The Top 10 Best Colleges in Turkey for Tech Enthusiasts in 2024

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

Turkey's tech scene is absolutely killing it, and by 2024 it's gonna be straight fire.

With moves like focusing on emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs) like AI, robotics, and directed energy weapons, Turkey is seriously stepping up their game.

Plus, their commitment to developing high-tech defense capabilities, like that crazy Kemankeş loitering munition, is proof they're not playing around.

And let's not forget the $30 billion fund they just announced for sectors like EVs, solar/wind energy components, and semiconductors.

That's a major power move, if you ask me!

But it's not just the government getting in on the action. The private sector is crushing it too, with coding bootcamps like BilgeAdam pumping out talented devs left and right.

And if you're looking to level up your skills or switch careers, you gotta check out events like Istanbul Tech Talks - prime networking opportunities with industry leaders.

I'm talking about getting your foot in the door at companies that are actually worth working for, like Arçelik in the home appliances game.

The job prospects are insane, just take a look at this guide from Nucamp on landing a sweet tech gig in 2024.

Alright, let me update you on how we ranked the top colleges for tech geeks in Turkey. We looked at stuff like faculty quality, research output, industry partnerships, and job prospects to make sure our assessment was on point.

We checked out official sources like the Higher Education Council of Turkey (YOK), university websites, and global rankings from QS and Times Higher Education.

For faculty quality, we scoped out the credentials, research contributions, and teaching skills of the professors in tech departments.

As for research output, we checked how many publications they had in major journals, citations, and cutting-edge projects they were involved in. Another key factor was partnerships with leading tech companies, cuz that means opportunities for internships, hands-on experience, and potential jobs.

Some major collabs we spotted:

• Bogazici University linked up with HAVELSAN, a big defense and IT company
• Middle East Technical University vibing with Intel, Microsoft, and ASELSAN
• Istanbul Technical University connected with Arçelik, Turkcell, and Ford Otosan

We did a deep dive into data from multiple sources, quantitative and qualitative, to make sure our ranking was solid.

We even talked to current students and alumni like Susan Harris and Jessica Rodriguez to get the inside scoop on the quality of education and support services at these schools.

Let me tell you about Bogazici University, the place that's all about tech in Turkey. It's like a whole vibe, ya know? This prestigious uni in Istanbul is where it's at for tech enthusiasts like us in 2024.

Their Computer Engineering department is on another level, prepping students to be coding wizards, cybersecurity ninjas, and AI/ML masterminds.

It's no wonder Bogazici goes the extra mile with dope opportunities for their techy peeps.

They've got the Technopark, this crazy spot where students collide with industry giants like Arcelik, Turkcell, and Havelsan to work on legit projects.

And if that's not enough, the Bogazici Entrepreneurship Summit is where students turn their brilliant ideas into thriving startups, unleashing their inner boss babes and dudes.

But don't just take my word for it.

Check out these Bogazici alumni who are straight-up slaying the tech game:

• Omer Tuncer, the big cheese CEO of Getir, a delivery startup valued at a mind-blowing $7.5 billion
• Nevra Ozhatay, a Senior Director of Engineering at Uber, leading the charge on cutting-edge projects
• Candan Erenguc, the Chief Data Scientist at Sony, pioneering innovative AI solutions that'll blow your mind

These tech titans are just a few examples of the talent that Bogazici nurtures, setting the stage for shaping the future of technology in Turkey and beyond.

So if you're all about that tech life, Bogazici University is where you need to be.

The Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara is seriously the place to be for any tech geeks out there. This school is all about pushing boundaries and staying ahead of the curve.

Their Computer Engineering and Electrical and Electronics Engineering programs are straight-up killing it, ranking among the best in Turkey.

But it's not just about the classes.

METU's faculty is stacked with some heavy hitters in the tech world, collaborating with giants like Huawei, Microsoft, and IBM on cutting-edge research in AI, cybersecurity, and renewable energy tech.

Can you imagine the kind of real-world experience you'd get from that? It's like having a backstage pass to the future!

And if that's not enough, they've got partnerships with over 300 universities worldwide, so you can go globetrotting and still keep leveling up your skills.

Oh, and let's not forget about the facilities - they've got labs and maker spaces decked out with all the latest tech toys.

It's like a playground for tech nerds, and you get to play with the coolest gadgets and gizmos while you learn.

With a track record of success stories like Michael Smith, the co-founder of Peak Games, and Charles Williams, the founder of Logo Software, METU is clearly doing something right.

If you're serious about tech, this place should be at the top of your list, no doubt.

Istanbul Technical University (ITU) has been around since 1773, making it one of the oldest and most respected tech schools in Turkey.

