Studying in Turkey for International Students: Costs and Insights

Studying in Turkey is an affordable option for international students, offering a high-quality education at a lower cost compared to other countries. This guide outlines the key expenses you need to consider, including tuition fees, living costs, and other related expenses. The Cost of living in Turkey 2024 is particularly advantageous, making it an ideal destination for students seeking an affordable yet high-quality education.

Educational and Living Expenses in Turkey

Turkey is a popular destination for international students due to its affordability. Generally, the expenses can be categorized into two main sections: educational costs and living expenses.

The cost of education in Turkey varies depending on the type of university and the language of instruction. Public universities offer significantly lower tuition fees, especially if you study in Turkish. Below is a breakdown of the costs:

Educational Costs in Turkey

Type of University	Annual Tuition Fee
Public University (Turkish)	$240 – $750
Public University (English)	$450 – $1,500
Private University	$2,500 – $20,000

*TÖMER Exam Costs
For admission into Turkish universities, a Turkish language certificate is often required. The TÖMER exam, which assesses Turkish language proficiency, costs approximately $154 (2,860 lira).

Some universities in Turkey offer very low tuition fees. Here are a few examples:

Cheapest Universities in Turkey

University	Tuition Fee per Semester
Boğaziçi University	$184 – $738
Middle East Technical University	$129 – $259
Ege University	$337 annually

Top universities in Turkey provide excellent education with competitive tuition fees:

Top Universities in Turkey

University	Tuition Fee
Çankaya University (Undergraduate)	$5,848
Koç University (Medical School)	$26,500
Hacettepe University (Undergraduate)	$3,701 – $9,973

Cost of living in Turkey 2024

The cost of living in Turkey is significantly lower than in many other countries. Here’s a breakdown of typical living expenses:

Living Costs in Turkey

Item	Cost
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant	$3.23
Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant	$16.13
Monthly Living Expenses (including rent)	$500

Housing and Student Dormitory Costs in Turkey

Housing and transportation costs vary across different cities in Turkey. Students who benefit from Turkish scholarships can visit the scholarship office for housing assistance. Additionally, you can approach the university’s international office for help in finding student dormitories in Turkey. Student service offices at Turkish universities offer various accommodations to students that are suitable in terms of price, security, and proximity to the university.

Student dormitories in Turkey are very cost-effective since multiple students can live in one room simultaneously. For example, for a 2 to 4-person student house, the monthly cost will not exceed 20 lira per month.

Housing Costs

Type of Housing	Rent Amount
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)	$263.22
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside City)	$171.14
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)	$459.45
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside City Center)	$312.17

Transportation Costs

Transportation	Cost
One-Way Ticket (Local Transportation)	$0.38
Monthly Transportation Pass	$23.24

 Health Insurance Costs for Students

Health insurance is an essential expense for students in Turkey. The cost depends on the coverage period:

Health Insurance Costs for Students

Age Group	6-Month Insurance	9-Month Insurance
0 to 18 years	$14.77 (275 lira)	$17.99 (335 lira)
19 to 25 years	$15.84 (295 lira)	$18.79 (350 lira)
26 to 30 years	$19.87 (370 lira)	$23.63 (440 lira)

 

Studying in Turkey offers a cost-effective alternative for international students, with manageable tuition fees and living costs. Whether you’re planning to attend a public or private university, Turkey provides a range of affordable options to suit your budget