Study abroad
Study in Türkiye
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Türkiye
Türkiye is bridging South-Eastern Europe and Western Asia, and its universities and colleges welcome students from many countries. International students can look at undergraduate, postgraduate and, in some fields, research programmes, as well as shorter courses where institutions offer them. Study options span broad areas such as business, engineering, health, the sciences and the humanities, with infrastructure, tourism and healthcare shaping much of the country’s economy.
Ankara, Istanbul and İzmir are among the places students often consider. Teaching is often in Turkish. There are also some English-taught programmes. Use this guide to explore subjects, typical intakes, costs, scholarships and visa steps, then check the details with each institution.
Why study in Türkiye?
Students choose Türkiye for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life bridging South-Eastern Europe and Western Asia. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Industry context: Infrastructure, tourism and healthcare matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Engineering, Hospitality, Tourism & Events and Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies, with options differing between universities.
- Cities and campus life: Ankara, Istanbul and İzmir each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Türkiye means everyday contact with Turkish and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Türkiye has many public and private foundation universities, and some teach fully or partly in English.
Talking to current students and reading official course pages will give you a realistic picture of what studying here is like, beyond what any general guide can say.
Top subjects to study in Türkiye
If you are not sure where to start, these areas connect well with Türkiye’s economy and higher-education offer. The list is a starting point rather than a ranking.
- Engineering
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
- Architecture & Built Environment
- Business & Management
- Computing & Information Technology
Because infrastructure, tourism and healthcare matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for Türkiye on this site, with its specializations.
Before settling on a subject, compare a few programmes side by side: their modules, how they are taught and assessed, and the options they open up after graduation.
Universities in Türkiye
- Koç UniversitySariyer, Türkiye
- THE 2026 301–350
- Middle East Technical UniversityCankaya, Türkiye
- THE 2026 351–400
- Sabancı UniversityTuzla, Türkiye
- THE 2026 351–400
- Boğaziçi UniversityIstanbul, Türkiye
- THE 2026 401–500
- Istanbul Technical UniversityMaslak, Türkiye
- THE 2026 501–600
- Bilkent UniversityBilkent, Türkiye
- THE 2026 601–800
Scholarships to Study in Türkiye
Funding your studies in Türkiye
If you need financial support to study in Türkiye, it helps to know where funding usually comes from.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Türkiye
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Funding is never guaranteed: check eligibility, deadlines and what the award includes, and have a plan in case you are not successful. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Türkiye
In Türkiye, the main intake for many programmes is usually around September. Some institutions also admit students around February, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Application deadlines can fall many months before the course begins, especially for competitive programmes and for students who need a visa. Start by checking the deadline for your specific course, then work backwards to leave time for documents, language tests, applications for funding and the visa process.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Türkiye
Budgeting for a degree in Türkiye starts with the tuition fee for your specific course, which depends on the institution, subject and level.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Check the latest fees on each institution’s website and confirm whether they can change during your course.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Türkiye
Before you travel, check what kind of study permission Türkiye requires for your nationality and course.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Türkiye in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Türkiye
Planning your living budget for Türkiye early helps you avoid surprises during your first months. Costs in Ankara can differ noticeably from those in Istanbul or İzmir and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Universities often publish current estimates of living costs; use them as a starting point and add a buffer for unexpected expenses.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Türkiye
Is Türkiye a good place to study?
It depends on your goals. Türkiye offers programmes across many subjects, a location bridging South-Eastern Europe and Western Asia and study in Turkish (with some English-taught options). Students interested in infrastructure, tourism and healthcare may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Türkiye?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Engineering, Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies and Architecture & Built Environment. The subjects page for Türkiye lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When should I apply to universities in Türkiye?
Many programmes start around September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Türkiye?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Türkiye?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Türkiye.
Are scholarships available for international students in Türkiye?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Where do international students live in Türkiye?
Ankara, Istanbul and İzmir are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Türkiye?
Many courses are taught in Turkish. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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