Bezmialem Vakıf University
Fatih, Turkey
Bezmialem Vakıf University
Istanbul, Turkey
Founded
2010
Institution Type
Private (Non-Profit Foundation)
Total Students
3,500+
Academic Staff
500+
Discover Bezmialem Vakıf University: A Heritage of Health Sciences Excellence
Discover Bezmialem Vakıf University: A Heritage of Health Sciences Excellence
Bezmialem Vakıf University is a private, non-profit foundation university in Istanbul, Turkey, founded in 2010 by the Directorate General of Foundations. Named after Bezmiâlem Sultan, the wife of Ottoman Sultan Mahmut II, the university carries forward a nearly two-century legacy rooted in healthcare and philanthropy. It is recognized as one of the first thematic research universities in Health and Life Sciences in Turkey.
The university educates more than 3,500 students across four faculties — Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Health Sciences — supported by over 500 academic staff members. With a remarkable 1:8 professor-to-student ratio, Bezmialem ensures highly personalized learning and early clinical exposure through its integrated university hospitals, which serve approximately 8,000 patients daily.
Bezmialem Vakıf University has built strong international partnerships, including a notable collaboration with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The university holds 123 agreements with institutions across 49 countries and actively participates in Erasmus exchange programs, reinforcing its commitment to global academic excellence and cross-cultural education.
Key Milestones
- 1845: Bezmiâlem Sultan founded Gureba-i Müslimin, the first modern hospital of the Ottoman Empire, establishing the institution's healthcare legacy.
- 1903: The first modern operating room was established at the historic hospital, advancing surgical care in the Ottoman Empire.
- 2010: Bezmialem Vakıf University was officially established by the Directorate General of Foundations, transforming the historic hospital into a full university.
- 2017: The university entered the URAP rankings with its first graduates, immediately ranking first among Turkish universities established after 2000.
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
Bezmialem Vakıf University is a specialized health sciences institution offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across four faculties and three graduate institutes. Teaching is conducted in both Turkish and English, with a preparatory language school available for students who need additional language support.
Faculty of Medicine
The Faculty of Medicine provides a comprehensive six-year medical education program enhanced by the Johns Hopkins Scholarly Concentrations model. Students gain clinical experience from their first year through the university's integrated hospitals.
- Medicine (MD)
- Basic Medical Sciences
- Clinical Medicine Specializations
Faculty of Dentistry
The Faculty of Dentistry offers a five-year undergraduate program with extensive clinical training in the university's on-campus dental clinics. Students benefit from hands-on practice with modern dental equipment and patient care opportunities.
- Dentistry (DDS)
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Prosthodontics
Faculty of Pharmacy
The Faculty of Pharmacy delivers a five-year program integrating pharmaceutical sciences with clinical practice. The faculty is supported by advanced research laboratories and the university's Phytotherapy Center, Turkey's first of its kind.
- Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmacognosy
Faculty of Health Sciences
The Faculty of Health Sciences houses six departments offering programs that combine theoretical knowledge with practical clinical training. Instruction takes place at the Eyüp Sultan Campus equipped with modern laboratories and facilities.
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
- Nutrition and Dietetics
Graduate Institutes
Bezmialem operates three graduate institutes — Health Sciences, Life Sciences and Biotechnology, and Gastroenterology — offering master's and doctoral programs that contribute to training researchers and developing international projects.
- Health Sciences (MSc/PhD)
- Life Sciences and Biotechnology (MSc/PhD)
- Gastroenterology (MSc/PhD)
Vocational School of Health Care Services
The Vocational School offers 14 two-year associate degree programs in various health-related fields. Located at the Sultangazi Campus, it provides practical vocational training with modern technical facilities.
- Medical Laboratory Techniques
- Anesthesia
- Medical Imaging Techniques
Admission Requirements for International Students
Admission Requirements for International Students
Undergraduate Admission
- High School DiplomaCertified copy of diploma and official transcript (original and translated)
- Language ProficiencyTOEFL iBT (min. 75), CAE (min. B), or CPE (min. C) for English programs; TÖMER for Turkish programs
- PassportValid passport copy required at time of application
- Application FeeUSD 50 or EUR 50 paid via bank transfer
- Additional Documents1 passport-size photograph, reference letters (if available)
Graduate Admission
- Bachelor's DegreeCompleted bachelor's degree in a relevant field from a recognized institution
- Language ProficiencyTOEFL or IELTS for English-taught programs; Turkish proficiency for Turkish-taught programs
- ALES ScoreAcademic Personnel and Postgraduate Education Entrance Exam (ALES) or equivalent GRE score
- TranscriptsOfficial transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Reference LettersTwo academic reference letters from faculty members
Online application portal opens for international undergraduate applicants for the fall semester.
Final deadline for submitting undergraduate applications and all supporting documents for the fall intake.
The primary intake for all undergraduate programs begins. Orientation programs are held for new international students.
Some graduate programs offer a secondary spring intake starting in February. Check specific program availability.
Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunities
Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunities
As a non-profit foundation university, Bezmialem Vakıf University reinvests all revenue into its academic programs, research, and student services. Tuition fees vary by program and scholarship status. Contact the university directly for the most current fee schedule.
| Program | Turkish Students (Annual) | International Students (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine (6 years) | Contact university for current fees | From USD 22,000 |
| Dentistry (5 years) | Contact university for current fees | Contact university for current fees |
| Pharmacy (5 years) | Contact university for current fees | Contact university for current fees |
| Health Sciences (4 years) | Contact university for current fees | Contact university for current fees |
| Total | Varies by program and scholarship | From USD 22,000 per year |
Merit-Based Scholarship (ÖSYM)
Based on university entrance exam performance, students may receive full (100%), 75%, or 50% tuition scholarships that persist throughout regular schooling without interruption.
