Business engineering is a field that combines engineering principles with business knowledge. In other words, you gain both technical skills and learn how to strategize in the business world. This department is particularly interested in topics such as production, productivity, process management, but also has an eye on areas such as finance, marketing and human resources.
In Turkey, this department is usually under the umbrella of “Industrial Engineering”, but some universities offer education directly under the name “Management Engineering”. So the names can get mixed up, but the curriculum is mostly similar. Bottom line: if you like math, like analyzing systems, and want to be a manager or entrepreneur in a company one day, this may be the department for you.
The good news for foreign students is that there are many universities in Turkey where you can study this program in English. This prepares you for both academic and professional life and helps you build an international network.
Which Universities Have Business Engineering?
There are many universities in Turkey offering management engineering (or its equivalent, industrial engineering). But some of them really stand out. They make a difference both in terms of the quality of their academic staff and their connections with the sector.
Here are some universities that are strong in this area:
Boğaziçi University (Istanbul): The department is directly named “Management Engineering” and is one of the first in Turkey in this field. The language of instruction is English and graduates can usually find jobs abroad.
Istanbul Technical University (ITU): There is an industrial engineering department, but it is very close to business engineering in terms of content. ITU’s technical infrastructure and R&D facilities are quite good.
Middle East Technical University (METU): This university in Ankara is very strong both theoretically and practically. A significant number of graduates are employed in global companies.
Koç University and Sabancı University: Although they are private universities, they are also attractive for international students thanks to their scholarship opportunities. The language of instruction is entirely in English.
For more information, you can also review the programs on YÖK Atlas.
Best Business Universities in Turkey for International Students
If you are considering Turkey for studying business engineering and asking “where are the best?”, you are not alone. Thousands of students search for the answer to this question every year. I have compiled a list of universities that stand out both for their academic achievements and the support they offer to international students.
Boğaziçi University: One of the oldest universities in Turkey. No other university in Turkey has such a prestigious undergraduate program with this name. Campus life, clubs and location are also very advantageous.
Koç University: A favorite of foreign students with its strong academic staff, modern campus and English language education. Moreover, scholarship opportunities are quite wide.
Sabancı University: It has a flexible curriculum. You start the first year without choosing a major, then you decide according to your interests. This is a great advantage for many students.
ODTÜ and ITU: These universities are highly recognized both at home and abroad. Graduating from these universities takes your CV a few steps forward. They are also very active in Erasmus and exchange programs.
The English preparatory class is usually compulsory for international students at these schools. However, if you have studied in English before or if you get exemption with exams such as TOEFL, you can start the department directly.
Advantages of Business Engineering Education in Turkey
Studying business engineering in Turkey has many advantages, not only academically, but also personally and professionally. Several international students I know have graduated from this department, and they all say the same thing: “Studying in Turkey has added much more than I expected.”
1. Appropriate Education Fees
Compared to the US or Europe, the cost of education in Turkey is quite reasonable. Annual tuition fees are quite low, especially at public universities. In private universities, you can get a much more accessible education thanks to scholarship opportunities.
2. English Program Options
Many universities offer business engineering programs entirely in English. This is a great advantage that prepares you for the global job market. In addition, the academic staff generally consists of professors with experience abroad.
3. Sector-Internal Training
Many universities in Turkey do not only equip their students with theoretical knowledge. Especially in schools like Boğaziçi, ITU, METU, internships, project-based courses and company collaborations are very common. This gives you real work experience before you graduate.
4. Strategic Location and Cultural Richness
Turkey is at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. This offers a well-rounded experience, both culturally and commercially. In a field like business engineering, which requires global thinking, this geographical advantage is really useful.
Application and Admission Requirements for International Students
We have come to the most technical but perhaps the most important part of the job: the application process. Because no matter how good the department is, dreams can be postponed if you don’t submit the right documents at the right time.
1. Required Documents
The documents generally requested are as follows:
- High school diploma (English or Turkish translation)
- Transcript (transcript)
- English proficiency certificate (TOEFL, IELTS or university exam)
- Copy of passport
- Letters of intent and letters of reference (especially at private universities)
Some universities may also require SAT, ACT or their own entrance exams. That’s why it’s important to check the website of the university you’re thinking of applying to. But here’s the easy way: we take care of all these details for you, our student visa guide for more details.
2. Application Dates
Applications are usually made between March – July every year. However, it is always advantageous to apply early for scholarship programs. In some universities, quotas can fill up quickly, it is useful to keep this in mind.
3. Visa and Residence Permit Process
After you are accepted, you need to apply for a student visa. In this process, documents such as consular interviews and bank statements may be requested. After arriving in Turkey, you must obtain a residence permit (residence permit) within 30 days. These issues can be daunting at first, but with the right information, it goes quite smoothly. We provide one-to-one support to our students in this process.
So it doesn’t end with the application, but there are resources to help you every step of the way.
Where Business Engineering Graduates Work
The biggest advantage of business engineering graduates is that they have both technical and managerial skills. This is why graduates can work not only in engineering firms, but also in a wide range of fields such as finance, consulting, manufacturing and even entrepreneurship.
1. Working in the Private Sector
Many graduates start as project managers, process developers, quality control specialists or business analysts in large companies. In Turkey, giant companies such as Arçelik, Ford and Turkcell frequently offer job opportunities to business engineers. If you have a foreign language, it is much easier to stand out in global companies.
Consulting firms such as Deloitte, PwC and EY also frequently prefer business engineers. Working in these companies means both high salaries and fast career advancement.
2. Entrepreneurship and Start-up Culture
Some business engineering graduates prefer to start their own businesses. The start-up ecosystem is growing, especially in Istanbul and Ankara. Universities often offer incubation centers and mentoring programs that support this field.
3. Master’s Degree and Academic Career
Business engineering graduates can easily get admission to programs such as MBA. Especially for those who aim for a career abroad, a master’s degree is a good step. For those who want to stay in Turkey, there are master’s degree options at universities such as Boğaziçi and METU.
The bottom line is that this department offers its graduates not just “one job” but many different career paths. As long as you know what you want to do, there are plenty of options for the rest.
Life and Student Life in Turkey
Let’s get to perhaps the most colorful part. Being a student in Turkey is not only limited to your studies. You will have an unforgettable experience thanks to the social life, culture, food and friends. (I can tell you from my own experience; it may be difficult to return home after you get used to Turkish cuisine.)
1. Hospitality and Daily Life
International students usually stay in campus dormitories or private dormitories. There is also the option of renting apartments in cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, but the prices can be a bit higher. In general, Turkey is quite affordable in terms of cost of living compared to Europe.
Public transportation is widespread, and student cards make transportation even cheaper. From the dining hall to the restaurants outside, prices are reasonable. There are many discounted options for students.
2. Cultural Activities and Social Life
Universities are very active with clubs, festivals, seminars and social responsibility projects. Making new friends is easy. Campus life often begins outside the classroom and develops in canteen conversations.
Turkey is also rich in history and nature. It is quite possible to escape to a holiday destination for the weekend or explore places like Cappadocia.
3. Security and Support
Turkey is generally a safe country for international students. Campuses and dormitories are equipped with 24/7 security systems. Universities also have counseling offices that support foreign students.
It’s Now Very Easy to Realize Your Dream Education in Turkey
It is a great opportunity to study a field that requires both technical and managerial skills, such as business engineering, in Turkey with quality and affordable education. Not to mention English-language programs, international recognition and a colorful student life.
If you are interested in a career in this field, now is the time to take action.