Study in Turkey

Once the center of one of history’s greatest empires, Turkey today boasts a rich and captivating history and culture. Its unique position straddling two continents gives Turkey a distinctive blend of ethnic and cultural influences, reflected in its cuisine, art, language, and historical heritage.

For students seeking a degree in Turkey, the country offers a diverse range of educational options that combine Eastern and Western traditions in an energetic and inspiring environment. It’s a perfect place for both learning and discovery, with proximity to not just one, but two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: The Temple of Artemis and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.

If you’re considering where to pursue your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, Turkey offers an unparalleled experience. Study during the week, and spend your weekends exploring the Archaeological Site of Troy or the mesmerizing Rock Sites of Cappadocia!

Why study in Turkey?

1. Affordable Tuition Fees

Public universities in Turkey offer highly affordable tuition rates, with international students typically paying between 100 and 4,000 Dollar per year. This is significantly lower compared to tuition costs in countries like the UK, US, Canada, Australia, or China.

2. Low Cost of Living

Living expenses in Turkey are remarkably low, covering everything from accommodation and groceries to transportation and entertainment. A monthly budget of 400–600 dollars is sufficient to live comfortably.

3. Wide Range of Scholarships

Beyond affordable tuition and living costs, Turkey offers a plethora of scholarships for international students. These scholarships make higher education even more accessible for those looking to study in Turkish universities.

4. Cultural Crossroads of Europe and Asia

Turkey’s unique geographic position as a bridge between Europe and Asia creates a rich multicultural environment. Here, you can experience a fascinating blend of traditions, cuisines, and customs from both continents.

5. Rich History and Iconic Landmarks

For history enthusiasts, studying in Turkey is a dream come true. The country is home to numerous ancient sites and monuments that have preserved their allure and stood the test of time. Must-visit attractions include the ruins of Ephesus, the valleys of Cappadocia, Topkapi Palace, Sumela Monastery, Mount Nemrut, and the Roman theatre of Aspendos.

What is it like to study in Turkey?

International students in Turkey experience a warm and supportive atmosphere, where they are surrounded by knowledgeable professors and helpful peers dedicated to their success. The classrooms encourage open dialogue, creativity, and collaboration, allowing students to engage in group projects and participate in extracurricular activities.

Additionally, studying in Turkey offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships and apprenticeships with local companies, providing a valuable stepping stone toward achieving their career aspirations.

Which universities and colleges to attend in Turkey?

Turkey has plenty of universities to choose from, each offering English-taught programs for students all over the world. Furthermore, many of their universities enjoy a high ranking and a great reputation for producing some of the most intelligent people.

What to study in Turkey?

In Turkey, you can gain expertise in a variety of fields and subjects. Throughout history, Turkey has always had unique contributions to Science, Art, and Architecture. Even today, with their tech development centres popping up in all of the major universities, students everywhere can find the subjects that appeal to them most.

  • Education degrees in Turkey 
  • Finance degrees in Turkey 
  • International Relations degrees in Turkey 
  • Biomedical Engineering degrees in Turkey 
  • Architecture degrees in Turkey 
  • Journalism & Media degrees in Turkey

What to study in Turkey?

Because of its unique geographical location, there are loads of diverse cities in Turkey, each with their own unique character and charm. Take a look at all of the major cities in Turkey that students can choose from.

And all over the Turkey.

How to apply?

Each university in Turkey has its own system on their website that allows future students to apply for and enrol in their degree programmes. So, once you select the university of your choice, you can go through their application and submit your materials there.

Here are some of the basic requirements you’ll need for every university application in Turkey:

  • A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s degree)
  • A transcript/record of your previous courses
  • A scan of your passport and/or birth certificate
  • Your CV
  • Testing scores
  • Evidence of scholarship or funding
  • Letters of recommendation (between 2-3)
  • Portfolio and/or writing samples

Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for a Turkish university

Take Preparation Courses

These courses offer students an opportunity to enhance their academic skills before starting their Master’s or other postgraduate degree programs. Whether it’s a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, pre-Medicine, or other foundation courses, they help you prepare for the degree program you wish to pursue.

 

Boost Your English with a Prep Course

For those enrolling in a degree program in Turkey, demonstrating sufficient English proficiency is crucial. English-language prep courses not only improve your language skills but also prepare you for the English proficiency tests required by Turkish universities.

 

English-Language Tests

When applying to study in Turkey, you’ll need to submit proof of your English proficiency through recognized certificates. The accepted certificates by Turkish universities typically include:

Still, you should always check your university’s website, just to be sure what the exact requirements are.

Living in Turkey

Tuition fees for universities in Turkey

Like most countries around the world, Turkey also has public and private universities, and, as a result, a wide range of tuition fees. Depending on your education level or chosen institution, you’ll find that tuition fees can vary dramatically.

