Law in Istanbul, Turkey

• Earn 3 KU law credits while studying at one of Turkey's best universities, Bahçeşehir University.
• Explore the modern metropolis of Istanbul, a city where Europe and the Middle East meet.
• Courses taught in English; no foreign language experience required.

During this 3 week program, students have the opportunity to study law at one of Istanbul's premier universities and live in the dynamic and historically significant city of Istanbul, Turkey. The program is based Bahçeşehir University, which sits along the Bosphorous Strait on the European side of Istanbul. Students will join local Turkish students to take a series of three courses (1 credit each). The courses are taught by both KU School of Law and local faculty and offer a unique comparative lens through which to study various aspects of international law. Students will earn 3 KU credit hours. In addition to taking courses at a Turkish university, students will have ample time to explore the fascinating city of Istanbul.

For more information about the program, including courses, faculty, and housing, please visit the KU School of Law website. 

The  Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul, Turkey, is a foundation university established in 1998. Bahçeşehir has quickly established itself as a progressive, dynamic educational institution. The school's modern facilities are located on the European side of the Bosphorus coast in the heart of Istanbul. With a population in excess of 10 million, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. It is the only city in the world located on two continents, Europe and Asia. Its rich history dates back some 5,000 years. Students will enjoy a unique learning experience in this vibrant, cosmopolitan city.

Students will earn three credit hours granted by the University of Kansas School of Law upon completion of the program. Courses offered each summer vary based on faculty director expertise but may include courses such as Criminal Procedure in Europe, Comparative Family Law and Comparative Dispute Resolution.  

Summer 2026 Courses

Courses planned for this summer include:

• Constitutions of the World (1 credit)
• Transnational Dispute Resolution: Civil Litigation, Arbitration, Mediation and Settlement Negotiation (1 credit)
• Transnational Criminal Procedure (1 credit)

There are no prerequisites for any of the courses. All classes are taught in English and no Turkish language skills are necessary for participation in the program. Two courses are taught by KU faculty and one course is taught by a local professor with close connections to KU Law. Students from Bahçeşehir University and perhaps other international universities attend classes with KU Law students.

Students will stay at a new hostel operated by the university with convenient access to the campus. Students will have single rooms and access to shared kitchen and laundry facilities. See photos of the BAU Vista Pension in this YouTube video (in Turkish). The cost of housing is included in the cost of the program.

All students have unique things to consider when studying abroad. A Traveler Profile is a set of personal factors, characteristics or life experiences that could impact daily life abroad. Your individual Traveler Profile may include things such as your age, foreign language proficiency, gender, medical history, medication use, mental health, mobility, piercings and tattoos, travel experience, and more. 

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Before selecting a program, consider how your Traveler Profile may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process. 

Check our Traveler Profile pages linked below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program. 

• Adult Learners and Non-Traditional Students
• First Generation Students
• Physical and Mental Health Histories
• Religious, Spiritual, and Non-Religious Students
• Sexual and Gender Diversity
• Students of Color Abroad
• Students with Children
• Students with Financial Need
• Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC
• Visible and Invisible Disabilities 

Open to KU students who have completed the first-year curriculum in good standing.

Program Cost for Law in Istanbul, Turkey

KU Law Scholarship

The KU School of Law provides scholarships to students in good standing. The estimated scholarship amount for Summer 2026 is $525. Additional information on the scholarship will be provided to students accepted to the program.

Program faculty for Summer 2026 include:

• Stephen Ware, Frank Edwards Tyler Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Kansas
• Stephen McAllister, E.S. & Tom Hampton Distinguished Profess of Law at the University of Kansas
• Feridun Yenisey, Professor of Law at Bahçeşehir University

For more information, please contact Professor Stephen Ware at ware@ku.edu.