Işık University opened in Istanbul in 1996, but its roots go back to the historic Feyziye Schools Foundation, established in 1885. It teaches engineering, business, economics, communication, fine arts and the sciences, mostly in English. That gives it a long educational tradition paired with modern programs.
Why Işık?
- Admission with an Azerbaijani school certificate — no YÖS exam required
- Backed by a foundation with nearly 140 years of educational history
- Most programs (49 of 85) taught in English
- Bachelor's fees of just $3,600–4,800 a year — great value for Istanbul
- Up to 55% off on selected programs — for students who apply through us
Programs and tuition (per year)
| Program | Language | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | English | $3,600 / year |
| Computer Engineering | English | $4,800 / year |
| Software Engineering | English | $4,800 / year |
| Business Administration | English | $3,600 / year |
| International Relations | English | $3,600 / year |
| Architecture | English | $3,600 / year |
| Civil Engineering | English | $4,800 / year |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | English | $4,800 / year |
Master's: $5,100–10,000 for the full program. PhD: $11,400 (total).
Admission requirements
- Bachelor's: Azerbaijani high-school certificate and transcript (translated) — no YÖS needed
- Master's / PhD: bachelor's (master's) diploma and transcript
- GPA of around 2.5 out of 4 (varies by program)
- English-taught programs: a language certificate or the university's own test
- Turkish-taught programs: TÖMER B2 or a preparatory year
Documents you need: passport copy, certificate/diploma and transcript (translated), language certificate (if available), passport photo. Intake: applications are open for the Fall 2026–2027 semester. Accommodation: the university's own dormitories (Turuncu, Mavi and Bordo — for female and male students), plus private dormitories in Şişli.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to take the YÖS exam? — No, Işık University accepts the Azerbaijani school certificate.
- How long does the application take? — With your documents ready, the offer letter usually arrives within a few weeks.
- I don't speak Turkish — can I still study? — Yes, 49 programs are in English, including every bachelor's program in the table above. If you don't have a language certificate, you can take the university's own test.
- How do I get the discount? — Discounts apply to students who apply through us; our counsellor will confirm the discount for your program.