PhD Degree in Turkey at Private Universities - LATEST 2026

The universities listed below are private universities in Istanbul that run PhD programs, and each one accepts applications through StudyLeo. To start a doctorate you usually need a master's degree, a strong academic record and proof of English or Turkish, depending on the language of the program. Some programs add an entrance exam or an interview.

Sabancı University is the oldest university on this list, founded in 1994, and also the smallest, with 5,168 students. The largest are Istanbul Aydin University, with 50,000 students, and Istanbul Medipol University, with 46,488.

Between those ends, Uskudar University (founded in 2011) has 24,000 students, and Istanbul Topkapi University (2009) has 20,000. Biruni University, founded in 2014, has 12,562. Istinye University is the newest, from 2015. All of them have dormitories.

Research topics, supervisors and fees differ from one program to the next. Before applying, read the program page and check which faculty members work in your area.