Study in Türkiye: Turkey is one of the countries that has developed rapidly in education in recent years. This country has attracted the attention of many international students by having suitable scientific and educational capacities.
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The population of international students in Turkey in 2023 was about 200,000 people, which is a 10% increase compared to 2022. In the same year, the total population of Turkish students was about 8 million people. The population of Turkey is about 84 million people. The number of universities in Turkey is about 200, of which 11 are in the world rankings.
The table below shows general information about Turkey’s progress in education.
| Indicator | the amount of |
| International student population | 200 thousand people |
| The total student population | 8 million people |
| population of the country | 84 million people |
| The number of universities | 200 universities |
| The number of ranked universities | 11 universities |
This progress of Turkey in the field of education can be attributed to various factors, including:
- Improving the quality of education in Turkish universities
- Reducing the cost of education in Türkiye
- The possibility of studying in English at many universities in Türkiye
- Convenient geographical location of Türkiye
The benefits of studying abroad in Türkiye
This country offers many advantages for international students, including the following:
- High quality of education: Turkish universities have made significant progress in education quality in recent years, and many are present in the world university rankings.
- Variety of study fields: Turkish universities offer a wide range of study fields in Turkish, Istanbul, and English languages.
- Validity of academic degrees: Academic degrees of Turkish universities are approved in different countries.
- Many scholarships: Turkish government and universities offer various scholarships to international students.
- Possibility of working while studying: International students in Turkey can work up to 20 hours a week by obtaining a student work permit.
- Possibility of residence after graduation: international students can apply for permanent residence in this country after graduating from Turkish universities.
- Possibility of work after graduation: graduates of Turkish universities can easily find work in this country and other countries.
- Reasonable cost of education and living: Turkey’s education and living costs are lower than in many European and American countries.
Turkish universities
Turkey has a rich history and culture that has made significant progress in higher education in recent years. Turkish universities have a good position in the world rankings and have been welcomed by international students. According to the QS ranking in 2024, the best universities in Turkey are:
| rank | University | Top courses |
| 1 | Koch University | Humanities, social sciences, economics, management, engineering, medicine |
| 2 | Hajat Tepe University | Medicine, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities |
| 3 | Istanbul University | Humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, medical sciences |
| 4 | Bilkent University | Humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering |
| 5 | Middle East Technical University | Engineering, natural sciences, social sciences |
How is the atmosphere of studying in Türkiye?
Studying in Turkey is generally a pleasant and exciting experience. Turkish universities have a high scientific level and provide suitable educational facilities to students. Classroom conditions in Turkey are usually formal, and students should treat professors courteously and respectfully. The class dress code is also typically formal, and students should wear appropriate clothes. Of course, in some universities, students can attend classes with more comfortable clothing.
In Turkey, there is usually nothing to eat in classes. However, in some classes, professors may allow students to eat or drink during class. Students’ entertainment after university in Türkiye is very diverse. Students can visit shopping malls, parks, cinemas, restaurants and cafes. Also, many universities in Turkey have various clubs and associations that students can join and participate in, such as sports, music, art, and social activities.
The social life of students while studying in Turkey is usually active and lively. Students have many opportunities to meet new people and expand their social relationships.
Popular fields of study in Türkiye
Popular fields of study in Turkey can be divided into two general categories:
Medical science fields: Medical science fields are among Turkey’s most popular fields of study. Many students consider these fields because of the excellent job market and high income. Some popular fields of medical sciences in Türkiye are:
- medical
- Dental
- Pharmacology
- Nursing
- Laboratory sciences
- Physiotherapy
- Radiology
Engineering fields: Engineering fields are also among the most popular fields in Turkey. These fields have a good job market due to the growth and development of technology and industry worldwide. Some popular engineering fields in Türkiye are:
- Civil engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Industrial engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Agricultural Engineering
In addition to medical sciences and engineering, other fields have many fans in Turkey. Some of these fields are:
- Business Management
- Accounting
- Rights
- Psychology
- Political science
- Foreign languages
In choosing the right field of study, various factors such as interest, talent, and job market should be considered. Students should research and select a field they are interested in and have talent in. Also, they should choose a field with a good job market to quickly find a suitable job after graduation.
The cost of studying in Türkiye
The cost of studying in Turkish is usually lower than the cost of studying in English. Also, the cost of studying in public universities in Türkiye is lower than in private universities. In addition to tuition fees, students should consider additional expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, etc.
