Study in Turkiye | Your comprehensive guide for studying in Turkiye

Studying in Turkiye is the ideal choice today for many international students looking to travel and study abroad as Turkey provides all the benefits that students seek.

Do you want to study in Turkiye? Are you looking for a suitable university in Turkiye to complete your university studies? Are you wondering how to register in Turkish universities? All these questions and more will be answered in this article. Keep reading.

Why study in Turkiye?

Why Turkiye? We will start with the reasons which make Turkiye the first destination for many international students.

Turkiye offers many advantages for international students. The key benefits include: 

• Turkiye has a unique strategic location that connects the East and the West, as it is part of both Asia and Europe, which makes it the first destination for international students thanks to its climatic and geographical diversity.
• High-quality education.
• Affordable tuition fees 
• Nationally and internationally recognized universities.
• Availability of studying in English as many universities in Turkiye offer programs which is a good option for international students who are not fluent in Turkish.
• Reasonable costs of living such as accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily expenses.
• Turkiye has a rich historical heritage, with numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, museums, and cultural events.
• The Turkish government provides many scholarships for international students to help students who want to study in Turkey for free.
• Turkish people are known for their hospitality so international students feel at home.
• Turkish universities organize many events and activities for students to provide a vibrant student life and networking opportunities.
• The Turkish economy is witnessing rapid growth and Turkiye includes a large number of international companies, which creates unlimited job opportunities for students during and after study.

Read more: Advantages of studying in Turkey

Challenges of studying in Turkey

Despite all these advantages, there are some challenges facing students who want to study in Turkiye. These challenges include:

• Some students find it difficult to study in Turkiye due to language struggle and learning Turkish.
• Some majors are limited to Turkish students only, such as law.
• Intense competitiveness due to increased demand for Turkish universities.
• Difficulty in admission to Turkish public universities.
• The high costs of some specializations, such as medicine, in private Turkish universities.
• Increased rates of theft and racism in some neighborhoods in Turkiye.
• Extreme crowding in some Turkish cities, and the most crowded city is Istanbul.

Top 10 universities in Turkiye

Turkish universities are the most frequently asked questions from all international students who want to study in Turkiye.

Turkiye represents a prestigious destination for higher studies in many specializations and includes many prestigious universities that are distinguished by high-quality educational programs and a distinguished academic environment. Among these universities, several educational institutions stand out thanks to their strong reputation and global status.

Here is a list of the best 10 universities to study in Turkiye : 

1. Ostim Teknik Universitesi

• Ostim Technical University is one of the distinguished universities in Ankara. It was founded in 2017 and occupies a prominent position in the university rankings, as it is ranked 150th nationally.
• The university offers broad educational programs in fields such as mechanical engineering and electrical engineering.
• The primary language of study is English, with the possibility of studying in Turkish.
• It's a great option for international students who want to study in Turkiye.

2. Bahçeşehir university

• Bahçeşehir University is considered one of the leading universities in Turkiye. 
• It was founded in 1998 and is located in the heart of Istanbul. 
• The university occupies a prominent position both locally and internationally, as it is ranked 1520 globally. 
• The university is distinguished by its strong focus on developing creative thought and motivating students for practical application, through educational programs that include workshops and training in international companies, which contributes to developing students’ skills and preparing them to keep pace with the challenges of the changing labor market.

3. Istanbul Gelisim University 

• Istanbul Gelişim University was established in 2008 as a vocational school. 
• In 2011, it transformed into a comprehensive university that is considered one of the most prominent Turkish private universities. 
• The university includes 6 colleges offering 77 bachelor's programs, a graduate institute with 66 master's programs and 7 doctoral programs, and two vocational schools offering two-year specialized programs. 
• The university seeks to achieve excellence and innovation in education.

4. Altinbas University 

• Altinbas University is distinguished by periodically developing its educational curricula and its constant focus on providing high-quality education. 
• The university also provides students with unique opportunities to interact with employers through the teaching programs it offers and includes teaching staff with extensive experience who contribute to achieving the university’s education and development goals.
• Altinbas University is considered one of the most prominent universities in Turkiye, thanks to the great efforts made by its professors and students. To become a university in an advanced international position.

5. Istanbul Medipol University

Istanbul Medipol University includes 12 colleges that offer 74 bachelor’s programs, 5 higher institutes that offer 62 master’s programs, and 43 doctoral programs, in addition to 4 technical and vocational institutes. These specializations include:

• Faculty of Medicine
• Faculty of Dentistry
• Faculty of Pharmacy
• College of Engineering and Natural Sciences
• College of Business and Administrative Sciences
• College of Communications
• Faculty of Law
• College of Education
• College of Fine Arts, Design and Architecture
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• College of Health Sciences
• International College of Medicine

6. Istanbul Atlas University 

• Istanbul Atlas University was established in 2018 and is located on the European side of Istanbul. The university includes 4 colleges, graduate institutes, and a vocational school, and is characterized by a developed infrastructure that includes modern laboratories and research centers.
• Atlas University is distinguished by being internationally recognized, as it is ranked among the top 10 universities in Turkiye in the world in 2024 - 2025.

