Which University to Choose in Türkiye? A Personal Guide to Making the Right Decision

Hey guys,I hope everyone is doing well!

It’s been a while since I introduced my hometown here, but today we’re back with another real-time topic: choosing a university in Türkiye.

As you know, students in Türkiye are currently making their university preferences. So I wanted to share some insights based on my own experiences — especially for those who are still undecided or unsure. I’ll talk about what you should consider when choosing a university, what kind of opportunities different schools offer, and what helped me make my decision back in 2021.

Since 2021, I’ve been studying at Boğaziçi University, and I’ve had the chance to live the full experience for almost four years now. So in this blog, I’ll also share some personal takeaways from being a student at one of the most well-known universities in Türkiye.

🎯 First Things First: What Do You Expect from Your University Life?

Before thinking about rankings or location, ask yourself:“What do I want to achieve during my university years?”

• Do you want to go on exchange to Europe or Asia?

• Do you want to be in an inclusive and open-minded campus?

• Do you want to be in a big city, close to companies, internships, and social activities?

If your answer is yes to any of these, your university choice will need to reflect that. For example, Boğaziçi University has over 500+ exchange agreements and sends hundreds of students abroad each year. This was one of my priorities.

Also, the university's campus culture matters. You might want to be somewhere where freedom of thought, diversity, and inclusivity are respected — and not every university offers that.

And let’s not forget about location. If you want to network with professionals, attend events, or find internships, Istanbul naturally becomes an attractive option. It's not just about the city life — it's about opportunity.

👥 Who You Study With Shapes Who You Become

Another key factor is the student profile. Believe me, the people around you will have a huge influence on your growth. If your peers are active in student clubs, doing internships, or applying for fellowships — you’ll naturally start thinking big, too. Surrounding yourself with driven people builds momentum for your own journey.

🛏️ Campus, Dorms, Scholarships — Do They Matter?

Yes, they absolutely do. Dormitories, scholarship opportunities, and a beautiful, livable campus are important — especially if you’re moving to a new city. But in my opinion, those are secondary compared to what the university represents in terms of vision, environment, and people.

The good news? Most universities that are strong in the areas I mentioned earlier also provide quality campuses and financial support. So when you go for the “big picture,” you usually get the rest, too.

👨‍🏫 Don’t Forget About the Academic Staff

The professors and lecturers in your department can shape your interests and even your future career. Check who’s teaching, what kind of research is being done, and how interactive the classes are. A university's reputation often rests on its faculty — so don’t overlook this!

🎓 Why I Chose Boğaziçi University

Now let me share a bit of my own story. You might ask: “Why did you choose Boğaziçi, Muhammet?”

For me, it was simple. I didn’t want to study at a private university — I believed that the people around me would shape who I become, and I wanted to be surrounded by students who had worked hard and shared similar struggles.

Back in 2020, when I was exploring universities, I noticed that Boğaziçi consistently had the top-ranking students from across the country. Maybe I can give a fun fact :)

💡 Each year, Boğaziçi University accepts around 7–10 students from the top 10, 80 from the top 100, and nearly 800 from the top 1000 in the national exam rankings.

Pretty impressive, right?

I also had a dream of studying abroad — and I’ve already completed two exchange semesters thanks to Boğaziçi’s international partnerships. It has been a truly enriching experience.

Of course, no university is perfect. But for me, the pros always outweighed the cons, and I’ll always be grateful for the environment that helped shape the person I am today.

🏛️ Other Top Universities in Türkiye

While my personal experience is rooted in Boğaziçi University — which I truly believe stands out with its academic quality, vibrant campus life, and open-minded culture — there are also other respected institutions in Türkiye you may consider, depending on your goals and preferences:

• Middle East Technical University (METU/ODTÜ)

• Istanbul Technical University (ITU)

• Koç University

Each of these universities has its own unique strengths, but in my opinion, Boğaziçi continues to offer one of the most well-rounded and inspiring experiences for students who seek more than just a diploma.

Boğaziçi University (Istanbul, Turkiye)

I truly believe you’ll make the right decision for yourself.And who knows — maybe I’ll see you one day at Boğaziçi’s South Campus, watching the beautiful Bosphorus and talking about companies, careers, and dreams — just like we always do. 🌊☕✨

Take care until we meet here again, and please don’t hesitate to reach out or leave a comment below!