  • Public universities: 100–4,000 dollars per year
  • Private universities: up to and sometimes over 20,000 dollars per year

Living costs in Turkey

Turkey is quite a large country, with several big and small cities. The price of living there can be dramatically different depending on where it is located, how big the city is, and how much demand there is for living space.

Students want to know which places provide a good balance of cheap prices and an exciting student life, especially in a large historical city like Istanbul. On average, the monthly living costs range from 400 to 600 dollars/month.

Here is a breakdown of some of the standard living costs:

  • Renting (university or state dormitory): 30–100 dollars/month
  • Renting (private apartment): 70–300 dollars/month
  • 3-course meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant: 12 dollars
  • Milk: 0.57 dollars
  • Bread: 0.30 dollars
  • Monthly transportation pass (train, bus, metro): 27 dollars
  • Cappuccino: 1.40 dollars
 

About Turkey

Turkey serves as a bridge between Europe and Asia, rich with a history of cultures and civilizations. It has been the epicenter of numerous empires that have ruled the lands of Anatolia for centuries.

From ancient times, Anatolia, one of the earliest known settlements, has been a melting pot of cultures, enriched by the migration of various tribes. This region has inherited a vast cultural legacy from empires such as the Sumerians, Hittites, Lydians, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans, all of which once flourished within Turkey’s borders.

Here are some intriguing facts about Turkey:

  • Western Turkey is home to the legendary Trojan Wars, and the famous Trojan horse still stands there today.
  • Contrary to popular belief, tulips were first sold from Turkey, not the Netherlands.
  • St. Nicholas, famously known as Santa Claus, was born in Patara, Turkey.
  • Turkey boasts over 130 mountain peaks that soar above 3,000 meters.
  • Approximately 75% of the world’s hazelnuts are grown in Turkey.

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Student visas for Türkiye

If you’re From Pakistan, you’ll need to apply for a visa to study in Türkiye. The following information is taken from embassy and consulate websites. The student visa that you need to enroll in a complete degree programme in Türkiye is displayed below.

How to Apply to a Master's in Turkey

If you’ve chosen to pursue a Master’s degree in Turkey, you’ll need to prepare the necessary documents to meet university requirements. This typically includes providing detailed personal information, proof of previous academic qualifications, financial details, and a personal statement outlining your goals and reasons for choosing the program.

What documents do I need to provide to apply in Turkey?

You’ll need to provide several supporting documents, including:

– Application form
– Bachelor’s diploma
– Academic transcripts
– Statement of purpose
– Reference letters from professors and employers
– Language proficiency score
– Proof of funds

If any of these documents are not in English or Turkish, a certified translation with an official stamp may be required. Additionally, some universities might require you to attend an exam or interview. To avoid any delays, make sure to submit all required documents well ahead of the deadline.

Prove your English skills

To show that you have the right language skills for an English-taught degree in Turkey, you’ll have to present a IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificate. If you don’t have such a certificate, you might be able to take a language test upon arrival at the university.

Additional test scores

Depending on the Master’s you want to go to, you might also be asked to provide an additional test such as GRE or GMAT.

Application deadlines for Turkey

The deadlines for applying to a Master’s in Turkey are usually during the spring (end of May), or in winter (end of December).

Bachelor's Degrees in Turkey

Recent educational initiatives have significantly boosted international cooperation and academic exchange at universities, attracting Bachelor’s degree students and faculty from around the world. These policies have made it easier for students, graduates, and higher education staff to engage in global mobility. Specialized institutions are dedicated to preparing students for their future careers while offering broad access to high-quality higher education on a global scale.

Studying abroad is now more accessible than ever, with opportunities to pursue education in Australia, Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. This growing ease of mobility allows students to explore the world, not just through travel but by spending semesters at universities in different countries. With a wide range of study options available, you can find the perfect Bachelor’s degree program that aligns with your dreams.

The availability of English-taught Bachelor’s degrees has skyrocketed in recent years, with countries like Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States leading the way. Higher education in English is also offered in many other countries, giving students endless choices—from top-tier research universities to smaller, specialized institutions.

Bachelor’s Degree

A Bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic qualification that varies in duration depending on the country, discipline, and institution. Typically, professional Bachelor’s programs take 4 to 5 years to complete, while academic Bachelor’s degrees are often 3 years long. This is not a strict rule, as variations exist.

Bachelor’s degrees are offered worldwide, leading to qualifications such as Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), and Bachelor of Business Administration (B.BA), among others.

After completing a regular Bachelor’s degree, students can pursue a one-year honors degree in the same field, often involving a research project and thesis. This option is usually available to students with high academic achievements in their undergraduate studies.

Some universities also offer joint honors degrees, where students can earn a degree by fulfilling the credit requirements for two different majors. These subject areas may or may not be closely related but typically overlap in both faculties and content.