Harran University; The Sun of Science in the Land of the Prophets
Harran University is a public and prestigious university in Turkey, established in 1992 in the historical and cultural city of Şanlıurfa. Known as the “Sun of Science in Mesopotamia,” the university takes its name from the ancient Harran School, which was one of the most important scientific centers of the Islamic world in 744 AD. With 14 faculties, more than 25 technical and vocational institutes, and a variety of master’s and doctoral programs, Harran University is recognized as a leading scientific and research center in southeastern Turkey. With affordable tuition fees, modern facilities, and a safe and friendly environment, the university is an ideal choice for international students, especially from Arab and Iranian countries.
Location and Historical Background
Harran University is located in the city of Şanlıurfa, known as the “City of the Prophets.” It is one of the oldest inhabited areas in the world, dating back to around 11,000 years. Located in southeastern Turkey, close to the Syrian border, Şanlıurfa is world-renowned for its rich historical and cultural heritage, including Göbekli Tepe, the oldest known temple in the world.
Historical roots of the university
The name Harran University is inspired by the ancient Harran School, which was one of the most important centers of scholarship and translation in the Islamic world in 744 AD. The school played a significant role in transmitting Greek and Indian knowledge to the Islamic world.
History of the Modern University
· 1976: Establishment of Şanlıurfa Technical and Vocational School (the first higher education institution in the city)
· 1978: Establishment of the Faculty of Agriculture (affiliated with Dicle University)
· 1984: Establishment of the Department of Civil Engineering (affiliated with Dicle University)
· 1988: Establishment of the Faculty of Theology (by Gaziantep University)
· 9 July 1992: Official establishment of Harran University (within the framework of the establishment of 23 new universities in Turkey)
In 1994, new technical and vocational schools were added to the university in the provinces of Sivrei, Hilvan, Suriç, Birçik, Virasehir and Buzova, and the faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Economics and Administrative Sciences were also established. In 2007, a new vision for the development of educational programs was launched, which led to the establishment of the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Fine Arts and the College of Tourism and Hotel Management.
Mission and Vision
The mission of Harran University; Cultivating individuals who:
· Embrace institutional values
· Think creatively and critically
· Prioritize ethical principles
· Have a strong awareness of nature and the environment
Maintain their local cultural roots while being open to the world
Have the scientific, social, and cultural capabilities and confidence necessary to fulfill professional and social responsibilities
Harran University Vision:
· Enhance educational and teaching experiences through innovative methods
Strengthen the culture of science and research to be among the world’s top research universities
Participate in shaping a better future through scientific, cultural, and educational activities
Produce knowledge, science, and technology on a global scale to help humanity
Key figures and statistics
Details
Year of establishment 1992
Type of public university
Number of faculties 14 faculties
Technical and vocational institutions more than 25 institutions
Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs
Location Şanlıurfa (Southeastern Türkiye)
Historical fame derived from the ancient Harran School (744 AD)
Global Position and Rankings
Harran University has a growing position in international ranking systems:
Harran University Ranking System
Best Global Universities 1895 (World)
Rank in Asia 779
Rank in Turkey 52
Europe-West Asia University Rankings 2026 79
QS World University Rankings 2022 301-350
Times Rankings (THE) +1501
Highlights: The 79th rank in West Asia and the 52nd rank in Turkey indicate the university’s prestigious position at the regional level. The QS ranking of 301-350 in 2022 also indicates the university’s significant growth in recent years.
Harran University Faculties
Harran University has 14 specialized faculties:
Faculty Name Row
1 Faculty of Medicine
2 Faculty of Dentistry
3 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
4 Faculty of Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, etc.)
5 Faculty of Agriculture
6 Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences (Economics, Management, Political Science)
7 Faculty of Theology (Islamic Studies)
8 Faculty of Sciences and Literature (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, History, Turkish Language and Literature)
9 Faculty of Education (Teacher Training in Various Subjects)
10 Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture (Visual Arts, Design, Architecture)
11 Faculty of Nursing
12 Faculty of Health Sciences
13 Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management
14 Faculty of Sports Sciences
Notable Academic Majors
Undergraduate Majors (Selected):
Medical Sciences:
· Medicine
Dentistry
· Veterinary Medicine
· Nursing
Engineering and Technology:
· Civil Engineering
· Mechanical Engineering
· Electrical and Electronic Engineering
· Architecture
Sciences Basic and Humanities:
· Mathematics
· Physics
Chemistry
Biology
History
Archaeology
Philosophy
Sociology
Islamic Studies (Theology)
Economics and Management:
· Business Administration
Economics
Political Science
Agriculture:
· Agricultural Economics
Agricultural Machinery
Animal Science
Arts and Tourism:
· Gastronomy
Tourism and Hotel Management
Coaching
Teacher Education and Training:
· Classroom Teaching
Music Education
Educational Sciences
Other Fields:
· Audiometry
Nutritional Hygiene
English Language Preparation Course
Master’s Degree Programs:
Harran University offers a variety of master’s degree programs in the following fields:
· Specialized Veterinary Medicine
Educational Sciences
History
Philosophy
Sociology
Physics
Mathematics
Islamic Studies
Nutritional Hygiene
Audiometry
and many other fields.