7. Istanbul Aydin university 

The university is distinguished by its focus on practical application and encouragement of training courses, giving students unique opportunities to network with employers and gain practical experience.

Istanbul Aydin University offers a wide range of specializations, including:

• Faculty of Medicine
• Faculty of Dentistry
• Faculty of Pharmacy
• College of Engineering
• College of Education
• College of Sciences and Arts
• College of Fine Arts
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences
• College of Communications
• College of Architecture and Design
• College of Health Sciences
• College of Sports Sciences
• College of Applied Sciences

8. Nişantaşı University 

• Nisantasi University is one of the best universities in Turkiye. 
• Nisantasi University was established in 2009 and is located in the city of Istanbul on the European side. 
• The university is ranked 148th nationally and 7392nd globally.

9. Istinye University 

Istinye University is one of the top 10 private universities in Turkiye in the world for the year 2024, and is distinguished by several advantages:

• High-quality education in various specializations.
• Training and work opportunities in the best companies in Turkiye.
• Paying attention to student activities and social interaction.
• Exchange study programs with leading international universities.

10. Uskudar university 

• Uskudar University is one of the most prestigious universities in Turkiye. It was established in 2011 by the Endowment for Human Values and Mental Health.
• The university is distinguished by its focus on the humanities and mental health and is located on the Asian side of Istanbul in the historic Uskudar district.

Types of higher education institutions in Turkiye

If you want to study in Turkiye, there are many options available for you such as:

1 . College

Provides higher education and scientific research, and grants a bachelor's degree, lasting for at least four years. 

2. Postgraduate studies

Master's and doctoral degrees are awarded.

3. Four-Year School

Provides education for specific careers over eight semesters.

4. Conservatory

Trains artists in music and performing arts, and the educational program lasts for eight semesters.

5. Post-secondary vocational school

Aims to train human capabilities in specific fields. Study there for four semesters.

6. Research and Application Center

A higher education institution that conducts research, applied studies, and preparatory activities for various professional fields, to support education in higher education institutions.

Preparatory year in Turkish universities

The preparatory year is considered one of the most important admission requirements to Turkish universities as it is the preliminary stage for students coming to study in Turkiye.

A one-year preparatory year for international students who need to learn the Turkish language and learn an additional English language to prepare academically for undergraduate courses at Turkish universities.

The duration of the preparatory year ranges from 6 months to about 9 months.

In the Turkish preparatory year, studies last for two semesters. Each semester, students take education at two levels:

• In the first semester: A1 and A2
• In the second semester: B1 and B2

What are the best academic disciplines in Turkiye?

Turkish universities offer a wide range of the most important majors and study programs in various fields such as engineering, medicine, social sciences, and arts, which provides great opportunities for students to develop their skills.

The best and most popular specializations in Turkiye include:

1. Medical specialties:

• Human medicine in Turkiye
• Pharmacy in Turkiye
• Dentistry in Turkiye
• Physiotherapy in Turkiye
• Nursing in Turkiye

2. Engineering majors:

• Biomedical engineering in Turkiye
• Mechanical Engineering in Turkiye
• Civil Engineering in Turkiye
• Architecture in Turkiye
• Software engineering in Turkiye
• Computer engineering in Turkiye
• Medical equipment engineering in Turkiye
• Aeronautical Engineering in Turkiye
• Aviation Administration in Turkiye

3. Administrative Sciences Specializations:

• Business administration in Turkiye
• Political science and international relations in Turkiye
• Management information systems in Turkiye
• Logistics management in Turkiye

Read also: Human medicine specializations in Turkey

Tuition fees in Turkey

Now, we come to the tuition fees which is the most important item in the comprehensive guide to study in Turkiye.

Study prices in Turkiye vary according to many factors such as:

• The specializations of study  
• The Turkish universities that provide study of the same specialization
• Different academic degrees
• The language of study 

1 . Tuition fees for studying in Turkiye in English

2. Tuition fees for studying in Turkiye in Turkish

Living costs in Turkiye

To be able to answer the question of the average cost of living in Turkey in 2024, we will need to address more than one factor on which living in Turkiye depends, such as housing prices, transportation, and the price of food in Turkiye.

• The average living in Turkiye for students ranges from 12,000 Turkish liras per month.
• The average cost of public university housing is 200-400 Turkish liras per month.
• The average price of housing in Turkiye (private university) is 300-2500 Turkish liras per month.
• Average living in Turkiye per person: 20,936 Turkish liras per month.
• The average cost of living in Turkiye for families of 4 is 76,183 TL per month.
• Average cost of housing in Istanbul: Apartment (one bedroom): 19,729 Turkish liras per month.
• The average cost of living in an apartment (3 rooms) in the center of Istanbul is 34,000 Turkish liras per month.
• The average cost of monthly basic bills is about 2000 TL.

Average housing rental prices in Turkiye

• The rent per month for an apartment (1 bedroom) in the city center starts from about 19,729.35 TL.
• The rent per month for an apartment (1 bedroom) far from the city center starts from about 13,754.67 TL.
• The rent for an apartment per month (3-bedroom) in the city center starts from about 34,299 TL.
• The rent per month for an apartment (3 bedroom) far from the city center starts from about 23,190.25 TL.

