Turkey has emerged as a top destination for international students due to its high-quality education system, affordable tuition fees, and rich cultural heritage. Home to several world-ranked universities, Turkey offers a diverse range of programs taught in both English and Turkish. The country’s strategic location between Europe and Asia provides students with unique international exposure. Additionally, Turkey offers numerous scholarships and a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive option for students from around the world.
Annual Intakes in Turkey
Turkish universities typically follow a two-semester system:
- Fall Intake: September – October (Main intake)
- Spring Intake: February – March (Limited programs available)
Some universities also offer summer programs or special admission periods.
Top Universities in Turkey
Here are some of the top universities in Turkey:
- Bogazici University (Istanbul) – Known for engineering and social sciences
- Middle East Technical University (METU) (Ankara) – Focus on STEM and research
- Koç University (Istanbul) – High-ranked private university with international faculty
- Istanbul University (Istanbul) – One of Turkey’s oldest and most prestigious universities
- Sabancı University (Istanbul) – Strong in business, engineering, and social sciences
Average Course Fees in Turkey
| Program Level | Annual Tuition Fees (TRY) | Annual Tuition Fees (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) | 3,000 – 10,000 TRY | 100 – 330 USD |
| Postgraduate (Master’s) | 5,000 – 15,000 TRY | 165 – 500 USD |
| PhD | 6,000 – 20,000 TRY | 200 – 660 USD |
Note: Tuition fees for medical, engineering, and business programs may be higher.
Scholarships for International Students
Turkey offers a variety of scholarships to international students, which can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and even travel costs. Here are some of the main scholarship options:
1. Türkiye Scholarships (YTB) – Government-funded
- Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend ($100–$250), health insurance, accommodation, and flight tickets
- Eligibility: Open to students from all nationalities, based on academic excellence
- Programs Covered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
- Application Period: Typically January – February
2. TÜBİTAK Scholarships – For research students
- Coverage: Monthly research stipend, travel allowance
- Eligibility: Postgraduate and PhD students, researchers in STEM fields
- Application Period: Varies by program
3. University-Specific Scholarships
Many universities in Turkey provide their own merit-based and need-based scholarships. Some well-known universities offering scholarships include:
- Koç University Scholarship – Covers full tuition and living expenses for Master’s and PhD students
- Sabancı University Scholarship – Partial or full funding based on academic performance
- Bilkent University Scholarships – Based on high GPA and entrance exam results
4. Erasmus+ Exchange Programs
- Coverage: Monthly stipend and travel costs for students from partner countries
- Eligibility: Students enrolled in universities with Erasmus+ agreements
5. Private & Organization-Based Scholarships
- Islamic Development Bank Scholarship – Covers tuition and living expenses for students from member countries
- UNESCO & EU-funded Scholarships – Varies depending on nationality and field of study
Types of Turkey Student Visas
Before studying in Turkey, students must obtain the correct type of visa based on their educational program. Here are the main types of student visas:
1. Student Visa (General)
- Who Needs It? Students enrolled in full-time university programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
- Validity: Initially 1 year, renewable based on enrollment
- Allowed Activities: Studying, limited part-time work (with permission)
2. Language Course Visa
- Who Needs It? Students enrolled in Turkish language courses (e.g., TOMER-certified programs)
- Validity: 6 months – 1 year, depending on the course
- Special Requirements: Proof of course enrollment and accommodation details
3. Exchange Program Visa
- Who Needs It? Students under Erasmus+, Mevlana, or other exchange programs
- Validity: Based on the duration of the exchange program (usually 6 months – 1 year)
- Special Requirements: Acceptance letter from a Turkish host university
4. Internship Visa
- Who Needs It? Students doing a short-term internship (e.g., research, practical training)
- Validity: 3 – 6 months, non-renewable
- Special Requirements: Internship offer letter from a recognized Turkish organization
5. Short-Term Education Visa
- Who Needs It? Students taking short courses, certificate programs, or summer schools
- Validity: 3 – 6 months, depending on course length
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Turkey student visa, you must:
- Be accepted into a Turkish university or educational institution
- Provide proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
- Have a valid passport and required documents
- Maintain a clean immigration record
Required Documents
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
- Letter of acceptance from a Turkish university
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-sized photos
- Proof of financial stability (bank statements, sponsor letter)
- Medical insurance
- Visa fee payment receipt
How to Apply
- Apply and receive an acceptance letter from a Turkish university.
- Gather all required documents.
- Submit the visa application to the nearest Turkish embassy/consulate.
- Pay the visa processing fee.
- Attend a visa interview (if required).
- Wait for approval and collect your visa.
Cost of Turkey Study Visas
| Visa Type | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Student Visa | $50 – $100 |
Fees vary by country and Turkish consulate policies.
Visa Processing Time
| Processing Type | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Standard Processing | 4 – 8 weeks |
| Expedited Processing | 2 – 4 weeks (if available) |
Visa Interview
Not all students are required to attend an interview, but if requested, expect questions about:
- Your study plans and chosen university
- Financial stability and funding sources
- Post-graduation intentions
Provide clear and honest answers to avoid delays.
Cost of Living in Turkey
| Expense | Average Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $150 – $500 |
| Food | $100 – $250 |
| Transportation | $20 – $50 |
| Internet & Utilities | $40 – $80 |
| Entertainment | $50 – $150 |
| Total | $400 – $1,000 |
Costs vary by city, with Istanbul and Ankara being more expensive.
Final Tips
- Apply early for universities and scholarships.
- Choose between studying in English or Turkish.
- Budget wisely to cover tuition and living expenses.
- Learn basic Turkish for daily interactions.
- Respect local customs and culture for a smooth experience.
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Related FAQs
Can I work while studying in Turkey?
Yes, but with restrictions.
- Bachelor’s students can work part-time (maximum 24 hours per week) after obtaining a work permit.
- Master’s & PhD students can work without time restrictions, but still require approval.
How long is the student visa valid for?
- Initially issued for 1 year.
- Can be renewed annually based on enrollment.
Can I stay in Turkey after graduation?
Yes, you can:
- Apply for a job and work permit in Turkey.
- Switch to a Turkish permanent residence after meeting legal requirements.
Can I bring my family with me on a student visa?
- No, but they can apply for a family visa separately.
Can I apply for scholarships after arriving in Turkey?
- Most scholarships require pre-arrival applications, but some university-specific scholarships can be applied for after enrollment.
Is Turkish language proficiency required for studying in Turkey?
- For English-taught programs: No, but proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) may be required.
- For Turkish-taught programs: Yes, you must pass the TÖMER exam or complete a Turkish preparatory course.
Do I need to apply for a residence permit after getting a student visa?
Yes, within 30 days of arrival, you must apply for a Student Residence Permit at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (DGMM) in Turkey.
Disclaimer
This publication is provided for general information only and is not intended to cover all aspects of the topics discussed. The information contained in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice of this website or its affiliates. Previous results do not guarantee a similar result. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, express or implied that the contents of the publication are accurate, complete or current. Schoolingvisa.com is a service that facilitates a student’s process of acquiring a study visa by being a partner of other visa and immigration service companies. We offer consultancy services on student visas and any other visa, immigration options, but we do not directly provide any visas. We are not part of any government or immigration department. We do not provide any type of professional immigration, regardless of the destination.
Note: The information provided in this article is general, subject to frequent change and does not constitute any legal advice. For any specific study visa and legal advice you can rely on, please contact the consultants/advisors, lawyers and members of our expert team.