ISTANBUL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY; THE MOTHER OF MODERN ENGINEERING IN TURKEY
Istanbul Technical University (İstanbul Teknik Üniversitesi – İTÜ) is recognized as the oldest technical university in Turkey and one of the most prestigious scientific institutions in the world, with a history spanning over two and a half centuries (established in 1773). This university pioneered innovation movements during the Ottoman Empire and has played an irreplaceable role in the development, modernization, and management of the country during the Republic period. With 13 faculties, 5 campuses in the heart of Istanbul, over 400 specialized laboratories, 17 research centers, and 67 undergraduate programs, İTÜ is one of the largest and most dynamic universities in Turkey, making it an ideal destination for students interested in engineering, architecture, basic sciences, and emerging technologies. Its close connection with industry, possession of the most prestigious international accreditations including ABET, and the highest number of Erasmus exchange programs with nearly 1,000 partner institutions have made this university one of the most popular educational destinations for both domestic and international students.
LOCATION AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Istanbul Technical University is located in Istanbul, the largest and most historic city of Turkey. Operating as an urban multi-campus university with 5 campuses in different parts of Istanbul including Maslak, Taşkişla, Gümüşsuyu, Maçka, and Tuzla.
Deep Historical Roots
– 1773 (During the reign of Sultan Mustafa III): Establishment of the university as Mühendishane-i Bahr-i Hümayun (Imperial School of Naval Engineering) as the first technical higher education institution in the Ottoman Empire.
– 1795: Addition of Ottoman army personnel training to the university’s programs.
– 1883–1909: Formation of the university’s core engineering structure with the addition of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Engineering.
– 1944: Official name change to Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ).
Historical Role of the University in Turkey’s Development
In every era, in every city and village, this university has played a central role in building roads and bridges, factories and dams, communication networks and power plants. For over two centuries, this university has trained a large number of Turkey’s scientists, merchants, politicians, and civil servants.
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL ACHIEVEMENTS
Istanbul Technical University, as the cradle of innovation and technology in Turkey, has achieved remarkable accomplishments:
– Turkey’s first cube satellite
– Turkey’s first electric minibus
– Turkey’s first hydrogen-powered boat
– Turkey’s first driverless car
– Turkey’s first domestically produced computers
– Turkey’s first television program (broadcast from this university)
– Turkey’s first university radio station
KEY FACTS AND FIGURES
– **Year of Establishment:** 1773
– **University Type:** Public (Technical)
– **Number of Faculties:** 13
– **Total Students:** Over 37,342
– **Academic Staff:** Nearly 2,174
– **Specialized Laboratories:** Over 400
– **Research Centers:** 17
– **Number of Campuses:** 5
– **Undergraduate Programs:** 67
– **International Accreditations:** ABET and other prestigious certifications
GLOBAL STANDING AND RANKINGS
Istanbul Technical University holds a strong position in international ranking systems:
– **QS World University Rankings 2026:** 298 (World)
– **Times Higher Education (THE):** 501–600
– **Shanghai Academic Ranking:** 801–900
**Highlight:** The QS world rank of 298 places İTÜ among the top 300 universities globally, making it one of the best universities in Turkey and the region.
FACULTIES OF ISTANBUL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
Istanbul Technical University has 13 specialized faculties:
1. Faculty of Computer and Informatics
2. Faculty of Electrical and Electronics
3. Faculty of Civil Engineering
4. Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
5. Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering
6. Faculty of Mining Engineering
7. Faculty of Architecture and Maritime Engineering
8. Faculty of Architectural Engineering
9. Faculty of Sciences and Letters
10. Faculty of Management
11. Faculty of Textile Technologies and Design
12. Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics
13. Faculty of Maritime Studies
INSTITUTES AND RESEARCH CENTERS
Istanbul Technical University has numerous institutes and research centers:
– Institute of Disaster Management
– Eurasia Institute of Earth Sciences
– Institute of Informatics
– Institute of Energy
– Graduate Institute
– Institute of Aviation
– State Conservatory of Turkish Music
– School of Foreign Languages
– Erika Mark 2 Nuclear Reactor (on the Maslak campus)
NOTABLE ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Engineering and Technology:
– Aerospace Engineering
– Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering
– Architectural Engineering
– Aviation Engineering
– Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering
– Computer Engineering
– Control and Automation Engineering
– Electrical Engineering
– Electronics and Communication Engineering
– Environmental Engineering
– Food Engineering
– Geological Engineering
– Geodesy and Photogrammetry Engineering
– Geophysics Engineering
– Mathematical Engineering
– Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
– Meteorological Engineering
– Mineral Processing Engineering
– Mining Engineering
– Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
– Physics Engineering
– Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
