Studying architecture in Turkey is becoming increasingly popular among international students. The architectural sector in Turkey is developing and restructuring day by day with the impact of technology. In recent years; new concepts such as sustainability, architectural robots and smart cities are frequently mentioned. The field of architecture now aims to produce solutions for the future beyond meeting the needs of people and society. Elements such as population, economy, politics, technology have an impact on the architecture sector in the world and in Turkey. Traditional understanding and methods leave their place to a different system and new searches.
Required exams for studying architecture
International students who want to study architecture in Turkey need to certify some of their qualifications. At this point, they are expected to certify their proficiency in the language they will study. And also; The academic success of prospective students is another important condition. Only high school diplomas or grade point averages are not enough to certify academic success. There are also some exams they have to take. There is no central application system in Turkey for international students. Student candidates must apply to the relevant universities. Detailed information is available on the universities' websites. If students aim to study in English, they must take any of the IELTS or TOEFL exams.
Universities providing architectural education in Turkey may also prefer to apply their own language exams from time to time. However; IELTS and TOEFL exams are considered valid for many universities. In this sense, students must achieve the required minimum score. The result documents are sent to the universities during the application. The minimum score for IELTS is generally considered to be 6.5. For TOEFL, the minimum score must be 80.
Universities have different criteria for academic success. The required minimum grade point average differs according to each university. However, students are expected to take either SAT or ACT. At this point, it is known that the SAT exam is more accepted. For this reason, the SAT exam is recommended for international students. ACT may be seen as inadequate by some universities. The SAT exam, on the other hand, gives students more advantages. It strengthens their hands at the point of their acceptance.
Best universities for studying architecture in Turkey
Istanbul Technical University has a very important position when it comes to architectural education in Turkey. The Faculty of Architecture hosts over 3,000 students. The faculty offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. At the graduate level, 23 different programs are offered to students.
ITU Faculty of Architecture attaches importance to national and international collaborations for architectural education in Turkey. It is aimed to carry the research carried out within the faculty to international platforms. In this sense, there are many research centers and laboratories within the university. ITU also continues to develop university-industry collaborations. There are many student clubs within the faculty. Design Club, Construction Club, Comics and Animation Club are known as some of them.
Another university that stands out in the field of architecture is the Middle East Technical University. The university is briefly and commonly referred to as METU. It has been in existence since 1956. The Faculty of Architecture is the first faculty of the university. METU Faculty of Architecture focuses on the research of natural and artificial systems including cities, buildings and industrial products. It is in an important and pioneering position for architectural education in Turkey.
The faculty curriculum is shaped around two basic disciplines of design and planning. The courses aim to bring together knowledge, methodology, theory and high-level professional skills. And also; The training is supported by field studies. Education both refers to our cultural heritage and emphasizes universal forms of energy, housing and settlement. Local and universal are associated in the design and planning processes.
