Istanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi
Address: Istanbul Bilgi University, Kuştepe Mah. Silahtarağa Cad. No: 5, 34460 Şişli, Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: +90 212 311 1500
Email: info@bilgi.edu.tr
Website: www.bilgi.edu.tr
About Istanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi
Since its founding, BİLGİ has attempted to establish a cultural and scientific community that promotes tolerance and respect for a diversity of individuals with different lifestyles, beliefs and ways of thinking within the framework of contemporary universal values, while at the same time maintaining strong ties with all segments of the society. BİLGİ community includes more than students; it also includes faculty, alumni, families, employers and neighboring communities where BİLGİ is located.
The founding premise of BİLGİ has become ‘to make education more accessible and affordable so that more students can pursue their dreams’. BİLGİ seeks to educate free-thinking, creative, intellectually curious and enterprising individuals who will contribute to a world in which knowledge is accessible to all and, indeed, in which access to it has come to be seen as a fundamental human right. BİLGİ holds a primary responsibility for providing, maintaining and further developing an academic environment in which both students and faculty members are able to engage in learning and the production of knowledge at the highest level.
Why Istanbul Bilgi Üniversitesi
Istanbul Bilgi University is famous for several reasons, making it one of Turkey's prominent institutions for higher education:
1. Innovative and Interdisciplinary Education
- Bilgi is known for its modern approach to education, which encourages critical thinking, creativity, and interdisciplinary learning. The university fosters an environment where students can explore subjects across different fields, leading to a more well-rounded academic experience.
2. International Collaborations
- Bilgi has extensive partnerships with universities worldwide, offering students exchange programs, dual-degree options, and opportunities to participate in international conferences and events. It is part of the Laureate International Universities network, providing a global academic network.
3. Liberal Arts Education
- It is one of the few universities in Turkey that offers a liberal arts education, allowing students more freedom in choosing their courses and academic paths. This flexibility is attractive to students looking for a personalized education.
4. Strong Focus on Social Sciences and Humanities
- Bilgi has a reputation for its strong programs in social sciences, such as sociology, political science, and international relations. The university often organizes significant academic and public discussions on contemporary issues, contributing to its standing as a leader in these fields.
5. Cultural and Artistic Influence
- Bilgi has a deep connection to the arts and culture scene in Istanbul. It frequently collaborates with artists, hosts exhibitions, film screenings, and performances, making it a hub for creative and performing arts students.
6. Urban Campus in Istanbul
- Located in Istanbul, a city known for its rich history and vibrant cultural life, the university benefits from being at the heart of a global city. The SantralIstanbul campus is particularly famous, housing a former power plant that has been converted into an art and culture center, further emphasizing Bilgi's link to Istanbul's creative life.
7. Social Responsibility and Community Engagement
- The university places a strong emphasis on social responsibility and community involvement. Through various projects, it engages students in issues such as human rights, democracy, and environmental sustainability. This focus on activism and public service has bolstered its reputation as a socially conscious institution.
8. Research and Innovation
- Bilgi also excels in research, with several institutes dedicated to social sciences, law, and health sciences. The university promotes innovation through various projects and collaborations, contributing significantly to academic research in Turkey.
9. Diversity and Inclusivity
- Bilgi is known for its diverse student body, welcoming students from different countries and cultures. Its progressive outlook promotes an inclusive environment, which is appealing to international students and faculty.
Overall, Istanbul Bilgi University has made a name for itself through its forward-thinking education model, its commitment to social issues, and its integration into Istanbul’s cultural and academic fabric.
Istanbul Bilgi University has specific language requirements for its undergraduate and graduate programs, especially for those conducted in English. Here are the key language requirements:
1. English-Taught Programs
For programs taught in English, students must demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests or equivalent qualifications.
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Accepted English Proficiency Tests:
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 75
- IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.0 (with no section below 5.5)
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 55
- BİLET (Bilgi English Language Test): University-specific English proficiency test, offered to students who do not have standardized test scores.
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Exemptions: Students who have completed their secondary education in an English-speaking country or in an institution where the medium of instruction is English may be exempted from submitting English proficiency test scores.
2. Turkish-Taught Programs
For programs taught in Turkish, international students who do not have Turkish as their first language may need to provide proof of proficiency in Turkish.
- Accepted Turkish Proficiency Tests:
- TÖMER (Turkish Language Test): Students may need to present a TÖMER certificate or pass a university-level Turkish language exam.
3. Preparatory Language Program
If students do not meet the language requirements, they can enroll in Bilgi University’s English Preparatory Program. This intensive program helps students improve their English language skills to the required level before they can start their degree program.
