Turkey is an excellent destination for students seeking affordable and high-quality education. Over the years, Turkey has made great strides in higher education, making it a renowned educational hub that attracts students from all corners of the world. With contemporary university life and education that is geared towards professional and personal development, Turkey has become a popular choice for international students.
The Turkish government’s keen interest in supporting education, developing universities, and providing amenities for international students has made studying in Turkey even more appealing.
In this article, we will explore the reasons why Turkey is a strong study destination, and why thousands of international students choose to study there. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of what Turkey has to offer, and why it might be the perfect place for you to pursue your education.
So, let’s dive into the most important advantages of studying in Turkey.
1- Diversity of universities and majors
Turkey offers a wide range of majors in its universities. With almost 200 universities, both public and private, the majority of which are located in Istanbul and Ankara, you can find any academic discipline that you can think of, at all levels including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as professional diplomas. This diversity of universities and majors has resulted in varying tuition fees from one university to another and from one major to another.
However, you can be assured that you will find a university and major that suit your needs. Moreover, Turkey’s universities are ranked among the best in the world, offering excellent opportunities for international students at all levels.
2- An excellent educational system that meets quality standards
Turkish universities have been able to offer advanced curricula that are compatible with international educational quality standards. They also issue graduate certificates that are accredited in many Arab and European countries, which has encouraged many international students to choose Turkey as their study destination. Most Turkish universities, especially private ones, have a strong academic infrastructure that focuses on education, training, scientific research, and various activities. Additionally, many of them meet European quality standards, so they are members of the Erasmus+ agreement for student exchange and exchange of educational experiences and professors. The curricula of Turkish universities are similar to those of the largest international universities, which has given them a good reputation worldwide.
Generally, a bachelor’s degree in Turkey takes four years (except for medical majors), and the years of study in these institutions may be increased by an additional preparatory year. On the other hand, a master’s degree can be obtained in less than two years. After completing the years of study, the student will obtain a documented educational certificate and extensive experience that will enable them to face future challenges in the labor market.
3- Tuition fees and living expenses are within everyone's reach
Studying abroad can be costly, which is a major obstacle for many students. However, the diversity offered by Turkish universities and the government’s support and hospitality towards international students make studying in Turkey an affordable option.
Compared to other countries that offer similar quality education, the cost of living in Turkey is relatively reasonable. This allows students to enjoy a good standard of living with monthly expenses ranging from $400 to $800, which includes housing, food, and transportation.
Housing, food, and entertainment services are available at reasonable prices without compromising quality. Students can find accommodation within university residences or close to the campus at an affordable monthly or yearly rate. Health care is also readily available for students who have a student visa and health insurance.
Transportation is another convenient aspect of living in Turkey. Students can avail discounted transportation cards, and different modes of transportation are available throughout the day.
Tuition fees for private universities in Turkey vary from one institution to another, catering to students with different budgets while maintaining high educational standards.
For those unable to afford the costs of studying, scholarship opportunities are available to help finance their education. This is another advantage of studying in Turkey.
4- High qualification of faculty members in Turkish universities"
Turkey’s universities have gained a reputation as competitors to world-famous universities due to the competence and expertise of their faculty members.
While poor selection of academic staff and lack of communication between professors and students are common issues faced by universities around the world, this is not the case in Turkey. The faculty members in Turkish universities are carefully selected, and they encourage students to engage in continuous research and practical application to help them develop their skills and knowledge. They provide students with various courses and sources of knowledge in different disciplines.
Therefore, Turkish universities are known for the quality of their programs, the strength of their curricula, and the efficiency of their educational process, which is attributed to the competence and expertise of their professors.
5- Modern technological university facilities
The use of modern technology is widespread in Turkish universities to provide the latest education, training, and scientific research technology to students and researchers.
University campuses are equipped with advanced equipment and facilities such as laboratories, workshops, and research centers that enable students to obtain strong practical training and researchers to conduct cutting-edge research.
The facilities and services provided within Turkish universities rely heavily on modern technology.
6- The hospitable Turkish people, the beauty of the streets of Turkey, and the large number of tourist and recreational areas
Turkey is a highly popular destination for international students in the European region. Alongside the previously mentioned advantages, the warmth and hospitality of the Turkish people towards international students is a significant factor in attracting students and ensuring their psychological satisfaction with studying in Turkey.
