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Exchange Program: Sabanci University

Istanbul, Turkey

Sabanci University is a private educational institution founded by the Sabanci Group in July 1994. The Sabanci family, which is well-known in Turkey through a variety of businesses and community development projects, founded the university to create a “world university” that would produce Turkey’s leaders in education and industry. When the University opened its doors in 1999, it became the first and only college in Turkey to offer a liberal arts undergraduate curriculum, with options of earning a degree in management or economics. Aside from the curriculum, the university has also received both applause and criticism for adopting a statement of academic freedom and hosting a small number of controversial faculty members. Today, SU is still a small and highly focused university. Students enjoy the convenience of living on a state-of-the-art, self-sufficient campus, that is only an hour away from the heart of Istanbul.

Please note: students are not accepted into the program until they submit their application and deposit to the UF International Center. You can start your online application today!

The City

The city of Istanbul, Turkey

Sabanci University is located in Tuzla, a quiet, suburb of Istanbul, located approximately 45 miles from the city center. Once a Greek fishing village, the town became more industrial in the 1980s and began hosting shipyards that are still active today. The maze of narrow streets in the town center still gives Tuzla a small town look and feel. Famous for its seafront and many seafood restaurants, it has become a popular location for wealthy Istanbul residents and retirees who want refuge from the city without leaving it altogether.

Istanbul is a very populated and lively city, where east literally meets west. In fact, Istanbul is the only city in the world that occupies two continents. The people are friendly and outgoing and most citizens speak English well, especially the younger, “Turks”. The city is very large and is situated among rugged hills and the famed Bosphorus, which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. The beauty, history, and diversity of Istanbul cannot be compared to any other country. You will not be at a loss for things to do or see in the city or country, and the cuisine and nightlife are both spectacular.

Student Life

Sabanci University campus, Istanbul, Turkey

Living spaces and University facilities on campus have been carefully designed to provide the ideal educational environment for students. SU provides students with an elite cultural atmosphere by providing several galleries, a museum, and a performing arts center. For sports enthusiasts, the Sabanci Sports center contains a multi-purpose court for basketball, volleyball, and handball; two aerobics studios, a climbing wall, weight room, and locker rooms with showers. In addition to these on campus amenities, there are an unlimited number of outdoor recreational activities for students to enjoy during their free time. Students will find wonderful locations to swim, fish, hike, and swim near the campus. Kilyos and the wonderful beaches of the Princess Islands scattered in the Marmara Sea can be reached by boat or car and offer wonderful daily or weekly excursions.

Istanbul, Turkey, view from the water

Term Dates

Fall: late September – late January*
Spring: mid February – mid June
Summer: early July – mid August

*Sabanci can assist students in working with their faculty to ensure that any final exams/projects can be done in time to allow the student to return for the UF spring semester.

Courses Available

Use our course equivalency database to see which courses available at Sabanci University would apply toward your UF degree!

Language of Instruction

At Sabanci University courses are taught in English.

Grade Conversion

Sabanci Letter GradeSabanci CoefficientUF Equivalent
A4.0A
A-3.7A-
B+3.3B+
B3.0B
C+2.3C+
C-1.7C-
D+1.3D+
D1.0D
F0F

Credit Conversion

ECTS creditUF credit
3 ECTS credits2 UF credits
5 ECTS credits3 UF credits
6 ECTS credits4 UF credits

Estimated Expenses

Rough Expense ComparisonSemester at UFSemester at SU
UF Tuition$3,190$3,190
UFIC Admin. Fee-$425
Health Insurance-$175
Airfare-$1,500
Housing / Utilities$2,995$2,200
Computer / Cell Phone$585$350
Food$2,300$1,500
Books$445$200
Transportation$560$400
Visa-$100
Total$10,075$10,040

Currency

Turkey New Lira (TRY).

Accommodation

Campus housing is guaranteed to exchange students if they indicate university housing in the application form. Dorm rooms, which accommodate 2 or 4 students, are equipped with showers, closets, and personal telephones. Students have the opportunity to study at their personal desks, which are all equipped with internet connections, or work with their friends in study halls which have internet as well. When students want to relax, they can go to common TV rooms on each floor and use the vending machines for sandwiches and drinks. Dorm rooms, are designed so students can study or sleep whenever they desire without disturbing their roommates. A private cleaning staff ensures that the housing and all shared common spaces maintain a high level of hygiene. Students are provided free access to the automatic washing machines, driers, and irons available in each laundry room on campus. International students may also request to live with a host family who lives close to the university. Students apply for this opportunity upon arrival to SU.

Travel Opportunities

Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul, Turkey

The University is 45 miles from Istanbul’s city center and connected by regular shuttle services that depart in front of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences building. The University is also 25 miles from the Coastal city of Izmit and 250 miles from Ankara, the capital of Turkey. For students who want travel to other countries, the University is only less than 5 miles from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, where you can get a short plane ride to Bulgaria, Romania, Egypt, and Italy.