If you dream of becoming a pilot in Turkey and are looking for a quality education, Özyeğin University’s Department of Pilotage can give you a serious advantage. The training is not only limited to aviation knowledge; it is also built on all the skills pilots need, such as decision-making, leadership and teamwork. One of the biggest advantages is that the flight training is carried out with AYJET, a well-known flight school in the sector.
Why Should You Study Pilotage at Özyeğin University?
Several universities in Turkey offer a pilotage undergraduate program, but Özyeğin is different in that the training doesn’t just end in the classroom. The flight training is carried out by AYJET Flight School at Hezarfen Airport in Istanbul. Thanks to this cooperation, students are prepared for airline transportation both academically and practically.
The university aims to train its graduates not only as pilots, but also as individuals who have made aviation a culture of life. In addition to the university diploma, graduates can obtain an approved Airline Transport Pilot License (ATP-A) from the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
What are the Admission Requirements for the Pilotage Department?
First of all, if you want to apply for this program, you must successfully complete the English preparatory program. Because both the theoretical training and the flight language are completely in English. After proving your English level, you can transfer to the undergraduate program.
Academically, it is enough to meet the exam scores set by the university. However, the work does not end here for the pilotage department. A medical report is also required for flight training. There must be no physical or psychological disability that could affect being a pilot.
Also, there is an important note about scholarship: There are no scholarships in the pilotage program. So you need to plan both your annual tuition and flight training costs in advance.
Flight Training: From Simulators to Real Flights
The most exciting part of pilot training is the flights, isn’t it? Özyeğin University has established a systematic structure in this regard as well. Theoretical courses are provided by the university and practical flight training is provided by AYJET Flight School. Flights are operated from Hezarfen Airport in Istanbul.
Education is divided into three main parts:
- PPL (Private Pilot License): The first step is the process of acquiring basic flight competence.
- ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License) Theory: More advanced, airline-standard theoretical knowledge.
- Practical flights: One-on-one training with the flight school, flight missions with real airplanes.
Flight fees are not included in the undergraduate tuition fee. The flight training fee for 2025-2026 is 73,500 Euros excluding VAT. This payment is made in three installments during the education process: At the beginning of the 4th, 6th and 8th semesters.
Life and Campus Life for International Students
Pilot training is an intense and disciplined process, but campus life is social enough to balance this pace. Özyeğin University has a campus on the Asian side of Istanbul, surrounded by nature and with its modern architecture. While preparing for your flight, you can also live university life to the fullest. Language support, counseling and social clubs are very active, especially for international students.
Özyeğin University Faculty of Aviation, has a vision that supports not only technical education but also the psychological and social development of students. Students can benefit from both academic counseling and career planning services
The university campus has dormitory facilities, a gym, a library and many cafés. But beware: Pilotage program fees do not include accommodation, food or health insurance. These expenses need to be planned separately. Many international students are guided in this regard through university counselors.
Career Opportunities for Pilotage Graduates
What’s at the end of all this effort? Let me tell you frankly, serious opportunities await you after graduation. Thanks to Özyeğin University’s strong connections in the sector, students have the chance to communicate with airline companies even during their education. Companies such as THY, Pegasus, SunExpress closely follow the graduates.
A student who graduates with an ATPL license is qualified to apply directly for airline piloting. Students can also pursue other paths such as an academic career or becoming a teacher pilot.
The university’s graduates already include pilots who are actively flying both domestically and internationally. The time to find a job after graduation is quite short. Demand for Turkish pilots is increasing, especially in Europe and the Middle East.
Take One Step Closer to Your Piloting Dream at Ozyegin
Becoming a pilot is not just a career choice; it is a lifestyle of discipline, responsibility and freedom. If you want to realize this dream in Turkey, Özyeğin University Department of Pilotage offers you a comprehensive education in every field from theoretical knowledge to practical flights. Moreover, working with an industry-recognized flight school like AYJET draws you into professional aviation while you are still a student.