Turkey

Turkey is an important education hub in Europe and the Middle East, attracting students from all over the world. Universities in Turkey are known for their high quality education, modern campuses, and international programs, as well as relatively affordable prices compared to other countries. Let’s look at the main aspects of education in Turkey, including university rankings, faculties, admission process, and tuition fees.

1. Turkey University Rankings

Turkey has several universities that rank highly in international rankings. Here are some of them:

• Middle East Technical University (METU) is one of the most prestigious universities in Turkey, known for its programs in engineering, science, and architecture. It is often included in the top 500 global rankings (e.g. QS World University Rankings).
• Bogazici University is also among the top universities in Turkey, especially in the fields of engineering and natural sciences, economics, and social sciences. It has strong ties with international academic and scientific institutions.
• Koç University is a private university with high academic standards, particularly strong in business, economics, medicine and engineering. It is ranked in the top 500 in the world.
• Istanbul Technical University (ITU) is known for its specialization in engineering, architecture and technology, and is among the leading technical universities.
• Sabancı University is a private university in Istanbul, known for its interdisciplinary programs in engineering, computer science and economics.
• Ankara University is the largest university in Turkey, which also ranks high among public universities, especially in the humanities and social sciences.

2. Faculties and Academic Programs Universities in Turkey offer a wide range of academic programs.

Some of the popular departments and programs include:

• Engineering and Technology – Turkey is known for its strong universities in engineering and technology, including computer science, electrical engineering, mechatronics, and bioengineering.
• Medicine and Health Sciences – Medical faculties such as those at Koç University and Istanbul Technical University offer high-quality programs to train doctors, as well as in the fields of pharmacy and biomedical sciences.
• Economics and Business – Turkey has a number of strong business schools, including MBA programs at Koç University, Bogazici University, and Istanbul Technical University.
• Humanities and Social Sciences – Programs in law, sociology, psychology, philosophy, history, and political science.
• Art and Design – Many universities offer programs in fine arts, graphic design, fashion, and architecture.
• Hotel and Tourism Management – ​​Tourism and hotel management departments are in demand, especially at universities such as Bilkent University and Sabanci University.

In addition, universities in Turkey offer international programs taught in English, which attracts international students.

3. Applying to Universities in Turkey

The application process for international students to universities in Turkey usually involves several steps:

1. Choosing a University and Program – You need to choose a program and university based on your interests, as well as the required language of instruction (Turkish or English).

2. Submitting Documents:

• Application – Online application via the official website of the university.
• Documents – Certificate of previous education translated into Turkish or English, results of international exams (e.g. SAT, GRE, IELTS, TOEFL), motivation letter and letters of recommendation.
• Entrance exam results – Some universities have additional entrance exams for international students.

3. Visa process – After receiving the acceptance letter, you need to apply for a student visa at the Turkish consulate.

4. Interview – Some universities may require an interview, especially for Master’s and PhD programs.

4. Tuition Fees

Tuition fees at universities in Turkey vary depending on the university and program:

• Public universities:

• Undergraduate: $200 to $1,500 per year.
• Postgraduate: $400 to $2,000 per year.

• Private universities:

• Undergraduate: $5,000 to $20,000 per year.
• Postgraduate: $5,000 to $15,000 per year.

Additional expenses:

• Accommodation: University dormitories can cost between $100 and $400 per month depending on amenities and location. Renting private apartments can be more expensive.
• Meals: University canteens cost between $50 and $150 per month.
• Transportation: Transportation costs are usually between $20 and $50 per month, depending on the city.

5. Scholarships and Financial Aid

Many universities in Turkey offer scholarships for international students. Some of them cover part or all of the tuition and living expenses.

• Turkish Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları) are government scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, health insurance, and sometimes plane tickets. The scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis.
• University Scholarships - Many private and public universities offer their own scholarships that may cover some of the costs. For example, Koç University and Bogazici University offer merit-based and need-based scholarships.
• International Scholarships - There are also scholarships from international organizations such as the Erasmus Student Exchange Program that may cover tuition and living expenses.

Universities in Turkey offer affordable and quality education for international students. The country has a well-developed education system, especially in the fields of engineering, medicine, business, and humanities. Tuition fees in Turkey are relatively low, and scholarships and financial aid make education even more affordable.

In addition, the country with a rich cultural heritage and convenient location is an excellent choice for international students.