Some of the typical costs of studying in Türkiye are:
- Cost of accommodation: The accommodation cost in Turkey varies depending on the accommodation type, the city of study, and the student’s lifestyle. Generally, the cost of staying in Turkish government dormitories is lower than that of private and apartment rentals.
- Cost of food: The cost of food in Turkey also varies depending on the student’s lifestyle. In general, the cost of food in Turkey is lower than in European and American countries.
- Transportation cost: The transportation cost in Turkey also varies depending on the type of transportation and the distance traveled. In general, the cost of transportation in Turkey is lower than in European and American countries.
- Cost of health insurance: International students in Türkiye must have health insurance. The cost of health insurance in Turkey varies depending on the insurance company and coverage.
- Other Fees: Besides the mentioned fees, students may have to pay other fees such as book and stationery fees, registration fees, entrance exam fees, etc.
| Grade | State university | Private university |
| Masters | 250 to 1500 dollars | 5000 to 20000 dollars |
| Masters | 500 to 1000 dollars | 8000 to 30000 dollars |
| Doctorate | 1000 to 1500 dollars | 10,000 to 40,000 dollars |
Study conditions in Türkiye
The conditions for studying in Türkiye for international students are as follows:
1. Age requirements: The minimum age is 18 years to enter the undergraduate level, the minimum is 20 years for the master’s level, and the minimum is 24 years for the doctoral level.
2. Educational qualifications: Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate studies. To study at the master’s level, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. To study at the doctoral level, applicants must have a master’s degree or equivalent.
3. Language documents: Applicants must provide English or Turkish language documents to study in Turkey. To study in English, applicants must score at least 550 on the TOEFL or 6.0 on the IELTS test. Applicants must score at least 50 on the Tomer test to study in Turkish.
4. Entrance exams: Most universities in Turkey hold entrance exams. Applicants must participate in these tests and get a passing grade to be admitted to the university of their choice.
Age requirements for studying in Türkiye
| section | Minimum age | Maximum age |
| Masters | 18 years | 25 years |
| Masters | 21 years | 30 years |
| P.H.D | 24 years | 35 years |
In Turkey, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a diploma or equivalent for undergraduate studies. The maximum age for undergraduate studies is 25 years.
Applicants must be at least 21 and have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. The maximum age for a master’s degree is 30 years.
For doctoral studies, applicants must be at least 24 years old and have a master’s degree or equivalent. The maximum age for postgraduate studies is 35 years.
Age requirements for studying in Türkiye to receive scholarships
To receive a scholarship from the Turkish government, applicants must meet the following age requirements:
· Bachelor’s degree: maximum 21 years
· Master’s Degree: Maximum 30 years
· PhD degree: maximum 35 years
Of course, some Turkish universities may have their age requirements for accepting international students.
Therefore, it is better to carefully check the age requirements of each university before applying for admission.
Study conditions in Türkiye with a diploma
Studying in Turkey with a diploma is possible for international students, including Iranians. For this purpose, applicants must meet the following conditions:
· Having a high school or pre-university diploma with an average of at least 15 out of 20
· Passing the university entrance exam
· Providing a certificate in Turkish or English language
· Having sufficient financial resources
Studying in Türkiye at different times
The higher education system in Türkiye includes four education levels:
· Associate: This course is two years long and is offered in technical and professional fields.
· Bachelor’s degree: This course is four years long and is offered in science, humanities, engineering, and social sciences.
· Master’s degree: This two-year course is offered in science, humanities, engineering, and social sciences.
· Doctorate: This four-year course is offered in science, humanities, engineering, and social sciences.
Undergraduate studies in Türkiye
Age requirements for undergraduate studies in Turkey depend on the university and field of study. Generally, international students at least 18 years old who have received their diploma or pre-university degree can apply for undergraduate studies in Turkey.
The table below shows some of the top universities in Turkey and their undergraduate tuition fees:
| University | field | Teaching language | Tuition (annual) |
| Istanbul Technical University | Electrical and Electronic Engineering | English | $4,000 to $7,000 |
| Bogazichi University | computer science | English | $10,000 to $15,000 |
| Hajat Tepe University | medical | Turkish | $12,000 to $18,000 |
| Ankara University | civil engineering | Turkish | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Duquesne University of Ilul | Business Management | English | $5,000 to $8,000 |
Master’s degree studies
To study for a master’s degree in Turkey, a valid English language certificate with the following minimum score is required:
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL: 90
- PTE: 68
Age requirements: The maximum age for admission to a master’s degree in Turkey is 35 years.
