Bogazici University

Founded in 1863 as Robert College, Bogaziçi University (BU) was the first American higher education institution founded outside the United States. In 1971, it was renamed Bogaziçi University. It is an elite Turkish public research university that has kept its liberal arts education tradition and English as the language of instruction.

Academic Highlights

BU is consistently the highest-ranked university in Turkey. It has four faculties and two schools offering outstanding undergraduate and graduate programs in natural and social sciences, humanities, engineering, education, and applied disciplines.

Location

BU has six campuses. The four main campuses are located on the European side of the Bosphorus strait, in the heart of Istanbul’s affluent Bebek district, with breathtaking views and a lively student atmosphere. The Kandilli Campus is located on the Asian side of Istanbul (in Çengelköy) and hosts the Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute (KOERI). The newest campus is in Kilyos on the Black Sea.

Did you know?

Bogaziçi is a term used to denote those parts of Istanbul with view of the Bosphorus, the strait that forms part of the boundary between Europe and Asia.

Handbook/Catalogue

BU's course catalogue (BU provides instructions on choosing courses (units) and what the numbers mean)

For further descriptions of courses, consult the faculty to which your preferred course belongs (undergraduate faculties and postgraduate faculties).

Academic restrictions

• BU has more information on program restrictions for undergraduate and postgraduate exchange students here.
• Exchange students may apply to units from a maximum of three departments.
• A typical course (unit) at Boğaziçi is 3 credits with at least 3 hours of contact per week in the form of lectures. All courses also have ECTS credits.

Full-time Credit Load Equivalents

ECTS = European Credit Transfer System

*If your study load cannot exactly equate to 22.5 ECTS, then you will need to complete a study load as close to 22.5 ECTS without going under in order to receive 18 Monash credit points.

Academic Calendar

BU Spring semester (Monash Semester 1): mid - February - early June
BU Fall semester (Monash Semester 2): mid-September - early January

BU's Academic Calendar

Note

• The listed disciplines are not necessarily exhaustive and other fields of study might also be available at the institution.
• Approval to study particular subjects at any institution is always at the discretion of the departmental/discipline and faculty advisers in your managing faculty(ies) and subject to available places at the host.

To begin your application and study plan, click the button below.

Apply here

Have you been to Boğaziçi University and want to share your experience? 
Let us know about your exchange via this survey form and your testimonial could be shown here!

Jacqueline Damrow
Bachelor of Arts/Laws
Semester 1, 2016
Studied: Arts units

Study Experience

I was able to do subjects regarding Turkish foreign policy, Turkish politics, the European Union and its history, as well as a beginner’s course in Turkish language. I would recommend the Political Science faculty, as I was able to learn about contemporary issues affecting Turkey and the EU. The class format was two hours of lectures a week with no tutorials, and the lectures are quite engaging.

Culture

Istanbul is much larger than Melbourne with a rich history and culture, there’s always something to see or do. The people are very friendly and always happy to help. The transport system also is very easy. At Boğaziçi University, there was a resident veterinarian who would take care of all the animals on campus. I would recommend watching the documentary ‘Kedi’ if you are interested in learning more about this unique aspect of Turkey.

Benefits of going on exchange

Going on exchange reignited my passion for politics and international studies. I was able to learn about the rich history of Turkey, an entirely different culture and religion outside the classroom. I also learnt life skills which I continue to use beyond exchange.

Career Benefits

It has given me the confidence to apply for jobs and to engage in opportunities I would have been too shy to apply for in the past. On exchange, I learnt very quickly to put aside my preconceived views of certain cultures and be open, and I have kept this open mindedness since then. I have also developed budgeting and self-management skills.

Money and Budgeting

There is a student canteen where you can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner for only 1 lira (about 50 AUD cents) at certain times, the food was quite good. I also obtained an ISIC student card before I left Australia, and this gave me great discounts whilst I was travelling. The books were also a bit cheaper there due to the currency value.

Top tips

• Get to your exchange destination a week before starting - this allowed me to become familiar with the currency, transport system and city.
• Go to the activities organised by the Erasmus (Exchange) Student Society at Boğaziçi University, as much as you can. This will allow you to make lifelong friends who will become your support network.
• Don’t forget that you also have to study and make sure to organise time during your week for this to avoid cramming at the end of the semester.
• Try and eat as much of the local cuisine as you can. The Turkish cuisine is rich and there are so many delicious dishes.
• Walk around your campus and the city as often as you can and take in the beauty that is Istanbul. I used to do this on a regular basis and still remember this.