- Coverage: 50% to 100% tuition discount
- Eligibility: Based on entrance exam performance
- Duration: Full duration of the program
International Student Scholarship
Bezmialem Vakıf University offers scholarships of up to 50% for international students, awarded based on academic merit, English proficiency, or through special scholarship programs.
- Coverage: Up to 50% tuition discount
- Criteria: Academic merit and language proficiency
- Additional Discounts: 5% prepayment discount, 10% sibling discount available
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
Bezmialem Vakıf University operates across multiple campuses in Istanbul, with its main campus situated in the historic Fatih district on approximately 100,000 square meters. The campus integrates historic Ottoman-era architecture with modern medical and educational facilities, offering students a unique learning environment at the crossroads of history and innovation.
The historic main campus houses the faculties of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy alongside the integrated university hospital and research laboratories.
State-of-the-art simulation laboratories allow students to practice clinical skills on mannequins before engaging with real patients in the hospital setting.
The 11-floor Eyüp campus hosts the Faculty of Health Sciences with practice clinics, a sports health center, and administrative offices.
Housing and Student Services
Accommodation
The university does not currently operate its own dormitories but actively assists students in finding suitable housing in nearby residential districts such as Fatih, Çapa, Fındıkzade, and Eyüp.
- Off-campus apartment assistance
- Shared housing coordination
- Nearby residential districts within 15-20 minutes
Campus Amenities
Students have access to a comprehensive library, modern research laboratories, sports facilities, and the university's dental clinic which provides free treatment to enrolled students.
- University library and digital resources
- Basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts
- Indoor gymnasium and fitness center
Student Life at Bezmialem Vakıf University
Student Life at Bezmialem Vakıf University
Despite its specialized focus on health sciences, Bezmialem Vakıf University offers a vibrant student life with over 30 clubs, 10 sports teams, and approximately 10 art and instrument courses. The close-knit campus community and small student body foster strong relationships between students and faculty.
Istanbul: A City Where History Meets Innovation
Istanbul: A City Where History Meets Innovation
Living and Studying in Istanbul's Historic Heart
Bezmialem Vakıf University's main campus is centrally located in the Fatih district, Istanbul's historic peninsula. Students enjoy easy access to major cultural landmarks, excellent public transportation via metro and bus lines along Vatan Avenue (Adnan Menderes Boulevard), and an estimated monthly living cost of USD 1,000 to USD 1,500 covering housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
Historic Peninsula
The campus sits near iconic landmarks including the Süleymaniye Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Hagia Sophia, offering a culturally rich daily experience.
Transportation Hub
Located on Vatan Avenue with direct access to metro stations and bus lines, making it easy to travel across Istanbul's European and Asian sides.
Multicultural Metropolis
Istanbul is home to over 15 million people and a thriving international student community, offering diverse dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences.
Healthcare Ecosystem
The Fatih district is a major healthcare hub in Istanbul, providing students with abundant clinical training and networking opportunities across multiple hospitals.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Where Bezmialem Graduates Work
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
Established in the university's founding year, the International Relations Office organizes orientation programs, cultural activities, and a buddy system to help international students integrate into campus life.
The university assists international students with student visa applications and residence permit procedures upon arrival in Turkey. Students are guided through the entire documentation process.
The Psychological Counseling and Guidance Office supports students' emotional and social development. Career services provide internship programs, CV training, interview preparation, and career guidance.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Bezmialem Vakıf University World Rankings
Bezmialem Vakıf University World Rankings
Bezmialem Vakıf University has achieved remarkable recognition in international rankings despite being established only in 2010. The university has risen rapidly in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and holds strong positions in Turkish national rankings, particularly among foundation universities and health sciences institutions.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | EduRank | 41st in Turkey |
| Biology | EduRank | 57th in Turkey |
| Chemistry | EduRank | 63rd in Turkey |
| Psychology | EduRank | 53rd in Turkey |
Features
Bezmialem Vakıf University – Features Description\n1. Historical Legacy:\nFounded in 1845 as a hospital by Bezmiâlem Sultan, BVU combines a rich Ottoman heritage with modern education since becoming a university in 2010.\n\n2. Specialized Health Sciences Focus:\nBVU is Turkey’s first thematic university dedicated exclusively to health and life sciences, offering focused education and research in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, physiotherapy, nutrition, and more.\n\n3. Comprehensive Academic Programs:\nProvides undergraduate, graduate (Master’s and PhD), and vocational training across four faculties and a vocational school, covering a broad spectrum of health disciplines.\n\n4. Robust Research Infrastructure:\nOperates multiple research institutes and collaborates in advanced biomedical, life sciences, and health sciences research, fostering innovation and academic excellence.\n\n5. Clinical Facilities:\nManages two major hospitals and three outpatient clinics in Istanbul, integrating practic
Accommodation
YES
Work While Studying
YES
Co-op/Internship Participation
YES
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
March - March
Location
Bezmialem Vakıf University is located at Adnan Menderes Bulvarı (Vatan Caddesi), 34093 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey. This address places the university in the Fatih district of Istanbul, which is both a city and a province in Turkey. Specifically, the university is situated in the Topkapı area, a central and historic part of Istanbul.
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