Koç University, located in the vibrant city of Istanbul, stands as one of Turkey’s top-ranked private universities. With its internationally recognized academic programs, cutting-edge research, and global faculty, Koç University offers a world-class education in a multicultural environment. Whether you’re interested in business, science, medicine, or engineering, this premier institution is a top choice for international students seeking academic excellence in Turkey.
History and Vision of Koç University
Founded in 1993 by the prestigious Vehbi Koç Foundation, Koç University was established with a vision to create a center of excellence in education and research. From its humble beginnings in İstinye, it moved to its current state-of-the-art campus in Rumelifeneri, Sarıyer, overlooking the Black Sea and surrounded by lush forest.
Key Facts:
- Established: 1993
- Founder: Vehbi Koç Foundation
- Campus Size: 62 acres
- Location: Sarıyer, Istanbul, Turkey
- Medium of Instruction: English (except for core Law and Medicine courses)
- Students from 70+ countries
Academic Programs
Koç University offers comprehensive undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. programs across its highly regarded colleges and schools. All programs focus on interdisciplinary learning, research, and international standards.
Colleges and Schools:
1. College of Administrative Sciences and Economics (CASE)
- Business Administration
- Economics
- International Relations
2. College of Engineering (CE)
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical and Biological Engineering
3. College of Sciences (CS)
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Mathematics
4. College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH)
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- History
- Media and Visual Arts
5. Koç University Law School
- Law (Core courses in Turkish)
6. School of Medicine
- M.D. Program (in Turkish)
- Biomedical Sciences and Engineering
7. School of Nursing
- BSc in Nursing (jointly with Johns Hopkins University)
Faculty and Academic Excellence
Koç University boasts a world-class faculty of over 300 full-time instructors, many with PhDs and teaching experience from globally renowned institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Oxford, and Cambridge.
⭐ Faculty Highlights:
- 65% hold PhDs from top universities worldwide
- Active in international research collaborations
- Low student-to-faculty ratio enables personalized mentorship
Scholarships for International Students at Koç University
Koç University provides generous scholarships for undergraduate and graduate international students, making quality education more accessible.
🧑🎓 Undergraduate Scholarships
- Merit-Based Scholarships (25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% tuition waiver)
- Automatically considered upon application
- Based on academic records, SAT, A-Levels, or IB results
- ❗ Note: Scholarships not available for the School of Medicine
🎓 Graduate Scholarships (Master’s with Thesis and Ph.D.)
- 100% Tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend (amount varies by program)
- Free housing or housing allowance
- Health insurance
- Laptop grant & conference travel support
- ✅ No separate scholarship application required
Special International Scholarship Programs
🇵🇰 HEC Pakistan Scholars Program
- Partnership with Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan
- For MS leading to Ph.D. or direct Ph.D.
- Benefits:
- 100% Tuition Fee
- Monthly stipend
- Housing
- Health insurance
- Airfare
🇹🇷 Türkiye Bursları (Turkish Government Scholarships)
- For students from all over the world
- Covers:
- 100% Tuition
- Monthly allowance
- Dormitory accommodation
- Health insurance
- Round-trip airfare
- Apply via: www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
- 📌 Note: Must also apply to Koç University separately
Campus Life at Koç University
Koç University provides a vibrant and inclusive campus life, balancing academic rigor with social and cultural engagement. The campus infrastructure is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and student well-being.
🏢 Campus Facilities:
- Modern laboratories and research centers
- 24/7 Central Library with 400,000+ resources
- On-campus student housing
- Health and Wellness Center
- Sports complex (indoor & outdoor)
- Over 100 student clubs and societies
- Cafes, restaurants, and banking services on site
- International student body representing 70+ countries
Contact Information
Koç University Main Campus
📍 Address: Rumelifeneri Yolu, 34450 Sarıyer, Istanbul, Turkey
📞 Phone: +90 212 338 1000
📧 Email: study@ku.edu.tr
🎓 International Admissions: international.ku.edu.tr
Final Thoughts
Koç University is a beacon of academic excellence, innovation, and internationalization. Located in one of the world’s most culturally dynamic cities, it offers students a unique opportunity to gain a world-class education, benefit from generous scholarships, and experience a truly global campus life. Whether you aspire to a career in business, science, engineering, or medicine, Koç University is the ideal place to launch your future.
