Study in Turkey
A rapidly growing study destination bridging Europe and Asia — quality education at affordable costs, English-taught programmes, rich culture, and strong scholarship support.
€1k–3k/yr
Bachelor's Tuition€1.5k–10k/yr
Master's Tuition€530–1,010/mo
Living Cost~20 hrs/week
Term Work Rights€50–€150
Application Fee€5–8/hr
Student WageEducation System in Turkey
Public Universities
- Government-funded with very low tuition fees
- Offer Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs
- Strong academic reputation in Turkey and globally
Foundation / Private Universities
- More English-taught programs available
- Modern facilities and research opportunities
- Scholarships can offset higher tuition fees
Programme Eligibility
Bachelor's Degree
- Completed 12 years of schooling
- High school transcripts
- English proficiency (for English-taught programs)
- Maths/science scores (for some majors)
Master's Degree
- Relevant Bachelor's degree (16 years of education)
- Official academic transcripts
- CV / academic résumé
- Research proposal (some universities)
- English proficiency (IELTS / TOEFL or English-medium degree)
Top Universities in Turkey
Middle East Technical University (METU)
Top-ranked public university – Ankara
Koç University
Prestigious private research university – Istanbul
Boğaziçi University
Internationally acclaimed – Istanbul
Istanbul Technical University
Engineering & technology focus – Istanbul
Sabancı University
Leading foundation university – Istanbul
Bilkent University
First private university in Turkey – Ankara
Hacettepe University
Strong health & sciences – Ankara
İzmir Institute of Technology
Science & engineering specialisation – İzmir
Middle East Technical University (METU)
Top-ranked public university – Ankara
Koç University
Prestigious private research university – Istanbul
Boğaziçi University
Internationally acclaimed – Istanbul
Istanbul Technical University
Engineering & technology focus – Istanbul
Sabancı University
Leading foundation university – Istanbul
Bilkent University
First private university in Turkey – Ankara
Hacettepe University
Strong health & sciences – Ankara
İzmir Institute of Technology
Science & engineering specialisation – İzmir
Fees & Cost of Living
Tuition Fees
Application Fee
Per university (some centralised via ÖSYM)€50 – €150
Bachelor's – Public
Low-cost government universities€1,000 – €3,000 /yr
Bachelor's – Private
Foundation / private institutions€6,000 – €15,000 /yr
Master's Programs
Varies by university & programme€1,500 – €10,000 /yr
Monthly Living Costs
| Accommodation | €200 – €400 |
| Food & Groceries | €150 – €250 |
| Transport | €30 – €60 |
| Insurance | €50 – €100 |
| Miscellaneous | €100 – €200 |
Total per Month
€530 – €1,010
Financial Proof: A bank statement showing approximately €6,000–€10,000 is typically sufficient. Turkey does not require a blocked account — a regular bank statement or proof of funds is accepted.
Work Opportunities
~20 hrs/week
During Term
Part-time work with work permitFull-time
During Breaks
Full-time permitted during academic holidays€5–8/hr
Average Wage
Varies by city and job typeScholarships & Funding
University Scholarships
50%–100% tuition waivers for eligible international students
Turkish Government Scholarships
Fully-funded grants covering tuition, accommodation & stipend
TÜBİTAK Grants
Research funding for postgraduate and PhD students
Departmental / Faculty Awards
Merit-based awards at programme level
University Scholarships
50%–100% tuition waivers for eligible international students
Turkish Government Scholarships
Fully-funded grants covering tuition, accommodation & stipend
TÜBİTAK Grants
Research funding for postgraduate and PhD students
Departmental / Faculty Awards
Merit-based awards at programme level
Tip: Apply directly to university scholarship programmes, contact professors for research assistant positions, and submit a strong motivation letter + academic CV to maximise your chances of funding.
Visa & Immigration
After receiving your admission letter, apply for a Turkish Student Visa at the Turkish Embassy or Consulate in your home country before travelling.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Admission letter from university
- Bank statement or proof of funds
- Passport-sized photos
- Completed visa application form
- Health / travel insurance
- Scholarship or sponsor documents (if applicable)
- English proficiency proof (if required)
English Language Requirements
IELTS
6.0 – 6.5
TOEFL
80 – 90 (iBT)
Bilingual Programs
English + Turkish available
Why Choose Turkey?
Very affordable tuition fees – public universities from €1,000/yr
Wide range of English-taught Bachelor's & Master's programmes
Internationally recognised degrees
Strategic location bridging Europe and Asia
Rich cultural heritage and vibrant student life
Strong government & university scholarship support
Part-time work rights during term (~20 hrs/week)
No blocked account required – bank statement accepted
Very affordable tuition fees – public universities from €1,000/yr
Wide range of English-taught Bachelor's & Master's programmes
Internationally recognised degrees
Strategic location bridging Europe and Asia
Rich cultural heritage and vibrant student life
Strong government & university scholarship support
Part-time work rights during term (~20 hrs/week)
No blocked account required – bank statement accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to study in Turkey?
Public universities charge as little as €1,000–€3,000 per year for tuition, making Turkey one of the most affordable study destinations in the region. Private / foundation universities range from €6,000–€15,000 per year. Scholarships can reduce or fully eliminate tuition costs.
Is a blocked bank account required for a Turkish student visa?
No. Turkey does not require a blocked account. You typically need a bank statement showing sufficient funds (generally €6,000–€10,000 to cover a year of living costs) or other proof of financial support such as a sponsorship letter.
Can international students work while studying in Turkey?
Yes. International students in Turkey can work part-time (approximately 20 hours per week during term) and full-time during academic breaks, provided they obtain the necessary work permit. Typical hourly wages range from €5–€8, varying by city and job type.
What English language scores are needed for Turkish universities?
Most English-taught programs require IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80–90. Some universities waive the requirement if your prior education was conducted entirely in English.
Are there scholarships available for international students in Turkey?
Yes. Many universities offer merit-based scholarships (50%–100% tuition waivers), and the Turkish Government offers fully-funded scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend. TÜBİTAK provides research grants for postgraduate students.
Which cities in Turkey are best for international students?
Istanbul is the most popular city with the highest number of universities and a vibrant multicultural scene. Ankara, the capital, hosts METU, Bilkent, and Hacettepe. İzmir is a more relaxed coastal city with growing university options — all three offer varying costs of living.