Which University is Best for Law in Turkey? Your 2026 Guide
- Zeynep Atım Kurucuk
- 2 minutes ago
- 7 min read
Let's be honest: choosing where to study law is a big deal. It’s not just about picking a school; it’s about choosing the launchpad for your entire career. If you're scrolling through pages, wondering, "Which university is best for law in Turkey?" you’re not alone. It’s a question we hear often.
The good news? Turkey is filled with incredible law faculties. The tricky part? Finding the one that fits you—your dreams, your budget, and your style of learning.
Think of this guide as a friendly chat with an experienced mentor. We’re Kurucuk & Associates, a law firm right here in Istanbul. We’ve worked with brilliant graduates from all these universities, and we’ve seen firsthand how their different journeys shape the lawyers they become. Let’s walk through your options together, so you can make a choice you feel great about.
So, How Does Law School Actually Work in Turkey?
Before we dive into rankings and reputations, let's get a feel for the lay of the land. Understanding the system is your first step to mastering it.
The Lay of the Land: Law Faculties in Turkey
In Turkey, law is primarily an undergraduate journey. You’ll spend four years earning your LL.B. degree at what’s called a Hukuk Fakültesi. All these programs are accredited by YÖK (the Council of Higher Education), which keeps the quality high and the curriculum rigorous, perfectly designed to prepare you for the bar exams set by the Türkiye Barolar Birliği (the Union of Turkish Bar Associations).
What Will Your Four Years Look Like?
Get ready for a fascinating mix of theory and practice. The first couple of years are about building a rock-solid foundation in core subjects like Civil Law, Criminal Law, and Constitutional Law. As you move into your third and fourth years, you get to spread your wings with electives. Fancy a career in international business? Human rights? Tech law? This is where you start to carve your own path.
A Key Decision: Turkish or English?
This is more than just a language choice; it’s a career direction.
Turkish-Taught Programs:
The classic path. If you dream of arguing cases in a Turkish courtroom or working deep within the national legal system, this is the way to go.
English-Taught Programs:
The global path. If you see yourself in an international law firm, working as in-house counsel for a multinational company, or pursuing a master's abroad, a %100 English law faculty in Turkey gives you a powerful advantage.
The Titans: Turkey's Top Public Law Universities
These universities are the bedrock of Turkish legal education. They are steeped in history, respected beyond measure, and known for producing legal giants.
Istanbul University Law Faculty: The Legacy
Walking through the halls of Istanbul University Law Faculty is like walking through history. As the oldest law school in the country, its reputation is legendary. The education is intense and demanding, and it shows: their graduates consistently top the bar exam pass rates. If you want a name on your diploma that commands immediate respect throughout Turkey, this is it. The alumni network is vast and influential, opening doors across the profession.
Ankara University Law Faculty: The Heart of Power
Located in the nation's capital, Ankara University Law Faculty has a natural affinity for public law, governance, and the legislative process. Its proximity to government institutions offers a unique perspective you won't find elsewhere. It’s a top performer in the KPSS hukuk sıralaması (the exam for public sector legal jobs), making it the perfect launchpad for a career as a judge, prosecutor, or high-level government lawyer.
Anadolu University Law: The Respected Contender
Don't let the slightly more accessible entry requirements fool you. Anadolu University offers a robust and highly respected law program. It’s a fantastic public university option that produces incredibly capable and successful lawyers, known for their strong practical skills and dedication.
The Innovators: Leading Private Law Schools
If public universities are the timeless classics, private ones are the sleek, modern innovators. They offer smaller classes, a global outlook, and often, a different kind of prestige.
Koç University Law School: The Global Leader
When people talk about the top private law schools, Koç University Law School is often the first name that comes up. It’s dynamic, forward-thinking, and deeply international. With its %100 English law faculty and a campus buzzing with students from exchange programs like Erasmus, it feels like a global hub. Graduates from Koç are snapped up by the best international law firms in Istanbul and beyond.
Bilkent University Law Faculty: The Academic Powerhouse
Bilkent University Law Faculty is Koç's fierce rival, and for good reason. It’s known for its uncompromising academic standards and a faculty that includes some of the brightest legal minds in the country. The program, also in English, pushes you to think critically and master legal research. Bilkent’s career services and powerful alumni network ensure you’re not just educated—you’re set up for success.
Sabancı University Law: The Disruptor
Sabancı University entered the legal education scene with a fresh, interdisciplinary approach. Their law program encourages you to blend your legal studies with business, technology, and social sciences. It’s ideal for the future lawyer who doesn’t want to be put in a box and who thrives on innovation.
