One of only three foundation universities in Türkiye officially recognized as a “Research University”

Sabancı University executes numerous future-shaping strategic initiatives toward its vision: becoming a leading global research university. The University is committed to educating self-confident individuals who embrace universal values, show compassion for the needs of society while focusing on creating solutions, internalize cooperation in creation and development, and are open to continuous development.

One of only three foundation universities in Türkiye officially recognized as a “Research University” by the Presidency of Strategy and Budget and the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), Sabancı University conducts research in faculties, centers, and forums with an interdisciplinary approach in basic and social sciences, engineering and technology, business and art. The University’s 10 centers and forums contribute to scientific research, economic development and society. Embracing research since its founding, Sabancı University has issued more than 8,500 publications* and obtained more than 315 patents*** to date. As of end-November 2023, the University has 285 active research projects with external funding and a total budget of TL 957 million.** According to the YÖK 2022 University Monitoring and Evaluation Report, Sabancı University ranked first among all universities in Türkiye with 30.66% of its budget spent on R&D. In 2023, Sabancı University faculty members published more than 635 scientific publications* and obtained 23 patents.***

* Data updated: 13.12.2023 (Scopus)
** Data updated: 30.11.2023
*** Data updated: 07.12.2023

A globally recognized university

Sabancı University ranks among the top universities in Times Higher Education (THE) 2024 World University Rankings.

• Sabancı University ranked 351-400 in 2024 THE World University Rankings globally and first among universities in Türkiye. In subject rankings, Sabancı University ranked 301-400 in Engineering, 176-200 in Social Sciences, 251-300 in Business and Economics, 401- 500 in Computer Science, and 501-600 in Physical Sciences.
• Sabancı University ranked 76^th in 2023 THE Asia University Rankings and 89^th in 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

Sabancı University Executive Development Unit (EDU) climbed to 36th worldwide in 2023 Financial Times Executive Education Rankings and is the only Turkish university represented. Sabancı Business School placed 81^st in Financial Times Executive MBA Rankings, one of only two Turkish universities on the list.

University-industry collaborations

Since its founding, Sabancı University has emphasized university-industry collaborations. The University has developed pioneering business models and completed many successful projects in partnership with leading companies and institutions. Sabancı University was presented with the University-Business Cooperation Award at the 2023 Outstanding Achievement Awards Ceremony held by YÖK in October 2023.

Sabancı University signed a letter of intent with Siro Silk Road Clean Energy Storage Technologies, in partnership with TOGG and Farasis Energy, to design educational programs in the field of batteries and energy storage.

Under an agreement signed by Sabancı University and TEI, Türkiye’s leading aviation engine manufacturer, a fan duct inner case was delivered for the TEI-TF6000 Turbofan Engine manufacturing project. Produced by Sabancı University’s Integrated Manufacturing Technologies Research and Application Center (SU IMC), the case was designed and developed for the first time in Türkiye and features Kordsa semifinished products.

Home to the country’s best students

More than 5,200 students are enrolled at Sabancı University: 82% undergraduate and 18% graduate students. In the 2023 Higher Education Institutions Exam, 802 students were placed at Sabancı University. The University regularly attracts the best high school graduates. Among students who chose to study at Sabancı University in 2023, 12% ranked in the top 1,000 nationwide. Foreign student enrollment at Sabancı University reached 13% in the 2023-2024 academic year.

The Make a Promise for the Future Scholarship Program provided full scholarships to eight students from the earthquake region who were placed at Sabancı University via the entrance exam. Three current students will also receive scholarships through the same program.

Disaster Awareness and Relief Management Course

After the earthquake disaster in February, Sabancı University designed a new course – Disaster Awareness and Relief Management – to give students a comprehensive understanding of disaster relief management principles and practices. The course started in Fall 2023-24 semester and is coordinated by Sabancı Business School. Topics covered include risk assessment, vulnerability analysis, logistics and resource management, evacuation procedures and personal preparation plans, communication and coordination in disaster relief, psychological aspects, and economic burden on society.

2023 Sakıp Sabancı International Research Awards

Sakıp Sabancı International Research Awards have been granted for 18 years following the will of Sakıp Sabancı, Honorary President of Sabancı University Board of Trustees, to recognize exceptional studies in the social sciences. In 2023, the theme of Sakıp Sabancı International Research Awards was “The 100th Anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye: Republicanism in Theory and Application.” This year, the Special Jury Prize was presented to Philip Pettit, L.S. Rockefeller Professor of Human Values at Princeton University since 2002 and Professor of Philosophy at the Australian National University since 2012.

Türkiye’s first campus to announce a net zero target

Prioritizing energy and climate issues since its founding, Sabancı University now aims to achieve a net zero energy target on its Tuzla campus. The University is a green campus and features a significant solar energy infrastructure. With the I-RECcertification 100% Green Energy Agreement signed with Enerjisa Enerji, Sabancı University meets all its energy needs from renewable energy sources. In 2023, 9,206 MWh of electrical energy consumed by the University was obtained from renewable energy sources. The Tuzla campus has a solar power plant and cogeneration system, installed in conjunction with Enerjisa. Solar panels are installed on all building roofs of the Tuzla campus to boost its total solar energy capacity to 1.1 MW.

Sabancı University’s campus buildings have natural ventilation and lighting. System working hours and temperatures are optimized to save energy on campus heating and cooling. EV charging stations are installed across the campus to encourage electric vehicle use and reduce vehicle emissions.

Pioneering work in social contribution

Sabancı University Istanbul International Center for Energy and Climate (IICEC) focuses on the world’s current issues and Türkiye’s agenda. A conference and panel were held this year with the theme “Changing Energy Geopolitics in the World, Climate Crisis and Türkiye.” This event aimed to address changing energy geopolitics in light of new developments and the climate crisis – the most pressing problem facing humanity. The IICEC also released its Türkiye Green Hydrogen Report 2023 at the conference. Conference speakers included Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director and IICEC Honorary Chair Fatih Birol, Sabancı University Founding Chair of the Board of Trustees Güler Sabancı, and IICEC Director Bora Şekip Güray.

In 2006, the University set out to support entrepreneurship by establishing Inovent, Türkiye’s first technology commercialization company. This year, Sabancı University launched SUCool Incubation Center and J-Start Venture Capital Investment Fund in cooperation with Sabancı Holding and Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ). SUCool Incubation Center offers start-ups a unique space to work, collaborate and network, with a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology. J-START Fund aims to invest in start-ups in Türkiye and give priority to deep-tech startups.