As a new foreign student in Turkey, you can expect to receive a helping hand from the locals, who will assist you in navigating your way around the city and settling into your new life.
Moreover, Turkey’s streets, atmosphere, archaeological sites, tourist attractions, and recreational areas make it an attractive destination for both tourists and students alike.
During your stay in Turkey, take the time to enjoy the country’s natural beauty by visiting monuments and natural sites with your new friends. Turkey boasts stunning scenery that will uplift your mood and inspire you to study with renewed vigor.
Consider creating a list of places you wish to visit, creating a schedule to explore the country’s natural beauty and history, and balancing your schoolwork with entertainment.
Istanbul, in particular, is a highly student-friendly city, with its numerous restaurants, cafes, and recreational areas frequented by students from different nationalities
7- Turkey is a very suitable destination for Arab students
In Turkey, you don’t have to worry about losing your Arab and Islamic identity when studying abroad. Some students may fear language barriers, new customs and traditions, and unfamiliar surroundings, but Turkey offers a unique advantage as a bridge between East and West.
Arabic is widely spoken in Turkey due to the many Arab students who come to study there. You are likely to find someone nearby who speaks the same dialect of Arabic as you. Additionally, Turkey shares customs and traditions similar to those of Arab people, which helps with cultural adaptation. Hearing the call to prayer five times a day in Arabic also provides comfort and reassurance for Arab students.
Furthermore, halal food and drinks are readily available throughout Turkey, reflecting the Muslim culture and influence of the Ottoman caliphate, which is still present in many aspects of Turkish life.
Overall, Turkey offers a welcoming and familiar environment for Arab students, making it a great destination for studying abroad.
8- Active student life within universities
However, your most cherished memories will likely be from your time on campus. Private universities in Turkey are dedicated to providing all necessary facilities for cultural, social, sports, artistic, and scientific student activities. Most universities have sports facilities for various sports, including playgrounds, swimming pools, and fitness halls. Theaters, libraries, and studios are also available for students to use. Throughout the year, exhibitions, parties, seminars, and conferences are held on campus. Additionally, there are restaurants, cafeterias, and green spaces where students can rest and relax.
9- Possibility to choose the language of study
Language is no longer a barrier to studying in Turkey, as most universities have made it possible to study various disciplines in English, which made it easier for Arab students to study in Turkey.
You will find a wide choice of programs available in English. You can, of course, study in Turkish if you are able to.
In general, if you have not yet reached the required level in the language, you can attend one preparatory year, which is a preparatory program affiliated with the university, to develop quickly and intensively in the language before starting university studies for your major. This program is available in either English or Turkish languages.
10- Student exchange opportunities
Are you interested in studying in Turkey and spending some time in another country without paying tuition fees in that country?
One of the major advantages of studying in Turkey is the availability of student exchange programs such as Erasmus, which enable students to exchange with other European universities.
Turkish students have the opportunity to study at another university without paying additional tuition fees. The duration of the exchange program varies depending on the chosen program, ranging from a few weeks to a semester or a year.
11- Practical training opportunities
Most universities in Turkey have established effective partnerships with local and international companies and institutions in the industrial and commercial sectors, to provide their students with real opportunities for practical training and application of what they have learned in their majors, to be connected with the business world and acquire the skills required in the job market, and to start building their own experience.
Moreover, the Career Support Centers that are available in many universities help students develop their professional skills, choose the most suitable career path, and prepare to work immediately after graduation.
As for the medical and health sciences majors, students receive their training in major hospitals affiliated with the universities or partnered with them, to ensure the graduation of qualified professionals to work in the local and international health sectors.
Finally, these are not all the advantages of studying in Turkey. There are other advantages that vary according to the personal experience of each student, which you will discover for yourself when you find your place in one of the distinguished Turkish universities.
Now that you know the advantages of studying in Turkey, what is stopping you from traveling there? All you have to do is register and prepare your travel documents, complete the required procedures, and hopefully, you will be lucky enough to get accepted into one of the distinguished Turkish universities.
