BILKENT UNIVERSITY; A PIONEER IN PRIVATE EDUCATION AND ADVANCED RESEARCH IN TURKEY
Bilkent University, established in 1984 as Turkey’s first private non-profit university, was founded by Professor İhsan Doğramacı, one of Turkey’s most prominent scientists and philanthropists. Located in the heart of Ankara, the capital of Turkey, the university was established with the goal of creating an educational and research center with international standards. Today, Bilkent, with 9 faculties, over 30 academic programs at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, and hosting students and faculty from more than 60 countries, is recognized as one of the most prestigious and leading universities in Turkey and the region. High educational quality, advanced research, and modern facilities make Bilkent an ideal destination for international students.
LOCATION AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Bilkent University is located in Ankara, the political capital of Turkey. This city, as the administrative and diplomatic center of the country, provides a safe, dynamic environment full of cultural and social opportunities for students.
Historical Roots
– **1984:** Establishment of Bilkent University by Professor İhsan Doğramacı, a prominent Turkish physician, scientist, and philanthropist. The name “Bilkent” is formed from the combination of two Turkish words: “bil” (meaning science and knowledge) and “kent” (meaning city), thus meaning “City of Science.”
– **Purpose of Establishment:** To create a scientific and research center that could implement international standards in higher education and play a key role in Turkey’s scientific and technological advancement.
– **Development and Growth:** Over the past decades, Bilkent University has become one of Turkey’s leading educational and research centers through infrastructure upgrades, attracting distinguished international faculty, and establishing extensive collaborations with reputable universities worldwide.
VISION AND MISSION
Vision
To become a leading international university in education, research, and innovation with global standards.
Missions
– Provide high-quality education at various degree levels.
– Develop applied and fundamental research across various scientific fields.
– Train specialized, creative, and responsible professionals for society.
– Establish international collaborations and academic exchanges with reputable universities worldwide.
– Contribute to the scientific, technological, and cultural development of Turkey and the region.
KEY FACTS AND FIGURES
– **Year of Establishment:** 1984
– **University Type:** Private (Non-profit)
– **Number of Faculties:** 9
– **Number of Academic Programs:** Over 30
– **Academic Levels:** Undergraduate, Master’s, Doctoral
– **International Students:** From more than 60 countries
– **Official Language of Instruction:** English
– **Location:** Ankara (Capital of Turkey)
– **Annual Tuition (2024–2025):** 16,300 to 16,950 USD
GLOBAL STANDING AND RANKINGS
Bilkent University holds a strong position in international ranking systems:
– **Times Higher Education (THE) 2024:** 601–800
– **QS World University Rankings 2024:** 531–540
**Highlight:** These rankings demonstrate Bilkent University’s prominent position among international universities and as one of the best private universities in Turkey.
FACULTIES OF BILKENT UNIVERSITY
Bilkent University has 9 specialized faculties:
1. Faculty of Applied Sciences (Information Systems, Tourism and Hospitality)
2. Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (Architecture, Communication and Design, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Interior Architecture, Urban Design)
3. Faculty of Business Administration (Management, MBA)
4. Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences (Economics, History, International Relations, Political Science, Psychology)
5. Faculty of Education (Educational Sciences, English Language Teaching)
6. Faculty of Engineering (Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronics, Industrial, Mechanical)
7. Faculty of Humanities and Letters (American Culture and Literature, Archaeology, English Language and Literature, Philosophy, Translation and Interpretation, Turkish Literature)
8. Faculty of Law (Law in English)
9. Faculty of Science (Chemistry, Mathematics, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Physics)
10. Faculty of Music and Performing Arts (Music, Performing Arts – Theatre)
NOTABLE ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Undergraduate Programs (Selected)
Engineering and Technology:
– Computer Engineering
– Electrical and Electronics Engineering
– Industrial Engineering
– Mechanical Engineering
– Information Systems and Technology
Basic Sciences:
– Chemistry
– Mathematics
– Molecular Biology and Genetics
– Physics
Architecture and Arts:
– Architecture
– Communication and Design
– Fine Arts
– Graphic Design
– Interior Architecture and Environmental Design
– Urban Design and Landscape Architecture
Management and Economics:
– Business Administration
– Economics
– Political Science and Public Administration
– International Relations
Humanities and Social Sciences:
– American Culture and Literature
– Archaeology
– English Language and Literature
– Philosophy
– Translation and Interpretation
– Turkish Literature
– Psychology
– History
Law:
– Law (in English)
Education:
– Educational Sciences
– English Language Teaching
Tourism and Hospitality:
– Tourism and Hotel Management
Music and Performing Arts:
– Music (Composition, Piano, String and Wind Instruments)
– Performing Arts (Theatre Acting)
Graduate Programs
Bilkent University offers extensive master’s and doctoral programs in all the above fields, as well as interdisciplinary programs including Materials Science and Nanotechnology, and Neuroscience.
