Balikesir University

Balıkesir University dates back to 1910 when the Karesi Teacher Training School was established. In 1982 the school merged with several other higher education institutions to form the university. It became Balıkesir University in 1993.

With a student population of just under 40,000, it is one of Turkey’s larger public university, serving both local and international populations. 

The university is situated in the city of Balıkesir, in northwestern Turkey. 

The university operates across two main campuses: the expansive Çağış Campus on the outskirts of the city, home to administrative units, engineering, science, and arts faculties, sports and student facilities, and NEF Campus downtown, home to the faculty of education and sports education departments.

Academically, the university comprises 14 faculties including medicine, engineering and architecture, education, sciences and arts, fine arts, law, theology, economics and administrative sciences, sports sciences, veterinary medicine, and tourism. Each faculty is divided into different departments which offer a range of degree programmes at both undergraduate and graduate degree level. 

The university is also home to four institutes, 12 vocational schools, and numerous research and training centres. 

Internationalisation is an important part of the university’s activity. Since joining the Erasmus programme in 2004, the university has developed over 130 Erasmus agreements across Europe and maintains exchanges with universities in other regions. Its International Office also supports international students with Turkish-preparatory courses.