Comparison Between Bahcesehir University and Aydin University for International Students in Turkey 2026
Why Compare Bahcesehir University and Aydin University?
For many international students who want to study in Turkey in 2026, Istanbul is the first place that comes to mind. The city has always been a bridge between East and West, and now it is also a big center for education. It offers a mix of culture, affordable living compared to Europe or the UK, and so many universities with programs in English. Because of this, Istanbul is becoming one of the fastest growing study destinations for students coming from Asia, the Middle East, Africa and also Europe.
When we look at the questions international students ask, one comparison always comes up: Bahcesehir vs Aydin University. Both universities are located in Istanbul, both are private universities, and both have similar global rankings and similar programs. They are very popular choices because they have modern campuses, English-medium programs, and the tuition fees are still more affordable than many Western universities.
We decided to compare these two universities because:
They are both in Istanbul, so students get the experience of studying in one of the most lively student cities in the world.
In 2026, they appear very close in international rankings.
They both have strong programs in medicine, engineering, health sciences, and postgraduate education.
They are the two universities most international students ask about when it comes to tuition fees, rankings, and admission requirements.
In this guide, we will compare:
Programs and Faculties (medicine, engineering, health, and master’s programs)
Global and local rankings for 2026
Tuition fees for international students
A side-by-side table with tuition and rankings
And finally, what students should think about when choosing between the two
By the end, you will have a clear picture of how Bahcesehir vs Aydin University look in 2026, and which one might fit better for your study abroad plans.
Why Study in Turkey for International Students in 2026
Turkey is now one of the top study destinations in the world. In 2026, there are more than 250,000 international students in Turkish universities, which shows how attractive the country became. Istanbul is the heart of this growth, with students from all over the world living and studying there.
Cost of Living in Istanbul: Living in Istanbul is cheaper compared to studying in places like London, Paris, or New York. A student can live with about $400–$700 per month, depending on lifestyle. Accommodation in dorms or shared apartments makes it even more affordable.
Safety and Student Life: Istanbul is a big city but it is safe for students. Both Bahcesehir and Aydin have security on campus, and the city is full of student clubs, cultural activities, and public transport that makes it easy to get around.
Language of Instruction: One reason many students choose Turkey is that many programs are taught in English, especially in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, and business. Both Bahcesehir and Aydin University have a wide choice of English-medium programs.
Visa and Residence Permit: The visa process is also easier compared to many countries. After receiving your acceptance letter, you apply for a student visa at the Turkish consulate. When you arrive in Istanbul, you can apply for your residence permit. Both universities have international student offices that help you step by step.
So, with affordable living costs, safe student life, English-medium education, and easier visa procedures, Turkey is now one of the top five destinations for international students worldwide in 2026.
Medicine and Health Sciences
One of the main reasons why many international students come to Turkey is to study medicine in English. Compared to countries like the UK, USA or even EU, the tuition fees are much lower, but the degrees are still globally recognized. This makes Turkey very attractive, especially Istanbul where both Bahcesehir and Aydin Universities have strong health faculties.
Bahcesehir University Faculty of Medicine: Bahcesehir offers a 6-year Medicine program in English, created for students who want to build international medical careers. The faculty is listed in WDOMS (World Directory of Medical Schools), so graduates can later apply for exams like USMLE in USA or PLAB in UK. Beside medicine, Bahcesehir also has Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Nutrition & Dietetics, and Occupational Therapy. Clinical practice is done in connected hospitals in Istanbul, which gives students real experience before graduation.
Aydin University Faculty of Medicine: Aydin University also runs a 6-year English-medium Medicine program. The focus here is on hands-on training and modern labs. It is also listed in WDOMS, meaning the degree is accepted internationally. Besides medicine, Aydin offers Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Dietetics, which makes it a popular option for students interested in health sciences in Turkey.
Engineering and Technology
Engineering is another area where Turkey is attracting more international students. Universities in Istanbul have invested a lot in new labs, software centers, and innovation hubs.
Bahcesehir University Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences: Bahcesehir offers many English-taught engineering programs like Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Molecular Biology & Genetics. The university is well known for its strong focus on AI, robotics, and entrepreneurship, with good collaborations with industries in Istanbul.
Aydin University Faculty of Engineering: Aydin University also provides a wide range of engineering programs including Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, and Architecture. The style of teaching here is more practical and internship-based, preparing students to work in Turkey or internationally right after graduation.
Master’s and Postgraduate Programs
Both universities are also good choices for postgraduate education in Turkey, especially for international students who want to stay in Istanbul for their master’s degree.
