Sabancı University Erasmus+ Exchange — What Your Institution Needs to Know

Sabancı University is a leading host institution in Istanbul for Erasmus+ mobility, supporting both incoming and outgoing students.

Core Program Features at a Glance

• Duration: one or two semesters.
• Tuition: waived for Erasmus+ exchange students at Sabancı University and at host institutions for outgoing SU students.
• Credit recognition: managed through the ECTS framework to ensure academic portability.
• Language of instruction: English; high proficiency is expected.
• Financials: tuition waived, but students cover living and incidental expenses; some outgoing students may receive partial Erasmus+ grants from the national agency.

Why These Features Matter for Recruiters and Admissions Teams

• Tuition waiver increases attractiveness for scholarship-seeking students and international pipelines.
• ECTS credit transfer reduces administrative friction for degree progression and recognition.
• Clear language expectations let recruiters target candidates with appropriate levels of English proficiency, increasing completion and satisfaction rates.

Incoming Students — Eligibility, Nomination and Application Process

Eligibility and Nomination

• Eligibility: student must be a full-time registered student at a partner university that holds an Erasmus bilateral agreement with Sabancı University.
• Nomination: must come directly from the home institution. Partner universities are responsible for nominating candidates to Sabancı’s International Relations Office.
• Key dates: nomination deadlines are May 15 for the Fall semester and October 15 for the Spring semester. Final application deadlines are May 31 (Fall) and October 31 (Spring).

English Proficiency and Documentation

• Language: instruction is in English. Although Sabancı University does not require an official certificate for incoming Erasmus students, students are expected to have a high level of English (equivalent to TOEFL PBT 550 / TOEFL iBT 80 / CEFR B2).
• Documents typically required: nomination from the home institution, transcript, course preferences for the Online Learning Agreement (OLA), passport copy and a photo.

Course Selection and Academic Recognition

• Online Learning Agreement (OLA): students prepare an OLA before arrival so home institutions can confirm which Sabancı courses will be recognised.
• Flexibility: changes to the OLA can be made after arrival where necessary; ensure home faculty/department sign-offs are obtained for any changes.
• ECTS: all courses are documented and transferred via ECTS, simplifying credit transfer back to the home university.

Financial Considerations for Incoming Students

• Tuition is waived at Sabancı University for Erasmus exchange students.
• Students remain responsible for living costs in Istanbul, insurance, textbooks and any optional fees.
• Recruiters and agents should inform students early about realistic living cost estimates and options for student housing.

Outgoing Sabancı University Students — Eligibility and Application Steps

Eligibility Criteria for Outgoing SU Students

• Enrollment: student must be enrolled in an SU diploma program or have met the credit requirements to declare a major prior to the exchange.
• Minimum GPAs: undergraduate applicants require a minimum GPA of 2.2, postgraduate applicants 2.5.
• Course prerequisites: completion of ENG101/ENG102 is required for outgoing students.

Application and Selection Process

• Dual application: SU students must complete applications both within Sabancı University’s internal systems and on the national E-devlet portal.
• Documents: upload transcripts and required materials in both systems.
• Selection: placements are determined using Erasmus scores calculated from application portals.

Grants and Financial Support

• Erasmus+ grant: eligible students may receive a grant through the Turkish National Agency. Grants are awarded based on budget availability and Erasmus scores — they are not guaranteed.
• Coverage: grants typically cover part of living expenses; tuition remains waived at the host university.

Practical Checklists for Admissions Teams, Recruiters and Partner Agencies

Checklist for Partner University Mobility Officers (Incoming Students)

• Confirm bilateral Erasmus agreement with Sabancı University.
• Nominate students by May 15 (Fall) / October 15 (Spring).
• Verify nominated students meet language expectations and are full-time enrolled.
• Ensure students prepare a draft OLA with course codes before nomination.
• Provide students with living cost estimates and insurance guidance.

Checklist for Sabancı University Advisers and Outgoing Students

• Verify student eligibility (GPA, credits, ENG101/102).
• Complete SU and E-devlet applications with transcripts by deadlines.
• Calculate competitive Erasmus score and advise on realistic host choices.
• Confirm OLA and obtain department/faculty approval.

Checklist for Agents and International Recruiters

• Screen applicants for English proficiency and academic suitability.
• Provide clear instructions on nomination vs. application responsibilities.
• Prepare students for OLA and credit mapping conversations with home faculty.

Credit Mapping, ECTS and Academic Quality Assurance

ECTS and Transparent Credit Recognition

The ECTS system is central to the Sabancı University Erasmus+ exchange. Proper credit mapping reduces the risk of delays in degree completion and increases the appeal of the exchange program to students and home institutions.

Best Practices for Accurate Credit Transfer

• Use course syllabi and ECTS credits to map outcomes to home-degree requirements.
• Involve academic advisors early to sign off on learning outcomes and equivalence.
• Keep records of OLA changes and final transcripts to support home-institution recognition.

Take the Next Step with Study in Turkiye

Ready to partner with Study in Turkiye? Explore how we can help streamline your Erasmus+ programs.