Study in Turkey

Currently, around 340,000 international students are studying in Turkey, and this number continues to grow as more people discover the country's unique appeal.

Turkey is now one of the top 10 destinations for international higher education - not just because it sits between Europe and Asia, but also due to its Mediterranean climate, rich history, and vibrant culture, all of which make for an unforgettable student experience.

Whether you choose the bustling streets of Istanbul, the capital city of Ankara, or quieter cities like Bursa or Gaziantep, you'll find a mix of history, culture, and sunny Mediterranean vibes to enjoy alongside your studies.

By 2028, the country aims to host 500,000 international students, but like any country, Turkey can experience political and economic changes. It's therefore a good idea to check the travel advice from GOV.UK before making plans.

Turkish universities

Despite a relatively short higher education history, Turkey has developed a strong university system, with over 200 institutions serving millions of students, including:

• 129 public universities - state-funded but independently managed
• 75 foundation (private) universities - non-profit, established by private foundations and supervised by the government
• four foundation vocational schools - specialised two-year institutions offering practical training in fields like tourism, healthcare, and technical professions.

Every province in Turkey has at least one state university, meaning that higher education is widely accessible.

In the QS World University Rankings 2026, 26 Turkish universities are listed, including:

• Middle East Technical University - 269th
• Istanbul Technical University - 298th
• Koç University - 323rd
• Boğaziçi University - 371st
• Sabancı University - 404th
• Bilkent University - 415th.

In addition to traditional degrees, short-term certificates and microcredentials are increasingly available in emerging fields such as:

• cybersecurity
• digital business
• nursing
• Turkish language teaching.

This makes Turkey a flexible option for modular or professional learning paths.

Turkish universities place a strong emphasis on industry partnerships, startups, and applied research, particularly in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. This provides students with opportunities for internships, projects, and career connections in sectors like:

• clean technology
• e-mobility/automotive systems
• health technology
• smart logistics.

The academic year typically runs from September to June, though some universities follow a trimester system.

Degree courses in Turkey

Most undergraduate degrees in Turkey take four years, though specialised programmes may take five or six years to complete, such as:

• architecture
• dentistry
• medicine
• veterinary medicine.

Turkish universities are expanding their offerings in high-demand and emerging fields, including:

• artificial intelligence
• data science
• fintech
• renewable energy
• sustainability.

These degrees often combine classroom learning with hands-on practical experience, ensuring students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and real-world skills. This includes:

• internships
• lab work
• studio projects.

Many institutions now provide flexible learning options, including hybrid and fully online undergraduate courses at universities such as:

• Anadolu University
• Ankara University
• Atatürk University
• Istanbul University.

Undergraduate entry requirements for international students typically include:

• high school-level qualifications
• a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 4.0 (which roughly corresponds to a UK 2:1)
• proof of English proficiency (IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 or equivalent for English-taught programmes).

Some courses may also require university-specific entrance exams.

Turkey also offers two-year undergraduate associate degrees, which combine practical training with theoretical learning. Popular areas of study include:

• computer programming and IT
• culinary arts
• early childhood education
• graphic design
• medical laboratory technology
• tourism and hotel management.

Associate degrees are considered one level below a Bachelors degree and can either provide a faster route into employment or serve as a stepping stone to a full Bachelors programme.

You can use the Study in Turkey website to search for an associate or Bachelors degree.

Masters degrees

Typically spanning two years, the first year of a Masters degree in Turkey usually focuses on coursework, while the second year emphasises research, a thesis, or project-based work.

You can choose between two main types of Masters courses:

• thesis Masters - research-focused, ideal for students considering a PhD or an academic career.
• non-thesis Masters - coursework-focused, designed to develop practical skills quickly, particularly in fields like business, engineering, or IT.

Even non-thesis programmes may include a final oral exam or thesis defence. In areas such as engineering, IT, or business, some courses also offer mandatory or optional internships to give you hands-on experience.

Many Masters programmes are taught in English, but there are plenty of Turkish-language options as well. Popular fields of study include:

• business and management
• cultural studies and tourism
• engineering
• health sciences and biotechnology
• social sciences.

Requirements can vary by university, so it's always best to check the specific criteria for the programme you're interested in.

Search for available programmes at Study in Turkey - Masters courses.

