Study Medicine in Turkey for Iraqis

Studying medicine for Iraqis in Turkey is one of the most attractive options for Iraqi students to travel to and study in Turkey. This is due to the excellent quality of education in Turkey, which is comparable to the world's top universities. Furthermore, the educational infrastructure at Turkish universities is so advanced that it rivals major European universities.

In this article, you'll learn about the details of how to study medicine in Turkey for Iraqis, including study requirements, university and living costs, and available scholarships. For more information about studying medicine in Turkey for Iraqis, contact us and our advisory team will be ready to assist you.

Note: (All information contained in the article is updated to the year 2025, and from official and reliable sources under the supervision of educational consultants officially accredited by Turkish private universities, as well as from official university websites, and according to the university fees guide of the Turkish Ministry of Higher Education (YOK))

What are the advantages of studying human medicine in Turkey?

• Internationally recognized universities equipped with the best medical technology and the best teaching staff.
• Low tuition fees compared to the excellent quality of education.
• Exclusive discounts offered by Turkish universities to Iraqi students.
• Education at private universities is available in English and Turkish.
• Practical training is available in advanced private hospitals.
• Students are trained by specialized medical staff and experienced doctors in all specialties.

Read more : Human medicine specializations in Turkey

Is studying medicine in Turkey internationally recognized?

Of course, Turkish medical degrees are internationally recognized, because Turkish universities are members of the Bologna Process, an international agreement that obligates participating (European) countries to adhere to uniform standards in higher education.

In addition, Turkish universities are recognized in many Arab and foreign countries, such as the United States, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Palestine.

How many years does it take to study medicine in Turkey for Iraqis?

To study medicine in Turkey for Iraqis, you need six academic years, which are divided into two phases:

The first phase consists of the first three years, during which students study basic medical sciences in their theoretical form, along with practical training in laboratories and simulated clinics, with the goal of acquiring the required manual skills.

The second phase consists of the last three years, focusing on various medical specialties and clinical practice in training hospitals.

How can you study medicine in Turkey?

There are three main ways to study medicine in Turkey for Iraqis, as follows:

First: The Turkish Scholarship

This is a fully funded government program, considered one of the largest scholarship programs in the world. It covers all academic programs, such as dentistry, pharmacy, medicine, and all health and administrative specialties, at master's, bachelor's, and doctoral levels. Its advantages include:

• The student is exempt from tuition fees, housing, and transportation costs.
• A monthly stipend is allocated to the student throughout his or her studies.
• Health insurance is provided for the student throughout his or her stay in Turkey.
• Flight tickets are covered upon arrival and departure from Turkey.

One of the drawbacks of the Turkish government scholarship is that

• The admission requirements are complex, so very few students are accepted.
• Applications take a long time, sometimes up to eight months, to process.
• Acceptance is not guaranteed, and you may have to wait a long time to no avail.
• It is considered one of the most difficult ways to study in Turkey due to the difficult requirements.

Second: Private Turkish Universities

Iraqi students prefer to study medicine at private Turkish universities due to their international development and recognition by most countries and international institutions, in addition to their excellence in the medical field specifically.

The advantages of private Turkish universities include the following:

• Local and international recognition from leading organizations and institutions.
• Many Turkish private universities are founding members of the European University Association.
• Most universities have advanced hospitals equipped with the latest medical technology, which you can benefit from during your training.
• Studies are conducted in English.
• Admission requirements are simple and uncomplicated, as are those of public universities, making them one of the easiest and fastest ways to study in Turkey.

Among the drawbacks of private universities in Turkey are:

• Some Arab countries still do not recognize some Turkish private universities.
• The cost of studying medicine is somewhat high, also due to the high quality of education.

Third: Public Universities

These are educational institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Higher Education in Turkey. There are more than 100 of these universities, and they receive numerous students annually from all over the world. The cost of studying in these universities is relatively low for a large segment of students.

The advantages of public universities include the following:

• The tuition fees of public universities are lower than those of private universities.
• There are a larger number of Turkish students, making it easier for you to integrate into Turkish society.

The disadvantages of public universities include:

• Admission requirements are complex for Iraqi students, as you must pass the YOS or SAT exam with high scores to gain admission to the Faculty of Medicine.
• Despite the low costs, the quality of education is somewhat poor, except in some major universities.
• The university is often far from the city center, so you will be forced to use public transportation extensively.
• It is also considered one of the most difficult ways to study in Turkey.

Read more : Studying medicine in Turkey for Arab students

How much does it cost to study medicine in Turkey for Iraqis?

The cost of human medicine at public universities starts at $1,500 per semester, while the cost starts at $10,000 at private universities.

The reason private universities have higher tuition fees is because they offer better educational quality and are equipped with more modern and improved infrastructure.

They are considered among the best private universities in the world. Compared to the costs of European universities, for example, Turkish universities are less expensive, even though the quality of education is similar.

If you need a specialized advisor to answer all your questions, the New Horizons team offers completely free live support to answer all your inquiries about how to study medicine in Turkey for Iraqis and choosing the right university.

What are the requirements for studying medicine in Turkey for Iraqis?

Public universities require a score of over 90% on the YOS exam or a score of over 1400 out of 1600 on the SAT exam. These are entrance exams for international students and are a basic requirement for admission to medical schools in Turkey.

As for private universities, they do not require students to pass any exams to enroll. You can apply with only a high school diploma, and they require a GPA of over 70% for human medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy.

Read more: Studying Medicine in Turkey

Which private Turkish universities are recognized in Iraq?

Here is a list of top medical universities in Turkey for international students and Turkish private universities recognized in Iraq for 2025:

• Bahcesehir University.
• Istanbul Aydın University.
• Medipol University.
• Gelisim University.
• Bilgi University.
• Ozyegin University.
• Atilim University.
• Fenerbahce University.

For detailed inquiries about recognized private universities in Iraq, you can contact us, as the Iraqi Ministry of Education updates the list of recognized universities annually.

What is the medical rate in Turkey for Iraqis?

The average medical school application rate for Iraqis is 85% at private Turkish universities, and 98% with a passing score on the YOS exam at public universities. These rates do not vary by nationality, but are the same for all Arab students.

Summary of the topic: Study Medicine in Turkey for Iraqis

Turkey is a prime destination for Iraqi students wishing to study medicine. There are three ways to do so: through public or private universities, or through a Turkish scholarship.

The conditions and requirements vary for each method, and Iraqi students prefer to study at private universities due to their easier requirements and excellent academic quality.

If you have any questions about how to study medicine in Turkey for Iraqis, the application process, or any information about Turkey, the New Horizons team provides full support to answer all your questions by requesting a free consultation.