Table of universities and fees: In the following table, the universities offering master’s degrees in Turkey and the tuition fees in each university are given:
| University | field | Cost ($) |
| Istanbul Technical University | electrical engineering | 12,000 |
| Middle East Technical University | mechanical engineering | 10,000 |
| Koch University | civil engineering | 15,000 |
| Bilkent University | software engineering | 17,000 |
| Baghazichi University | industrial engineering | 20,000 |
Ph.D. studies in Türkiye
Turkish universities require international students to have a valid language certificate to be admitted to doctoral studies.
The languages accepted in Turkish universities are English and Turkish.
English language certificate:
- TOEFL test (TEFL): minimum score of 550 in the TOEFL iBT test or 80 in the TOEFL PBT test
- IELTS test: minimum score of 6.5 in the academic IELTS test
- GRE test: a minimum score of 300 in the English section of the GRE test
Certificate of Turkish language:
- YDS test: minimum score of 50 on YDS test
- YÖKDİL test: minimum score of 50 in YÖKDİL test
There is no specific age limit for studying for a doctorate in Türkiye. However, some universities may have specific age restrictions for international students. Generally, the age limit for international students in Turkish universities is between 25 and 35 years. In the table below, some of the top universities in Turkey and the cost of studying for a doctorate in them are given:
| University | field | Tuition fee (in US dollars) |
| Istanbul Technical University | electrical engineering | 10,000 to 15,000 |
| Middle East Technical University | mechanical engineering | 10,000 to 15,000 |
| Bilkent University | civil engineering | 12,000 to 17,000 |
| Ghazi University | chemical engineering | 10,000 to 15,000 |
| Hajat Tepe University | Computer Engineering | 11,000 to 16,000 |
Studying in Turkish colleges
Turkish colleges are private or public higher education institutions that offer associate or bachelor’s degrees.
Turkish colleges are offered in various fields, including business, engineering, science, arts, and humanities. There are many reasons why studying in Turkish colleges can be of an excellent option for international students. Including:
· Quality of education: Turkish colleges are known for having excellent education quality. They have qualified teachers and staff and modern educational resources.
· Affordable Tuition: Turkish college tuition is affordable compared to many other countries.
· Geographical location: Türkiye is a beautiful, diverse country with a rich culture. This country is located in the heart of Europe and Asia and has easy access to other parts of the world.
| College | field | tuition fee (annual) |
| Istanbul University | Business | $10,000 |
| Koch University | Engineering | $15,000 |
| Bilkent University | Science | $12,000 |
| Sabanji University | Arts and humanities | $9,000 |
| Istanbul Technical University | medical | $20,000 |
Studying in Turkish schools
Studying in Turkish schools is possible for international students aged 6 to 18. The Turkish education system consists of three levels: elementary (4 years), middle (4 years), and high school (4 years).
Primary education: Primary education in Turkey is compulsory for students from 6 to 10 years old. At this stage, students learn basic subjects such as the Turkish language, math, science, history, geography, and art.
Secondary education: Secondary education in Turkey is for students from 11 to 14 years old. Students continue introductory courses and learn specialized courses such as English, experimental sciences, humanities, and arts at this stage.
High school education: High school education in Turkey is for students from 15 to 18 years old. At this stage, students choose their specialized courses and continue their studies in various fields such as experimental sciences, humanities, social sciences, and technical and professional sciences.
The cost of studying in Turkish schools: The cost of studying in Turkish schools depends on the type of school. Turkish public schools are entirely free. Private schools in Turkey have different fees that vary depending on the city, school facilities, and level of education.
The average cost of studying in private schools in Turkey is between 5000 and 10000 dollars per year.
SEVP Program: The SEVP Program (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) is an international program administered by the US Department of Homeland Security. This program allows international students to study in the United States.
Students who intend to study in Turkish schools and want to immigrate to the United States after graduation can apply through the SEVP program. To do this, students must be accepted by an accredited Turkish school and then apply for a US student visa.
