Bahçeşehir University Admission 2026–2027 for International Students: Steps, Documents, Fees and Deadline

Annual tuition in most faculties, 2026–2027

$8,500

Annual tuition for Medicine

$28,000

Maximum evaluation time stated by the university

1 week

Announced Fall 2026 application and registration deadline

30 Nov 2026

This guide is prepared by Taktik and is not a publication of Bahçeşehir University. It was checked against the university's international pages (int.bau.edu.tr) on 5 November 2026; fees and dates can change, and the linked university page is what counts.

How do international students apply to Bahçeşehir University?

According to the university's How to Apply page, the whole application runs online:

1. Create an account on the online application system (applyonline.bau.edu.tr): choose the term and degree, verify your e-mail with the code you receive and enter your passport number.
2. Rank your programs: only one application is accepted per intake, so you list your programs in order of priority within that application.
3. Complete the form and upload documents: personal, contact and education details, plus the documents for your degree (listed below).
4. Evaluation: the university states that applications are evaluated within a maximum of one week. Missing documents are requested by e-mail, so check your inbox and the portal regularly.
5. Conditional Acceptance Letter: if approved, it is sent by e-mail with a payment link.
6. Advance tuition deposit: paying the non-refundable deposit by the date in the letter gives you the Official Acceptance Letter. The deposit is deducted from your tuition; the amount and bank details are in the letter itself.
7. Enrollment Guide and registration in Istanbul: after the Official Acceptance Letter you receive the Enrollment Guide and register at the Beşiktaş South Campus within the period stated in the letter (university Registration Guide).

How much is Bahçeşehir University tuition in 2026–2027?

The table shows annual tuition for international students in 12 popular programs for the 2026–2027 academic year. Figures come from Taktik's verified program data, checked against the university's tuition fees page.

• The university announces one fee per faculty: Engineering and Natural Sciences 9,000 USD (Artificial Intelligence Engineering 12,000 USD); Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Architecture and Design, Health Sciences, Communication and Educational Sciences 8,500 USD a year.
• Tuition is paid directly to the university: online, by bank transfer or by card on campus. According to the Registration Guide, bank transfers take time to process.
• Every program with its tuition: Bahçeşehir University on Taktik.

Which documents do you need?

Bachelor's application documents (Undergraduate Applicants page):

• Passport
• High school transcripts
• High school diploma (if already issued)
• Letter of motivation (Medicine applicants)
• Supporting documents if you have them: SAT, TOEFL iBT, national examination result, certificates, reference letters
• Portfolio for Cartoon and Animation, Textile and Fashion Design and Conservatory programs

If you have not graduated yet, the same page says you can apply with your latest transcripts (for example first-term results of the final year or predicted grades). A language certificate is not needed at the application step.

Master's application documents (Master Applicants page): passport, bachelor's transcript, bachelor's diploma and a language certificate (if you have one).

Documents for registration in Istanbul (Registration Guide):

• Passport
• Original high school diploma and original transcript covering all years, stamped and approved by your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education, or apostilled
• Translations, if the documents are not in English or Turkish
• One passport-size photo
• Language test result, if you have one
• For master's: original bachelor's diploma and transcript, with translations if needed

Minimum high school results for bachelor's programs, from the country requirement pages:

Meeting the minimum is not enough on its own, and admission is not guaranteed: according to the Undergraduate Applicants page, the committee also considers your high school curriculum, related course results and chosen program.

Which English or Turkish scores does Bahçeşehir University accept?

According to the university's Language Proficiency page:

• IELTS is not accepted. TOEFL Special Home Edition, PTE Academic Online and Duolingo are not accepted either.
• Master's (general): TOEFL iBT 79, PTE Academic 67, BAU exam 65.
• Turkish-taught programs: B2 level; the BAU Turkish exam minimum is 60 for bachelor's and 65 for master's programs.
• No certificate: you take the BAU Proficiency Exam after registration (once only) and, depending on the result, are either exempted or placed in the preparatory program.
• Exemption: students who completed the last three years of high school in Australia, Canada, Ireland, the UK, New Zealand, South Africa or the US are exempt from English exams.
• Law, Music, Music Technology and Performing Arts (30% English) also need the general English score.

