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Study in Turkey
Studying in Turkey
as a Foreigner (2026)
Turkey has over 200 universities and offers internationally accredited degrees at a fraction of Western European costs. Here's everything international students need to know.
Quick Answer
Turkey welcomes international students with relatively accessible university entry requirements, English-taught programmes, and very affordable tuition and living costs. Annual tuition at state universities is often €500–2,000; living costs run €400–700 per month in most university cities.
Why Study in Turkey?
- Over 70 universities offer English-taught programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level
- Tuition fees significantly lower than UK, USA, or Germany
- Living costs very affordable (especially in Ankara, Bursa, and smaller cities)
- Turkish government YTB scholarships available for eligible international students
- Strong programmes in medicine, engineering, architecture, and business
- Growing international reputation — several Turkish universities rank in world top 500
How to Apply
International students apply directly to Turkish universities or through the centralised YÖKSİS (International Student Admissions) system. Some universities also participate in the Türkiye Scholarships programme (YTB), which covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses for eligible candidates.
Application seasons are typically between December and April for the following academic year (September start). Requirements vary by programme but typically include secondary school transcripts, a personal statement, and proof of language proficiency (Turkish for Turkish-taught programmes; English scores like IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught ones).
Student Residence Permit
Once you have an acceptance letter from a Turkish university, you can apply for a student residence permit (öğrenci ikamet izni). This replaces the tourist visa and grants you the right to stay in Turkey for the duration of your studies. It must be renewed each year.
Cost of Studying in Turkey
| Expense | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| State university tuition | €500–2,500/year |
| Private university tuition | €3,000–12,000/year |
| Dormitory accommodation | €50–150/month |
| Shared apartment | €150–350/month |
| Living costs (food, transport, etc.) | €250–450/month |