PhDs

In Turkey, a PhD usually takes three to four years after a Masters. Many are taught in English and combine:

• coursework
• exams
• seminars.

At the beginning of your PhD, you will usually take a proficiency exam that evaluates your research proposal through written and oral assessments. Even if you hold a Masters degree, most programmes include first-year coursework in:

• advanced topics in your field
• research methods
• statistics.

If you're considering a PhD in Turkey, you'll find that the programmes are generally more structured than in the UK. Your progress is formally reviewed every six months, and you may also need to give annual presentations in departmental seminars.

Your PhD will end with a public thesis defence, similar to a UK viva voce. In some science and engineering fields, you'll also need at least one peer-reviewed publication before graduation.

For entry, a thesis-based Masters is usually preferred. Some universities may accept non-thesis Masters degrees if you pass a pre-PhD exam or complete extra coursework.

If your research involves working with local communities, you might also need to take a Turkish language course - even if your programme is taught in English.

To find a programme for you, see Study in Turkey - PhD courses.

Student exchanges

The UK government runs the Turing Scheme, which offers over £100 million in funding for students who want to gain international experience or study at universities abroad.

Before applying, make sure that your home university has an official partnership with a Turkish university that participates in the Turing Scheme. Universities that participate in the scheme include:

• Gazi University
• Istanbul Technical University
• Middle East Technical University
• Sivas Cumhuriyet University.

There are scholarships such as the British Universities Transnational Exchange (BUTEX), designed for UK undergraduate students who want to study or gain work experience abroad with a focus on sustainability. The scholarship supports a range of opportunities, whether you're:

• attending a summer school
• spending a semester or a full academic year overseas
• taking part in an international work placement, internship, or traineeship.

The wearefreemovers programme also allows you to arrange study exchanges independently, giving you more flexibility in choosing where and when you study. This programme is usually coordinated by your home university, not a government body, and you are responsible for managing your own applications, visas, and funding, as financial support is generally not provided.

Once you're enrolled at a Turkish institution, you can also explore other exchange programmes that let students and academic staff study at partner institutions in Turkey, including:

• Erasmus+
• Farabi
• Mevlana

These programmes are available to students at all levels - associate, Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate - and provide opportunities to gain both academic and cultural experience. It's important to note that some programmes, such as Farabi, have level-specific restrictions - for example, students in the preparatory or foundation stages of their course may not be eligible.

Course fees

Studying in Turkey is not only of high quality but also affordable, making it an attractive option for international students.

If you choose a state university, your undergraduate tuition could be as low as TRY 8,000 to 50,000 per year (£200 to £1,250). Programmes taught in Turkish are generally more affordable due to government support, while English-language courses are a bit more expensive but align with international standards.

Private universities usually cost more, with fees ranging from TRY 240,000 to 800,000 per year (£6,000 to £20,000). If you're thinking about medicine or dentistry, expect even higher costs - for instance, Üsküdar University charges around TRY 1,009,363 (£18,244) per year for its English-language medicine programme.

When it comes to postgraduate studies, depending on the university and programme, you can expect to pay between:

• TRY 10,000 and TRY 30,000 per year (£250 to £750) for a Masters
• TRY 16,000 and TRY 50,000 (£400 to £1,250) for a PhD.

Keep in mind that fees can vary depending on the university and exchange rates, so it's always a good idea to check directly with the institution you're interested in.

For more details on course fees, see Study in Turkey - Tuition Fees in Turkey.

Funding to study in Turkey

Even with recent price increases, living in Turkey remains significantly cheaper than in Europe, Canada, or the USA, which means you can enjoy student life without breaking the bank.

Monthly living costs for international students usually range from TRY 3,000 to 5,000 (£80 to £140), depending on the city and type of accommodation. Here's a rough guide:

• Ankara - TRY 3,500 to 4,500 (£95 to £125). As the capital, it's slightly more affordable.
• Bursa - TRY 3,000 to 3,800 (£80 to £105). A smaller, historic city with a relaxed lifestyle.
• Istanbul - TRY 4,000 to 5,000 (£110 to £140). Turkey's biggest, most cosmopolitan city, so costs are higher.
• Izmir - TRY 3,000 to 4,000 (£80 to £110). A lively coastal city with plenty of student-friendly options.