Language of Instruction
The main language of instruction at Harran University is Turkish. However, due to the large number of international students, especially from Arab countries, the university offers Turkish Language Preparatory Courses (TÖMER) for non-Turkish speaking students.
Amenities and Educational Facilities
Sports and Fitness Facilities:
· Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Handball
· Tennis, Table Tennis
· Long Distance Running, Athletics
· Taekwondo and Martial Arts
· Fitness and Yoga Classes
· Competitive and Non-Competitive Competitions
Mental Health and Wellbeing:
· Psychological Support Center with Services
· In-person and Online Counseling
· Therapy Groups
· Medical and Emergency Care
· Maintaining Emotional, Environmental, Financial, Intellectual, Physical, Social and Spiritual Balance of Students
Dorm Life:
· Traditional Dormitories for Connecting with Others and Building Lasting Friendships
· Spaces for Meeting Friends
· Group Meetings and Individual Study
· Safe and Friendly Environment
Food and Beverage:
· Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
· Hot and Cold Snacks and Beverages
· Traditional Turkish Cuisine: Turkish Kebab, Falafel, Hummus, Shawarma, Doner Kebab, Turkish Ravioli, Turkish Dishes Eggplant
· Diverse international cuisine
Tourist and recreational attractions:
Students can visit the following places of interest around the university:
· Göbeklitepe Temple (the oldest temple in the world)
· Hagia Sophia Mosque (on a trip to Istanbul)
· Topkapi Palace
· Bosphorus Sea
· Şanlıurfa local markets
· Ephesus tour
Part-time work:
· Possibility to work in various departments of the university
· International students: 24 hours a week during the semester and full-time during the holidays
· Strengthening professional skills and financial assistance to students
Benefits of studying at Harran University
· Historical fame derived from the ancient Harran School (744 AD)
· Unique location in the city of the prophets with a history of 11,000 years
· Very affordable tuition fees and no registration fees
· Friendly and safe environment for international students
· Especially popular among students from Arab countries
· Full amenities including dormitories, sports, mental health and nutrition
· Part-time job opportunities for international students
· Access to Mesopotamia’s historical and tourist attractions
Admission Requirements and Steps
Required Documents for Undergraduate Degree:
1. High School Diploma and Mark-sheets
2. Turkish Language Proficiency: TÖMER Certificate or Language Preparation Course
3. Statement of Purpose: Explaining the Purpose and Study Plan
4. Recommendation Letters: From Previous Professors or Employers
5. Valid Passport Copy
6. Submitting Documents Digitally via the University’s Official Website
Registration Fee: Harran University does not charge any registration fee.
Required Documents for Master’s Degree:
1. Undergraduate Degree: Diploma and Transcripts
2. Turkish Language Proficiency: TÖMER Certificate
3. Statement of Purpose: Explaining the Purpose and Study Plan
4. Recommendation Letters: From Professors or Employers
5. Valid Passport Copy
6. Submitting Documents Digitally via the University’s Website
Admission Steps:
1. Choosing the Desired Field of Study
2. Complete the online application form on the official website of the university
3. Submit the required documents digitally
4. Review the documents by the university
5. Announcement of admission results
6. Receive the acceptance letter and apply for a Turkish study visa
7. Final registration at the university
Nihad Group Team Services for Admission to Harran University
Nihad Group’s professional team, with complete mastery of the Harran University admission process, is with you:
· Evaluation of resume and chances of admission to the desired field
· Advice on choosing a field based on the job market and your interests
· Preparation for the Turkish language test (TÖMER) and introduction of resources
· Translation and arrangement of documents in accordance with university standards
· Writing a professional motivation letter
· Follow-up correspondence with the university’s international office
· Assistance in the study visa and residence process
· Guidance in finding a dormitory or house in Şanlıurfa
· Introduction of the region’s tourist and cultural attractions
