Study in Turkey or Russia | 2025 Study Conditions

Recent years have seen a significant increase in the number of students opting for educational migration in search of better opportunities. Choosing the right country for study is one of the most important steps in the migration process. Many international students and applicants intending to study abroad are looking for the best country for their academic journey. There are several criteria and conditions to consider when choosing the ideal destination for educational migration. Factors such as the education system, the number of top-ranked universities internationally, the cost of education and living, culture, and more, all play a role in selecting the best study destination. Among the countries with a significant share in attracting international students, Turkey and Russia play a prominent role. You may also have considered studying in Turkey or Russia, but due to uncertainty about which one is the better option for you, you may have hesitated to make a decision. Don’t worry! In this article, we will provide a detailed comparison of studying in Russia and migrating for education to Turkey.

Overall Comparison: Russia vs. Turkey

To understand whether studying in Turkey or Russia is the better choice for you, let’s briefly review the key aspects of each country: موقعیت جغرافیایی و جمعیت ترکیه

1. Geography and Population of Turkey

Turkey, located at the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East, is a large country with strong cultural and historical influences. It shares borders with Greece and Bulgaria to the west, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east, and Iraq and Syria to the southeast. The capital of Turkey is Ankara, but the largest and most important city is Istanbul. Istanbul is located in the western part of Turkey, and the Bosporus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia, passes through the center of the city. Other major cities in Turkey include Bodrum, Antalya, Gaziantep, and Izmir. Historically, Turkey has played a significant role in both Europe and the Middle East, and this is reflected today in its culture, traditions, and even language. Turkey has a population of around 83 million people and has recently hosted over 170,000 international students. Many students choose Turkey for their higher education abroad.

2. Geography and Population of Russia

Before examining the conditions for studying in Turkey or Russia, let’s take a look at the geographical location of Russia. Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, as well as the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, are just a few of the landmarks that come to mind when international students think of Russia as a study destination. However, the experience of studying in Russia goes far beyond its well-known tourist attractions. Russian culture, with its rich history, is a complex blend of tradition and innovation. The two major cities in Russia are Moscow and St. Petersburg, both located in the western part of the country. Moscow, the capital of Russia, is known for its metro system, which is often likened to a museum, and Moscow State University, the oldest university in the country. St. Petersburg, often called the cultural capital of Russia, has a historical city center that is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Russia has a population of approximately 144 million people and has recently hosted over 250,000 international students.

Studying in Turkey or Russia: Education System

To better understand which country might be the best for you, it is essential to compare the education system and the quality of education in each country.

1. Turkey’s Education System

In 1981, Turkey completely revamped its higher education system and successfully developed and modernized it in a short period. Today, Turkey boasts more than 200 universities and higher education institutions, both private and public. Public universities are funded by the government, while private schools depend on foreign funding and revenue from tuition fees. Bachelor’s degree programs in Turkey typically last for 4 years, while more specialized fields such as medicine and dentistry may extend up to 6 years. Master’s degree programs generally take 2 years to complete, while doctoral programs last about 4 years. Additionally, associate degree programs at Turkish universities take 2 years to finish. All higher education programs in Turkey are overseen by the TYYC (Turkey’s National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education). TYYC fully adheres to the Bologna Process. Turkey is also part of the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). Some of the top universities in Turkey, based on reputable global rankings, include:

Koç University
Bilkent University
Sabancı University
Boğaziçi University
Middle East Technical University (METU)
Gazi University
Istanbul Technical University (ITU)
Hacettepe University
Istanbul University, etc.

Russia’s Education System

The higher education system in Russia is structurally similar to that of Central Europe, with some key differences. It is divided into four main stages: primary education, secondary education, higher education, and graduate education. Russia has 776 higher education institutions across 82 regions, which annually provide educational opportunities for both domestic and international students. Secondary education in Russia lasts for 11 years, and students must complete this stage to enter higher education. Russian higher education is renowned for its focus on science and technology. It includes associate and bachelor’s degrees, which typically take 2 to 4 years to complete. Specialized degrees in fields such as medicine are awarded after at least 5 years of study. Master’s programs in Russia generally take 2 to 3 years, and doctoral programs take about 5 years. The academic year is divided into two terms: the first term runs from September to January, and the second term runs from February to June. Here are some of the top universities in Russia for higher education:

Moscow State University (MSU)
Saint Petersburg State University
Novosibirsk State University
Tomsk State University
Moscow Bauman State Technical University
Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT)
Higher School of Economics (HSE)
Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN)
Kazan Federal University
Ural Federal University
Tomsk Polytechnic University
Far Eastern Federal University
Sechenov University, etc.

