Turkish-German University

Turkish-German University Overview

The Turkish-German University (TAÜ), known as Türk-Alman Üniversitesi in Turkish and Türkisch-Deutsche Universität in German, is a remarkable testament to the collaborative partnership between the Republic of Turkey and the Federal Republic of Germany. Located in the vibrant city of Istanbul, this prestigious institution was established through a bilateral agreement, and it operates as a state university in full compliance with Turkish higher education regulations.

At its core, the university's mission is to bridge the rich traditions and achievements of Turkish and German higher education in the realms of research and teaching. Additionally, TAÜ aspires to make significant contributions to scientific, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

TAÜ proudly defines itself as a research university within the academic spectrum. A distinctive feature of this institution is its commitment to providing education free of charge, further underscoring its dedication to fostering accessible and quality education.

A hallmark of TAÜ's educational approach is its multilingualism. In undergraduate programs, the primary language of instruction is predominantly German, while in postgraduate programs, the choice of language—be it German or English—depends on the specific academic requirements. Notably, the university has plans to confer dual degrees, or joint degrees, in collaboration with German partner universities, in addition to Turkish university diplomas.

Nestled in the scenic locale of Beykoz on the Asian side of the Istanbul Strait, TAÜ commenced its educational journey during the 2013/2014 academic year, offering a handful of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Remarkably, by the 2021/2022 academic year, the university had expanded its academic offerings to encompass fifteen distinct undergraduate programs.

One of the hallmarks of TAÜ is its inclusive approach to language requirements for admission. Proficiency in the German language is not a prerequisite for prospective students. For those without prior knowledge of German, the university offers a one-year preparatory program to equip them with the necessary language skills. Those with a high level of proficiency in German, determined through a language proficiency examination, can commence their studies directly.

Incorporating a blend of Turkish and German educational traditions, TAÜ represents a remarkable partnership between Turkey and Germany. Its picturesque campus, situated in the Beykoz district on the Anatolian side of the Bosphorus, stands as a testament to the shared vision of these two nations.

The inception of the idea to establish a Turkish-German university can be traced back to as early as 1912, when a committee was formed in Berlin with the aim of creating an Ottoman-German university on the shores of the Bosphorus. However, the concept of founding TAÜ truly gained momentum with the signing of a cultural agreement between Germany and Turkey on May 8, 1957. Initial plans for the university were developed in the 1990s during the chancellorship of Helmut Kohl and the collaboration of Mesut Yılmaz. Unfortunately, due to primarily financial reasons, these plans remained unrealized, particularly in light of Germany's reunification. It was not until December 6, 2007, that an intergovernmental agreement was signed between the two countries. Subsequently, on May 30, 2008, the agreement was officially signed by the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Babacan, the German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and the German Federal Minister of Education and Research, Annette Schavan, as part of the Ernst Reuter Initiative for cultural dialogue and understanding. On April 10, 2010, the law establishing the Turkish-German University was published in the Official Gazette.

In June 2009, under the auspices of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), a consortium responsible for the academic design of TAÜ was established in coordination with the Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK), which oversees the Turkish side's involvement. Initially comprising 22 German universities, the consortium has since grown to include 39 members, consisting of 38 universities and DAAD. The executive board of the consortium, led by former President of the German Bundestag Rita Süssmuth, includes representatives from six universities. Besides university partners, private foundations and commercial enterprises also play a role in the planning process. Legally, the institution operates under Turkish higher education laws.