Would you like to spend your semester abroad in one of the world’s most fascinating cities—at a university that combines academic excellence with a truly cosmopolitan spirit? Then Koç University in Istanbul is the perfect choice for you. As the only university in Turkey with the globally coveted Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA), it ranks among less than one percent of business schools worldwide that hold this status. Koç University combines a U.S.-style liberal arts model with a modern, entirely English-speaking campus high above the Bosphorus. And as if that weren’t enough: Istanbul itself is a city that never lets you go—between the Bosphorus and the Old City, between baklava and street food, between millennia of history and a vibrant nightlife. Who knows—maybe you’ll soon be embarking on your Erasmus adventure in one of the most exciting cities in the world?
Koç University was founded in 1993 by the Vehbi Koç Vakfı—one of Turkey’s leading philanthropic foundations—as a nonprofit private university. What began as a small college in Istinye has, in just over three decades, evolved into one of the most prestigious research universities in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Today, the university is located on a spacious, modern campus in Rumelifeneri, a quiet coastal town in northwestern Istanbul that overlooks both the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.
Koç University’s educational model is deliberately modeled after North American liberal arts universities: interdisciplinary thinking, active learning formats, and close interaction between students and faculty are at the core of its approach. The majority of professors earned their doctorates at leading universities in North America and Western Europe—and accordingly bring international perspectives and research networks to the university. All courses are taught in English, making it easy for international students to get started. The university is organized into six colleges: Administrative Sciences & Economics, Engineering, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Humanities & Social Sciences, Law, and Medicine. The program is complemented by the renowned Graduate School of Business. The close integration of basic research, practice-oriented education, and corporate partnerships is reflected in the strong employability of graduates—many secure attractive job offers even before they graduate.
Koç University is international on several levels: With around 300 partner universities in 60 countries, an active Erasmus community, and a vibrant campus life featuring students from all over the world, an Erasmus semester here is a truly enriching experience. The International Community Services Office (ICO) supports exchange students from the moment they arrive until they depart—with a buddy program, cultural excursions, and a wide network of support services. In international university rankings, Koç University ranks 323rd in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 301st–350th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026—making it the top-ranked Turkish university in this ranking. It is particularly strong in the fields of business, economics, and engineering.
Koç University’s main campus is located in Rumelifeneri, a small coastal town in the far northwest of Istanbul, perched high on a peninsula overlooking the Black Sea. What at first glance sounds like a secluded location quickly turns out to be one of the most charming places to study in Europe: nature is right at your doorstep, the atmosphere is open and international, and the campus itself offers everything you need for a fulfilling academic experience.
The campus, with its compact layout and facilities, is reminiscent of U.S. liberal arts campuses: modern teaching and laboratory buildings, a well-equipped library, sports facilities, swimming pools, cafeterias, and the Sevgi Gönül Cultural Center, which hosts concerts, exhibitions, and theater performances year-round. Approximately 3,700 dormitory beds are spread across the main campus and the West Campus, located three kilometers away—the latter featuring its own fitness center, indoor pool, and regular shuttle service.
Transportation to the city center is convenient: By metro (Line M2 from Hacıosman) and connecting buses or minibuses, you can reach the center of Istanbul in about 45 minutes—enough time to enjoy the impressive Bosphorus skyline along the way.
In addition to its main campus in Rumelifeneri, Koç University operates the İstinye Campus, which serves as a modern conference and training center and is located directly on the shores of the Bosphorus—an impressive setting for guest lectures and events.
Istanbul is not a city that can be easily described—it must be experienced. With a population of around 16 million, it is the largest city in Europe and, at the same time, one of the few metropolises that straddles two continents. The tension between Europe and Asia, between modernity and tradition, between the Bosphorus ferry and the metro network makes Istanbul a unique place to explore—especially for young people who want to discover the world.
The cityscape is breathtakingly diverse: The Old City, with Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar, stands alongside vibrant neighborhoods like Karaköy, Cihangir, or Kadıköy, where small galleries, trendy cafés, and street food markets set the tone. Those seeking nature will find it right on the doorstep of the Koç Campus—in Belgrade Forest, along the shores of the Black Sea, or on one of the Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara.
