SABANCI UNIVERSITY; A PIONEER IN INNOVATIVE EDUCATION AND ADVANCED RESEARCH IN TURKEY
Sabanci University is one of the most prestigious and innovative research universities in Turkey, established in 1996 by the Sabanci Foundation, one of Turkey’s largest industrial and philanthropic groups, and officially began its activities in 1999. With a multidisciplinary approach and extensive academic freedoms, the university allows students to explore their field of interest during the first two years before making a final selection. Featuring 3 faculties, a language school, English as the official language of instruction, and top global rankings (QS 531–540), Sabanci University is recognized as one of the most ideal study destinations in Turkey. With a top-tier “A” rating among universities approved by the Iranian Ministry of Science, it holds high academic credibility in Iran, and its graduates are active at prestigious universities worldwide such as Harvard, Stanford, and MIT, as well as leading international companies.
LOCATION AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Sabanci University is located in Istanbul, in the Tuzla district on the Asian side of the city. Situated on a modern and spacious campus at a reasonable distance from the city center, the university provides a peaceful and ideal environment for education and research.
Historical Roots
– **1994:** Decision by the Sabanci Group to establish a global university under the leadership of the Sabanci Foundation.
– **1995 (Summer):** Organization of a research conference with students and private sector representatives from 22 countries, where the seeds of Sabanci University were planted.
– **1996:** Official establishment of Sabanci University with a new and unique approach, rather than imitating existing universities.
– **1999:** Official launch of the university with the arrival of the first students.
Vision Behind Establishment
The Sabanci Group, recognizing the growing global need for qualified individuals with international knowledge and skills, decided to establish a university capable of training specialized and creative professionals for the global job market.
VISION AND MISSION
Vision
To become a leading university in education, research, and innovation with a multidisciplinary approach and global standards.
Missions
– Provide high-quality education in English with a multidisciplinary approach.
– Develop applied and strategic research to advance knowledge and contribute to societal progress.
– Offer extensive academic freedoms to students (allowing major changes within the first two years).
– Train specialized, creative, and globally competent professionals.
– Establish close connections with industry and the private sector.
KEY FACTS AND FIGURES
– **Year of Establishment:** 1996 (Official start: 1999)
– **University Type:** Private (Non-profit – Research)
– **Number of Faculties:** 3
– **Schools:** 1 Language School
– **Official Language of Instruction:** English
– **Educational Approach:** Multidisciplinary
– **Distinctive Feature:** Freedom to change majors within the first two years
– **Rating in Iran:** A (Top-tier) – Approved by the Ministry of Science
GLOBAL STANDING AND RANKINGS
Sabanci University holds a strong position in international ranking systems:
– **QS World University Rankings 2022:** 531–540
– **Global University Rankings 2021:** 501–600
– **Best Global Universities 2021:** 901
**Highlight:** The global rank of 531–540 in QS and the top-tier “A” rating among universities approved by the Iranian Ministry of Science demonstrate the university’s high academic credibility at both international and Iranian levels.
FACULTIES OF SABANCI UNIVERSITY
Sabanci University has 3 faculties and 1 language school:
1. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences** (Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts, Communication)
2. Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering** (Engineering, Basic Sciences, Nanotechnology)
3. Faculty of Management** (Management, Economics, MBA)
.Other Academic Units
– Language School (English and Turkish language instruction)
– Nanotechnology Research Institute (the university’s most renowned research institute)
– All research institutes and laboratories are located within the faculties.
NOTABLE ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Undergraduate Programs
Engineering and Natural Sciences:
– Computer Science and Engineering
– Electrical Engineering
– Industrial Engineering
– Materials Science and Nanoengineering
– Electromechanical Engineering
– Biological, Molecular Biology and Genetics Engineering
– Physics
Social Sciences and Humanities:
– Cultural Studies
– Economics
– Management
– Political Science
– International Studies
– Social Sciences
– Communication
– Visual Arts
Management:
– MBA (at graduate level)
Graduate Programs
Sabanci University offers extensive master’s and doctoral programs in all the above fields, as well as interdisciplinary programs.
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION AND FOUNDATION PROGRAMS
The official language of instruction at Sabanci University is English.
Compulsory Programs for All Students
1. Foundation Program:
– Includes passing the ELAE (English Language Assessment Exam)
– Complete English and Turkish language training
– Students are placed into three levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Upper-Intermediate) based on their ELAE score
– Uses modern teaching methods and regular classes delivered by the university’s Language School
2. University Program:
– Multidisciplinary education
– Specialized courses in the chosen major
– Close interaction between natural sciences and social sciences
– First year: General courses including Humanity and Society, Nature and Science, Turkish Revolution History, Atatürk’s Principles
Unique Educational Feature
Freedom to Change Majors Within the First Two Years
Students are allowed to change their chosen major during the first two years of study. This option is provided as students gain more awareness of higher education and develop a better understanding of their field of interest and desired career path.