- Students who do not pass the BİLET test or provide sufficient English proficiency scores are automatically placed in the preparatory program.
4. Graduate Programs
Graduate programs, especially in international disciplines, may have higher language proficiency requirements. For example, some programs may require a higher TOEFL or IELTS score compared to undergraduate programs.
In summary, for English-taught programs, students generally need to provide TOEFL, IELTS, or an equivalent English proficiency test score. For Turkish-taught programs, proficiency in Turkish (like a TÖMER certificate) might be required. If the requirements are not met, students can take preparatory language courses at the university.
Istanbul Bilgi University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various faculties. Some of the key areas of specialization at the university include:
1. Social Sciences and Humanities
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Political Science and International Relations
- History
- Cultural Studies
2. Business and Economics
- Economics
- Business Administration
- International Trade and Business
- Management Information Systems
3. Law
- Law (LL.B.)
- International and European Union Law
4. Engineering and Natural Sciences
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Energy Systems Engineering
- Genetics and Bioengineering
5. Communication and Media
- Media and Communication Systems
- Advertising
- Public Relations
- Film and Television
6. Arts and Design
- Visual Communication Design
- Architecture
- Interior Architecture
- Industrial Design
7. Health Sciences
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
- Nursing
- Health Management
8. Music and Performing Arts
- Performing Arts
- Music Production
These programs are supported by a combination of theoretical coursework, practical training, and international opportunities. The university is known for its interdisciplinary approach and its focus on fostering innovation and creativity among students.
Istanbul Bilgi University is home to many esteemed professors across a variety of fields. Here are a few notable professors, recognized for their contributions to academia, research, and public discourse:
1. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Sayın
- Field: Cultural Studies, Art History
- Notability: A highly regarded professor in cultural studies and art history, Zeynep Sayın is known for her work on visual culture, aesthetics, and philosophy. She has been active in the academic and cultural life of Turkey and has published widely on the intersections of culture, politics, and art.
2. Prof. Dr. Emre Erdoğan
- Field: Political Science, International Relations
- Notability: Emre Erdoğan is a well-known political scientist focusing on public opinion, political behavior, and democracy studies. His research on youth political participation, democracy, and social movements in Turkey has gained international attention. He also conducts surveys and research on societal polarization.
3. Prof. Dr. Asuman Suner
- Field: Film and Media Studies
- Notability: Asuman Suner is a leading scholar in film studies in Turkey. She has contributed significantly to the understanding of Turkish cinema and its role in reflecting and shaping cultural identity. Her work often explores the relationship between cinema, politics, and society.
4. Prof. Dr. Haluk Levent
- Field: Economics
- Notability: An influential figure in economics, Prof. Levent has contributed extensively to the fields of macroeconomics and international economics. He has worked on economic policy issues in Turkey and Europe and is well-respected for his research on economic development.
5. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Gül Altınay
- Field: Anthropology, Gender Studies
- Notability: Known for her research on gender, militarism, and memory studies, Ayşe Gül Altınay has made significant contributions to feminist scholarship in Turkey. She is an advocate for women's rights and has published extensively on issues of gender and violence in Turkish society.
6. Prof. Dr. Koray Çalışkan
- Field: Political Science
- Notability: A well-known political scientist and public intellectual, Koray Çalışkan's work focuses on political theory, digital politics, and political economy. He is also a columnist and frequently comments on contemporary political developments in Turkey.
7. Prof. Dr. Nurhan Yentürk
- Field: Social Policy, Public Finance
- Notability: A key figure in social policy and public finance, Nurhan Yentürk has done extensive research on the welfare state, budgeting, and public spending in Turkey. She is involved in several projects related to poverty alleviation and social justice.
These professors are just a few examples of the talented academic staff at Istanbul Bilgi University. Many of them not only excel in research and teaching but also actively engage in public discourse and contribute to debates on critical societal issues.
As of now, Istanbul Bilgi University does not have any faculty members who have won the Nobel Prize. However, some Turkish scholars have achieved global recognition, and Orhan Pamuk, a Nobel laureate in Literature (2006), is the most notable Turkish academic to receive the Nobel Prize. While Pamuk is not directly affiliated with Bilgi University, he is a prominent figure in Turkish literature and academia.
Though Bilgi University itself does not have a Nobel laureate, many of its professors are highly respected in their fields and have made significant contributions to both Turkish and global academia. The university's emphasis on social sciences, political science, and cultural studies ensures that its faculty members remain influential in important academic discussions and research.
If you're looking for Turkish professors or institutions with Nobel affiliations, the most famous Turkish Nobel laureate is Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2015 for his research on DNA repair. He is affiliated with the University of North Carolina in the United States.