Koç University is a prestigious private research university located in Istanbul, Turkey. Established in 1993 by the Vehbi Koç Foundation, it has rapidly become one of Turkey’s leading institutions of higher education, recognized for its rigorous academics, world-class research, and strong emphasis on internationalization. Despite being a relatively young university, Koç has consistently ranked among the top universities in Turkey and is globally acknowledged for its excellence in business, engineering, social sciences, and medicine.
With a modern campus nestled in the serene hills of Istanbul, Koç University offers a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment. The university’s commitment to producing globally competitive graduates is reflected in its faculty—many of whom hold PhDs from top universities worldwide—and its extensive research funding and international collaboration. Koç is also known for generous scholarships and a competitive admission process, especially for international students.
University Overview
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Location: Istanbul, Turkey
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Established: 1993
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Student Population: 8,000+
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International Students: 1,000+ from over 50 countries
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Language of Instruction: English (majority of programs)
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Faculties: 7 academic colleges and multiple graduate institutes
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Research Focus: Business, Engineering, Medicine, Law, Social Sciences
Faculties at Koç University
Koç University has 7 faculties offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs:
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College of Administrative Sciences and Economics
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College of Engineering
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College of Sciences
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College of Social Sciences and Humanities
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College of Law
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School of Medicine
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School of Nursing
Graduate programs are offered through the university’s:
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Graduate School of Business
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Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering
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Graduate School of Social Sciences and Humanities
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Graduate School of Health Sciences
Intakes
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Main Intake: Fall Semester (September)
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Application Deadlines:
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Undergraduate: February – July (depending on applicant’s nationality)
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Postgraduate: Varies by program; typically April – June
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Note: Early application is encouraged due to competitive admissions and scholarship consideration.
Admission Requirements
| Program Level | Academic Requirements | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | High school diploma with excellent academic results | 6.5 (no band below 6.0) | 80 (min. 20 per section) | 62 (no skill below 58) |
| Postgraduate | Bachelor’s degree in a related field with strong GPA | 7.0 (no band below 6.5) | 90 (min. 21 per section) | 65 (no skill below 60) |
Note: Some graduate programs may require GRE/GMAT, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Interviews may also be conducted.
Top Programs at Koç University
Undergraduate Programs:
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BA in Business Administration
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BSc in Computer Engineering
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BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics
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BA in International Relations
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BSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Postgraduate Programs:
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MSc in Data Science
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MBA (Full-Time and Executive)
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MSc in Industrial Engineering
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MA in International Relations and Political Science
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PhD in Electrical Engineering
Tuition Fees (in USD per year)
| Program Level | Estimated Tuition Fee (USD/year) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $19,500 – $21,000 |
| Postgraduate | $18,000 – $20,000 |
| MBA / Executive | $30,000+ |
| PhD | Free (with stipend for most programs) |
Note: Fees vary by program. Full and partial scholarships are widely available, especially for research-based graduate programs.
Scholarships for International Students
Koç University Merit Scholarships
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Eligibility: Automatically considered for all international applicants
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Amount: 25% – 100% tuition waiver
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Renewable: Yes, based on academic performance
Graduate Fellowships
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Eligibility: MSc and PhD students
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Benefits: Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend, housing or housing allowance, and meal card
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Available Through: Graduate schools and research projects
Vehbi Koç Foundation Scholarships
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Eligibility: Exceptional Turkish and international students
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Amount: Full financial support package
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Renewable: Based on academic performance and involvement
Why Choose Koç University?
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Consistently ranked among the top private universities in Turkey and globally recognized
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English-medium instruction with world-class academic faculty
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International partnerships with top universities in Europe, North America, and Asia
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Strong focus on research, innovation, and real-world application
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High graduate employability and strong ties to global companies and organizations
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A modern, green campus with exceptional facilities in the heart of Istanbul
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Excellent financial aid packages for international students