Studying medicine in Türkiye
To study medicine in Türkiye, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Having a diploma or pre-university degree
- Proficiency in Turkish or English
- Passing the university entrance exam
Applicants must have a Turkish or English language certificate to study medicine in Turkey. The language documents required to study medicine in Turkey are as follows:
· Turkish language: YDS or YÖKDİL test certificate with a minimum score of 50
· English language: TEFL iBT test with a minimum score of 79 or IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5
The age requirements for studying medicine in Türkiye are as follows:
- For public universities: not more than 21 years old at the time of registration
- For private universities: maximum 23 years at the time of registration
In the table below, some of the top universities in Turkey that accept students in the field of medicine and the cost of studying in these universities are given:
| University | field | Teaching language | tuition fee (annual) |
| Istanbul University | medical | Turkish | 15,000 lira |
| Ankara University | medical | Turkish | 15,000 lira |
| Hajat Tepe University | medical | Turkish and English | 20,000 lira |
| Koch University | medical | English | 30,000 lira |
| Bilkent University | medical | English | 35,000 lira |
Free medical education in Türkiye
To study medicine in Turkey for free, students must take the Turkish State Universities (YÖS) entrance exam. This test includes math, physics, chemistry, and Turkish language questions.
In addition to the YÖS exam, students must also meet the following requirements:
- High school diploma with a GPA of at least 18
- Proficiency in Turkish or English
Students who pass the YÖS exam can be admitted to a public university in Turkey and study for free. Tuition fees at Turkish private universities for the medical field are usually between $4,000 and $10,000 annually. However, some private universities in Turkey also offer scholarships that can reduce tuition fees.
Dental education in Türkiye
To study dentistry in Türkiye, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Diploma or pre-university degree
- Age less than 21 years
- Acceptance in YS or SAT
- English or Turkish language certificate with an acceptable grade
YS exam: YS exam is an entrance exam for studying in Turkish universities. This test consists of two parts: mathematics and basic science. Applicants to study dentistry in Turkey must pass this test.
SAT: The SAT is an entrance test for studying in American universities. This test consists of three parts: math, reading, and writing. Applicants to study dentistry in Turkey can take the SAT instead of the YS test.
Language certificate: To study dentistry in Turkey, applicants must provide an English or Turkish language certificate with an acceptable grade. Acceptable grades are different for each university.
Table of language qualifications required to study dentistry in Türkiye:
| Language | Required documents |
| English | IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 80, PTE Academic 65 |
| Turkish | YDS 50, YÖKDİL 50 |
Age requirements: The maximum age for studying dentistry in Türkiye is 21 years.
Application procedures for Turkish universities
The application procedures for Turkish universities are as follows:
Choosing a university and field of study: The first step is selecting the desired university and field of study. Applicants can check the course information, admission requirements, and required documents by visiting the Turkish universities’ websites.
Preparing the required documents: After choosing the university and field of study, you must prepare the necessary documents for applying. The required documents are:
- Completed admission application form
- Official translation of educational certificates and transcripts
- Language certificate (if studying in English or Turkish)
- CV
- Recommendations letter
- Identity documents
- Receipt of payment of application fee
Paying the application letter fee: The application letter fee varies for each university, usually between 35 and 100 USD.
Sending documents: After preparing the required documents, you must send them to the desired university. Usually, universities provide applicants with a form to send documents through their website.
Announcing the results: Universities will announce the results to the applicants after reviewing their documents. Usually, the results of the application are announced in April or June.
Turkish study visa and how to obtain it
- To obtain a Turkish study visa, applicants must have the following conditions and documents:
- Age Requirements: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Educational requirements: Applicants must have a previous academic degree (at least a diploma).
- Language Requirements: Applicants must provide a valid language certificate.
- Financial conditions: Applicants must provide a certificate of sufficient financial ability to cover the costs of studying and living in Turkey.
The documents required to obtain a Turkish study visa are:
- Completed and signed visa application form
- Copy of the first page of the passport
- Copy of previous visa pages (if any)
- personal photo
- Acceptance letter from the university
- Transcripts of the previous course
- Valid language certificate
- Certificate of financial ability
- Travel insurance
The procedures for obtaining a study visa for this country are as follows:
1. Choosing the desired university and field
2. Application for admission from the university
3. Receiving the acceptance letter from the university
4. Collecting the required documents
5. Applying to the Turkish embassy or consulate in the country of residence
6. Presentation of documents and interview with the visa officer
7. Getting a visa (if the application is approved)
A Turkish study visa in 2024 for Iranians is $250. This fee must be paid in cash or by credit card at the Turkish embassy or consulate.