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION
The official language of instruction at Bilkent University is English. This feature makes Bilkent one of the best options for international students. Additionally, the Faculty of Law is taught entirely in English, which is a unique feature in Turkey.
**h3. Foreign Languages Unit**
Offers language courses in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Korean, and Turkish for foreigners.
CAMPUS FACILITIES AND AMENITIES
Library
– Over 500,000 printed volumes
– Extensive digital resources
– Quiet and modern study spaces
Laboratories
– Advanced and specialized laboratories in various fields
– Opportunities for scientific and experimental research
Sports Facilities
– Swimming pools
– Gymnasiums
– Tennis and basketball courts
– Various sports facilities
Dormitories
– Well-equipped and modern dormitories
– Safe and comfortable environment for student accommodation
Health and Medical Services
– Student health center
– Psychological counseling services
Cultural and Artistic Services
– Bilkent Symphony Orchestra (nationally renowned)
– Early music education program
– Preparatory elementary and high schools for music
– Regular cultural and artistic events
Restaurants and Cafeterias
– Training restaurant for Tourism and Hospitality students
– Fully equipped demonstration kitchen
– Food laboratory
SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
– Internship and externship programs at internationally renowned hotel and restaurant chains
– Extensive collaborations with international universities and research institutions
– Interdisciplinary programs in Materials Science, Nanotechnology, and Neuroscience
– Bilkent Symphony Orchestra with international activities
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS
Documents Required
General Documents:
– Identification documents (passport)
– Financial statement
– Completed online application form
– Application fee payment receipt
Academic Documents:
– High school diploma (with official translation into English)
– High school transcripts (with official translation)
Entrance Exam Requirements (Minimum Conditions)
For Iranian Students:
– Minimum GPA of 17.5 out of 20 on the high school graduation exam (after completing a 4-year program)
– Minimum GPA of 17.5 out of 20 on the diploma (pre-university)
SAT (Digital and Paper):
– Reasoning Test: Minimum 1000 out of 1600 (Math and Critical Reading sections)
– Subject Tests: Minimum 500 out of 800 in at least two sections related to the applied program
GCE A-Level (Cambridge):
– At least three A-Level subjects with a minimum grade of “C”
– Permitted combinations:
– 2 A-Levels + 3 O-Levels
– 2 A-Levels + 1 AS-Level + 2 O-Levels
– 3 A-Levels + 1 O-Level
IB (International Baccalaureate):
– Minimum diploma score of 28 out of 45
– At least one HL subject related to the applied program
International Science Olympiads:
– Holders of gold, silver, or bronze medals in international science Olympiads (approved by TÜBİTAK)
Note: Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to a program. Admission is based on competition and university capacity.
BENEFITS OF STUDYING AT BILKENT UNIVERSITY
– Turkey’s first private non-profit university with a distinguished history
– Top global rankings (THE and QS)
– Official language of instruction: English (no need to learn Turkish)
– International environment with students and faculty from more than 60 countries
– Outstanding facilities including a 500,000-volume library, advanced laboratories, and well-equipped dormitories
– Bilkent Symphony Orchestra and unique artistic programs
– Excellent career opportunities for graduates both in Turkey and abroad
– Excellent location in Ankara, the capital of Turkey
NIHAD GROUP SERVICES FOR ADMISSION TO BILKENT UNIVERSITY
The professional team at Nihad Group, with full expertise in the Bilkent University admission process, is here to assist you:
– Evaluation of your resume and chances of admission to your desired program
– Preparation for SAT, GCE A-Level, or IB exams and introduction to reliable resources
– Preparation for the English language exam (TOEFL or IELTS)
– Consultation on program selection based on career prospects and your interests
– Translation and formatting of documents to meet university standards
– Writing professional statements of purpose and recommendation letters
– Handling correspondence with the university’s International Office
– Assistance with the student visa and residence permit process
– Guidance on finding accommodation in Ankara