Comparison of Tuition Fees in Turkey and Russia

When choosing between studying in Turkey or Russia, one of the most important factors to consider is tuition fees. Let’s look at the cost of education in both countries:

Turkey: The cost of tuition in Turkey is generally more affordable compared to many European countries. Public universities have lower tuition fees, and private universities can be relatively more expensive. Tuition fees typically range from $2,000 to $10,000 per year, depending on the university and program.
Russia: In Russia, tuition fees are also affordable, with many universities offering competitive rates. The cost of tuition for international students ranges from $2,000 to $6,000 per year, depending on the program and institution. However, programs in specialized fields like medicine may cost more.

Tuition Fees in Turkey

One of the advantages of studying in Turkey is the affordable tuition fees and cost of living. As mentioned earlier, Turkish universities can be either public or private, and the cost of education varies based on the type of institution. Generally, tuition fees at public universities in Turkey are more affordable than those at private universities, usually not exceeding $1,500 per year. Private universities can charge up to $20,000 per year. Additionally, English-taught programs tend to be more expensive than Turkish-taught programs. The tuition fees for various degree levels in Turkish universities for one academic year are as follows:

Bachelor’s Degree: $500 to $1,800
Master’s Degree: $600 to $900
Doctorate Degree: $500 to $800

Fields like engineering or medicine generally have higher tuition fees. As Turkey remains a popular destination for international students, many scholarship opportunities are available. One of the most well-known is the Türkiye Scholarships program, along with various other scholarships specific to universities, fields of study, and geographical areas.

Tuition Fees in Russia

One of the major factors influencing the choice between studying in Turkey or Russia is the cost of education. Tuition fees in Russia for international students can vary based on the university, program, level of study, and language of instruction. In general, the cost of studying in Russia is more affordable compared to the U.S. or Europe. The minimum tuition fee, usually set by the Ministry of Education, cannot be lower than the amount invested by the Russian government in the education of each student. The average tuition fees for different academic levels in Russia are as follows:

Bachelor’s Degree: 220,000 to 240,000 rubles (~$3,385 to $3,690) per year
Master’s Degree: 240,000 to 450,000 rubles (~$3,746 to $8,082) per year
Doctorate Degree: 72,000 to 250,000 rubles (~$1,293 to $4,490) per year

Some universities in Russia offer foundation courses (Pre-university programs) in the Russian language to help international students integrate better into Russian society. The cost of this course is separate and averages around 120,000 rubles (~$2,155). In 2019, the Russian government provided 15,000 government-funded scholarships for international students choosing Russia for their studies. To qualify for government scholarships, international students must pass the EGE exam, which is taken by Russian high school students. These scholarships generally include:

Free tuition throughout the study period
Stipends for living expenses
Accommodation costs (if available)

The number of scholarships available to international students depends on the diplomatic relations between their home country and Russia. For more information, students should contact the Russian embassy in their country.

Studying in Turkey or Russia: Comparing Language and Culture Understanding the language and culture of the country where you plan to pursue your studies is a crucial aspect of educational migration. For students who have not yet decided whether to study in Turkey or Russia, language is one of the most important factors to consider when studying abroad. Below, we will explore the language and culture of each of these countries.

Educational Migration to Turkey: Language and Culture in Turkey

The official language of Turkey is Turkish. Turkish has many conceptual similarities with languages like Azerbaijani and Kyrgyz, making learning this language a potential gateway to Central Asia. However, many people in Turkey are fluent in English, and numerous universities in the country offer programs in English for international students. Turkey is also known for its unique and stunning landscapes, which is one of the reasons why it attracts many international students for educational migration. The majority of the population in Turkey is Muslim, but Turkey is a secular country by constitution and does not have an official religion. The crime rate in Turkey is not significantly higher than in other parts of Europe, even in cities like Istanbul and Ankara. However, in recent years, the Turkish government has introduced some controversial laws, one of the most notable being the law that criminalizes insulting the Turkish government. If found guilty, you could face up to three years in prison.

