PhD Studies in Turkey 2025

Pursuing a PhD in Turkey in 2025 Today, continuing education at the doctoral level has become very common among students worldwide. PhD students, under the supervision of professors in their field of study, engage in deeper and more specialized learning. Pursuing a PhD in Turkey is a suitable choice for students seeking unique academic and research opportunities in a peaceful and affordable country. Turkish universities have a long history of international student exchanges, affordable tuition fees, and high-quality doctoral education. Turkey serves as a bridge between Europe and Asia, playing a central role in the history of the West and East. The country is filled with historical sites and monuments and embraces diverse and rich cultures. The cost of a PhD in Turkey is much more affordable compared to European countries and the USA, allowing students to experience high-quality graduate education at a reasonable cost. In this article, part of the Elm Vira series, we will explore PhD scholarships in Turkey. Advantages of Pursuing a PhD in Turkey Turkish universities offer a wide range of doctoral programs across various fields. Many of the top universities in Turkey hold excellent global rankings according to reputable international evaluations. Doctoral degrees awarded by Turkish universities are recognized not only throughout Europe but worldwide. Pursuing a PhD in Turkey enables candidates to participate in advanced research projects and collaborate with renowned academics and researchers in their discipline. The cost of doctoral studies in Turkey is affordable compared to many Western countries, making it an excellent option for students globally. Turkey offers various scholarships and financial aid for international students. Eligible students can benefit from PhD scholarships in Turkey, which help cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. Turkey’s rich cultural heritage and its geographical position between Asia and Europe provide an exceptional cultural experience for international students during their doctoral studies. Many PhD programs in Turkey are offered in English, removing language barriers for students. Turkish universities invest in research infrastructure, laboratories, and resources, providing students with the necessary tools for their academic research endeavors.

Structure of the PhD Program in Turkey

Due to Turkey’s candidacy for European Union membership, Turkish academic degrees follow the Bologna Process; therefore, pursuing a PhD in Turkey is generally similar to doctoral programs in Europe. However, the PhD stage in Turkey involves a structured process with defined stages and assessments, including multiple seminars, exams, and a total of 240 ECTS credits. A PhD in Turkey typically takes 4 years to complete and may include preparatory courses at the beginning of the program. The content of the doctoral program varies depending on the university and field of study; however, students are required to complete all components set by the university to be awarded the doctoral degree.

1. Supervision

During doctoral studies in Turkey, the development of research and the thesis are supervised by various supervisory committees. Your primary thesis advisor will be a member of one of these committees. The advisor is usually a university faculty member specialized in your research area and is appointed in the first year of study. You may also have an additional co-supervisor who can be a member of this committee.

2. PhD Skills Exam in Turkey

At the initial stage, you will be assessed through a skills exam early in your doctoral studies in Turkey. This exam is similar to the upgrade exam from a master’s to a PhD in the UK. The supervisory committee evaluates your thesis proposal through both a written and an oral assessment. This committee also forms an examination panel that organizes and evaluates various exams throughout your PhD studies in Turkey. The results of these exams are taken into account by the skills committee.

3. Follow-up Exam

After successfully passing the skills exam and defending your research proposal, you will officially begin your PhD studies in Turkey. During the PhD program, you will be evaluated every six months by a follow-up committee. This process acts as a regular assessment of your progress during your doctoral studies in Turkey and ensures that you are moving in the right direction. The follow-up committee reviews your current studies, results, methodology, and research plan based on the submitted reports.

4. Thesis Defense Exam

Upon completion of your research, your final thesis will be evaluated by a thesis examination board. The thesis defense exam is similar to the viva voce exam in the UK but is conducted as a public defense. Successfully passing this exam is a requirement for completing your PhD studies in Turkey.

---

Cost of a PhD in Turkey

Overall, Turkey is an affordable country for pursuing a PhD. The cost of a PhD in Turkey depends on various factors such as the type of university, field of study, and language of instruction. The tuition fees for English-taught PhD programs at public universities in Turkey are generally estimated to be between 500 and 1000 euros per year. Fees for Turkish citizens and programs taught in Turkish are usually lower.

Keep in mind that to get exact tuition fees for PhD programs in Turkey, you should check the website of your desired university. Tuition fees at private universities in Turkey are significantly higher than at public universities, ranging from about 5000 to 17,500 euros per year. In addition to low tuition fees, Turkey is considered a good option for doctoral studies because of its low living costs.

