Due to favorable educational conditions, some medical students apply for ophthalmology studies in Turkey. Turkish universities hold high international credibility and offer excellent educational, scientific, and medical facilities, making them a popular destination for many international students.
As a result, every year, students from various countries travel to Turkey for their studies. The cost of studying ophthalmology in Turkey depends on the university and language of instruction. However, it is generally much more affordable compared to many universities in the UK and the USA. In this article, we will explore ophthalmology education in Turkey, provided by the Elm Vira Immigration Institute.
An Introduction to Ophthalmology
Medical fields have always had a large following, and many graduates of general medical studies continue their education in specialized medical fields. Studying ophthalmology in Turkey is one of the options that international students choose for their future career paths.
Ophthalmology specialists need to have expertise in diagnosing and treating vision-related diseases. Some of the common eye and vision problems that ophthalmologists should be skilled in include:
- Complex eye examinations
- Diagnosing and treating various vision problems such as cataracts and astigmatism
- Performing various types of eye surgeries, including corrective procedures
- Studying and researching eye-related neurological diseases
- Conducting delicate, intricate, and sensitive eye surgeries
Advantages of Studying Ophthalmology in Turkey
In recent decades, especially in the past few years, Turkey’s higher education system has made significant efforts to provide top-tier academic, educational, and welfare facilities, as well as the latest modern equipment in its universities. Moreover, Turkey is a member of the Bologna Process and follows a unified and organized educational system.
All of these factors have contributed to the increasing international reputation of Turkish universities, with degrees from these institutions holding high recognition globally. The academic and research collaborations between Turkish universities, particularly medical schools, and prestigious global institutions are other reasons these universities rank highly worldwide.
Despite all the mentioned benefits, the cost of studying ophthalmology in Turkey might be a concern for prospective students. However, it’s worth noting that the cost of education in Turkey is generally more affordable compared to many prestigious universities worldwide. Considering the value of a Turkish university degree and the advantages of studying in this country, the tuition fees can be seen as an investment in securing a stable career future. Some of the benefits of studying ophthalmology in Turkey include:
- High educational quality
- Opportunities for employment and residency after graduation
- High recognition of the ophthalmology degree
- Availability of scholarships
Requirements for Studying Ophthalmology in Turkey
To study ophthalmology in Turkey, applicants must complete a 6-7-year general medical program and submit their diploma for university admission. Another essential requirement for studying ophthalmology in Turkey is passing the Medical Specialization Exam (TUS) and achieving a passing score.
Applicants must also provide valid international language proficiency certificates based on their language of study. For studying in Turkish, a TOMER certificate is required, while for studying in English, IELTS or TOEFL certificates are necessary. However, it’s important to note that even if the language of instruction is English, learning Turkish is essential due to the clinical internships and interactions with patients in the medical programs in Turkey.
There’s no need to worry about learning Turkish, as it can be picked up during the first 2-3 years of study, especially considering the shared vocabulary between Turkish and Persian and the immersive environment.
Top Universities for Studying Ophthalmology in Turkey
Similar to many universities around the world, medical schools and specialties in Turkey follow the highest international standards. These universities are staffed by the best professors and specialized physicians, and equipped with top-notch educational facilities, allowing students to engage in research labs alongside their academic studies. Some of the best universities for studying ophthalmology in Turkey include:
- Ankara University
- Gazi University
- Akdeniz University
- Ege University (Izmir)
- Hacettepe University
- Dokuz Eylül University
- Kocaeli University
- Uludağ University
- Istanbul University
- Pamukkale University
Postgraduate Ophthalmology Program in Turkey
For those interested in further specialization in ophthalmology, Turkey offers postgraduate ophthalmology programs. These advanced courses are offered at the highest quality levels. One of the key requirements for admission to the postgraduate ophthalmology program is passing the YDUS exam. Successful candidates can choose one of the sub-specialties such as cornea, glaucoma, retinal surgery, refractive surgery, oculoplasty, and more. Upon completing the program, they will earn a specialized fellowship in their chosen field. The excellent educational and professional facilities make Turkey a popular destination for many candidates seeking advanced ophthalmology training.
