Many international students choose Turkey as their study destination due to the quality education it offers at an affordable cost. However, they often have many questions that need to be answered before taking the registration step. This is where StudyYup comes in!
We are dedicated to providing our expertise and answering all of your questions so that you can embark on your studies in Turkey with confidence.
One of the most important questions students have is about the conditions for studying in Turkey. It is crucial for students to be aware of the requirements for studying in any country they plan to attend, as well as the specific conditions of the university they wish to enroll in.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to help you understand the conditions for studying in Turkey. By familiarizing yourself with these requirements, you can choose the most suitable university for your needs, prepare your paperwork, and get ready to embark on your journey!
There are two types of universities in Turkey: public and private universities. The conditions for studying in Turkey differ depending on the type of institution you choose.
First, let's discuss the conditions for studying in public universities in Turkey:
Public universities in Turkey are highly regarded around the world, and offer a wide range of specializations to international students, making it a popular destination for those seeking quality education at an affordable cost.
Admission to public universities is highly competitive due to the limited number of seats available for international students. As a result, these universities usually require applicants to have high secondary school grades, especially for medical programs. Some of the conditions for studying in Turkish public universities include:
- A translated and attested copy of your secondary school certificate from the embassy or foreign ministry
- Transcripts with a Turkish translation and attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Turkish Embassy
- A valid passport
- Recent personal photos with a white background
- Meeting the minimum GPA requirement set by each university, which is often high
- Some Turkish public universities require acceptance rates higher than 80%.
- Passing the YÖS International Student Admission Test or SAT with a high score
- Obtaining a TÖMER Turkish language proficiency certificate if you intend to study your major in Turkish
- Obtaining an English language proficiency certificate with a high score, such as IELTS or TOEFL, if you wish to study in English
- Writing a motivation letter
- Providing a bank letter that confirms your ability to cover your study period expenses in your account.
(Note that the Free Turkish Scholarship Program provides opportunities for international students to study in public universities in Turkey for free. You can find more information about this program via this link.)
Second: Conditions for studying in Turkey for private universities:
Turkey’s private universities are an ideal place for education and offer an enjoyable and high-quality educational experience. The conditions for studying in private universities in Turkey are generally easier and simpler compared to those for enrolling in public universities.
Every year, thousands of international students choose to study in Turkish private universities, as most of these universities have established a strong reputation in the global academic community. They prioritize the development of technological infrastructure, the selection of qualified professors, and the preparation of curricula that comply with international quality standards and take into account scientific developments in all fields. Private universities also provide practical training and support various student activities and entertainment.
To be accepted into a private Turkish university, you will need to provide:
- A translated and stamped secondary school certificate from the embassy or foreign ministry
- A transcript of grades, translated and stamped by the embassy or foreign ministry
- A copy of a valid passport
- Recent personal photos of the student
- A language proficiency certificate, if available (otherwise, you may need to study a preparatory year in the language before starting your major)
These uncomplicated conditions have made private universities a modern international university environment, aimed at providing the best university life for students and preparing them as competent professionals for practical life. Contact us to obtain admission to your preferred major and prepare your application documents.
What are the legal documents to complete the requirements for studying in Turkey for international students?
As an international student who wants to start your university studies in Turkey, you have to complete the legal papers. Let’s take a look at the papers required to study in Turkey.
1- Student visa
One of the fundamental requirements for studying in Turkey is obtaining a student visa. Once you receive the acceptance letter from the university you have enrolled in, you must apply for a student visa from the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate in your country.
Having a student visa is crucial and mandatory, and without it, you won’t be allowed to enter Turkey.
You can submit your application up to two months before you travel to Turkey, with the latest date allowed for submission being a month prior to your scheduled departure for your educational trip in Turkey. After this deadline, you won’t be able to apply for a student visa.
Therefore, it is advisable to expedite your application as soon as possible and not wait until the last minute, to avoid missing the opportunity due to missing documents or unforeseen delays.
2- Health insurance
Health insurance is a requirement for studying in Turkey and is necessary for obtaining a student residence permit. However, having health insurance also offers many benefits beyond simply fulfilling a requirement.
It can provide financial relief in the event that you face health issues during your studies in Turkey, covering the costs of medical treatments, care fees, and hospital examinations.
It is important to ensure that you have adequate health insurance coverage before traveling to Turkey to avoid any unexpected financial burdens.
3- Residence permit
The residence permit is a crucial requirement for studying in Turkey, but it can only be obtained once the student has entered Turkish territory.
Upon arrival in Turkey, the student must apply for a residence permit from the Immigration Department. This application should be submitted within one month of arriving in Turkey and before the expiry date of the student’s visa. The process is simple and can be done online by submitting all the necessary documents.
The significance of the residence permit lies in the fact that it is a legal document that permits the student to reside in Turkey for the duration of their studies without any legal issues.
Now that you are aware of the requirements for studying in Turkey, you can turn your dream into reality and embark on a rewarding educational journey filled with learning and discovery.
We are always available to assist you with all the necessary procedures to secure academic admission to a reputable university and your preferred major.