BAU & Özyeğin University Law: The Rising Stars
Both Bahçeşehir University (BAU) and Özyeğin University have built modern, agile law faculties with a sharp focus on the real world. They emphasize moot court competitions, practical legal skills, and have strong ties to the legal industry for internships. They are excellent choices for students who learn by doing.
How to Make Your Choice: It's All About You
So, with all these amazing options, how do you decide? Remember, the "best" law school is the one that's best for you. Let's break down what really matters.
What to Look For in Your Future Law School
Reputation & Professors:
Look beyond the name. Who will be teaching you? Look up the faculty and their work.
Bar Exam Success:
For a domestic career, this is one of the most important numbers to check.
International Vibe:
Does the university have strong exchange programs? Are there double-degree options? This expands your world.
Internship Access:
Being in a legal hub like Istanbul or Ankara means more opportunities to get real-world experience while you study.
What Happens After You Graduate?
The job market for law graduates in Turkey is strong, especially for those from the universities we've discussed. But here’s a secret from our side of the desk: at Kurucuk & Associates, we don’t just look at the degree. We look for candidates who have gone the extra mile—those with relevant internships for law students and a portfolio of practical skills like legal research and writing. Your degree opens the door; your experience gets you the job.
Navigating Costs and Scholarships
Let's talk numbers. Tuition fees are a real factor. Public universities are significantly more affordable. Private universities come with a higher price tag, but they also offer generous scholarships for law students, based on both merit and financial need. Our advice? Always, always check the official university websites—there are more opportunities than you might think.
Side-by-Side: Public vs. Private at a Glance
A View from the Profession: Insights from Our Firm
As practicing lawyers in Istanbul, we get to see the final product. Here’s what we notice when a new graduate walks in for an interview.
What Makes a Graduate Stand Out?
Your university's name gets our attention, but it’s your skills that win us over. We look for sharp analytical reasoning, the ability to write clearly and persuasively, and a professional attitude that says you’re ready to be part of a team. Passion and curiosity are impossible to teach, but easy to spot.
Why Internships are Your Secret Weapon
We can’t stress this enough. The students who walk into their first job with confidence are the ones who’ve already spent time in a law firm, a court, or a legal clinic. Internships for law students in Turkey are not just a line on your CV; they are your training ground. They transform abstract legal concepts into tangible skills.
The Modern Turkish Law Graduate
The best Turkish law schools have evolved. They’re no longer just about memorizing codes. They foster debate, encourage critical thinking, and simulate real-world legal challenges. The graduates we hire from these faculties are increasingly ready to contribute from day one, and that’s a wonderful thing to see.
Your Questions, Answered
You’ve got questions, we’ve got straightforward answers.
Which university offers law in English in Turkey?
Several top-tier options do! Koç University Law School, Bilkent University Law Faculty, and Sabancı University are the standout choices, offering a fully international experience.
Is Koç University better than Bilkent for law?
It’s a tie in quality, but a choice in style. Koç has an undeniable prestige and is in the heart of Istanbul's legal market. Bilkent, in Ankara, is an academic fortress known for its rigorous standards. Your choice depends on whether you thrive in a fast-paced commercial hub or a focused academic capital.
What is the bar exam pass rate for Istanbul University?
Istanbul University Law Faculty is consistently a top performer in the Turkish bar exam. While the exact percentage changes each year, it is always among the very best, as confirmed by the official reports from the Türkiye Barolar Birliği.
Are scholarships available for international law students in Turkey?
Absolutely! Universities like Koç, Bilkent, and Sabanci offer substantial scholarships for international students based on your academic record. Also, look into the Türkiye Scholarships program run by the government.
How to apply to Turkish law faculties as a foreign student?
Most international students apply either directly to the university or by taking the YÖS (Foreign Student Examination). Each university has its own deadlines and requirements, so your first stop should be their international student admissions webpage.
Wrapping It Up
Your journey to becoming a lawyer is an exciting one. Turkey is home to world-class law faculties, each with its own unique character and strengths. The question of which university is best for law in Turkey truly depends on the lawyer you want to become. Whether you’re drawn to the historic halls of Istanbul University, the global stage at Koç, or the academic intensity of Bilkent, you are starting from a position of strength. Trust your instincts, consider your goals, and choose the path that feels right for you.
Let's Talk About Your Future in Law
Feeling a little clearer, or perhaps have more questions? We’re here to help.
At Kurucuk & Associates, our team in Istanbul includes lawyers who have walked these very paths. We love guiding the next generation of lawyers through the maze of Turkish legal education, admissions, and career planning.
Ready to take the next step? Reach out for a friendly conversation to discuss your future in law.