Food and beverage prices in Turkiye

• 1 liter of regular milk: 31.2 Turkish liras.
• 12 egg plate: 53.37 TL.
• 1 kilo of chicken: 185.59 Turkish liras.
• One kilo of cheese: 343.39 Turkish liras.
• 1 kilo of red meat: 622.54 Turkish liras.
• 1 kilo of onions: 17.27 Turkish liras.
• 1 loaf of white bread (500 g): 31 TL.
• 1 kilo of tomatoes: 40.06 Turkish liras.
• 1 kilo of potatoes: 12.20 Turkish liras.
• 1 kilo of oranges: 31 Turkish liras.
• 1 kilo of apples: 30.22 Turkish liras.
• 1 head of lettuce: 31 Turkish liras.
• 1 kilo of banana: 67.05 Turkish liras.
• 1 bottle of water (1.5 liters): 10.17 TL.

Read more: The average cost of living in Türkiye in 2025

Student housing in Turkiye

In Turkiye, international students have multiple housing options ranging from on-campus accommodation, private housing, and rental apartments, allowing them to choose the option that best suits their needs and budget.

Here are some advice you should take into consideration when choosing your housing if you decide to study in Turkiye:

• The location of your residence must be close to the university or public transportation must be easily available, such as metro or metro bus stations.
• Determine the monthly rent budget you can afford and compare the prices of different apartments.
• Look for apartments with sufficient natural light and good ventilation to ensure your daily comfort.
• The terms of the lease contract must be clear and appropriate for you.

Academic degrees in Turkiye

In Turkiye, academic degrees are structured similarly to many other countries, with a tiered system that includes undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.

So whatever you want to study in Turkey, you will find your target academic degree.

Academic degrees in Turkiye include:

1. Undergraduate Degrees (Lisans) Bachelor's Degree (Lisans Diploması)

• Typically awarded after four years of study in a specific field (though some programs, such as engineering or architecture, may take five years).
• Common fields of study include arts, sciences, engineering, business, and social sciences.
• The degree is denoted as "Lisans" in Turkish.

2. Graduate Degrees (Yüksek Lisans) Master's Degree (Yüksek Lisans Diploması)

• Usually requires one to two years of study after obtaining the bachelor's degree.
• Programs may be thesis-based or non-thesis-based. Thesis programs require students to conduct research and write a thesis, while non-thesis programs focus more on coursework.
• Common fields for master's degrees include business administration (MBA), engineering, education, and social sciences.

3. Doctoral Degrees (Doktora) Ph.D. (Doktora Diploması)

•  This is the highest academic degree and typically requires three to five years of study after the master's degree.
• Candidates must conduct original research and write a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to their field.
• Admission usually requires a master's degree and passing an entrance examination.

4. Associate Degrees (Önlisans)

• Awarded by vocational schools after two years of study.
• Focuses on practical skills and training in specific vocational areas.
• Graduates can enter the workforce or continue their education to pursue a bachelor's degree.

5. Specialized Programs

• Some fields, such as medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy, have specialized programs that may lead directly to professional qualifications rather than traditional degrees. 
• These programs usually last longer than standard bachelor's degrees (e.g., medical programs typically last six years).

6. Certificates and Diplomas

• Many institutions also offer various certificate programs that provide specialized training or skills in specific areas. 
• These may be short-term courses or part of continuing education efforts.

Read also: Advantages of studying a master's degree in Türkiye

How to apply for a Turkish university? Study requirements in Turkey

• A copy of the high school certificate, certified and translated.
• A copy of a valid passport 
• A personal photo with a white background
• Language proficiency certificates.
• Academic transcripts and certificates from previous institutions.
• Letters of Recommendation
• Some universities require the Turkish YÖS test or the American SAT.
• Pay application fees.

Turkish student visa requirements

The student visa is a special type of visa that allows international students who want to study in Turkiye to enter and stay to study at an accredited educational institution.

To apply for a Turkish student visa, you generally need to meet the following requirements. 

• Valid passport for at least six months.
• Final acceptance letter. 
• Completed Visa application form.
• Proof of Financial Means
• Recent passport-sized photographs.
• Health insurance.
• Accommodation proof in Turkey such as a rental agreement or a letter from the university if you will be staying in student housing. 
• Medical report or undergo a health examination.
• Pay visa application fees.
• In some cases, you may be required to provide a criminal record check from your home country.

To get your Turkish student visa, you need to follow these steps:

• Collect your necessary documents.
• Complete application form 
• Book an appointment with the nearest Turkish consulate or embassy.
• Submit your application.
• Wait for processing.
• Once approved, you will receive your student visa, allowing you to enter Turkiye for your studies.

Conclusion

Why study in Turkiye? Universities in Turkiye offer diverse educational opportunities that meet the needs of students from all over the world. Choose the type that suits your interests and aspirations, and enjoy an enjoyable and beneficial study experience in a country with a rich history and culture, making it a popular destination for many students seeking higher education.