School of Civil Aviation
Air Traffic Control
Applications open
Tuition and study format
Academic year: 2026/27
Intakes and application dates
- 2026/2027 Ön BaşvuruApplications openJanuary 1, 2026 — August 31, 2027
Programme information package
The programme's definition and learning outcomes, as the university publishes them in its official information package.
Programme definition
History
Istanbul Nişantaşı University School of Civil Aviation Air Traffic Control department accepted its first students in 2016-2017 academic year and gave its first graduates in 2020.
Qualification Awarded
This department is subject to the first stage degree system of 240 ECTS in the field of Air Traffic Control in higher education. When the program is completed successfully and the program qualifications are met, a Bachelor's degree in Air Traffic Control is achieved.
Level of Qualification (Short Cycle , First Cycle , Second Cycle, Third Cycle)
Bachelor's Degree (EQF-LLL Level 6)
Specific Admission Requirements
The student who wants to enroll in the department must have passed the 160 points threshold in the TYT exam by ÖSYM within the framework of the academic and legal legislation of the university. Students who fulfill the pre-application requirement of TYT score must take the special talent exams determined by the school for admission to the school and submit the health report obtained from the SHGM approved hospitals to the school. A student who has started his / her education in a domestic or foreign equivalent program can apply for undergraduate transfer. The student who applies is accepted according to the adequacy of the quota, the student whose application is accepted must take the special talent exam administered by the school and submit the health report requested by the school to the school. The admission of students is examined before the semester begins, taking into account the conditions of each student and the degree to which they apply, and are evaluated specifically. More detailed information about admission to the university is available in the Institution Introduction Catalog. Students coming from abroad within the scope of student exchange programs approved by the university and whose limits are determined with an agreement can take the courses offered in the department.
Specific Arrangements For Recognition Of Prior Learning (Formal, Non-Formal and Informal)
Students studying at Nişantaşı University may be exempt from some courses within the framework of certain regulations. If the content of the course taken in another institution is appropriate to the content of the course given at Nişantaşı University and approved by the School Directorate, the student may be exempted from this course. Students' previous education and achievements can be recognised in accordance with the "Istanbul Nişantaşı University Directive on Recognition of Previously Acquired Qualifications, Course Equivalency and Adjustment Principles" and exemption from the necessary courses can be provided accordingly. Link to reach the directive:
Qualification Requirements and Regulations
Qualification Requirements and Rules are as described in the "Graduation Requirements" section.
Profile of The Programme
Vision: As the most comprehensive air traffic control department in the academic sense, to maintain its leading position both in the sector and among the educational institutions, and to take the first place in air traffic training, first regionally and then globally. Mission: To train individuals with universal qualifications and competences that will contribute to the safe, efficient and effective functioning and sustainable development of the air traffic system and to produce pioneering and innovative knowledge in this field. Aim/Goals: Istanbul Nişantaşı University School of Civil Aviation, Department of Air Traffic Control provides undergraduate level education to train air traffic controller candidates in accordance with national and international standards. The teaching process largely consists of the basic infrastructure courses required for air traffic controllership, theoretical courses and the application of these theoretical courses in air traffic control simulators. In the programme, it is aimed to teach students the basic knowledge of aviation, air traffic control methods by making use of today's technologies, and to gain the ability of research and problem solving through experimental and theoretical teamwork. The programme also aims to provide the necessary scientific background to solve traffic system problems such as air traffic delays, capacity problems, aircraft trajectory prediction and collision avoidance. General Information: Since the international language used in aviation is English, air traffic controller candidates must know English at a level determined as Level 4 by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of our country. For this reason, students can attend the optional English Preparatory Class for one year at our University before starting the programme. The Department of Air Traffic Control has a radar and square control simulator equipped with voice recognition technology, which provides both education and research and development facilities with today's technology, as well as self-education.
Occupational Profiles of Graduates With Examples
The graduates of the Air Traffic Control Department successfully complete their on-the-job training and enter the Air Traffic Controller License exam conducted by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, and if they are successful in this exam, they receive an air traffic controller license and become an assistant at the State Airports Authority (DHMİ) air traffic control units. They can be assigned with the air traffic controller staff. Candidates who get at least 70 points from KPSS 3 and YDS can apply for the staff.
Access to Further Studies
Students who successfully complete the program can apply for master's and doctoral degrees in the field of Air Traffic Control or other branches of science that accept students from this field.
Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading
Students who register for the relevant course at the beginning of the semester must have attended at least 70% of the theoretical courses and at least 80% of the practical courses in order to take the final exam. Students are subjected to midterm and final exams for each course. The contribution of the midterm exam (scores obtained from measurement tools such as homework, laboratory exams, quizzes, etc. can also be evaluated as midterm grades) to the success grade is 40% and the contribution of the final exam is 60%. You can click on the course name in the Curriculum (below) for the measurement and evaluation criteria of each course. You can review the relevant regulations and directives. Nisantasi University Associate and Undergraduate Education and Examination Regulations Examination and Success Evaluation System Directive
Graduation Requirements
In order for students to be eligible for graduation, they must have successfully completed all of the courses in the curriculum (for a total of at least 240 ECTS credits) and have a GPA of at least 2.00 out of 4.00 at the graduation stage. Please review the relevant regulations and directives. Nişantaşı University Associate and Undergraduate Education and Examination Regulations Nişantaşı University Directive on the Arrangement of Diploma, Diploma Supplement and Other Documents
Mode of Study (Full-Time, Part-Time, E-Learning )
Tam Zamanlı
Address, Programme Director or Equivalent
Head of the Department: Dr. Esra BALCİ E-mail: esra.balci@nisantasi.edu.tr GSM: +90 (212) 210 10 10 Address: Neotech Campus, Maslak, Taşyoncası St. No: 1V and No: 1Y, 34398 Sarıyer/İstanbul
Facilities
Our department has radar and aerodrome control simulator. Training is provided to our students with the 3 available radar control working positions and the aerodrome control simulator with 360 degree view.
Programme outcomes
- To be able to raise awareness about advanced theoretical and applied knowledge supported by books, tools and other resources containing up-to-date information about the field.
- To be able to carry out air traffic control activities with a supervisor.
- To be able to apply the advanced theoretical and practical knowledge acquired in the field in accordance with the directives determined by national and international aviation authorities and/or manufacturer's instructions
- Çok disiplinli takımlarda etkin olarak çalışabilme ve sorumluluk alabilme.
- To be able to critically evaluate the knowledge / skills acquired in the field by following the developments in science and technology in air transportation with the awareness of the necessity of lifelong learning and constantly renewing themself.
- To be able to communicate effectively with people and institutions related to the field and to develop solutions to problems, to establish relationships between them by supporting their thoughts in written /verbal form with quantitative/qualitative data.
- To be able to search for sources for access to information, to present them by using databases and other sources of information.
- To have professional and ethical responsibility and to be able to make new inferences.
- To have knowledge about aviation safety and human factors.
- To be able to realize air traffic flow management in accordance with aviation standards.
- Following the innovations and the developments in the field and communicate with colleagues by using English at least at the level of European Language Portfolio B1.
Programme outcomes and the Turkish Qualifications Framework
Each line is an item of the Turkish Qualifications Framework; the numbers beside it are the programme outcomes that meet it.
KNOWLEDGE
- 1
Possess advanced level theoretical and practical knowledge supported by textbooks with updated information, practice equipments and other resources
Programme outcomes1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 11
SKILLS
- 1
Use of advanced theoretical and practical knowledge within the field
Programme outcomes1 · 6 · 8 - 2
Interpret and evaluate data, define and analyze problems, develop solutions based on research and proofs by using acquired advanced knowledge and skills within the field
Programme outcomes2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 7 · 9 · 10 · 11
COMPETENCES ( Competence to Work Independently and Take Responsibility )
- 1
Conduct studies at an advanced level in the field independently
Programme outcomes2 · 3 · 5 · 7 - 2
Take responsibility both as a team member and individually in order to solve unexpected complex problems faced within the implementations in the field
Programme outcomes1 · 4 · 6 · 8 · 9 · 11 - 3
Planning and managing activities towards the development of subordinates in the framework of a project
Programme outcomes2 · 3 · 8 · 9 · 10
COMPETENCES ( Learning Competence )
- 1
Evaluate the knowledge and skills acquired at an advanced level in the field with a critical approach
Programme outcomes1 · 3 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 10 - 2
Determine learning needs and direct the learning
Programme outcomes1 · 2 · 4 · 8 · 9 · 11 - 3
Develop positive attitude towards lifelong learning
Programme outcomes2 · 3 · 5 · 7 · 9 · 10
COMPETENCES ( Communication and Social Competence )
- 1
Inform people and institutions, transfer ideas and solution proposals to problems in written and orally on issues in the field
Programme outcomes1 · 2 · 3 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 11 - 2
Share the ideas and solution proposals to problems on issues in the field with professionals and non-professionals by the support of qualitative and quantitative data
Programme outcomes3 · 4 · 6 · 7 · 9 · 10 - 3
Organize and implement project and activities for social environment with a sense of social responsibility
Programme outcomes1 · 5 · 6 · 8 · 10 - 4
Monitor the developments in the field and communicate with peers by using a foreign language at least at a level of European Language Portfolio B1 General Level
Programme outcomes2 · 3 · 4 · 7 · 9 · 11 - 5
Use informatics and communication technologies with at least a minimum level of European Computer Driving License Advanced Level software knowledge
Programme outcomes3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 10
COMPETENCES ( Field Specific Competence )
- 1
Act in accordance with social, scientific, cultural and ethic values on the stages of gathering, implementation and release of the results of data related to the field
Programme outcomes1 · 5 · 7 · 11 - 2
Possess sufficient consciousness about the issues of universality of social rights, social justice, quality, cultural values and also, environmental protection, worker's health and security
Programme outcomes2 · 3 · 4 · 6 · 8 · 9 · 10