Bilkent University
Bilkent Üniversitesi
Turkey's first private non-profit university: an English-medium campus outside Ankara where 44% of students hold scholarships.
- Students
- 12,500
- Tuition
- $18,400
- 2026-27
- Founded
- 1984
- QS World Ranking
- #454
- 2027 edition
About Bilkent
Bilkent University was founded in 1984 by İhsan Doğramacı as Turkey's first private, non-profit university; the name is short for 'bilim kenti', or city of science. It sits on a 500-hectare campus about 12 kilometres from the centre of Ankara, the capital, and teaches entirely in English.
About 12,500 students are enrolled in 30 undergraduate and 59 graduate programmes. Undergraduate teaching is organised in faculties including Engineering; Science; Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences; Business Administration; Art, Design and Architecture; Humanities and Letters; Music and Performing Arts; Applied Sciences; and Law. More than a quarter of the faculty come from 39 countries, and students come from 67 nations. Students who need to improve their English first spend up to two years in the English Language Preparatory Program.
Bilkent is known for strong engineering, economics and science departments, a large scholarship programme (around 44% of students receive one) and an unusually rich arts scene for a university, including its own symphony orchestra and theatre. Turkish students enter through the national YKS placement; international students apply directly with SAT, A-level, IB or olympiad credentials. It suits academically strong students who want an English-medium, residential campus experience in Turkey.
Why students choose Bilkent
Around 44% of Bilkent students receive scholarships, and none carry any future work or repayment obligation.
Turkish students placed in a Full Scholarship quota who rank in the top 10,000 in the YKS get a Comprehensive Scholarship: free tuition, a monthly stipend and free double-room housing.
Instruction is entirely in English, and more than a quarter of the faculty come from abroad.
The 500-hectare campus has 26 dormitory buildings for more than 4,000 students, plus the Bilkent Symphony Orchestra and concert hall on site.
Admissions
2027-28 academic year entry (international dates below are from the 2026-27 cycle)
Selectivity
Bilkent does not publish an acceptance rate. Turkish citizens are placed by ÖSYM through the national YKS exam, with separate quotas for full-scholarship, 50%-scholarship and fee-paying places; international applicants are evaluated on international qualifications, and meeting the minimums does not guarantee admission.
Typical entry requirements
| SAT | Minimum 1000 out of 1600 in Math and Critical Reading; SAT Subject Test minimum 500 in at least two sections related to the programme |
|---|---|
| GCE A-level / Cambridge International A Level | At least three A-level subjects related to the programme at grade C or above (or approved A/AS/O-level combinations); predicted grades are not evaluated |
| IB Diploma | Minimum 28 out of 45, with at least one HL subject related to the programme |
| International science olympiads | Gold, silver or bronze medal in an international science olympiad recognised by TÜBİTAK |
| YKS (Turkish citizens) | Placement by ÖSYM ranking in the relevant score type (SAY, EA, SÖZ or DİL) into full-scholarship, 50%-scholarship or fee-paying quotas |
| English language | IELTS 6.5 · TOEFL iBT 87 IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each section, or TOEFL iBT 87 (ETS code 0620), sent directly to Bilkent and valid at registration. Alternatively, take Bilkent's Proficiency in Academic English (PAE) exam on arrival; students who do not meet the requirement attend the English Language Preparatory Program. |
Deadlines
- International undergraduate application, Fall 2026 (past) Non-binding Passed12 July 2026
Applications for 2026-27 fall entry were open 2 February to 12 July 2026.
Bilkent has not yet published its application window for Fall 2027. For Fall 2026 the international online application ran from 2 February to 12 July 2026, so expect a similar February opening. Turkish students follow the ÖSYM YKS calendar.
How to apply
International applicants apply through Bilkent's online international application form (stars.bilkent.edu.tr/intapp) with transcripts and SAT, A-level, IB or olympiad results, plus a scholarship request if wanted. Turkish citizens list Bilkent programmes in their ÖSYM preferences after the YKS and are placed centrally.
What admissions looks for
- High school grades and national or international exam scores (SAT, A-levels, IB), evaluated against the programme applied for.
- Subject fit: A-levels and IB HL subjects related to the chosen programme, and SAT Subject results in relevant areas.
- Exceptional achievement, such as a medal in a TÜBİTAK-recognised international science olympiad.
- For scholarships, the same academic record: Bilkent awards international tuition waivers of 20% to 100% based on grades, exam scores and programme choice.
Tips for applying to Bilkent
- 1 Apply with final results, not predictions: Bilkent says applications with predicted grades or scores will not be evaluated.
- 2 Tick the financial assistance option: international tuition waivers come in five levels from 20% to 100%, and a few top full-waiver students also get housing.
- 3 Send an IELTS (6.5, no section below 5.5) or TOEFL iBT 87 score before registration to skip the English Preparatory Program.