This place is all about engineering and computer science, with programs that'll prepare you for the cutting-edge tech world. Their Computer Engineering and Electrical & Electronics Engineering majors are consistently ranked among the best in the country, thanks to brilliant professors like Dr. Ahmet Sayar and Dr. Seda Gürbüz Ögüdücü.

But what really sets ITU apart is the awesome opportunities they provide for tech lovers.

They've got killer facilities like the Technology Transfer Office and the Arı Teknokent where you can work on mind-blowing projects, collaborate with industry giants, and even turn your ideas into actual startups through their incubation programs.

Just check out some of their successful alumni:

• Mehmet Ökonomatcı: Co-founded Insider, a marketing tech unicorn worth over $1 billion.
• Hasan Kutlu: CEO of Reengen, a groundbreaking company that's changing the game in sustainable energy.
• Patricia Johnson: Chief Technology Officer at Turkcell, one of the biggest telecom companies in Turkey.

With a long history of excellence, top-notch faculty, and a commitment to nurturing tech talents, Istanbul Technical University is the place to be if you want to become a future tech leader in Turkey or anywhere else in the world.

Get ready to dive into the tech powerhouse that is Sabanci University! This Istanbul-based institution is a total game-changer, constantly pushing boundaries with innovative programs and cutting-edge research.

Their commitment to keeping it fresh and relevant in the digital age is seriously impressive. Just check out the lineup of stellar tech programs they offer, like Information Technologies, Data Science, and Cyber Security.

With top-notch faculty members leading the charge, you know you're in for an education that'll give you a serious edge in the job market. But it's not just about hitting the books – Sabanci University hooks you up with real-world experiences that'll have you feeling like a total pro before you even graduate.

We're talking internships with major tech players, opportunities to get your hands dirty in state-of-the-art research facilities, and even programs to help you turn your brilliant ideas into the next big startup!

This place has a reputation for churning out some seriously impressive alumni who are making waves in the tech world.

Like the PURE Summer Program, which gives undergrads a chance to contribute to groundbreaking research projects and score a sweet monthly stipend while they're at it.

Talk about a wild opportunity to level up your skills and make some connections that could pay off big time down the line.

If you're a total tech junkie looking for an education that'll set you up for success in the digital age, Sabanci University needs to be at the top of your list.

This place is the real deal, and trust me – you won't want to miss out on everything it has to offer.

Koç University is where it's at if you're a tech geek like me. Established in 1993, this place has been excelling with their top-notch tech programs.

Their Computer Engineering and Information Systems majors are like, the crème de la crème, always ranking among the best in Turkey. You'll be learning from the real MVPs in the game, like Dr. Emre Harmanci, who's a total boss when it comes to AI and machine learning.

Koç University is packing some serious heat with their state-of-the-art facilities.

We're talking the Mustafa V. Koc Research Center for Computational Sciences and the Arcelik Research Center for Creative Industries.

These places are like playgrounds for innovation and hands-on experience. They've got connections with tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Huawei. Can you say internship goals?

Speaking of goals, Koç University's alumni are straight-up crushing it in the tech world.

We're talking about ballers like Arda Kutsal, the founder of Webrazzi, Turkey's go-to tech media platform. Then there's Nevra Ozhatay, an AI researcher who bagged the prestigious L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award.

And let's not forget Susan Taylor, the CTO at Iyzico, a fintech unicorn that's making serious waves.

If you're looking to level up your tech game, Koç University has got you covered with programs like:

1. Computer Engineering
   This program offers BS, MS, and PhD levels, focusing on deep technical skills and innovation.
2. Information Systems
   This program provides a robust BS degree for those aiming to excel in information technologies.
3. Data Science and EngineeringMS curriculum designed for data-oriented careers.
4. Computational Science and EngineeringPhD.

These folks are committed to excellence, and they're shaping the future of Turkey's tech scene one innovative mind at a time.

So, if you're ready to redefine boundaries and drive innovation forward, Koç University is where you need to be.

Check out Bilkent University - this place is straight fire if you're into tech! Founded in 1984, it's been killing the game as one of Turkey's top schools for coding and all that good stuff.

Their Computer Engineering department is where it's at, with profs publishing over 300 fire research papers in top journals last year alone.

But it's not just theory, they keep it real with hands-on learning too.

Bilkent has partners with over 50 big tech companies like Microsoft and Intel, so students get to work on legit projects and score dope internships.

And let's not forget their insane facilities like the Cyberpark and nanotech research center - talk about state-of-the-art!

These guys mean business when it comes to research too.