ENTRANCE EXAMS
Undergraduate Level
SAT:
– Minimum total score: 1100 out of 1600
– Minimum math score: 600 out of 800
– Score validity: 2 years
Graduate Levels (Master’s and Doctoral)
– GRE (for various fields)
– GMAT (for Management and MBA programs)
SCHOLARSHIPS
Sabanci University awards scholarships to students regardless of gender, race, nationality, color, or religion.
Graduate Scholarships (Master’s and Doctoral)
– Limited in number and highly competitive
– International students have the opportunity to receive scholarships
– All applicants are automatically evaluated for scholarships
Scholarship Evaluation Criteria
– Academic record
– Reference letters (recommendations)
– Test scores (SAT, GRE, GMAT)
– Transcripts
– Interview results
– Awards in competitions
– Olympiad certificates
– Any document demonstrating academic achievement
Note: Specific scores do not guarantee a scholarship level. The final decision rests with the university’s Scholarship Committee.
CAMPUS FACILITIES AND AMENITIES
Accommodation
– Dormitories provided for international students
Cultural and Arts Centers
– Performing Arts Center
– Film Hall
Sports Facilities
– Well-equipped Sports Center
Health and Medical Services
– Health Center
– Private health insurance for each student
Convenience Facilities
– Supermarket
– Bookstore
– Bank
Information Technology Services
– Laptop computer provided to each student
– Standard software suite installed
– Uninterrupted internet access from anywhere on campus
Library and Information Centers
– Services available 24/7, 7 days a week
– Laboratory and Information Center access
Student Clubs
– Over 50 active student clubs in various fields
GRADUATE CAREER PROSPECTS
Employment Statistics
– 90% of graduates find employment within 3 months of graduation
Prestigious Universities for Further Study
– Harvard University
– Massachusetts Institute of Technology
– Stanford University
– Politecnico di Milano
– Boston University
– Brown University
Prestigious Companies for Employment
– Unilever
– Accenture
– Procter & Gamble
– Ford
– Deloitte & Touche
Graduate Statistics
Many of the 7,000 master’s and doctoral graduates have been recruited by the world’s most prominent universities and companies for further study or employment.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS
General Documents
– Online application fee payment
– Copy of one of the exam results / diploma with a valid score accepted by the university
– High school diploma (with notarized translation into Turkish or English)
– Official transcript showing all courses and grades from high school (certified by the high school authority)
– English proficiency exam score (IELTS, TOEFL)
– Academic recommendation letter (if available)
Additional Documents for Applicants Studying in Turkey
– Copy of residence permit (for those with foreign nationality)
– Copy of Blue Card or official letter of renunciation of Turkish citizenship (for those who have renounced Turkish citizenship)
– Copy of residence permit or official document showing the date of acquisition of Turkish citizenship
Application Steps
1. Submit documents by the application deadline
2. Written or in-person interview (after first-stage acceptance)
3. Receive final admission
Note: To be admitted to Sabanci University, applicants must not be Turkish citizens and must obtain a student visa.
BENEFITS OF STUDYING AT SABANCI UNIVERSITY
– One of the most prestigious research universities in Turkey
– Global rank of 531–540 in QS
– Top-tier “A” rating from the Iranian Ministry of Science
– Official language of instruction: English (no need to learn Turkish)
– Freedom to change majors within the first two years
– Multidisciplinary approach and close interaction between sciences
– Scholarships for international students
– Excellent facilities: free laptop, unlimited internet, 24/7 library
– Over 50 active student clubs
– 90% employment within 3 months of graduation
– Connections with world-renowned universities (Harvard, Stanford, MIT)
– Connections with leading international companies
NIHAD GROUP SERVICES FOR ADMISSION TO SABANCI UNIVERSITY
The professional team at Nihad Group, with full expertise in the Sabanci University admission process, is here to assist you:
– Evaluation of your resume and chances of admission to your desired program
– Preparation for the SAT (undergraduate) and GRE/GMAT (graduate) exams
– Preparation for the English language exam (TOEFL or IELTS)
– Consultation on program selection based on the freedom to change majors within the first two years
– Translation and formatting of documents to meet university standards
– Writing professional statements of purpose and recommendation letters
– Follow-up on scholarship applications (automatically evaluated)
– Preparation for written or in-person interviews
– Handling correspondence with the university’s International Office
– Assistance with the student visa and residence permit process