The costs of accommodation, leisure, and travel in Turkey are very affordable compared to many other countries. Typically, students can experience a quality student life with a monthly budget of around 345 euros. Below are the approximate PhD tuition fees at some Turkish universities:

• Koç University: 2000 to 4000 Turkish Lira

• Sabancı University: 50,500 to 132,000 Turkish Lira

• Bilkent University: 14,500 to 20,000 USD

• Middle East Technical University (METU): 5000 to 10,000 Turkish Lira

• Boğaziçi University: 5900 to 11,000 Turkish Lira

• Hacettepe University: 1000 to 6000 USD

• Istanbul University: 1500 to 5500 USD

Requirements for PhD Studies in Turkey The requirements for pursuing a PhD in Turkey may vary depending on the type of university and field of study. One of the most important conditions for admission to a PhD program in Turkey is that students must hold a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from a recognized university. Iranian students applying for a PhD in Turkey need to have their degrees verified and equivalency approved. Other key requirements for admission to PhD programs in Turkey include submitting a research proposal and scientific articles. Participation in entrance exams is also part of the admission process for PhD studies in Turkey. Students who intend to study for their PhD in Turkish must take the ALES exam. Applicants who want to pursue a PhD in English are required to take the GMAT or GREs. The minimum required score for admission to PhD programs in the ALES exam ranges between 50 and 70 depending on the university. For the GMAT and GRE exams, the minimum scores are 500 and 685 respectively. As previously mentioned, Turkish universities offer PhD programs in both Turkish and English languages. One of the important admission requirements for PhD programs is to provide proof of language proficiency in Turkish (TOMER) and English (IELTS or TOEFL). Some universities may also have additional requirements such as minimum GPA, age limits, interviews, exams, and so on for PhD admissions in Turkey. Remember, submitting recommendation letters from recognized professors and universities, a strong academic CV, and a motivation letter can positively influence the admission process. Applicants should review the specific conditions on the website of their desired university and submit the necessary documents for registration and admission to the PhD program in Turkey. Required Documents for PhD Admission in Turkey The required documents for applying and registering for a PhD program in Turkey may vary depending on the university and study level. However, the general documents for PhD registration in Turkey typically include:

• Application form
• Bachelor’s degree certificate
• Master’s degree certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Recommendation letters
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Photograph
• Valid passport
• Motivation letter
• Proof of English or Turkish language proficiency
• Admission test certificates (where applicable)

PhD Scholarships in Turkey Since the cost of studying for a PhD at public universities in Turkey is relatively low, doctoral funding is often allocated to Turkish citizens or students from economically disadvantaged countries. Receiving a PhD scholarship comes with specific conditions, and students who meet these requirements can benefit from this opportunity. Applicants for PhD scholarships must be no older than 35 years of age. In addition, candidates must have a minimum GPA of 15 out of 20 or 75 out of 100. PhD scholarships in Turkey can cover various expenses such as university tuition, health insurance, accommodation, and monthly stipends. Some of the PhD scholarships available in Turkey include: Türkiye Bursları: A range of scholarships funded by the Turkish government, offered to students from Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. TÜBİTAK: The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey offers research scholarships for PhD students, though these are often granted to Turkish nationals. Islamic Development Bank (IsDB): This scholarship covers the costs of doctoral research programs in sustainable sciences for students from IsDB member countries and Muslim communities. Additionally, many Turkish universities offer scholarships and financial aid to international students pursuing a PhD in Turkey. These universities include:

• Koç University
• Eastern Mediterranean University
• Sabancı University
• Middle East Technical University (METU), and more.

Top Universities for PhD Studies in Turkey Thanks to its growing academic reputation, Turkey has become a unique study destination for international students. Each year, Turkish universities admit over 15,000 international students. Pursuing a PhD in Turkey offers an enjoyable and affordable academic experience. Some of the best universities in Turkey for PhD studies include:

• Middle East Technical University (METU)
• Abdullah Gül University
• Gazi University
• Koç University
• Okan University
• Bilkent University
• Sabancı University
• Boğaziçi University
• Hacettepe University
• Istanbul University
• Ankara University
• Istanbul Technical University (ITU), and more.

Summary Turkish universities attract a large number of international students by offering excellent infrastructure and ideal conditions for study. Earning a PhD in Turkey allows students to connect with a global academic network and collaborate with researchers, fellow students, and professionals from around the world. Moreover, Turkey’s strategic location offers students the chance to travel and explore across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The Turkish government enhances this experience by offering PhD scholarships, providing students with a unique academic and cultural journey. Earning a PhD from a reputable Turkish university can significantly boost a graduate’s career prospects and open doors to academic positions, research opportunities, and leadership roles in universities, industry, and government. If you’re considering pursuing a PhD in Turkey, get in touch with our advisors. Elm Vira provides expert guidance for academic migration and supports you through every step of the admission process and beyond. With nearly 10 years of successful experience, Elm Vira is one of the top choices for educational migration services.