Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University
Strengths
Established in 2010 by the General Directorate of Foundations of the Republic of Turkey, the FSMVU represents a reference point for Turkish higher education and research. Nestled in the historic heart of Istanbul, the campus boasts buildings steeped in the rich history of Ottoman Istanbul, offering a truly unique setting.
The university is subsidized by the famous Fatih Sultan Mehmet Waqf (charitable fund), founded in 1471 by Sultan Mehmet II the Conqueror of Istanbul to preserve and protect the Hagia Sofia mosque, which was then extended to finance education and has continued to provide funds for learning ever since.
Major, Academics
The courses will be taught in English
https://int.fsm.edu.tr/Uluslararasi-Ofis-Academic–Undergraduate-Programs
Campus
The university is located on Istanbul’s historic peninsula, in the heart of the city, in buildings whose history dates back to the first centuries of Ottoman Istanbul. The university plays an important role in a place where everyday life blends with culture, history and art. It aims to be a meeting point for all students, academics and cooperation with other higher education establishments.
The FSMVU currently has 8 faculties, 1 institute, 2 professional schools, 3 language schools, 22 research centers and 5 centers located on 7 campuses in Istanbul’s historic peninsula.
To discover
Istanbul is a bustling metropolitan city of over 15 million inhabitants, and Turkey’s center for commerce, finance, arts, culture and education. It is also steeped in history and boasts a rich cultural heritage. Istanbul was the capital of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires. It has nurtured a myriad of cultures and has always retained a rich cosmopolitan character, making it an ideal place for intercultural education. Istanbul is home to a quarter of Turkey’s population and nearly 50 universities.
Your stay in Istanbul is not complete without a cruise on the Bosphorus. Not only does this offer a great overview of the city, but the European and Asian shores of the famous channel have much to offer: many ancient palaces and mansions can be found here, as well as the Leander Tower.
Also not to be missed is Saint Sophia: built as a church in the 6th century, it later became a mosque when the Ottomans took control of the city in the 15th century.
And it’s precisely this change of religion that has given it this absolutely exceptional architecture. Indeed, as the dome and minarets testify, Saint Sophia blends elements typical of Christian churches and mosques.
Topkapi Palace is the former main residence of the sultans. The site has witnessed the passing of various rulers of the Ottoman Empire over a period of almost 400 years.
Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is one of the city’s symbols, and the largest covered market in the world. And contrary to popular belief, the Grand Bazaar is no tourist magnet. Locals also come here to buy their products. However, this does not mean that all stalls are filled with authentic products. Counterfeit and poor-quality products are in circulation, and prices can be excessive.
So we need to be prepared for the negotiation exercise. Don’t worry, it’s not frowned upon. You might even say it’s traditional.
Other highlights include the Galata Tower, the Blue Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace and the Basilica Cistern.
Good to know
Istanbul is unique in that it is located on two continents at once. It’s a unique fact, often referred to as the meeting place of East and West.
With such a strategic location, the town attracted a lot of interest. Thus, many peoples had control over the city once called Byzantium, Constantinople, before it became Istanbul.
The city is vast, but perfectly organized for exploring on foot, complemented by hop-on hop-off bus, streetcar, metro and especially boat trips. Frequent and inexpensive, public ferries offer superb views in a delightful blend of romance and wafting diesel.
The cost of living in Istanbul is estimated at around 650 euros/month (including rent).
What's going on?
The number of places in Erasmus + is limited. The granting of the scholarship is therefore not automatic and the amount may vary. However, we invite you to apply because exchange places (excluding Erasmus +) may be offered. Please refer to the Erasmus+ section.
This information is provided as a guide.
Please visit the partner university’s website to have exact updated information.
Eligibility
TOEFL 550
ABS 2nd, 3rd, 4th year
ESAM 2rn, 3rd, 4th year
ICD PGE
Documents required
Resume (in English)
Grades transcript
ID Document
Cover letter (in English)
Additional documents will be requested according to the destination
Planning
AUTUMN
Orientation: few days before lectures start
Lectures start : early October
End of lectures and exams : end of January
SPRING
Orientation: few days before lectures start
Lectures start : end of February
End of lectures and exams: end of June
https://iso.fsm.edu.tr/International-Relations-Academic—Academic-Calendar-
Procedures
Identity card or passport (mandatory for destinations outside the EU) valid for six months after your return date.
Students are required to take out health insurance before applying for a residence permit in Turkey.
At your arrival, you must apply for a residence permit and obtain an appointment within 30 days. This will allow you to enter and leave Turkey without having to re-apply for a visa. Students who do not obtain an appointment for a residence permit within 30 days will have to leave the country and return. In this case, the student is required to obtain an appointment for the residence permit within 10 days.
https://iso.fsm.edu.tr/International-Relations-Useful-Info–Residence-Permits
https://ipo.fsm.edu.tr/International-Programs-Office-IPO-Incoming-Erasmus-Student-Mobility–Residence-Permits
Accommodation
The FSMVU does not currently offer any student accommodation.
