1. Turkey: Overview
The land that bridges the continents of Europe and Asia, Turkey is a country of diverse beauty, culture, and history. From the ancient wonders of Ephesus to the fairy-tale-like landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey captivates with its charm and natural beauty. While the country’s capital is Ankara, Istanbul, thanks to its location, invites you to immerse in a fusion of East and West, tradition and modernity. Whether you live on the European side or the Asian side, you can always cross a natural wonder, the Bosphorus Strait.
Turkish culture is a vibrant melting pot of various civilizations, and its unique cuisine reflects a rich tapestry of flavors spanning from Central Asia all the way to Europe. The land where great empires have risen and fallen, it is hardly surprising that Turkey attracts so many people every year.
2. Education System
More than 200 Turkish universities provide four-year bachelor’s degree programs, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees across various academic fields. All these institutions undergo the accreditation processes ensuring that students obtain globally recognized degrees. Moreover, as a participant in the Bologna Process, Turkish diplomas enjoy recognition throughout all European countries.
For those who haven’t ever taken Turkish classes, there’s nothing to worry about. Numerous universities in Turkey offer a wide range of English-taught courses. However, even if your academic program is in English you can significantly enrich your experience by incorporating Turkish into daily life.
3. Tuition fees & Scholarships
The cost of studying in Turkey is relatively affordable compared to other major European countries and the US. Undergraduate programs in Turkey vary in cost, ranging from $3,000 up to $15,000, with some, particularly in the field of Medicine, extending up to $45,000. Additionally, various scholarships are available for international students extending to 75%. To give you an idea, Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları) program provides full scholarships to students globally, encompassing tuition fees, accommodation, and monthly stipends.
For students seeking high-quality education and rigorous academic curricula, private universities are the best choice. These institutions often have English as the primary language of instruction instead of Turkish.
4. Housing & Costs of living
The beautiful thing is that the cost of living in Turkey can be considered affordable, although it’s subject to personal preferences. However, international students benefit from relatively low prices for food, entertainment, public transportation, and other utilities compared to the world average. You’ll be able to get inexpensive, healthy meals on campus cafeterias, as well as student discounts for public transport.
Accommodation costs vary depending on what option you’ll go for. Choosing to rent an apartment comes with slightly higher prices, with monthly fees reaching up to $500, rather than staying in a university-provided dormitory. If you’re curious about the living costs in Turkey in the 2024, find out more in our Comprehensive Guide for Students.
5. Healthcare & Student Health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory during the whole duration of studies for obtaining a residence permit in Turkey. International students can purchase either Turkish Government Health Insurance or private plans, both covering a range of services, including public and private hospital treatments, medication, and other healthcare necessities.
We understand that choosing the right health insurance provider can be challenging. That’s why we’ve partnered with trustworthy companies securing the registration process for medical insurance to be both quick and affordable. Contact us for more information and get your Ikamet easily.
6. Study & Job opportunities
In Turkey, work experience takes various forms, including research projects, internships (both paid and unpaid), and on-campus opportunities. For instance, at Özyeğin University, every student, regardless of their program, is guaranteed at least one internship. The university also assists in building a successful career through the introduction of the LinkProfessional portal where students can upload their resumes, submit job or internship applications, and stay updated on new announcements. Additionally, for those desiring to meet a brand new culture abroad, Özyeğin University offers Erasmus+, Global, and SEMP exchange programs.
7. Admission requirements
In recent years, there has been a positive shift for international students, as some admission examinations have been waived, simplifying the application process. Private universities commonly require a minimum 70/100% GPA for undergraduate programs, while public universities may still mandate additional exams, such as the YÖS exam. With application deadlines for the Fall intake opening around mid-January, our commitment is to assist you in achieving admission to the university of your dream through careful preparation and adherence to specific deadlines.
To study in Turkey, it’s essential to check specific entry requirements with each institution. For more detailed information on admission requirements, check out our article now.
