Biruni University - Uni4edu

Biruni University

Zeytinburnu, Turkey

Biruni University main campus in Zeytinburnu Istanbul, modern university buildings opposite the historic Topkapi walls, green spaces and walkways, clear sky with Marmara Sea in the distance

Biruni University

Istanbul, Turkey

Founded

2014

Institution Type

Private (Foundation)

Total Students

13,600+

International Students

3,500+ from 80+ Countries

Discover Biruni University: Istanbul's Leading Health Sciences Institution

Biruni University is a private foundation university established on February 27, 2014, by the World Education Foundation (Dünya Eğitim Vakfı) in Istanbul, Turkey. Named after the renowned 11th-century Islamic scholar Abu al-Rayhan al-Biruni, who made groundbreaking contributions to medicine, pharmacy, astronomy, mathematics, and geography, the university carries forward a legacy of scientific inquiry and interdisciplinary learning.

Located in the Zeytinburnu district on Istanbul's European side, the university has rapidly grown to become one of Turkey's most recognized private institutions specializing in health sciences. With over 90 programs across 7 faculties, Biruni University serves more than 13,600 current students and has produced over 22,000 graduates in just a decade of operation.

The university is accredited by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and holds memberships in the European University Association (EUA), the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), NAFSA, and EAIE. Biruni is also an active participant in the Erasmus+ exchange program, providing students with international study and internship opportunities across Europe and beyond.

Key Milestones

  • 2014: Founded by the World Education Foundation with six faculties focused on health sciences
  • 2016: Opened Biruni University Hospital and Dental Hospital for clinical training
  • 2020: Launched Biruni Technopark, now hosting over 300 startups including women-led ventures
  • 2024: Surpassed 22,000 graduates and 3,500 international students from over 80 countries

Academic Structure and Faculties at Biruni University

Biruni University offers more than 90 programs through 7 faculties, a graduate school, a vocational school, and a Department of Foreign Languages. The university's academic model combines rigorous theoretical education with extensive hands-on clinical and laboratory training, particularly in health-related disciplines.

Faculty of Medicine

The Faculty of Medicine offers a six-year medical program in both English and Turkish, with clinical rotations at the 153-bed Biruni University Hospital recognized for cardiovascular surgery, obesity surgery, and corneal transplantation.

  • Medicine (English)
  • Medicine (Turkish)
  • Basic Medical Sciences Research

Faculty of Dentistry

The Faculty of Dentistry provides a five-year program with hands-on training at the dedicated Biruni Dental Hospital located on the Topkapı campus, giving students direct patient care experience from early semesters.

  • Dentistry (English)
  • Dentistry (Turkish)
  • Prosthodontics (Graduate)

Faculty of Pharmacy

The Faculty of Pharmacy offers a five-year integrated program focusing on pharmaceutical sciences, drug development, and clinical pharmacy, with access to advanced research laboratories and biotechnology facilities.

  • Pharmacy (English)
  • Pharmacy (Turkish)
  • Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Graduate)

Faculty of Health Sciences

This faculty covers a broad range of allied health disciplines, preparing graduates for careers in patient care, rehabilitation, and community health through both theoretical coursework and clinical placements.

  • Nursing (English)
  • Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation (English)
  • Speech and Language Therapy

Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences

The faculty integrates engineering principles with natural sciences, emphasizing biomedical applications and technology. Students benefit from modern simulation labs and industry partnerships in Istanbul's growing tech ecosystem.

  • Biomedical Engineering (English)
  • Computer Engineering (English)
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics

Faculty of Education

The Faculty of Education prepares future educators with programs accredited by EPDAD. The faculty focuses on special education, psychological counseling, and modern pedagogical methods aligned with global standards.

  • Special Education Teaching
  • Psychological Counseling and Guidance
  • English Language Teaching

Admission Requirements for International Students

Undergraduate Admission

  • High School DiplomaCertified and translated copy of diploma (minimum 60% grade average required)
  • TranscriptsOfficial high school transcripts translated into English or Turkish
  • English ProficiencyTOEFL, IELTS, or Biruni English Proficiency Exam for English-medium programs
  • Passport CopyValid passport photocopy required for all international applicants
  • Standardized TestsSAT, IB, or YÖS scores accepted but not mandatory; may improve scholarship eligibility
Biruni University does not require standardized entrance exams for most programs. Students who do not meet language requirements can enroll in the English or Turkish preparatory program.