YDUS Exam and Its Requirements
The YDUS exam is one of the most important exams for medical and specialized fields. Candidates wishing to study ophthalmology or other specialties in Turkey must achieve a passing score in this exam. The exam is conducted by Turkey’s Higher Education Council (OSYM), and candidates must score at least 45 points to pass.
Cost of Ophthalmology Studies in Turkey
Compared to universities in the UK, the US, Sweden, and Switzerland, the cost of studying ophthalmology in Turkey is more affordable. Within Turkey, tuition fees vary depending on the university, language of instruction, and specialization course. Below are the average annual tuition fees for ophthalmology programs in Turkey:
| University |
Annual Tuition Fee |
| Ege University |
51,000 TL |
| Ankara University |
120,000 TL |
| Hacettepe University |
185,000 TL |
| Gazi University |
101,000 TL |
| Akdeniz University |
125,000 TL |
| Dokuz Eylul University |
100,000 TL |
| Pamukkale University |
20,000 TL |
Scholarships for Medical Studies in Turkey
Given the high importance of medical fields, including ophthalmology, and the fact that the costs of studying these disciplines are higher than those of other fields, there are specific scholarships available for medical students in Turkey. These scholarships are provided by the government, universities, medical organizations, and non-governmental foundations to talented and eligible students. Scholarships can cover all or part of the cost of studying ophthalmology in Turkey. Some of the medical scholarships awarded to top ophthalmology students in Turkey include:
- Healthy Life Association Scholarship
- Health and Social Aid Center Scholarship
- Atlas Health Center Scholarship
- Istanbul Medical Chamber Scholarship
- Hayat Health Foundation Scholarship
- Bursa Medical Chamber Scholarship
- Ankara Medical Chamber Scholarship
- Nationalist Doctors Association Scholarship
- Ibn Sina Medical Sciences Scholarship Program
- Professor Dogan Sahin Scholarship Institute
Career Opportunities in Ophthalmology in Turkey
Due to the sensitivity of the eye and visual problems, ophthalmology is one of the medical fields with a good job market. Furthermore, the high recognition of Turkish university degrees globally has increased the demand for studying in Turkey. Therefore, students studying ophthalmology in Turkey can easily enter the job market after completing their education. Graduates can work in hospitals, private or public medical centers, clinics, or private practices. Given the good job market in this field, investing in ophthalmology studies in Turkey is reasonable. Below are the average salaries for ophthalmologists in Turkey:
- Average monthly salary (according to job search websites): 7,500 TL
- Monthly salary in private hospitals: 55,000–85,000 TL
- Monthly salary in public hospitals: 70,000–90,000 TL
Required Documents for Studying Ophthalmology in Turkey
To study ophthalmology in Turkey, applicants must first receive admission from a medical university. To do so, they need to complete the application form and submit their general medical degree, academic transcripts, identification documents, and passports. After receiving the acceptance letter and obtaining a student visa, the following documents are required for registration:
- Acceptance letter from the university
- University degree (General Medical Degree)
- Proof of acceptance in the university entrance exam
- Identification documents and passport with official translations
- Language proficiency certificate
- Proof of financial support
- Criminal background certificate
- Student visa
Conclusion
Medical fields are highly popular among students worldwide. Many general medical graduates wish to continue their education in specialized fields. Due to the standard academic facilities and the high recognition of Turkish universities, many students apply to study in Turkey each year.
Studying ophthalmology in Turkey is a great academic choice, offering not only valuable university credentials but also strong career prospects. Graduates can further specialize by joining postgraduate ophthalmology programs in Turkey and earning a fellowship in their chosen sub-specialty.
The key requirements for studying ophthalmology include having a general medical degree and passing the entrance exam for medical fields in Turkey. Graduates can work in Turkey or abroad. The high-quality education, affordable costs, and available medical scholarships are some of the most important advantages of studying at Turkish universities.
Elm Vira Immigration Group is one of the top migration agencies, gathering the latest information about studying abroad and providing it to applicants. Elm Vira aims to support and guide applicants through the best legal migration routes. For more details about studying abroad, visit the free consultation section.
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