Bahcesehir University Postgraduate School:
MBA (English)
MSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
MSc in Cyber Security
MA in International Relations
LLM in International Law
MA in Media and Communication
These programs are designed for students who want to study advanced topics and also connect with Istanbul’s international job market.
Aydin University Graduate School:
MBA (English and Turkish options)
MSc in Engineering Management
MSc in Information Technology
MA in International Relations
MSc in Nutrition and Health Sciences
Aydin is popular with students who want lower tuition fees but still internationally recognized degrees, especially in engineering and health sciences.
👉 Explore further: Bahcesehir University master’s programs | Aydin University master’s programs
Rankings are critical for international students because they reflect academic reputation, global recognition, and employability outcomes. Both Bahcesehir and Aydin Universities have similar placements in 2026 global rankings.
Bahcesehir University Rankings 2026
Times Higher Education (THE) 2026: Ranked in the 801–1000 band globally
QS World University Rankings 2026: Placed in the #1200–1400 range
National Ranking: Listed among the Top 30 universities in Turkey
Strong points: International Student Ratio, Business and Engineering subjects
Aydin University Rankings 2026
Times Higher Education (THE) 2026: Also ranked in the 801–1000 band globally
QS World University Rankings 2026: Same range as Bahcesehir (#1200–1400)
National Ranking: Consistently placed among Top 30 Turkish universities
Strong points: Teaching quality, International Outlook
👉 Read full guides: Bahcesehir University ranking 2026 | Aydin University ranking 2026
Tuition fees in Turkey remain much lower than UK, US, or EU universities, but there are differences between Bahcesehir and Aydin. Based on 2026 updates from universities official websites, here’s the comparison:
Bahcesehir University Tuition Fees 2026
Medicine: $25,000 to $27,500 / year
Dentistry: $20,000 to $22,000 / year
Pharmacy: $15,000 / year
Engineering (Computer, Civil, AI, etc.): $8,500 to $10,000 / year
Health Sciences (Nursing, Physiotherapy, Dietetics): $8,500 to $10,000 / year
Master’s (MBA, MSc, MA): $8,000 to $9,500 / year
Aydin University Tuition Fees 2026
Medicine: $20,000 to $22,500 / year
Dentistry: $17,500 to $20,000 / year
Pharmacy: $13,000 to $15,000 / year
Engineering (Computer, Civil, Electrical, etc.): $7,500 to $9,000 / year
Health Sciences (Nursing, Physiotherapy, Dietetics): $7,000 to $9,000 / year
Master’s (MBA, MSc, MA): $7,500 to $8,500 / year
👉 Learn more: Bahcesehir University fees | Aydin University fees
Tuition Fee and Ranking Comparison Table
University | Medicine Tuition | Engineering Tuition | Master’s Tuition | THE Ranking 2026 | QS Ranking 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bahcesehir University | $25,000 to $27,500 | $8,500 to $10,000 | $8,000 to $9,500 | 801 to 1000 | 1200 to 1400 |
Aydin University | $20,000 to $22,500 | $7,500 to $9,000 | $7,500 to $8,500 | 801 to 1000 | 1200–1400 |
Analysis: Bahcesehir tends to be slightly more expensive, especially in Medicine and Dentistry, but both universities fall within the same global ranking bands. Aydin offers a more budget-friendly option, while Bahcesehir provides stronger industry networks and global visibility.
Another major attraction for international students studying in Turkey is the availability of scholarships and financial aid. Both universities actively recruit global students with partial scholarships and tuition discounts.
Bahcesehir University Scholarships:
Early-bird discounts for students who apply and pay deposits before set deadlines.
Merit-based scholarships for high-achieving students in medicine, engineering, and master’s programs.
Sibling discounts if two or more family members study at Bahcesehir.
Occasional country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions.
Aydin University Scholarships:
Academic achievement scholarships for students who maintain high GPAs.
International student discounts that reduce tuition fees for selected programs.
Graduate assistantships available for postgraduate students.
While Turkey does not provide full government-funded scholarships at private universities, the institutional discounts make studying at Bahcesehir University and Aydin University far more affordable than equivalent programs in the UK or USA.
When choosing where to study in Turkey as an international student, accreditation and recognition are among the most critical factors.
YÖK (Turkish Higher Education Council): Both Bahcesehir and Aydin Universities are fully accredited by YÖK, meaning their degrees are officially recognized across Turkey and internationally through bilateral agreements.
EHEA – Bologna Process: As members of the European Higher Education Area, both universities follow the Bologna process. This ensures their degrees are compatible with European standards, allowing international students to transfer credits and pursue postgraduate opportunities across Europe.
WDOMS Recognition for Medicine: The Faculties of Medicine at both Bahcesehir and Aydin University are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). This is essential for students who wish to sit for USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), or other international licensing exams.
ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates): Recognition through WDOMS allows graduates to pursue postgraduate medical training in the USA and Canada.
Professional Affiliations: Both universities maintain memberships and partnerships with professional organizations in engineering, health sciences, and law, strengthening their global credibility.
For international students, this means that a degree from either Bahcesehir University or Aydin University is not only valid in Turkey but also recognized worldwide, particularly in Europe and North America.
One of the most important considerations for international students is employability. Both Bahcesehir and Aydin University invest heavily in career services, internships, and industry connections.
Internship Opportunities:
Bahcesehir University has strong collaborations with multinational corporations in Istanbul, offering placements in finance, IT, health sciences, and media.
Aydin University emphasizes practical training and internships through its engineering and health programs.
Industry Collaborations:
Bahcesehir is known for its global partnerships with universities in the USA, Germany, and Italy, offering student exchange and joint research opportunities.
Aydin has developed collaborations with Istanbul-based hospitals and engineering firms, giving its students access to local industry networks.
Alumni Network & Employability:
Bahcesehir graduates work globally in Europe, the Middle East, and North America, particularly in medicine, law, and engineering.
Aydin graduates find strong employment within Turkey and increasingly in EU countries due to Bologna recognition.
For international students, both universities provide career support, but Bahcesehir University has the edge in terms of global alumni networks and international placements.
For international students in Turkey 2026, both Bahcesehir University and Aydin University offer strong academic programs, English-taught Medicine and Engineering faculties, modern campuses, and similar global rankings.
Choose Bahcesehir University if you value:
A larger global alumni network
Stronger branding and partnerships with international universities
A wide range of specialized master’s programs in business, law, and technology
Choose Aydin University if you prefer:
Slightly lower tuition fees for Medicine, Dentistry, and Engineering
A practical, industry-focused education with modern labs and facilities
A balance of affordability and international recognition
Both universities are excellent options for international students studying in Istanbul. The final choice depends on your budget, career goals, and preferred academic environment.
👉 Next steps:
Compare tuition fees in detail: Bahcesehir University fees | Aydin University fees
Explore rankings in depth: Bahcesehir University ranking 2026 | Aydin University ranking 2026
By understanding both universities’ programs, tuition fees, and global rankings, you’ll be ready to make an informed choice and start your journey to study in Turkey in 2026.
General Questions
1. Is Bahcesehir University good for international students? Yes. Bahcesehir University is one of the top private universities in Turkey, known for its modern campus, English-medium programs, and global partnerships. It attracts thousands of international students every year, especially in medicine, engineering, business, and master’s programs.
2. Is Aydin University a good option for studying in Turkey in 2026? Yes. Istanbul Aydin University is also highly popular among international students due to its affordable tuition fees, strong faculties in medicine, dentistry, and engineering, and modern facilities located in Istanbul’s educational hub.
3. Which is better for international students: Bahcesehir University or Aydin University? Both are excellent choices. Bahcesehir is slightly more prestigious internationally, with stronger alumni networks and global collaborations. Aydin is more affordable and offers similar programs, making it attractive for students on a tighter budget.
4. Are both universities located in central Istanbul? Yes. Bahcesehir University has its main campus in Beşiktaş, on the European side of Istanbul, while Aydin University is located in Florya, close to the airport and metro lines. Both locations are student-friendly and well connected.
5. Do both universities have dormitories for international students? Yes. Both Bahcesehir and Aydin University offer dormitory options and assist international students in finding private housing or shared apartments near campus.
Tuition & Fees
6. What is the tuition fee for Medicine at Bahcesehir University in 2026? The Medicine program at Bahcesehir University costs between $25,000 to $27,500 per year for international students.
7. How much does Medicine cost at Aydin University in 2026? At Aydin University, Medicine is slightly cheaper, costing around $20,000 to $22,500 per year.
8. What are the tuition fees for Dentistry at Bahcesehir University? Dentistry at Bahcesehir University is priced between $20,000 to $22,000 per year.
9. Is Aydin University cheaper than Bahcesehir University for engineering programs? Yes. Aydin University’s engineering programs cost about $7,500–$9,000 per year, while Bahcesehir’s range from $8,500 to $10,000 per year.
10. What is the average tuition fee for master’s programs at both universities? Master’s programs at Bahcesehir cost $8,000 to $9,500 per year, while at Aydin they are slightly cheaper at $7,500 to $8,500 per year.
Scholarships
11. Do Bahcesehir University and Aydin University offer scholarships for international students? Yes. Both universities provide partial scholarships, tuition discounts, and merit-based aid to international students.