What are the 2026–2027 timeline and deadline?

• 30 November 2026: according to the university's applications announcement, Fall 2026 applications and registration close on this date, subject to program availability.
• 18 January 2027: Spring 2027 starts for bachelor's and graduate programs, according to the same announcement.
• The university's pages are not consistent about the spring intake: the How to Apply page lists a Fall intake only for bachelor's programs and Fall and Spring for graduate programs. Before applying, Taktik checks whether the intake is open for your program.

The usual order:

1. Online application
2. Result within a maximum of one week
3. Deposit by the date in the Conditional Acceptance Letter
4. Official Acceptance Letter
5. Visa (if needed)
6. Travel and registration within the period stated in the Official Acceptance Letter
7. Student residence permit application right after registration

After acceptance: how do visa, registration and residence permit work?

• Visa: according to the university's Visa and Residence Permit page, if your nationality needs a visa, you apply with the Official Acceptance Letter. Students under 18 enter with a student visa even if they are visa-exempt; otherwise they need a legal guardian in Türkiye for the residence permit. Visa-exempt students over 18 do not need a student visa before travelling.
• Registration: document check at the International Office, payment of the first instalment (after the deposit is deducted), forms with Student Affairs, then your university e-mail and student portal.
• Residence permit: after registration, the university's International Office helps prepare the file and submits it to the migration authority. The university advises not leaving Türkiye until you collect your residence card. Details: student residence permit guide.
• Health insurance: according to the university FAQ, it is needed for the residence permit; the policy is valid for at least one year and is in Turkish, and the university can help arrange it after registration.
• Housing: according to the same page, the campuses have no on-campus dormitories. Options: dormitories in Istanbul.

Does Bahçeşehir University offer scholarships or discounts?

According to the university FAQ:

• Bachelor's success scholarship: at the end of the second year, the student ranked first in each department receives 100% and the second 50% for the following year (after completing four semesters).
• Sibling discount: 10% for siblings studying at the same level.
• Master's: a GPA scholarship for applicants with a bachelor's GPA above 2.75 out of 4 (not for distance education programs); the percentage is not stated on that page.

Applying directly or with Taktik: what is the difference?

Taktik's services are paid for by partner universities, not by students. The admission decision is made by the university, and admission is not guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission to Bahçeşehir University guaranteed?

No, admission is not guaranteed. The university's committee decides based on your country's minimum requirements, your curriculum, related course results and the program you choose.

Does Bahçeşehir University accept IELTS?

No. According to the Language Proficiency page, IELTS and Duolingo are not accepted; TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, the BAU exam and several other tests are.

Can I apply without a language certificate?

Yes. A language certificate is not needed at the application step. After registration you take the BAU Proficiency Exam and, if needed, join the preparatory program.

Is the deposit refundable?

The university describes it as non-refundable. It is deducted from tuition at registration, and the amount is stated in the Conditional Acceptance Letter.

How long does it take to get a result?

According to the How to Apply page, a maximum of one week; missing documents can make it longer.

How many programs can I apply to?

One application per intake; you rank several programs within that application.

Can I apply before receiving my diploma?

Yes. You apply with your latest transcripts or predicted grades and present the original documents at registration.

Does the university have dormitories?

According to the university FAQ, the campuses have no on-campus dormitories; students live in private dormitories or flats.

Does applying through Taktik cost more?

No. Taktik's services are free for students, tuition is the amount announced by the university, and it is paid directly to the university.

Is health insurance needed?

Yes, for the student residence permit. According to the university FAQ, the policy is valid for at least one year, and the university can help arrange it after registration.

Sources (checked on 5 November 2026)

• How to Apply
• Tuition Fees
• Undergraduate Applicants
• Master Applicants
• Language Proficiency
• Country Requirements
• Visa and Residence Permit
• Registration Guide
• FAQ
• Applications Open (30 November 2026 deadline announcement)
• Verified program tuition on Taktik: Bahçeşehir University

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