- 4 Keep your GPA at 2.00 or above once enrolled: scholarships of students who miss the minimum drop one or two levels and cannot be restored.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in USD
About 44% of Bilkent students receive scholarships, with no future obligations. Turkish students win Full or 50% tuition scholarships through ÖSYM quotas, and top YKS scorers on Full Scholarships get a Comprehensive Scholarship with an 18,000 TL monthly stipend (8 months a year, 2026-27) and free dormitory housing. International applicants are considered for tuition waivers of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% or 100%, and continuing international students in the top 5% of their programme can earn merit scholarships.
- 1,295,000 TL a year in two instalments, or 1,245,000 TL if paid in full in September; Full Scholarship students pay nothing, 50% Scholarship students pay half
- Tuition for Turkish citizens placed via YKS in 2026 (2026-27, incl. 10% VAT)
- Around 44%
- Students on scholarship
- 20% to 100% in 20% steps
- International tuition waivers
- 18,000 TL a month for 8 months, plus free double-room housing
- Comprehensive Scholarship stipend (2026-27)
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters (Fall and Spring, plus Summer School)
Computer Engineering
Alumni include Orkut Büyükkökten, who built the Orkut social network at Google.
Economics
Part of the Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences; former central bank governor Erdem Başçı earned his master's and PhD in economics at Bilkent.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
One of four English-taught engineering departments, alongside Computer, Industrial and Mechanical Engineering.
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Offered by the Faculty of Science alongside Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Music (Faculty of Music and Performing Arts)
Offers talent-based scholarships through an entrance audition and sits alongside the Bilkent Symphony Orchestra.
International Relations
Taught in English within the Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences.
Research
- Bilkent hosts the National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM).
- Bilkent Cyberpark, a technology development zone, is located on campus.
- The Bilkent University Library describes itself as Turkey's most extensive academic library.
Schools & faculties
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Business Administration
- Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture
- Faculty of Humanities and Letters
- Faculty of Music and Performing Arts
- Faculty of Applied Sciences
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Education
Student life
Bilkent is a residential campus: 26 dormitory buildings on the Main and East Campuses house more than 4,000 students in single, double, triple, quad and suite rooms. International students join the GE 100 orientation programme and the Bilkent International House student club. The campus has its own concert hall, symphony orchestra and theatre, plus sports facilities, and Bilkent was the first university in Turkey to receive the FISU Healthy Campus Gold Certificate. Ankara's centre, parks and museums are about 12 kilometres away.
- 26 dormitory buildings for more than 4,000 students.
- Bilkent Symphony Orchestra and Bilkent Concert Hall on campus.
- First university in Turkey with the FISU Healthy Campus Gold Certificate.
- Students from 67 nations and an international student club, Bilkent International House.
Housing. On-campus dormitories offer single to quad rooms and suites at varying rates; Comprehensive Scholarship students get free double-room housing.
Location
Bilkent's campus lies on the western edge of Ankara, Turkey's capital, a city of about 5.8 million people. The university describes easy access to the city's parks, shopping areas, museums and entertainment venues, and Ankara's central location in Anatolia makes it a practical base for travel around the country.
Nearest airport: Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB)
Notable alumni
- OB Orkut BüyükköktenSoftware engineer who created the Orkut social network at Google; computer engineering degree from Bilkent
- HF Hakan FidanMinister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey and former intelligence chief; master's and PhD from Bilkent
- EB Erdem BaşçıFormer Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey; master's and PhD in economics from Bilkent
- MA Mete AtatüreQuantum optics physicist at the University of Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory; BSc from Bilkent
- BM Burçin Mutlu-PakdilAstrophysicist at Dartmouth College; undergraduate physics at Bilkent
- NM Nasuh MahrukiFirst Turkish climber to summit Everest and founder of the AKUT search and rescue team; business administration graduate
- KT Kaan TangözeLead singer of the rock band Duman; tourism and hotel management graduate
Frequently asked questions
How much is Bilkent tuition for international students?
International students admitted in 2026 pay 18,400 USD a year for 2026-27, including VAT, before any scholarship. Tuition waivers of 20% to 100% are available.
What SAT score do you need for Bilkent?
The minimum is 1000 out of 1600 in Math and Critical Reading. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission to a programme.
Does Bilkent accept the IB Diploma?
Yes, with a minimum of 28 out of 45 points and at least one HL subject related to the programme.
When is the Bilkent application deadline for international students?
For Fall 2026 the online application was open from 2 February to 12 July 2026. Fall 2027 dates had not been published as of late September 2026.
Is Bilkent taught in English?
Yes. Students need IELTS 6.5 (no section below 5.5), TOEFL iBT 87 or a pass on Bilkent's PAE exam; others start in the English Language Preparatory Program.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
- Bilkent University: International Students
- Bilkent University: How to Apply (international undergraduate)
- Bilkent University: English Language Proficiency
- Bilkent University: Scholarships for International Students
- Bilkent University: Tuition Fees for International Students and Students Admitted from Abroad
- Bilkent University: Tuition Fees (YKS admits)
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