Introduction: The Demand for English-Taught Engineering Degrees
For international students, the ability to pursue a degree in a familiar language is a major factor in choosing a study destination. Turkey has responded to this global demand by significantly expanding its offerings, making it easier than ever to study engineering in Turkey in English. This eliminates the need for a year of Turkish language preparation (Hazırlık) and allows students to dive directly into their technical studies.
This article highlights the leading Turkish universities—both public and private—that offer full English-medium instruction for their engineering programs, ensuring you receive a world-class education without a language barrier.
1. Why Choose an English-Taught Program?
Choosing an English-taught program offers several key advantages for international students:
- Direct Entry: Students with sufficient English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) can bypass the Turkish language preparatory year.
- Global Mobility: A degree earned in English from a Turkish university is highly valued by multinational companies and international graduate schools.
- Academic Focus: You can concentrate fully on complex engineering concepts without the added challenge of learning a new language of instruction.
As we discussed in our guide on Requirements to Study Engineering in Turkey for International Students, English proficiency is a mandatory requirement for these programs.
2. Top Public Universities Offering English-Taught Engineering
While public universities are highly competitive, they are renowned for their academic rigor and offer a significant number of programs in English, often with 100% English instruction.
| University | City | Key English-Taught Programs | Percentage of English Instruction |
| Middle East Technical University (METU) | Ankara | Civil, Computer, Electrical & Electronics, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering | 100% English |
| Istanbul Technical University (ITU) | Istanbul | Civil, Computer, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, Textile Engineering | 30% or 100% English Options |
| Boğaziçi University | Istanbul | Computer, Electrical & Electronics, Industrial, Mechanical Engineering | 100% English |
| Bilkent University | Ankara | Computer, Electrical & Electronics, Industrial, Mechanical Engineering | 100% English |
3. Leading Private Universities for English-Taught Engineering
Private universities are the primary drivers of English-medium instruction in Turkey. They offer a wider variety of English-taught programs, often with more flexible admission criteria, and are an excellent choice for those looking to study in Turkey.
A. Bahcesehir University (BAU)
Located in the heart of Istanbul, Bahcesehir University (BAU) is a global university with strong ties to industry, offering a wide range of engineering programs entirely in English.
| Program Name | Degree | Language |
| Computer Engineering | B.Sc. | English |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | B.Sc. | English |
| Software Engineering | B.Sc. | English |
| Civil Engineering | B.Sc. | English |
| Industrial Engineering | B.Sc. | English |
B. Istanbul Medipol University
Istanbul Medipol is known for its modern facilities and rapid growth, with a strong focus on health-related and high-tech engineering fields.
| Program Name | Degree | Language |
| Biomedical Engineering | B.Sc. | English |
| Computer Engineering | B.Sc. | English |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | B.Sc. | English |
| Industrial Engineering | B.Sc. | English |
C. Koç University
A highly selective, research-focused institution that offers all its engineering programs in English.
| Program Name | Degree | Language |
| Chemical and Biological Engineering | B.Sc. | English |
| Computer Engineering | B.Sc. | English |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | B.Sc. | English |
| Mechanical Engineering | B.Sc. | English |
D. Other Notable Private Universities with English Programs
| University | City | Key English-Taught Programs |
| Sabancı University | Istanbul | All undergraduate programs are in English, including Engineering and Natural Sciences. |
| Istanbul Aydın University | Istanbul | Civil, Computer, Electrical & Electronics, Mechanical Engineering. |
| Istinye University | Istanbul | Biomedical, Computer, Electrical & Electronics Engineering. |
| Okan University | Istanbul | Automotive, Civil, Computer, Industrial Engineering. |
4. Popular English-Taught Engineering Programs
The availability of English instruction is particularly high in the most in-demand fields, reflecting Turkey’s focus on technological advancement.
| Program | Why Study it in English in Turkey? |
| Software Engineering | The language of coding and global tech is English. Studying in English ensures you are fluent in the industry’s lingua franca. |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering | Turkish universities have strong research in telecommunications and power systems, with many programs taught entirely in English. |
| Biomedical Engineering | As a rapidly globalizing field, English instruction is crucial for accessing international research and medical device standards. |
| Mechanical Engineering | Core engineering principles are taught in English, preparing graduates for work in Turkey’s large automotive and manufacturing sectors. |
Conclusion: Your Path to an English Engineering Degree
The opportunity to study engineering in Turkey in English is a significant advantage for international students. By choosing one of the top public or private universities listed above, you can ensure that your academic journey is focused on technical excellence and global career readiness, without the hurdle of a language barrier.
With a wide array of programs and a commitment to English-medium instruction, Turkey solidifies its position as a top destination for aspiring international engineers.
Next Step: Now that you know where to study, the next step is to secure your funding. Review our guide on the Cost of Studying Engineering in Turkey: Tuition Fees, Scholarships.
