Istinye operate under YÖK oversight but have greater flexibility in curriculum design and English-medium delivery, often including an English-preparatory year for students who do not meet direct-entry English requirements.

Program LevelAverage Duration
Associate Degree2 years
Bachelor's Degree4 years
Master's Degree1–2 years
Doctorate (PhD)4+ years

Admission Requirements

General Turkey university requirements — confirm the exact criteria for Bahcesehir University with a MENTISGO advisor.

Academic QualificationsCompleted secondary education (FSc/A-Levels or equivalent) with transcripts attested as required by the university; a minimum overall percentage/GPA set by each faculty.
GPA RequirementsGenerally a minimum of 50–60% in higher secondary education, though competitive programs such as Medicine set higher thresholds.
English ProficiencyEnglish-medium programs typically require IELTS/TOEFL or an approved English proficiency test; applicants who do not meet requirements are usually placed into a one-year English preparatory program.
Entrance ExamsNo standardized international entrance exam is typically required from Pakistani applicants; select programs (e.g., Medicine) may require an internal placement test or interview.

English Language Requirements

IELTS
Typically 6.0 overall for most bachelor's programs; higher for Medicine and competitive faculties.
PTE
Typically 55–65 depending on the program.
TOEFL
Typically iBT 70–80 depending on the program.
Duolingo
Increasingly accepted by some faculties, though not universal — confirm directly with the program.
MOI
A Medium of Instruction letter may be considered for certain programs in lieu of a formal test, at the university's discretion.

Application Intakes & Timelines

Fall Intake

September (primary intake; applications typically open March–August)

Spring Intake

February (limited program availability; applications typically open October–January)

Tuition Fees in Turkey

Country-wide average ranges by level of study — actual fees at Bahcesehir University vary by program. Confirm the current figure with a MENTISGO advisor.

Level of StudyEstimated Fee Range
Bachelor's DegreeUSD 3,000 – 8,000 per year
Master's DegreeUSD 3,500 – 9,000 per year

Cost of Living in Istanbul

Expense ItemAverage Cost
Accommodation (shared/dormitory)USD 200 – 400/month
Food & GroceriesUSD 100 – 200/month
Local TransportationUSD 20 – 40/month
Utilities & InternetUSD 40 – 80/month
Miscellaneous/PersonalUSD 50 – 100/month
Cost of Living SummaryTotal monthly living costs in Istanbul typically range from USD 400 – 700, considerably lower than most Western study destinations, though the Turkish Lira's volatility against foreign currencies should be factored into financial planning.

Scholarships & Funding Options

Türkiye Bursları (Turkey Scholarships)

Government of Turkey

A well-known, highly competitive national scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend at eligible public universities; it is a separate, government-run process and does not automatically apply to private partner universities — eligibility and available seats should be confirmed directly.

University Merit-Based Tuition Reduction

Partner University

Partial tuition reductions (typically 10–50%) may be offered based on academic merit at the discretion of the university; fully-funded scholarships at private universities are limited and should not be assumed.

Student Visa Process

Visa Type:Turkish Student Visa (Öğrenci Vizesi), followed by a Residence Permit (Ikamet Tezkeresi)
Eligibility:Available to applicants holding an official acceptance/admission letter from a recognized Turkish university.
Required Documents:
  • Valid passport with sufficient validity
  • University acceptance letter
  • Visa application form
  • Proof of financial means
  • Proof of accommodation arrangements
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Valid health/travel insurance
Processing TimeTypically 2–6 weeks for the initial visa; the residence permit application after arrival can take several additional weeks.
BiometricsBiometric data (fingerprints, photograph) is collected during the residence permit application at the local Provincial Directorate of Migration Management.
InterviewA visa interview at the Turkish consulate/embassy is generally required as part of the application process.

Work Rights While Studying

Weekly Work Hours:International students are not automatically authorized to work; a formal work permit is required to work legally in Turkey.
On-Campus Work:Some limited on-campus assistantship or research roles may be available through the university, subject to internal policy.
Off-Campus Work:Off-campus employment requires a separate work permit application, typically involving an employer sponsor; this is not guaranteed or automatic for students.
Internship Rights:Internships connected to the academic program (staj) may be arranged through the university and are generally easier to secure than independent employment.

Post-Study Work & PR Pathways

Permit Name:Standard Work Permit (Çalışma İzni), employer-sponsored
Duration:Turkey does not offer a dedicated post-study work visa comparable to Canada, Australia, or the UK.
Migration Pathways:Graduates who secure a job offer can have their employer apply for a standard work permit on their behalf; this route depends entirely on finding a sponsoring employer and is not guaranteed.
PR Status:Limited and not a primary or fast route for international graduates
Available PR Streams:
Long-term residence permit after several years of continuous, lawful residence (subject to general immigration rules, not a dedicated graduate pathway)

Accommodation & Healthcare

Housing Options:
University dormitoriesPrivate shared apartmentsStudio apartments
Average Housing CostUSD 200 – 450 per month depending on location and type in Istanbul.
Healthcare System:International students are generally required to hold private health insurance or enroll in Turkey's General Health Insurance (SGK) scheme for the duration of their stay.
Estimated Cost:Approximately USD 30 – 70 per year for basic student health insurance coverage, varying by provider and plan.

Student Life & Career Outcomes

Climate:Istanbul has a temperate Mediterranean-influenced climate with warm summers and mild, wet winters.
Culture:A vibrant blend of European and Asian influences, with a large, active international and Pakistani student community.
Safety:Istanbul is generally considered safe for international students, though standard urban safety precautions are advisable, as in any large city.
High-Demand Industries:
Business & FinanceIT & SoftwareEngineering & ConstructionTourism & HospitalityHealthcare
Average Graduate SalaryEntry-level salaries in Turkey are modest by Western standards and should be evaluated against the local cost of living rather than compared directly to Pakistan or Western economies.
Employment OutlookJob prospects for foreign graduates depend heavily on Turkish language proficiency and sector-specific demand; opportunities exist but require proactive networking and, in most cases, employer sponsorship for a work permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do Pakistani students need a visa to study in Turkey?

Yes. Pakistani students must obtain a student visa from the Turkish consulate/embassy before travel, based on an official acceptance letter from the university.

Q. What is the ikamet and why do I need it?

The ikamet is a residence permit that all international students must obtain after arriving in Turkey, typically within one month. It allows you to legally reside in Turkey for the duration of your studies and must be renewed periodically.

Q. Are Bahcesehir University and Istinye University programs taught in English?

Both universities offer a growing number of English-medium bachelor's and master's programs. Students who don't meet the English requirement are usually placed into a one-year preparatory English program.

Q. What is the average tuition fee at these partner universities?

Tuition generally ranges from USD 3,000 to 8,000 per year for bachelor's programs, and slightly higher for select master's and medical programs, depending on the faculty.

Q. How much money do I need to show for the visa application?

You'll need to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover at least one year's tuition and living expenses, typically through bank statements or a sponsor affidavit.

Q. What are the intake sessions each year?

Turkish universities primarily admit students in the Fall semester (September), with a more limited Spring intake (February) for select programs.

Q. Can international students work part-time while studying?

Not automatically. Unlike some Western countries, working legally in Turkey requires a formal work permit, and part-time work rights are not guaranteed simply by holding a student residence permit.

Q. Is there a post-study work visa in Turkey?

No dedicated post-study work visa exists. Graduates who find an employer willing to sponsor them can apply for a standard work permit, but this depends entirely on securing a job offer.

See the full Turkey study guide

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