Minimum grade point average to study in Türkiye
One of the most critical factors in admission to Turkish universities is the GPA. In most Turkish universities, the minimum GPA required for a master’s degree is 2.00, and for a doctoral degree is 2.50. Of course, this minimum grade point average can be different in different universities and fields.
A higher GPA is considered for admission in some particular fields and universities. For example, to study medicine and dentistry in Turkish public universities, the minimum GPA required is 18. Also, some private universities in Turkey may consider a higher GPA for admission.
Therefore, to study in Turkey, keeping your GPA above average is better. Also, if you intend to study medicine or dentistry, you must have a GPA above 18.
In addition to GPA, other documents are required for admission to Turkish universities. These documents include a high school diploma, transcripts, an English language certificate, a motivation letter, and a recommendation letter.
For detailed information about the minimum GPA required to study in Turkey, you can refer to the website of your desired university.
Studying in Türkiye without a language certificate
It is also possible to study in Türkiye without a language certificate. Turkish universities offer introductory language courses for international students who do not have the required language qualification. These courses usually last from 6 months to a year; at the end, students must take an end-of-course exam. Students who pass this test can enroll in their field of study.
In the following, we explain the conditions of studying in this country without a language certificate:
1. Study conditions in Türkiye without an English language certificate
- The applicant must have received a diploma or equivalent from an accredited school or university.
- At least 18 years of age
- The applicant must pay for the introductory language courses.
2. Study conditions without a Turkish language certificate:
- The applicant must have received a diploma or equivalent from an accredited school or university.
- At least 18 years of age
- The applicant must pay for the introductory language courses.
3. Alternative documents for language certificate for studying in Türkiye:
In addition to the abovementioned conditions, some Turkish universities accept alternative documents for applicants without a language certificate. These documents are:
- Admission from an accredited foreign university
- Language course completion certificate from an accredited institution
- University interview
4. Steps to apply in Türkiye without a language certificate:
To apply in Turkey without a language certificate, you must go through the following steps:
1. Choosing a university and field of study
2. Complete the admission application form
3. Sending the required documents
4. Payment of admission application fees
Frequently Asked Questions
1- What is the YÖS test?
YÖS exam is an aptitude test organized by Turkish universities. This test evaluates the scientific abilities and aptitude of international students who want to study at Turkish universities.
2- What is the SAT?
The SAT is a standardized test that is held around the world. This test is designed to evaluate international students’ scientific abilities and aptitude to study in universities in Turkey and other countries.
3- How much does studying in Türkiye cost?
The cost of studying in Turkey depends on the type of university, field of study, and level of study. The cost of studying in public universities in Turkey is lower than in private universities in this country.
4- How is the scholarship in Türkiye?
Turkish universities offer various scholarships to international students. These scholarships can include scholarships, tuition waivers, and free accommodation. To receive a Turkish scholarship, you must meet certain conditions.
5- What are the working conditions of students in Türkiye?
International students studying in Turkey can work part-time during their studies.
6- Is studying in Türkiye free?
No, studying in this country is not entirely free. The cost of studying in Turkish public universities for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees is 500 to 1800 dollars, 700 to 250, and 1000 to 3000 dollars per year, respectively. In private universities in Turkey, tuition fees are much higher and average between 10,000 and 30,000 dollars per year.
6- Is there an age limit for studying in Türkiye?
No, there is no age limit for studying in Turkey. Applicants can apply to study in Türkiye at any age.
7. What is the language of instruction in Turkish universities?
In Turkish universities, the language of instruction is English and Turkish. Some universities offer their educational programs in both languages.
8- What are the admission requirements in Turkish universities?
The conditions for admission to Turkish universities depend on the level of study and the desired university. In general, applicants must have a diploma or pre-university degree, a degree in English or Turkish, and a GPA above 14.
9- Is it possible to get a scholarship in Türkiye?
Yes, scholarships are available in Türkiye for international students. The government, universities, and charities offer Turkish scholarships.
10- Is it possible to work while studying in Türkiye?
International students can work part-time in Turkey for up to 20 hours per week.
11- Is it possible to get a residency after graduation from a Turkish university?
International students can apply for work or study residency after graduating from Turkish universities.