Graduate Admission

  • Bachelor's DegreeRelevant bachelor's degree with official transcripts
  • Language ProficiencyTOEFL, IELTS, or university proficiency exam depending on program language
  • Letters of RecommendationTwo academic or professional reference letters may be required
  • Statement of PurposePersonal statement outlining academic goals and research interests
  • Additional ExamsGRE or GMAT may be required for certain programs; interviews possible
Master's tuition fees range from approximately USD 3,500 to USD 4,000 per year, while doctoral programs start from approximately USD 9,000. Contact the university for the latest program-specific requirements.
June – September
Fall Semester Applications

Main intake period for most undergraduate and graduate programs at Biruni University

January – February
Spring Semester Applications

Limited programs may accept spring semester applications; check availability with the admissions office

Rolling
Conditional Acceptance

Students expecting graduation can receive conditional acceptance pending final diploma and transcript submission

Year-Round
English Proficiency Exam

Biruni offers multiple sessions of its internal English proficiency exam throughout the academic year

Tuition Fees and Scholarship Opportunities

As a private foundation university, Biruni University sets tuition fees annually through its Board of Trustees. Fees vary by program, degree level, and language of instruction, with English-medium programs generally costing more than Turkish-medium ones. The following figures are approximate for the 2026-2027 academic year.

ProgramTurkish-Medium (Annual)English-Medium (Annual)
MedicineUSD 15,000 – USD 21,000USD 21,000
DentistryUSD 15,000 – USD 21,000USD 21,000
PharmacyUSD 8,000 – USD 10,000USD 12,000
Engineering / Health SciencesUSD 2,400 – USD 4,000USD 5,000
TotalVaries by program – from USD 2,400Varies by program – up to USD 21,000

Merit-Based Scholarship

Biruni University offers merit-based scholarships ranging from 25% to 100% tuition waivers for students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement in high school or standardized exams.

  • Coverage: 25%, 50%, or 100% tuition waiver
  • Eligibility: High academic grades, SAT/YÖS scores
  • Renewal: Maintained with satisfactory academic progress

First Choice Scholarship

Students who select Biruni University as their first-choice institution during application may qualify for additional tuition discounts and priority scholarship consideration.

  • Coverage: Additional tuition discount on top of merit aid
  • Eligibility: Biruni listed as first-choice university
  • Payment Benefit: Tuition payable in 2 installments per year

Campus and Facilities in the Heart of Istanbul

Biruni University's main campus is located in Zeytinburnu, on the European side of Istanbul, directly opposite the historic Topkapı city walls. The campus houses all faculties and is surrounded by green spaces, public parks, and modern amenities, providing an inspiring environment that blends history with contemporary education.

Housing and Student Services

Student Residences

Biruni University offers multiple residence options within walking distance of campus, including the NOVU Residence with 422 rooms and the Münever Eren Residence with premium amenities.

  • Single, double, triple, and quadruple room options available
  • Facilities include gym, swimming pool, cinema, and study rooms
  • 24-hour security, free Wi-Fi, laundry, and cleaning services

Dining and Recreation

Students have access to on-campus cafeterias, restaurants, and nearby shopping malls. The campus area also features sports facilities and public parks for recreation.

  • On-campus cafeteria and restaurant in residence halls
  • Namık Sevik Stadium and ice skating rink nearby
  • 14 sports facilities and fitness centers accessible to students

Student Life at Biruni University

Biruni University fosters a vibrant student community through 63 student clubs, cultural events, and social activities. The campus's central Istanbul location offers students easy access to the city's rich cultural heritage, entertainment, and networking opportunities, creating a well-rounded university experience.

Student Clubs and Organizations

With 63 active student clubs, Biruni provides opportunities for personal development, cultural exchange, and community engagement beyond the classroom.

Health and Science Clubs

Clubs focused on medical research, pharmacy innovation, and biomedical sciences where students collaborate on projects and attend conferences

Cultural and International Clubs

Student organizations celebrating diverse cultures, hosting international food festivals, language exchanges, and cultural awareness events

Social Responsibility Clubs

Community outreach groups organizing health screenings, educational workshops, and volunteer programs in Istanbul neighborhoods

Arts and Sports Clubs

Creative and athletic organizations including photography, music, dance, basketball, football, and swimming teams

Sports and Athletics

Turkish University Sports Federation (TUSF)

  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Swimming
  • Volleyball
  • Table Tennis
  • Ice Skating
9 university sports teams competing across multiple disciplines

Istanbul: A Global City at the Crossroads of Continents

Panoramic view of Istanbul skyline with Bosphorus strait, historic mosques and minarets, modern skyscrapers, bridges connecting Europe and Asia, golden sunset light reflecting on water
Istanbul, Turkey – where East meets West across the Bosphorus

Living and Studying in Istanbul

Istanbul is Turkey's largest city and cultural capital, straddling two continents with a population of over 15 million. Students at Biruni University enjoy affordable living costs compared to Western European cities, with monthly expenses typically ranging from USD 1,000 to USD 1,500 including housing, food, and transportation.

