Advantages of Studying Biomedical Engineering in Turkey
Biomedical engineering is a multifaceted field that brings together health and technology. Technologies such as medical imaging devices, artificial organs, biosensors and robotic surgery systems are of interest to this department. Studying in this department in Turkey offers not only academic knowledge, but also the chance to get acquainted with the systems used in the real field.
In recent years, notable work has been done in this field in Turkey. For example, the locally developed ventilator, BIOSYS, was produced in collaboration with ASELSAN, Arçelik, and BAYKAR during the COVID-19 pandemic and distributed both domestically and internationally. Another example is the mobile ECG devices and remote patient monitoring systems developed by ASELSAN. These projects have gained recognition both domestically and internationally. In addition, biosensor-based diagnostic systems and smart prosthesis projects carried out at institutions such as Acıbadem and Hacettepe offer students the opportunity to conduct research and gain practical experience at the undergraduate level.
So studying this department in Turkey means not only getting theoretical knowledge, but also contributing to the development of devices used in the field. There is a strong connection between universities and industry, which prepares students for the business world even before they graduate.
Best Universities Offering Biomedical Engineering
There are many universities in Turkey that offer biomedical engineering degrees, but some really stand out.
Boğaziçi University stands out for its research-oriented approach. It is taught in English and is open to international exchange programs.
Istanbul Technical University (ITU) is one of the oldest engineering schools in Turkey. The biomedical engineering department is very strong in terms of technical infrastructure. At the same time, thanks to industry collaborations, students can step into the field even before graduation.
Yeditepe University and Acıbadem University are among the foundation universities specializing in healthcare. It is particularly advantageous for medical device development, biomaterials research and clinical affiliations.
In Ankara, Hacettepe University stands out. There is a strong integration between the health sciences and the engineering faculty. It is possible to take part in joint projects with Hacettepe’s medical faculty.
Which City to Study in? The Importance of Location
This section is actually more important than one might think. Because in Turkey, not the quality of education, but the “quality of experience” can vary significantly between cities. If you want to study in a big city like Istanbul, a lot of culture, a vibrant life and many internship/job opportunities await you. But you should also be prepared for challenges like crowds and traffic.
Ankara offers a more academic, calmer environment, especially in engineering and health sciences. Well-established universities such as METU, Hacettepe, Gazi are here. If you want to “study more and be less distracted”, it can be a logical choice.
Izmir is ideal for those looking for balance. Ege University and Dokuz Eylül University have solid programs in biomedical engineering. Moreover, the city offers a student-friendly life: transportation is easy, living costs are lower than in Istanbul, the climate is great.
Whatever city you choose, it’s important to strike a balance between access to health technologies, clinical partnerships and social life. Location shapes the experience as much as education.
Career and Job Opportunities After Graduation
The biggest advantage of biomedical engineering graduates is that they are specialized in both health and technology. This places you not only in one field, but in a wide range of careers from hospitals to medical device manufacturers, from R&D centers to software companies.
The main areas where you can find a job after graduation in Turkey include medical device companies (e.g. Siemens Healthineers, GE Healthcare, Arçelik Medikal), technical departments of private hospitals and research centers of universities. Engineers who provide device calibration and technical support in the clinical environment are highly sought after. In addition, areas such as AI-powered medical systems and wearable health technologies are growing rapidly.
Some graduates work directly in hospitals as technical specialists, while others pursue academic careers. Good news if you are considering a career outside Turkey: Diplomas from Turkish universities are recognized in Europe and many other countries. Countries such as Germany, the Netherlands and the USA are frequently preferred for post-graduate master’s or doctoral studies.
Admission Requirements and Visa Process for International Students
There are two important issues for international students who will study in Turkey: visa application and scholarship opportunities.
The visa process starts after you receive your university acceptance letter. As long as you prepare the documents correctly, the process is quite orderly.
For all the details, you can review our student visa guide.
As for scholarships, there are both state-funded and university-specific options. In creative fields such as fashion and textiles, portfolio success is often influential in scholarship decisions. For details, be sure to check out Our article about scholarships in Turkey.
Your Biomedical Journey Can Start in Turkey
Studying biomedical engineering is not only a good career plan; it also means choosing a field where you can directly contribute to human life. Studying in this field in Turkey offers you a strong cultural experience as well as technical knowledge.
With the best universities, clinical connections, scholarships and research projects, Turkey is on its way to becoming a serious center in this field. If you want to get a quality education and experience what living in a different country will bring you, don’t miss this opportunity.
Now is the time to take the first step. Education in Turkey is waiting for you.