– Chemical Engineering
– Civil Engineering
– Mechanical Engineering
– Manufacturing Engineering
– Textile Engineering
– Marine Engineering
– Maritime Transportation and Management Engineering
Architecture and Design:
– Architecture
– Industrial Design
– Interior Architecture
– Landscape Architecture
– Urban and Regional Planning
– Fashion Design
– Textile Development and Marketing
Basic Sciences:
– Chemistry
– Molecular Biology and Genetics
Management and Economics:
– Economics
– Industrial Engineering
– Management Engineering
– Management
UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES
1. Maslak Campus – Main Campus
**Departments:** Aeronautical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Control and Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Food Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geodesy and Photogrammetry Engineering, Geophysics Engineering, Mathematical Engineering, Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Meteorological Engineering, Mineral Processing Engineering, Mining Engineering, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, Physics Engineering, Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering, Chemical Engineering
**Facilities:** Research centers, swimming pool, stadium, central library, Erika Mark 2 Nuclear Reactor
2. Taşkişla Campus
**Departments:** Architectural Engineering, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning
3. Gümüşsuyu Campus
**Departments:** Fashion Design, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Textile Development and Marketing, Textile Engineering
4. Maçka Campus
**Departments:** Economics, Industrial Engineering, Management Engineering, State Conservatory of Turkish Music
5. Tuzla Campus
**Departments:** Marine Engineering, Maritime Transportation and Management Engineering
STUDENT LIFE AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Istanbul Technical University believes that university is not just about classes and lectures. The university provides a campus and lifestyle for students that includes activities related to nature, history, sports, and the arts:
Student Clubs:
– Cinema Club
– Rock Climbing Club
– International Engineering Club
– Engineering Club (EPGIK)
– Model United Nations (MUN): One of the university’s most active clubs, a miniature model of the United Nations where regular conferences are held and students from different countries defend their country’s culture and policies.
– European Technology Association (ESTIEM): For connecting with other European students.
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION AND LANGUAGE EXAMS
The language of instruction at Istanbul Technical University is both Turkish and English:
– Some departments: 100% English
– Some departments: 30% English
Valid English Language Exams:
– **TOEFL:** 65 to 95
– **PTE:** 48 to 65
– **İTÜ YDY Proficiency:** 60 to 85
**Note:** Students admitted to graduate programs who are not proficient in English are given a one-year English language course. If they do not achieve sufficient proficiency after one year, they will be dismissed from their studies.
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
– The highest number of Erasmus exchange programs with nearly 1,000 reputable institutions and universities.
– Opportunity to earn a double degree with partner universities in the United States (by completing half of the studies at partner universities).
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS
Documents Required for Undergraduate Level
1. High school diploma equivalent to Turkish schools
2. Participation in entrance exams approved by Istanbul Technical University and achieving an acceptable score
3. Letter of application for international applicants and dual-citizenship applicants
4. Photocopy of passport (for foreign applicants after admission)
5. Blue Card (obtained through the Turkish government)
6. Residence permit (through the university after registration)
7. Statement of purpose (for some programs such as Textile Marketing and Development)
8. English language certificate approved by Istanbul Technical University
9. All documents in PDF format, both original and translated (English or Turkish)
Documents Required for Graduate Levels
1. Previous academic degrees and transcripts
2. GRE or ALES (for Turkish citizens) test results – valid for 5 years
3. Approved English language certificate
4. Statement of purpose (expectations and areas of interest)
5. Recommendation letters from 1–2 professors
6. Letter from the prospective supervisor at the destination university (for doctoral students)
7. CV (academic and professional background, academic achievements, skills, and study plan)
8. Minimum GPA for doctoral programs: 3.00 out of 4.00
Documents Required for Final Registration (After Admission)
– Photocopy of passport
– Residence permit
– Copy of high school diploma
– Copy of bachelor’s degree
– Copy of master’s degree (for doctoral programs)
– Copy of GRE or ALES test scores
– Copy of English language exam scores
– Tuition fee payment receipt
– Blood type card
NIHAD GROUP SERVICES FOR ADMISSION TO ISTANBUL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
The professional team at Nihad Group, with full expertise in the İTÜ admission process, is here to assist you:
– Evaluation of your resume and chances of admission to your desired program
– Preparation for entrance exams and introduction to reliable resources
– 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 CVs
– Preparation for language exams (TOEFL, PTE, İTÜ YDY)
– Handling correspondence with the university’s International Office
– Assistance with the student visa and residence permit process
– Guidance on finding accommodation in Istanbul