In 2023, they locked down over $18 million in funding for tech projects. No surprise their alumni are crushing it in the industry, with success stories like Nevzat Aydın (co-founder of Yemeksepeti), Barbara Davis (former Google engineer, now CTO at PluralSight), and Hakan Baykam (co-founded Masomo, which got acquired by Pearson).

If you want to level up your tech game, Bilkent University is definitely one to consider.

Yildiz Technical University (YTU) has been around since 1911, and it's a total powerhouse when it comes to tech programs in Istanbul, Turkey.

With over 30,000 students and a squad of 1,800 professors, this place is like a playground for tech geeks. Their Computer Engineering department is stacked with heavy hitters like Dr. Ahmet Koltuksuz, who's a total boss in AI and machine learning.

But that's not all – YTU has teamed up with industry titans like Huawei, Microsoft, and Turkcell, giving students a chance to get their hands dirty with real-world experience and score some sweet internships.

One of the coolest things about YTU is their Technopark, a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

This place is like a startup incubator on steroids, housing over 300 tech startups where students can rub shoulders with industry pros and explore cutting-edge technologies.

And let's not forget about TeknoFest, YTU's annual tech extravaganza that draws in thousands of participants to showcase their mind-blowing projects and connect with the tech community.

These success stories are proof that YTU knows how to nurture tech talents and foster an entrepreneurial mindset.

With its state-of-the-art resources, industry collabs, and a track record of producing tech legends, Yildiz Technical University is poised to shape the future of Turkey's tech landscape in 2024 and beyond.

Check this out! IZTECH is making waves as the 153rd best university globally in the 2023 GreenMetric ranking. This coastal gem in Izmir is seriously stepping up its game, offering top-notch tech programs that'll make you an absolute coding wizard.

From Computer Engineering to Electrical and Electronics, their courses are on point, taught by industry pros and academic legends.

But it's not just about the books.

IZTECH is all about that hands-on action, hooking you up with dope projects, internships, and research gigs to get that real-world experience. Plus, they've got partnerships with major players like Havelsan, ASELSAN, and VESTEL, so you can make some serious connections in the tech world.

Talk about a leg up in your career!

And let's not forget the alumni squad. These IZTECH grads are straight-up killing it, like Daniel Perez, the boss at Pisbuk, and Nancy Anderson, a coding queen at Google.

They're living proof that this place churns out tech legends like nobody's business. If you're ready to level up your skills and get in on the action, IZTECH should definitely be on your radar.

Anadolu University in Eskişehir is where it's at for anyone craving a solid tech education. This place has been around for ages, clocking in over 60 years of dishing out top-notch programs and recruiting some seriously brilliant minds to teach.

Their Computer Engineering department is legit one of the best in Turkey, constantly ranking among the elite.

What sets Anadolu apart is how they keep it real with the industry.

They've teamed up with major tech companies, ensuring their curricula stay fresh and aligned with what employers are looking for. Students get to flex their skills through internships, work on groundbreaking research projects alongside their professors, and gain that invaluable real-world experience.

Speaking of professors, Dr. Fatih Alagöz is a total boss in AI, with his pioneering work earning global recognition.

For those of us tech junkies, Anadolu offers a smorgasbord of insane opportunities.

You've got the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation nurturing student-led tech startups, state-of-the-art labs and makerspaces to tinker with the latest gear, and even global exchange programs to collaborate with peers worldwide.

And let's not forget the accomplished alumni making waves in the tech scene, like Sarah White who co-founded the fintech startup Monochain and is crushing it with blockchain tech.

Look, Turkey is on fire in the tech game right now! The universities here are straight-up cranking out tech wizards who are ranked among the world's best in engineering and technology.

In 2024, places like Bilge Adam Coding Bootcamp and Istanbul Tech Talks are where it's at for leveling up your skills and networking.

Plus, tech giants like Arçelik are always on the lookout for fresh talent from these top schools.

Want some hard facts? Bilkent University, Middle East Technical University, and Istanbul Technical University are straight-up crushing it when it comes to churning out tech superstars.

These places have world-class professors, insane research labs, and connections with all the major players in the industry. No surprise that landing a sweet tech gig in Turkey is a total breeze if you graduate from one of these powerhouses.

But it's not just about the academics.

These top dogs hook you up with internships at killer companies, give you access to cutting-edge tech toys, let you work on game-changing research, and even pair you up with mentors who've been there and done that.

With the Turkish tech industry projected to be worth a mind-blowing $50 billion by 2030, now is definitely the time to get that degree and score your dream job.

Just ask Christopher Rodriguez from TurkTech Ventures - he knows what's up!