Turkey

Country snapshot

• Capital: Ankara

• Language: Turkish (many programmes taught in English)

• Dial code: +90

• Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY)

• Main intakes: September/October (Fall) and February (Spring)

Why study in Turkey?

You’ll find reputable public and private universities, industry-linked teaching, and modern campuses. The cost of living is generally lower than many Western destinations, and the country’s location makes regional travel easy.

Key benefits

• Wide range of English-taught bachelor’s and master’s degrees

• Affordable tuition and living costs

• Strong programmes in engineering, medicine, IT, business, and design

• Culturally rich, student-friendly cities with excellent food and transport

• Growing research output and international collaborations

Eligibility (general)

• Undergraduate: Secondary school completion meeting subject/grade requirements; some universities accept SAT/ACT or conduct their own entrance exams (e.g., YÖS)

• Postgraduate: Relevant bachelor’s degree; minimum GPA/credits vary by programme

• Language: English tests (IELTS/TOEFL/DUOLINGO) for English-taught courses; TÖMER Turkish proficiency for Turkish-taught tracks

• Extras: Portfolios/auditions (arts/design), interviews or entrance tests (medicine/architecture), work experience for some MBAs

Required documents (typical)

• Valid passport

• Academic transcripts & certificates (with official translations if needed)

• Proof of language proficiency (English and/or Turkish)

• Statement of Purpose / motivation letter

• 1–2 Letters of Recommendation

• CV/Resume (where applicable)

• Passport-size photos

• Proof of funds for tuition and living costs

• Completed application forms and any application fee

Visa & residence (overview)

• Receive an offer/acceptance from the university

• Apply for a student visa at the Turkish embassy/consulate (provide admission letter, financial proof, insurance, and other required documents)

• On arrival, obtain your student residence permit (ikamet) within the required timeframe

• Work during studies: Part-time work is possible with the appropriate permissions/permits; on-campus roles are often the most straightforward

• After studies: Graduates may seek employer-sponsored work permits; pathways depend on job offers and current regulations

Costs (guide numbers)

(Actual figures vary by university, programme, and city.)

• Tuition — Public universities: ~US$ 2,000 – 6,000 / year (medicine & specialised programmes higher)

• Tuition — Private universities: ~US$ 4,000 – 15,000+ / year (top institutions & medicine can be higher)

• Living expenses: ~US$ 350 – 800 / month (Istanbul typically higher)

• Health insurance: ~US$ 60 – 200 / year (plan-dependent)

• Books & supplies: ~US$ 200 – 400 / year

Top universities (examples)

• Middle East Technical University (METU)

• Boğaziçi University

• Bilkent University

• Koç University

• Sabancı University

• Istanbul Technical University (ITU)

• Hacettepe University

• Istanbul University

Scholarships & funding (examples)

• National scholarship schemes for international students

• University entrance/merit scholarships and tuition discounts

• Research/teaching assistantships (postgraduate)

• Country-specific or field-specific funding

Application steps

1. Shortlist programmes (language of instruction, prerequisites, deadlines)

2. Check if your target universities require SAT/ACT/YÖS or accept school-leaver credentials

3. Prepare documents (transcripts, translations, SOP, references, language tests, portfolio if needed)

4. Submit applications via university portals and track decisions

5. Accept offer, pay deposit (if applicable), and request official admission/visa letters

6. Apply for the student visa; arrange health insurance and accommodation

7. Travel to Turkey; complete residence permit (ikamet) formalities and enrolment/orientation