Turkey has become one of the top 10 study destinations worldwide, thanks to the high quality of education, diverse range of majors, and ample scholarship opportunities offered by its universities, along with a vibrant student life.
Advantages of Studying in Turkey
There are many advantages that attract international students to choose Turkey as their ideal study destination, the most important of which include:
- The cost of studying and living in Turkey is low compared to many countries such as Britain, America, and Germany.
- The Turkish Ministry of Education is keen on monitoring the academic performance of universities to enhance the efficiency of the educational system.
- Turkey is located between Europe and Asia, which makes it a country rich in different cultures and commercially open to neighboring countries.
- 80% of Turkish universities provide international students with partial scholarships and discounts starting from 25% on tuition fees.
- You can study in Turkey in either English or Turkish, it is your choice.
- Many students choose to study in Turkey because they have the opportunity to settle and find suitable job opportunities in the country after graduation.
What About the Disadvantages of Studying in Turkey?
- Learning the Turkish language can be a challenge for some students, but don't worry, with time and practice, it can be mastered!
- The issue of finding a good accommodation in certain parts of Istanbul is a long-standing challenge, but don't worry - we have solutions and we'll be glad to assist you.
- Some students express concerns about job opportunities after graduation. While this may be a valid concern, it's important to note that as you improve your language skills and practical experience, you'll be better positioned to find the right opportunities at the right time. Don't be discouraged - keep working towards your goals!
- Some students may feel that Turks can be harsh, but often this is due to the language barrier. Learning the language can help bridge that gap and foster better relationships. With time, you will find that Turks are warm and welcoming people.
The Right Steps to Start Studying in Turkey
In Turkey, you can study all post-secondary degrees, whether bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate. There are three basic ways to study in Turkey:
- Private Universities
- Public Universities
- Applying to the Turkish Free Scholarship Program, which includes both private and government scholarships.
Private Universities in Turkey
Private universities in Turkey, also known as “endowment universities”, do not require admission tests for any academic level, making them a popular option for many students. With over 60 private universities in the country, students can choose from a variety of academic disciplines.
Admissions are evaluated based on high school diploma and transcripts, with some universities offering discounts for higher academic scores. While medical, engineering, and administrative majors are popular for English-language study, Turkish-language study is also available.
Our advisory team can recommend the most suitable university based on academic specialization and budget, and we guarantee no application fees and multiple admission options for your convenience.
When comparing the universities you applied to, what factors do you take into consideration?
🗺 Location
💲 Study Budget
📈 Academic Rank
🌐 Accreditations
Public Universities in Turkey
Most students interested in studying in Turkey are primarily looking for the opportunity to enroll in a public university due to the relatively low tuition fees. However, it’s important to note that public universities differ significantly from private universities in terms of academic facilities such as laboratories, student housing, classrooms, and available activities on campus. Furthermore, public universities generally have more rigorous enrollment requirements, often including admission tests.
To enroll in a public university, foreign students must take an admission test called “YÖS” (Yabancı Uyruklu Öğrenci Sınavı in Turkish), which stands for “Foreign Students Exam” in English.
Important Tip:
Old and important universities such as Istanbul University and Middle East Technical University require, in addition to YÖS, the SAT test, and your application is evaluated based on your academic average and high school transcript.
The opportunity to enroll in public Turkish universities requires additional efforts and prior preparation... If you are not ready for that, we advise you to focus on a private university.
Free Türkiye Scholarships for International Students
Every academic year, the Turkish Scholarship Authority offers around 4,500 scholarships for foreign students to study in Turkey at the state’s expense. The Turkish Scholarship Program covers various programs and study majors in both public and private universities. The most notable benefits of receiving a fully-funded scholarship from the state include:
- Full tuition fee coverage for the entire duration of the program
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Health insurance during the program
- A one-time travel allowance to and from Turkey
- Free Turkish language course
- Opportunity to participate in various cultural and social activities organized by the program
To apply for the Turkish Scholarship Program, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as being a foreign national and holding the necessary academic qualifications. The application process usually starts around January or February, and it is highly competitive, so it’s recommended that you start preparing your application well in advance.