12. What are early-bird discounts at Bahcesehir University? Students who apply and pay deposits early may receive discounts on tuition fees, reducing overall study costs.
13. Does Aydin University provide merit scholarships? Yes. High-achieving students with excellent grades are eligible for merit scholarships, which reduce tuition fees by 7% to 15%.
14. Can siblings studying together at Bahcesehir get a discount? Yes. Bahcesehir University offers sibling discounts for families with more than one student enrolled.
15. Do these universities offer government-funded scholarships for foreign students? Not directly. Government-funded scholarships (such as Türkiye Scholarships) apply to public universities. However, Bahcesehir and Aydin mainly provide institutional discounts.
Programs & Accreditation
16. Is the Medicine program at Bahcesehir University recognized by WDOMS? Yes. Bahcesehir University Faculty of Medicine is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), meaning its graduates are eligible for exams like USMLE and PLAB.
17. Can I take USMLE after graduating from Aydin University? Yes. Aydin University’s medical program is also WDOMS listed, allowing students to pursue medical licensing exams abroad.
18. Are engineering degrees from Bahcesehir and Aydin recognized in Europe? Yes. Both universities are part of the Bologna Process (EHEA), which standardizes degrees across Europe. This makes engineering degrees transferable and recognizable across EU countries.
19. Which university is better for studying Computer Engineering in Turkey? Bahcesehir has stronger international collaborations in Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering, while Aydin focuses on practical IT training and applied engineering. Both are solid choices depending on career goals.
20. Do both universities offer English-medium MBA programs? Yes. Both Bahcesehir and Aydin University offer MBA programs in English, catering to international students who want to pursue careers in business and management.
Rankings
21. What is Bahcesehir University’s global ranking in 2026? Bahcesehir is ranked in the 801–1000 band globally by Times Higher Education (THE) and 1200–1400 in QS World Rankings.
22. What is Aydin University’s global ranking in 2026? Aydin University is also placed in the 801–1000 band (THE) and 1200–1400 (QS), making it very close to Bahcesehir.
23. Which university has a better ranking: Bahcesehir or Aydin? Both are in similar global ranking bands, but Bahcesehir often has a slight edge due to international collaborations and visibility.
24. Are Bahcesehir and Aydin in the Times Higher Education World Rankings 2026? Yes. Both universities appear in THE’s 801–1000 band worldwide.
25. Do these universities appear in QS World University Rankings? Yes. Both are listed in the QS 1200–1400 band globally.
Admissions & Visa
26. Do Bahcesehir and Aydin require the YÖS exam? No. For international students, both universities usually admit based on high school grades and transcripts. YÖS is not required for private universities.
27. Can I apply without IELTS or TOEFL? Yes. Both universities allow international students to apply without IELTS if they completed high school in English or pass the university’s internal English exam.
28. What are the admission requirements for Medicine at Bahcesehir? Applicants need a high school diploma, strong grades in science subjects, and proof of English proficiency.
29. How do I apply for a student visa after acceptance? After receiving the acceptance letter, students apply at the nearest Turkish consulate with proof of tuition payment, financial documents, and health insurance.
30. Do these universities help with the residence permit in Istanbul? Yes. Both Bahcesehir and Aydin University have international student offices that guide students through the residence permit process.
Student Life & Living Costs
31. Is it expensive to live in Istanbul as a student? No. Compared to London or Paris, Istanbul is affordable. Monthly living costs average $400–$700, depending on housing choices.
32. Do Bahcesehir and Aydin offer student dormitories? Yes. Both universities provide student dormitories and help students find private accommodation.
33. Is Istanbul safe for international students in 2026? Yes. Istanbul is a safe city for students, with low crime rates in university areas and good public transport.
34. What is the monthly living cost for students in Istanbul? Between $400 to $700 per month, covering food, transport, and housing.
35. Are there international student clubs at Bahcesehir and Aydin? Yes. Both universities have active international student associations and clubs.
Careers & Employability
36. Do Bahcesehir and Aydin provide internships for international students? Yes. Both universities have internship partnerships with companies, hospitals, and organizations in Istanbul.
37. Which university has better career opportunities in Istanbul? Bahcesehir has stronger international corporate partnerships, while Aydin emphasizes practical training and local employment.
38. Do Bahcesehir graduates work abroad? Yes. Many Bahcesehir graduates pursue careers in Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
39. Does Aydin University have partnerships with hospitals for medical students? Yes. Aydin has strong collaborations with local hospitals for clinical placements and training.
40. Which university has a stronger alumni network for international careers? Bahcesehir has a more established global alumni network, while Aydin’s alumni base is growing rapidly within Turkey and Europe.
