Why International Students Should Study Renewable Energy Engineering in Turkey in 2025

Why Renewable Energy is the Future in Turkey

As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, renewable energy has become one of the most critical sectors globally. Turkey, with its abundant resources in solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal energy, has made significant investments in renewable energy. The country is aiming to increase the share of renewables in its energy mix to 50% by 2030, making it a prime location for students interested in Renewable Energy Engineering. In 2025, studying renewable energy engineering in Turkey offers international students access to a rapidly growing industry, cutting-edge research, and opportunities to be part of the global shift towards green energy solutions.

Top Universities Offering Renewable Energy Engineering Programs

Several top Turkish universities offer specialized programs in Renewable Energy Engineering, combining both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in various renewable technologies.

1. Middle East Technical University (METU)

METU is one of Turkey’s leading institutions for engineering and technology and offers a comprehensive program in Renewable Energy Engineering. The university focuses on providing students with an in-depth understanding of solar power, wind energy, bioenergy, and geothermal systems.

Program Highlights: METU’s program covers energy conversion technologies, energy systems modeling, and renewable energy integration into smart grids.
Research Opportunities: METU collaborates with both industry and government to conduct research on sustainable energy technologies, giving students the opportunity to work on real-world projects.

2. Istanbul Technical University (ITU)

Known for its strong focus on engineering and technology, Istanbul Technical University (ITU) offers an excellent Renewable Energy Engineering program. ITU prepares students to develop and implement solutions to increase the use of renewable energy sources globally.

Program Highlights: ITU’s program emphasizes wind energy, solar photovoltaics, and energy storage solutions. Students also gain hands-on experience through projects and internships in Turkey’s growing energy sector.
Industry Connections: ITU has partnerships with Turkish and international energy firms, offering students opportunities to intern and work with companies leading the transition to clean energy.

3. Yıldız Technical University

Yıldız Technical University offers an innovative Renewable Energy Systems Engineering program, designed to equip students with the necessary skills to design, manage, and maintain renewable energy systems.

Program Highlights: The curriculum covers a wide range of renewable energy sources, including hydropower, wind, solar, and geothermal. There is a strong focus on the socio-economic impact of renewable energy and energy policy.
Research and Development: Students can engage in R&D projects in partnership with renewable energy companies and government agencies, gaining real-world experience in the renewable energy sector.

Key Features of Renewable Energy Engineering Programs

1. Comprehensive Curriculum

The programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy technologies and their applications. Courses typically include:

Solar Energy Systems: Understanding the design and operation of photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar thermal systems, and solar power plants.
Wind Energy: Covering the fundamentals of aerodynamics, wind turbine design, and wind farm planning.
Geothermal and Bioenergy: Offering insights into geothermal power generation and biomass energy conversion.
Energy Storage and Smart Grids: Addressing the challenges of integrating renewable energy into existing power grids and the role of energy storage systems in facilitating renewable energy deployment.

2. Hands-On Training and Internships

Turkish universities emphasize practical training to ensure that students are well-prepared for careers in the renewable energy sector. Many programs offer access to state-of-the-art laboratories, renewable energy testing centers, and internship opportunities with major energy companies.

Field Projects: Students are encouraged to participate in field projects, including the installation and management of renewable energy systems, often in collaboration with leading renewable energy firms.
Industry Internships: Programs often include internships with energy companies such as Enerjisa, Zorlu Energy, and Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation (TEİAŞ), allowing students to gain real-world experience in renewable energy production and management.

Admission Requirements for Renewable Energy Engineering

1. Educational Background

Bachelor’s Degree: For graduate programs, students need a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or environmental engineering. For undergraduate programs, a high school diploma with strong grades in mathematics and science subjects is required.

2. Language Proficiency

English Proficiency: Most renewable energy programs in Turkey are taught in English, and students must demonstrate proficiency in English through exams like TOEFL or IELTS.
Turkish Proficiency: For Turkish-taught programs, students may need to provide proof of Turkish proficiency or take a preparatory course.

3. Entrance Exams

Some universities require standardized exams like the SAT or YÖS (Foreign Student Exam). Graduate programs may require scores from GRE or equivalent entrance exams.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships for Renewable Energy Programs

Average Tuition Fees

Studying Renewable Energy Engineering in Turkey is relatively affordable compared to programs in other countries. Fees vary based on the university and the program.

Public Universities: Tuition fees generally range between $3,000 to $6,000 per year.
Private Universities: Fees at private institutions like Koç University or Sabancı University can range from $10,000 to $20,000 per year.

Scholarship Opportunities

Turkey offers numerous scholarships for international students to help reduce the cost of education.

Türkiye Scholarships: This government-funded scholarship covers tuition fees, monthly stipends, accommodation, and health insurance for international students pursuing graduate studies.
University-Specific Scholarships: Many universities, such as METU and ITU, offer merit-based scholarships to outstanding international students, which can cover part or all of the tuition fees.

Career Opportunities in Renewable Energy Engineering

With Turkey’s focus on expanding its renewable energy capacity, graduates from Renewable Energy Engineering programs have access to a wide range of career opportunities in energy production, technology development, sustainability consulting, and project management.

Career Paths

Renewable Energy Engineer: Working on the design, construction, and management of solar, wind, and geothermal power plants.
Energy Systems Analyst: Analyzing energy consumption and advising on the integration of renewable energy systems into existing infrastructures.
Sustainability Consultant: Helping organizations transition to sustainable energy and meet environmental goals through renewable energy solutions.

Growing Demand in Turkey and Beyond

As one of the fastest-growing economies in renewable energy, Turkey’s commitment to sustainability means that engineers and consultants in this field are in high demand. With a degree from a Turkish university, graduates can find jobs in energy companies, government agencies, engineering consultancies, and international organizations.

Conclusion

Turkey is the perfect destination for students interested in Renewable Energy Engineering in 2025. With world-class universities, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a rapidly expanding renewable energy sector, students who pursue their studies in Turkey will be well-prepared for careers in this growing industry. Whether you want to work in solar energy, wind power, or energy systems analysis, Turkey offers the education, experience, and connections necessary for success.