In recent years, Turkish higher education institutions have attracted special interest among Azerbaijani students due to both geographical proximity and the academic opportunities they offer. As Turkish universities strengthen their positions in international rankings, the interest of foreign students, especially young Azerbaijanis, in these universities has further increased.
Among the main points that Azerbaijani students pay attention to when choosing a university in Turkey are the quality of education, international recognition, English language instruction opportunities, academic environment, scientific research opportunities, and career prospects after graduation.
In this context, the university choices of Azerbaijani students who have gained the right to study in Turkey also attract attention. AzEdu.az analyzed the university choices of 177 students who gained the right to study in the Republic of Turkey within the framework of the “State Program for 2022-2028”.
According to the analysis, Azerbaijani students mostly preferred internationally recognized universities with high academic indicators. Bilkent University ranked first on the list. 65 Azerbaijani students chose this university. Koç University ranked second, and 47 students gained the right to study at this higher education institution. The third most chosen university was Sabancı University. The number of students who preferred Sabancı University was 30.
The fact that these three universities are at the forefront is not accidental. Bilkent, Koç, and Sabancı, which are among Turkey's most prestigious private universities, are considered attractive choices for foreign students due to both their academic standards and international connections.
Established in Ankara in 1984, Bilkent University is not only one of Turkey's first private universities but also considered one of the country's most prestigious higher education institutions. The university's name comes from the phrase “Bilim Kenti” (City of Science), and its main goal is to create an academic environment based on scientific research, innovation, and education in accordance with international standards.
One of the main reasons why Bilkent University ranks first among Azerbaijani students is its international reputation. For many years, the university has been recognized as one of Turkey's higher education institutions with the highest academic indicators. The fact that a large part of the education is conducted in English also creates a significant advantage for foreign students.
The university offers a wide range of specializations, from humanities to engineering, economics to arts. Among the most chosen fields are computer engineering, electrical-electronics engineering, industrial engineering, economics, international relations, psychology, business administration, law, architecture, and communication.
Especially in technology and engineering fields, Bilkent University has a strong position in the region. The programs offered by the university in computer engineering and information technology are highly valued both in Turkey and internationally. Artificial intelligence, programming, data science, and innovation-oriented research are among the main areas of interest for students.
Another factor that makes Bilkent attractive to foreign students is its strong academic staff. Professors from various countries around the world work at the university. This provides students with the opportunity to study not only in a local but also in an international academic environment.
The university's extensive campus facilities, library infrastructure, research centers, and student clubs also play an important role in the choice of foreign students. Bilkent offers students not only theoretical knowledge but also practical skills and scientific activity opportunities.
Another advantage of Bilkent for Azerbaijani students is that its graduates are highly valued in the labor market. University graduates work in leading companies, scientific institutions, and international organizations in Turkey and around the world.
Koç University, which started its activities in Istanbul in 1993, has quickly become one of Turkey's most prestigious universities. The university stands out especially for its research-oriented activities, international collaborations, and high academic standards.
The fact that 47 students chose Koç University, which ranks second in the choice of Azerbaijani students, indicates the university's growing reputation in the region. Koç is particularly known for its strong programs in social sciences, business, economics, engineering, and medicine.
Among the main specializations taught at the university are business administration, economics, international relations, psychology, computer engineering, electrical-electronics engineering, chemical and biological sciences, law, and medicine.
One of the most striking features of Koç University is the importance it attaches to scientific research. The university provides students with the opportunity to participate in various laboratories, research centers, and international projects. This feature is considered a great advantage especially for foreign students who want to pursue master's and doctoral degrees.
Koç University's Faculty of Medicine is one of Turkey's most recognized medical schools. Modern hospital infrastructure and practical education opportunities provide students with real clinical experience. Therefore, there is high interest in the university among international students who want to study medicine.
One of the main reasons why foreign students choose Koç University is the university's international connections. Collaborations with universities in various countries around the world, student exchange programs, and international academic projects provide students with the opportunity to gain global experience.
Koç University also stands out for its graduates' career opportunities. The university's alumni network has close ties with leading Turkish companies and international organizations. This is one of the main factors that expand students' post-graduation employment opportunities.
Sabancı University, which ranks third in the list of universities most preferred by Azerbaijani students in Turkey, was established in Istanbul in 1996. Despite its short history, the university has become one of Turkey's most prestigious higher education institutions and stands out especially for its innovative education model, international connections, and research opportunities.
One of the main features that distinguishes Sabancı University from many other universities is that it does not allow students to specialize early. At the university, students gain a broad academic base in the first years, and then determine their specialization areas according to their interests. This approach allows students to make more flexible choices and gain new knowledge by combining different fields.
One of the main reasons for the popularity of Sabancı University among Azerbaijani students is its education system in accordance with international standards. The main part of the lessons at the university is conducted in English, and it is easier for foreign students to adapt to the academic environment.
Among the main fields taught at Sabancı University are computer science and engineering, electronics engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, economics, business analytics, management sciences, international relations, psychology, and political sciences.
In recent years, the increasing interest in technology-oriented specializations has also affected the profile of students applying to Sabancı University. Especially artificial intelligence, software, robotics, data analytics, and digital technologies are attracting more interest among students.
The university's scientific research activities are also one of the main reasons for its international reputation. Various research centers operate at Sabancı University, and students have the opportunity to participate in scientific projects from the undergraduate level. This opportunity creates a significant advantage especially for students who want to pursue an academic career.
Another factor that makes Sabancı University attractive to foreign students is its international collaborations. The university has connections with higher education institutions in various countries around the world and offers exchange programs, dual degree opportunities, and international projects for students.
In addition, its location in Istanbul is also one of Sabancı University's advantages. Istanbul is both Turkey's economic center and a large city where international companies operate. This gives students the chance to participate in internship programs during their studies and take advantage of various career opportunities.