Excellent Transportation Links

The campus is near Marmaray Kazlıçeşme metro station, Cevizlibağ metrobus station, and the Eurasia Tunnel connecting European and Asian Istanbul

Rich Historical Setting

Located opposite the ancient Topkapı city walls, students are surrounded by Istanbul's UNESCO World Heritage sites, grand bazaars, and Ottoman-era architecture

Affordable Cost of Living

Shared apartments cost USD 400–700 per month, groceries USD 250–350, and student transportation passes are approximately USD 20–30 monthly

Cultural and Career Hub

Istanbul is Turkey's economic engine with thriving healthcare, technology, and finance sectors, offering abundant internship and career opportunities for graduates

Career Outcomes and Alumni Network

22,000+
Total Graduates
Since founding in 2014
80+
Countries Represented
In the international student body
300+
Startups at Biruni Technopark
Supporting graduate entrepreneurship

Where Biruni Graduates Build Their Careers

Turkish Ministry of Health Hospitals Biruni University Hospital Acıbadem Healthcare Group Memorial Health Group Istanbul Municipality Health Services Pharmaceutical Companies in Turkey Biruni Technopark Startups International Healthcare Institutions (EU & Middle East)

Practical Information for International Students

For International Students

Visa and Residence Permit Support

The International Relations Office assists students with obtaining student visas from Turkish embassies and guides them through the residence permit application process upon arrival in Istanbul.

Orientation and Integration Programs

New international students receive comprehensive orientation covering campus life, Turkish culture, health insurance enrollment, tax number registration, and e-Devlet account setup.

Language Preparatory Programs

Students who do not meet English or Turkish proficiency requirements can enroll in the university's preparatory language program, with multiple proficiency exam sessions offered throughout the year.

Key Contacts

Office of International Relations
  • +90 5435286292
  • +44 7868736984
  • corporate@uni4edu.com
  • info@uni4edu.com

Biruni University Worldwide Rankings

Despite being founded only in 2014, Biruni University has made remarkable progress in national and international rankings. The university is recognized by multiple global ranking bodies for its growing research output, innovation in health sciences, and increasing international profile.

QS
Contributor – Europe University Rankings
2026
Times Higher Education
1201–1500
2025
US News Global
#1563
2025
SCImago (National)
67th Percentile Overall
2025
SubjectRanking BodyRank
MedicineSCImagoAmong leading Turkish universities in medical research output
InnovationSCImago83rd Percentile
EngineeringSCImagoAdvanced position among Turkish private universities
Health SciencesNational (Turkey)Top-tier among Turkish private universities for health programs
medal icon
#541
Ranking
book icon
525
Graduate Students
badge icon
520
Academic Stuf
profile icon
12558
Students
world icon
3000
International Students
apartment icon
Private
Instution Type

Features

Biruni University offers plus 90 programs within the scope of 6 Faculties including the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Graduate School and Vocational School.

Accommodation

Accommodation

Biruni University in Istanbul offers modern, high-standard dormitory accommodations designed to meet the diverse needs of its students. Located in the heart of Istanbul, the dormitories are situated in the Zeytinburnu district, providing easy access to the main campus and essential public transportation hubs, including tram, metrobus, and Marmaray lines. The university operates free shuttle services to ensure safe and easy commutes for students.

Work While Studying

Work While Studying

Biruni University’s International Relations Office provides guidance and support to international students throughout their studies, including assistance with residence permit applications and understanding work regulations. Students are encouraged to contact the office for detailed information and personalized assistance.

Co-op/Internship Participation

Co-op/Internship Participation

Biruni University offers comprehensive internship opportunities to its students, both within Turkey and internationally, through various programs and collaborations.

Featured Programmes

Bachelor's Degree

48 months

Audiology

location

Biruni University, Zeytinburnu, Turkey

Earliest Intake

June 2026

Gross Tuition

4000 $

Bachelor's Degree

48 months

Midwifery

location

Biruni University, Zeytinburnu, Turkey

Earliest Intake

June 2026

Gross Tuition

4000 $

Bachelor's Degree

48 months

Child Development

location

Biruni University, Zeytinburnu, Turkey

Earliest Intake

June 2026

Gross Tuition

4000 $

Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter

September - February

Location

Biruni University\nMerkezefendi, 75 Sk No:1-13 M. G, 34015 Zeytinburnu/İstanbul, Türkiye

Location not found

Map not found.

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