These costs usually cover accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses, though your lifestyle can make a difference. Textbooks cost around TRY 750 (£23) per semester, and most universities offer student discounts for transport and cultural activities.

See more on student living costs at Study in Turkey - Life expenses.

Many scholarships are merit-based and usually expect good academic performance (around 70% to 80% in entrance exams).

The Türkiye Burslari Scholarship is the main national scheme for international students. It covers:

• accommodation
• a monthly stipend
• full tuition fees
• health insurance
• university placement.

In addition, many universities offer their own scholarships, including:

• Sabancı University, Bilkent University, Koç University - merit-based awards and grants
• Bahçeşehir University - tuition discounts and scholarships for international students.

Doctoral students can also explore funding opportunities from The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) or the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), particularly in research-heavy fields. Many universities are also expanding support for emerging disciplines like artificial intelligence (AI) and renewable energy.

Always check the current exchange rate before applying, as changes can impact tuition, living costs, or the scholarship value.

For more details on scholarships and financial aid, visit the Türkiye Scholarships website.

Student visas

If you're planning to study in Turkey for more than 90 days, you'll need a student visa before you arrive.

Once in Turkey, you must apply for a residence permit (ikamet) within 30 days at your local Provincial Directorate of Migration Management. Residence permits are usually valid for one year and must be renewed annually for the duration of your studies.

Applications are made through Turkish embassies or consulates abroad - for UK students, this is the Turkish Embassy in London.

Start with an online pre-application form at the Republic of Turkey Consular Procedures site, then submit:

• a completed visa form
• an official acceptance letter from a recognised university
• a valid passport
• biometric photos
• health insurance
• proof of financial means to cover tuition and living costs.

It's best to apply at least four to eight weeks before you plan to travel, as processing can take up to a month. Some universities now enable students to apply for residence permits digitally, making the process quicker and easier.

International students are generally allowed to work up to 24 hours per week, subject to regulations and you must always maintain a valid student and residence status. Working without the correct permit or attempting to switch from a tourist visa to a student visa on arrival is not allowed and can cause serious complications.

For the latest information, see Study in Turkey - Visa and Residence or read more about visas at the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

How to apply

Applying to a university in Turkey is straightforward, but requirements can vary depending on whether you're going for an undergraduate or postgraduate programme.

For undergraduate courses, your high school transcripts and diploma are usually sufficient to apply.

For most undergraduate courses, your college qualifications should be enough.

If you're going for a Masters or other postgraduate programme, you'll often need to take the Academic Personnel and Graduate Education Exam (ALES), which is run by the Student Selection and Placement Centre (ÖSYM). ALES is held twice a year, in March and November, lasts about three hours, and it tests your literacy and numeracy skills.

You'll also need to submit a few key documents, including:

• a completed international student application form
• your Bachelors or Masters certificates
• an updated CV with letters of recommendation
• proof that you have enough funds to cover tuition and living costs
• photo identification, and the application fee.

Many universities now offer online application systems, while some still require direct email submissions, so make sure to check the process for your chosen institution.

Being organised and submitting all your documents on time will make the application process much easier. Paying attention to deadlines and specific programme requirements will give you the best chance of securing a place.

Language requirements

Language is an important part of studying in Turkey. If English is your first language and you're enrolling in an English-taught course, you generally won't need to provide proof of English proficiency.

If you're applying to a Turkish-taught programme and you're not an English speaker, you'll usually need to pass a Turkish language test. For English-taught courses, most universities ask for a recognised English test such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Some competitive courses may also have additional entrance exams, so it's always a good idea to check the requirements for your chosen programme.

Even if your degree is in English, learning Turkish can be a big advantage. Many universities, including Boğaziçi University, offer intensive Turkish language courses either before the semester starts or alongside your studies to help you to settle in and get the most out of your time in Turkey.

Comparison to UK qualifications

Turkey's higher education system is aligned with the Bologna Process, a European agreement between 48 countries to ensure consistent quality and standards in higher education. This means that Turkish degrees follow a framework comparable to UK degrees, so your qualification will be recognised and respected internationally.

For students coming from the UK, this makes it easy to understand how credits, degree levels, and grading translate, whether you plan to continue your studies or start your career after graduation.

Find out more

• Explore the practicalities of a Turkish education at Study In Turkey.
• Discover what it's like to work in Turkey.