Life in Istanbul is affordable by European standards: dining out, public transportation, and many leisure activities cost significantly less than in major Western European cities. For exchange students at Koç University, living in the campus dormitory is recommended—it’s convenient, safe, and offers a very active social life. The annual dorm fees, including all utilities, are reasonable and offer good value for the money. Those who prefer to live in the city can find affordable shared rooms and studios, especially in the neighborhoods of Sarıyer, Beşiktaş, or Şişli.
Another plus: Istanbul is an excellent starting point for travel. Direct flights to many European cities are affordable and frequent. The city is ideally located for weekend trips to Greece, Croatia, or throughout Turkey itself.
Munich Business School (MBS) offers you the chance to combine your studies in Munich with a semester abroad at Koç University in Istanbul—all within a single program! You can complete your semester abroad at Koç University as part of the following degree programs at MBS:
Find out more about our academic programs now!
Note: Despite careful maintenance of our content, individual details regarding the semester abroad may occasionally change. For binding and up-to-date information, we recommend checking our partner university database.
Have you found a degree program that piques your interest? If so, you can easily apply through the MBS application portal. Provided you meet the necessary academic and language requirements, you will then be invited to a selection interview. We recommend applying early to give yourself the best chance of being accepted to both Munich Business School and Koç University!
Once your application to Munich Business School has been accepted and you have successfully enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program, your time as a student in Munich begins. During your first semesters at Munich Business School, you’ll acquire important business fundamentals, choose your areas of concentration and electives based on your degree program and interests, and collaborate with your fellow students on exciting projects.
The first few semesters at Munich Business School are also the ideal time to plan your semester abroad at Koç University. When your semester abroad at Koç University takes place depends on your degree program and when you started your studies. If you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Munich Business School and began your studies in the fall, your semester abroad will take place during your fourth semester. If you started your bachelor’s program in February, you’ll go abroad in the sixth semester. For master’s students, the semester abroad is scheduled for the third semester.
The MBS International Center is here to provide you with advice and support as you plan your semester abroad at Koç University and will answer all your questions about course selection, housing, and student life.
Now that you’ve successfully completed your first semesters at Munich Business School and finalized your plans for your semester abroad at Koç University, it’s finally time to get started. Yay, your semester abroad in Istanbul is about to begin! Immerse yourself in the new university culture, make new friends, soak up everything around you, try new things, and create memories that will last a lifetime!
One thing is certain: the experience of your semester abroad in Istanbul will stay with you forever—and you’ll return a changed person. After your semester abroad, you’ll either return to Munich Business School for one to three more semesters (Bachelor’s program) or complete your degree with your thesis (Master’s program).
To qualify for a business degree program at Munich Business School—and thus also at Koç University—you must meet certain academic and language requirements. MBS offers several application rounds. We recommend applying early, as the number of available spots is limited.
For many students, a semester abroad at Koç University in Istanbul is a dream destination—and for good reason! At the same time, studying abroad in Turkey raises many practical questions. To help you embark on your adventure well-informed and fully prepared, we’ve compiled the most important questions about studying at Koç University for you.
Yes—and the numbers back that up. Koç University ranks 323rd in the 2026 QS World University Rankings and is Turkey’s top-ranked university in the Times Higher Education Ranking (301st–350th globally). Its Business School is the only institution of higher education in Turkey to hold the Triple Crown—simultaneous accreditation by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. Fewer than 1% of all business schools worldwide hold this distinction. For international exchange students, Koç University is not only academically excellent but also particularly accessible: All courses are taught in English, and the Office of International Programs provides professional support to incoming students through every step of the organizational process.
As an Erasmus student at MBS, you will be admitted to Koç University as an exchange student. The application and nomination deadlines for the fall and spring semesters are typically between April and June. Once you have been successfully nominated through the MBS International Center, you will apply via Koç University’s KUAPP portal. Once there, you can expect a structured orientation program, the Koç Guides Buddy Program for intercultural encounters, and a wide range of courses from all six colleges. There are no tuition fees for Erasmus students from the EU.
Compared to major cities in Western Europe, Istanbul is extremely affordable. Eating out at restaurants and cafés, using public transportation, and participating in many leisure activities are significantly cheaper than in Munich, Vienna, or Oslo. The biggest expense is usually housing: Students living in the Koç University campus dorm pay a reasonable annual flat rate that includes all utilities. Private apartments or shared apartments in nearby neighborhoods can be more expensive, depending on the location and amenities. Overall, it’s possible to live very well and comfortably in Istanbul on a moderate budget—while experiencing a city that few others can match.
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