Each graduate program has one or more faculty member to advise graduate students during their academic study at that department. The primary responsibility of an academic advisor is to guide the student in his/her course selections and in the understanding and recognition of the many academic performance criteria. This includes, advising students in selecting and/ or scheduling their courses, guidance in the determination of thesis topics and supervisors, guidance in preparation for the qualifying exam (PHD students), and making sure that various academic milestones are accomplished (by the student or by the thesis supervisor) in a timely and orderly manner. Advisors also help the student to get familiar with graduate life at Boğaziçi University.

All other issues, especially those related to the student's research and thesis, are in the responsibility of the thesis supervisor rather than the graduate advisor.