Continuing Education in Turkey | Admission Requirements 2025

Did you know that in 2020 alone, over 220,000 international students chose Turkey for their higher education migration? The Turkish government aims to increase this number to 350,000 in the coming years by offering high-quality education and unique facilities. Universities in Turkey have provided students with the opportunity to gain an unparalleled higher education experience while migrating for studies. With over 200 public and private higher education institutions, Turkey offers a wide range of academic disciplines at various levels for international students. Despite being one of the youngest higher education systems in the world, Turkey has gained significant popularity and reputation globally. A considerable number of Turkish universities have earned top rankings in the best universities worldwide. The cost of studying in Turkey is one of the most attractive factors for international students. In this article from Elm Vira, let’s explore the conditions and advantages of continuing studies in Turkey. Studying in Turkey International students pursuing their studies in Turkey will enjoy a pleasant environment that helps them stay motivated for further progress. Despite its short history, Turkish universities have managed to shine on the global stage. The country has secured a place among the top 50 higher education systems in the world, ranking 43rd. This system includes over 200 higher education institutions and 8.2 million active national and international students. Some of the benefits of studying in Turkey are as follows:

1. Affordable Tuition Fees

Public universities in Turkey are very cost-effective and charge minimal fees for providing high-quality educational and living facilities. The average tuition fees in Turkey are significantly lower than the average tuition fees in countries like the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and China.

1. Low Living Costs

From accommodation to food and groceries, from transportation to leisure and travel, the cost of living in Turkey is surprisingly affordable. Students can experience a unique student life while studying in Turkey without spending much.

1. Scholarships and Financial Aid

If you’re impressed by the low cost of tuition and living in Turkey, there’s more good news. The Turkish government offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid for students. Those who choose to study in Turkey can benefit from these opportunities every year.

1. Studying at the Crossroads of European and Asian Culture

Turkey is known for its unique geographical position, acting as a bridge between Europe and Asia. This prime location has created a multicultural environment with a mix of traditions, foods, and customs. By studying in Turkey, you can enjoy this distinctive environment.

1. High-Quality Education

Turkish universities are renowned for their high educational standards and international programs. These universities offer modern facilities, experienced faculty, and excellent educational and research opportunities to foster the academic development of students. The high quality of education is a significant reason for students to pursue their studies in Turkey.

1. Opportunity to Study in English

If you’re planning to study in Turkey but haven’t had the chance to learn Turkish yet, don’t worry. A considerable number of Turkish universities offer a wide range of programs in English. You can easily choose to study in Turkey by providing proof of your English language proficiency. Tuition Fees in Turkey Studying in Turkey is an affordable option for international students, as both tuition fees and living costs in Turkey are significantly lower than in other European countries. International students typically pay between 10,000 to 30,000 Turkish Lira (345 to 1,035 USD) per year at public universities. There are variations in tuition fees depending on the field of study, level of education, and type of university. It’s worth mentioning that the tuition fees for programs taught in English are usually higher than those in Turkish. Additionally, fields like medicine, dentistry, engineering, pharmacy, and others often have higher tuition costs compared to other fields. The cost of education in private universities in Turkey is considerably higher than in public universities. The average annual cost of studying at a private university in Turkey ranges from 27,400 to 80,000 Turkish Lira (946 to 2,761 USD). Below is a breakdown of the annual tuition fees at some of the top universities in Turkey for 2024:

• Middle East Technical University: 6,000 to 10,000 Lira
• Istanbul Technical University: 8,300 to 20,000 Lira
• Bogazici University: 28,512 to 57,024 Lira
• Hacettepe University: 68,910 to 152,955 Lira
• Ege University: 18,260 to 22,985 Lira
• Bilkent University: 274,123 to 300,000 Lira
• Koç University: 363,632 to 456,494 Lira
• Başkent University: 82,000 to 132,000 Lira
• Istanbul Aydın University: 83,846 to 149,059 Lira
• Bahçeşehir University: 93,162 to 223,527 Lira
• Yeditepe University: 158,332 to 223,527 Lira

Popular Fields of Study in Turkey If you’re considering studying in Turkey but haven’t yet chosen your major, here are some of the most popular and sought-after programs at Turkish universities. Turkish universities offer a wide range of high-quality academic programs in various fields at different levels of education. If you’re interested in medical and health-related fields but are struggling with entrance exams in your home country, studying in Turkey could be a great alternative. You can pursue your dream degree in a field you’re passionate about. Here are some of the most popular fields of study for international students in Turkey:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Pharmacy
• Nursing
• Midwifery
• Law
• Physiotherapy
• Psychology
• MBA
• Software Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Fashion Design
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Architecture
• Petroleum Engineering
• Civil Engineering, etc.

Conditions for Studying in Turkey The conditions for studying in Turkey largely depend on your choices, including the type of university (public or private), your field of study, language of instruction, and level of education. Generally, Turkish universities do not impose stringent conditions for accepting international students. To be eligible for admission to Turkish universities, you typically need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Passing entrance exams such as the SAT, YOS, ACT, GMAT, and others is also a common requirement for acceptance into Turkish universities. Students can gain admission by passing these exams and achieving the required scores. The language of instruction in most Turkish universities is either Turkish or English. When applying for universities, students are required to provide proof of their language proficiency in either Turkish (TOMER) or English (IELTS or TOEFL). If students do not have a language proficiency certificate, they will be required to attend preparatory language courses offered by the university. In general, getting accepted into private universities in Turkey is easier. For admission to private universities, you do not need to take entrance exams. Acceptance is typically based on academic records and language proficiency certificates.

Required Documents for Admission to Turkey The required documents for admission to study in Turkey may vary depending on the university, program, and level of study. Different universities might request different documents, so it is important to check the specific requirements on the website of the university you are interested in. However, the general documents required for admission to Turkish universities include:

• High school diploma (translated into Turkish or English)
• Valid passport
• Passport-sized photo
• Language proficiency certificate (TOMER for Turkish or IELTS/TOEFL for English)
• Academic transcripts
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Proof of financial ability

Summary Turkey, once home to one of the most powerful empires in history, has now become one of the most attractive destinations for international students. Due to its strategic, transcontinental location, Turkey offers a unique blend of culture, ethnicity, art, education, and history. Students choosing to study in Turkey will have the opportunity to gain knowledge in a country with one of the richest and most complex histories. The rapid improvement in the quality of higher education and affordable tuition fees make Turkey an excellent place to continue your studies and enjoy an exciting student life. With numerous international connections, Turkish universities have achieved top rankings both nationally and globally. The Elm Vira consultants will assist you in navigating the complex process of studying in Turkey. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.