Istanbul University (reviews)

Istanbul University, as one of Turkey’s oldest and most prestigious universities, offers a solid academic environment supported by experienced and dedicated professors. Faculty members are approachable and promote interactive learning, encouraging students to actively participate in lectures, discussions, and academic projects.

Campus life is lively thanks to a wide variety of student-run clubs and organizations. These clubs are quite active, providing students with opportunities to engage in cultural, artistic, and professional activities. However, while student clubs are dynamic, the university itself tends to fall short in organizing large-scale campus events such as festivals, concerts, and university-wide gatherings. This lack of institutional events is often seen as a gap in the overall campus experience.

In recent years, the university has increasingly emphasized the importance of foreign languages, particularly English. Many programs now offer courses partially or fully in English, and students are encouraged to use English in lectures, presentations, and assignments. Although Istanbul University is not a fully English-medium institution, it is progressively fostering a more bilingual academic environment.

ABET stands for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Istanbul University is not ABET credited. You can not work in USA with your Istanbul University diploma.
ABET Accreditation Evaluation Is an 18-Month, Five-Step Process.
Istanbul University MUST Abet Accredited

Istanbul University is overall a decent place to study, with a rich history and a variety of academic programs. However, there’s definitely room for improvement — especially in terms of digital infrastructure and making the campus environment more engaging and visually appealing. More student activities, particularly involving sports and recreation, would be a great addition.

One challenge is that some faculties are located quite far from the main campus — even up to 1.5 hours away — which can be inconvenient. The university operates across several campuses, which sometimes makes coordination difficult.

On the positive side, I really appreciate our canteen. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including vegan options, which is great for diverse dietary needs.

This university is an important place in terms of culture. It is an old university, so it has a historical texture, but it is always a place that provides modern education. It is one of the first choices of the majority of international students in Turkey. I like this university because the level of education is high and because it reflects the historical texture of Istanbul. I recommend it to everyone.