Turkey is a country where the scent of Asia blends well with the success of the European economic model. Not surprisingly, Turkey attracts foreign students who want to pursue higher education abroad.

Foreign students are attracted by the affordability of Turkish education and university scholarships. The number of classes in English is increasing every year. At the same time, tuition fees and rental costs are much lower than in Europe. Turkish universities have many advantages and interesting offers to attract more applicants.

Read more about obtaining Turkish citizenship through investment here.

What do I need to do to come to Turkey to study

International students need to show that they have a high school diploma at the time of admission. Then they will need to take a preparatory course at a higher education institution in Turkey.

In addition, there are entrance exams and their results are assessed by points. The exam will be administered twice: the first test focuses on general knowledge and the second is in Turkish or English. If you decide to study English in Turkey, you will need to "improve" your language skills just before admission, so that you can better understand the lectures and practical exercises.

The application deadline varies from institution to institution. It is important to keep an eye on the official website of the institution to which you plan to apply.

More about examinations

If you are planning to apply to a university in Turkey, you must take the YOS exam at a local university. 

The exam will be given in either Turkish or English. However, some institutions also offer a choice of Russian or Arabic. The method of the test varies from institution to institution but the basis of the program is the same. So in reality, an applicant may attempt the YOS several times.

Required documents

Nothing extraordinary is required for admission to a Turkish university. Each university defines its own requirements for international students and application deadlines. These are available on the campuses' websites. Prospective bachelor's students need to prepare:

1. High school diploma and its annex (translated into English or Turkish)

2. Certificate of Language Proficiency (Turkish or English).

Depending on the requirements, you will need to take entrance exams at the chosen university or submit the results of the Turkish YOS exam. For admission to a Master's/Doctoral program you will need:

- Bachelor's or Master's degree with an application;

- Language certificate;

- Resume;

- Letters of Recommendation;

- Letter of motivation;

- Interview or results of written examinations.

Students enrolled in certain countries need to obtain a student visa at the Turkish embassy in their home country beforehand.

In order to obtain a student visa, you need to have the following documents:

- A passport;

- A standard application form;

- A photograph;

- Invitation to the University of Turkey to study.

Tuition Fees

Prices vary between public and private universities. National and public universities charge the following fees:

- Turkish language education $400-$10,000 - for foreign nationals;

- Obtaining a degree in English: $500-$20,000 - for foreign applicants.

- Do not be intimidated by the maximum fees. The average tuition for a year of study does not exceed $600-700.

Tuition fees at private higher education institutions may range from $5,000 to $12,000. Add to this the cost of dormitory accommodation, books, and fees and $300-400 for entertainment expenses.

Preparatory courses

Many institutions of higher education in Turkey offer pre-university English and Turkish language programs. Levels range from beginner to advanced. The university program is designed so that all students, irrespective of their level at the time of enrolment, can complete the program in one semester. Upon graduation, it is easy to enter the coveted university.

The Turkish Education System

Turkey is a member of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and ensures that Turkish degrees are recognized throughout the EU, as it uses the same ECTS (credit transfer system).

Overall, the higher education system in the Republic of Turkey is represented by more than 100 public and 70 private institutions. Nine of them are prestigious, ranking highly in international rankings. Universities offer all levels of education, from undergraduate to doctoral studies. 

The duration of higher education in Turkey is fairly standard.

- Bachelor's degree is 4 years;

- Master's degree 2 years;

- Postgraduate studies for 3 years.

 The academic year begins in September and rarely ends in October, ending in June.