Studying in Turkey or Russia: Language and Culture in Russia

If you choose to study in Turkey or Russia, it is important to understand the cultural and linguistic differences between your country and these nations. Russia, due to its vast size, encompasses a wide diversity of languages and cultures. Studying in Russia offers an excellent opportunity for students who can appreciate and explore different interests, backgrounds, and cultures within the borders of a single nation. 81% of Russia’s total population speaks Russian as the sole official language, making it the only official language in the country. If you are not familiar with Slavic languages, learning Russian may be somewhat challenging for you. Among the choices of studying in Turkey or Russia, the recent influx of students heading to Russia has led many universities to offer English-language programs, particularly at the graduate and master’s levels. These English-language programs are often found in Russia’s two major international centers: Moscow and St. Petersburg. However, if you are considering studying in Russia, learning Russian could greatly benefit your daily life as an international student in the country. Studying in Turkey or Russia: Accommodation and Living Costs Many students take various factors into account when deciding whether to study in Turkey or Russia. Students planning to study in either Turkey or Russia should consider not only tuition fees but also additional expenses such as accommodation, transportation, food, clothing, and more. In the following sections, we will review the living costs and accommodation options for international students in both Russia and Turkey.

Accommodation and Living Costs in Turkey

For many international students who choose to migrate to Turkey for their studies, the cost of living is quite affordable. Since Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and attracts many international students, we will now compare the living costs for students in Istanbul, Turkey, to help you decide between studying in Turkey or Russia: Monthly rent (1-bedroom apartment): 1400 Turkish Lira ($190) Monthly utilities (average): 500 Turkish Lira ($65) Monthly public transportation card: 275 Turkish Lira ($37) A cheap meal at a restaurant: 30 Turkish Lira ($4.1) Coffee: 15 Turkish Lira ($2) 1 liter of milk: 6 Turkish Lira ($0.80) 1 kilogram of vegetables: 3 Turkish Lira ($0.40) 12 eggs: 13 Turkish Lira ($1.80) 5 liters of water: 2.30 Turkish Lira ($0.30) 1 kilogram of meat: 70 Turkish Lira ($9.60) 1 loaf of bread: 3.10 Turkish Lira ($0.45) Since tap water in Turkey is not drinkable, students should factor the cost of bottled water into their living expenses. The average monthly living cost for students migrating to Turkey, excluding rent, is around 12,500 Turkish Lira ($1,700). Istanbul’s relatively affordable living costs mean that students can enjoy a reasonable lifestyle on a modest budget. Healthcare is free for citizens and permanent residents of Turkey. Therefore, international students will need health insurance when migrating to Turkey. There are various accommodation options available for students in Turkey. Some universities offer student dormitories to international students, while others can stay in private dormitories, apartments, houses, and more.

Studying in Turkey or Russia: Accommodation and Living Costs in Russia

The cost of student accommodation in Russia can vary from 150 to 35,000 rubles ($2.6 to USD 612) per month, depending on the type of accommodation, amenities, and the location of the study. Among Russian cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg are known as the most expensive cities to live in. The following are the types of student accommodation available in Russia:

Living with Russian families
Student dormitories (500 to 5,000 rubles, $7 to $780 per month)
Private housing rentals

The costs of studying in Turkey or Russia largely depend on the student’s lifestyle and the location of their studies. Similar to accommodation expenses, other costs for studying in Russia in cities like St. Petersburg and Moscow differ compared to other cities. Here is an overview of the average student living expenses in Russia:

Food: 500 rubles ($8)
Coffee: 120 rubles ($2)
Monthly rent: 15,871 to 22,810 rubles ($247 to $356)
Monthly transportation: 1,740 rubles ($27)

Conclusion In recent years, many students have left their home countries in pursuit of better study conditions in a new environment. Migration is a significant, costly, and time-consuming decision, and students should have comprehensive information about the country, university, and field of study before taking any steps. Many countries are striving to become the best educational destinations for international students. Turkey and Russia are two countries that have consistently worked to offer unique conditions to attract and admit students. If you are uncertain about choosing between studying in Turkey or Russia, the best educational destination largely depends on personal preferences and circumstances. We have tried to provide a comprehensive guide on studying in Russia and the benefits of studying in Turkey. We hope the information above helps you make an informed choice. For further assistance, you can contact our consultants for better decision-making.

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