Study in Turkey for International Students: Universities, Courses, and Fees

Turkey has increasingly become a popular destination for international students, offering a unique blend of high-quality education, affordable tuition, and a rich cultural experience. As of the latest reports, over 300,000 international students are currently enrolled in Turkish universities, drawn by the country’s robust academic programs and welcoming environment. This guide explores why Turkey is an excellent choice for international students, detailing the top universities, popular courses, fees, scholarships, and more.

Why Study in Turkey?

Turkey is not just a bridge between East and West geographically, but also academically. It offers a dynamic educational environment where students can immerse themselves in both modern and traditional cultures. Here are some key reasons why Turkey is an ideal destination for international students:

1. Growing International Student Community: Turkey is rapidly becoming a top choice for international students, with the Turkish government aiming to increase the number of international students to 350,000 in the coming years.
2. Affordable Education and Living Costs: Compared to Western countries, Turkey offers significantly lower tuition fees and living expenses, making it an attractive option for students seeking quality education on a budget.
3. Rich Cultural Experience: Turkey’s unique position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia offers a diverse cultural experience, with historical sites like the Hagia Sophia and vibrant cities like Istanbul enhancing the educational journey.
4. Language Opportunities: While Turkish is the official language, many universities offer programs in English. Learning Turkish, however, can be beneficial for daily life and career prospects in Turkey and beyond.
5. Employment Opportunities: Turkey offers various work opportunities for international students, both during and after their studies, especially in fields like engineering, healthcare, and technology.

Top Universities in Turkey

Turkey is home to over 200 higher education institutions, including state universities and private institutions. Five Turkish universities rank among the top 500 globally, reflecting the country’s commitment to providing world-class education. Here are some of the top universities in Turkey:

1. Middle East Technical University (METU)
   • Location: Ankara
   • QS World University Ranking 2025: 285
   • Top Courses: Business Administration, Mechanical Engineering, Data Informatics
   • Average Tuition Fee: INR 4L (approximately $4,200)
   • Entry Requirements: A recognized undergraduate degree, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and proof of English proficiency.
2. Istanbul Technical University (ITU)
   • Location: Istanbul
   • QS World University Ranking 2025: 326
   • Top Courses: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering
   • Average Tuition Fee: INR 3L (approximately TL 1,02,355)
   • Entry Requirements: Undergraduate degree in a relevant field, minimum GPA, standardized test scores, and English proficiency.
3. Koç University
   • Location: Istanbul
   • QS World University Ranking 2025: 401
   • Top Courses: Business Administration, International Relations, Economics
   • Average Tuition Fee: INR 17L – INR 33L ($20,000 – $40,000)
   • Entry Requirements: Undergraduate degree, transcripts, letters of recommendation, CV, and TOEFL scores.
4. Boğaziçi University
   • Location: Istanbul
   • QS World University Ranking 2025: 418
   • Top Courses: Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Economics
   • Average Tuition Fee: INR 1L (approximately TL 45,000 per semester)
   • Entry Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores.
5. Bilkent University
   • Location: Ankara
   • QS World University Ranking 2025: 477
   • Top Courses: Architecture, Business Administration, Computer Engineering
   • Average Tuition Fee: INR 14L (approximately $16,950)
   • Entry Requirements: Recognized undergraduate degree, GRE or GMAT scores, letters of recommendation, CV, and English proficiency.

Popular Courses to Study in Turkey

Turkey offers a wide range of high-quality programs that attract students from all over the world. Some of the most popular courses include:

1. MSc in Public Health
   • Focus: Promoting health, preventing diseases, and improving healthcare systems.
   • Tuition Fees: INR 22L (approximately $26,000)
   • Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, letters of recommendation, Statement of Purpose, and TOEFL scores.
2. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
   • Focus: Leadership skills, management capabilities, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
   • Tuition Fees: INR 17L – 18L ($20,000 – $21,500)
   • Eligibility: Undergraduate degree, work experience, letters of recommendation, CV, and English proficiency.
3. Master of Engineering (MEng)
   • Focus: Specializations like Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering.
   • Tuition Fees: INR 3L (approximately TL 1,02,355)
   • Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in a related field, GRE scores, Statement of Purpose, letters of recommendation, and English proficiency.

Intakes at Turkish Universities

Most universities in Turkey follow a bi-semester system with two primary intakes each year:

1. Fall Intake (September/October): The primary intake, offering the widest range of programs.
   • Application Period: April to July
2. Spring Intake (February/March): A secondary intake with more limited program offerings.
   • Application Period: October to December

Scholarships for International Students

Turkey offers various scholarships to help international students, including those from India, reduce their education costs. Some of the top scholarships include:

1. Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları)
   • Benefits: Monthly stipend (TL 3,500 for undergraduates, TL 5,000 for master’s students), tuition fee waiver, accommodation, health insurance, and flight tickets.
   • Eligibility: Minimum academic achievement (70% for undergraduates, 75% for graduates), age limits (under 21 for undergraduates, under 30 for master’s).
2. Koç University Scholarships
   • Benefits: Merit-based scholarships covering 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of tuition fees for undergraduates and 100% for master’s students.

Student Visa and Residence Permit

International students need a student visa to study in Turkey. The application process involves submitting documents like an acceptance letter from a Turkish university, proof of financial means, and a valid passport. The visa fee is approximately INR 5K ($60). After arriving in Turkey, students must apply for a residence permit, which costs around INR 17K ($200) and requires additional documentation.

Cost of Living in Turkey

Living in Turkey is relatively affordable compared to other Western countries. On average, international students can expect to spend around INR 49K (TL 19,361) per month, excluding accommodation costs. Housing can range from INR 20K to INR 89K (TL 8,000 – TL 35,000) per month, depending on location and type of accommodation.

Post-study Job Opportunities and Salaries

Turkey’s strategic location and rapidly growing economy provide numerous job opportunities for international students after graduation. High-paying sectors include engineering, healthcare, and business. For example, a CEO in Turkey can earn up to INR 1CR (approximately TL 55,01,243) annually.

Top Companies Hiring Graduates

Graduates from Turkish universities are sought after by leading companies both in Turkey and globally. Some of the top companies hiring graduates include:

• Turkcell
• Koç Healthcare
• ENKA
• Amazon
• Microsoft
• Apple
• Google