Studying Art in Turkey in 2025
Studying art in Turkey is highly popular due to the country’s rich cultural background and historical significance. Thanks to its unique geographical location bridging continents, Turkey offers a diverse and distinct cultural and ethnic blend. Students in Turkey have the opportunity to study at some of the top art universities in the country.
Istanbul’s art universities attract a large number of students due to their affordable tuition fees, reasonable living expenses, and various scholarship opportunities. Every year, a significant number of students choose the best art universities in Turkey for their studies. To learn more about art scholarships in Turkey, stay with us through the rest of this article by Elm Vira.
Requirements for Studying Art in Turkey
Art programs at public universities in Turkey are generally taught in Turkish; however, some programs are offered in both Turkish and English. Students who are not proficient in Turkish but are admitted to Turkish-language programs may take a one-year language preparatory course before starting their studies at top art universities in Turkey. Most international programs are offered at private universities, where the medium of instruction is usually English.
To study at reputable international universities in Turkey, students are typically required to pass the SAT or YÖS exams. The YÖS exam is scored out of 100, and a minimum score of 40 is required—though some universities, particularly art faculties, may require a score of 60.
Admission requirements for studying art in Turkey vary depending on the academic level. For undergraduate programs, students need to submit transcripts, a diploma or graduation certificate, a language proficiency certificate, recommendation letters, and more. For higher levels such as master’s or PhD programs, a stronger academic resume is required, along with recommendation letters from professors, an invitation letter, a statement of purpose, academic transcripts, language proficiency certificates, and a student visa.
Required Documents for Art Admission in Turkey
To study art in Turkey, you must first complete the initial online registration at your chosen university. You should also be clear about the city and the specific major you’re applying to. For a bachelor’s degree, the required documents for admission to the best art universities in Turkey are as follows:
- High school diploma + transcripts
- Language proficiency certificate
- Passport + ID documents and photo
- Letter of recommendation
- Proof of financial means and tuition payment
- Passing written and practical entrance exams
For master’s and PhD programs, the required documents include:
- Transcripts + latest academic certificates
- Statement of purpose (motivation letter)
- Letters of recommendation
- Invitation letter
- Turkish or English language proficiency certificate
- Identification documents + passport
Valid Language Certificate for Studying Art in Turkey
Immigration experts often recommend that students choose Turkish as the primary language for studying art in Turkey, as it makes social integration and entering the job market much easier. However, some programs do offer art courses in English. To study art at top universities in Turkey, you need to prove your proficiency in either Turkish or English through one of the following ways:
- Having completed at least 2 years of education at an institution where the language of instruction is English or Turkish
- Enrolling in a language preparatory course in Turkey and reaching the required proficiency before starting university
- Taking an international Turkish or English language exam
Generally, the third option is the most common method for proving language skills. Turkish universities accept the TOMER certificate for Turkish and IELTS or TOEFL for English proficiency when admitting students to art programs. Below is a table showing the minimum required scores for each exam:
Exam NameMinimum Required Score
TOMER 70–79 for bachelor’s, 80–89 for master’s and PhD
IELTS Minimum 6.0 for bachelor’s, 6.5 for master’s and PhD
TOEFL Minimum 70 for bachelor’s, 78 for master’s and PhD
Introduction to Art Universities in Istanbul and Their Admission Requirements
Contemporary art is not considered a single, unified discipline in Turkish universities. Instead, it is viewed as a method that allows for interdisciplinary and intercultural approaches such as ecology, gender, archiving, and post-colonial studies to begin with deep exploration into social aesthetics. Compared to other countries, art universities in Istanbul generally offer more affordable tuition fees.
Studying art in Turkey at public universities typically costs between 500 to 5,000 TRY, while international (private) universities charge between 3,000 to 6,000 TRY in tuition. For example, Başkent University, a private institution, has an annual tuition fee of 52,440 TRY and offers programs in fashion design, graphic design, culinary arts, animation, and more. Below is a list of the top public and private art universities in Turkey.
1. Private Art Universities in Turkey
The best private universities offering art programs in Turkey include:
- Aral University
- Istanbul Aydın University
- Bahçeşehir University
- Istanbul Gelişim University
- Başkent University
- Doğuş University
- Haliç University
- Istanbul Medipol University
- Nişantaşı University
- Hacettepe University
- Koç University
- Kadir Has University
- Yeditepe University
To apply to one of these institutions, you may need to present proof of English language proficiency. Several standardized English exams such as PTE (Pearson Test of English), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), CAE (Cambridge English: Advanced), and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are accepted for this purpose. To study at private universities in Turkey, you must also show financial capability to cover tuition fees, which is required for obtaining a Turkish student visa.
2. Studying Art in Turkey: List of Public Art Universities
Art is a highly popular field with various branches, and many young people are eager to pursue education in art-related disciplines. Turkey, with its beautiful environment, affordable cost of living, and welcoming immigration policies, has become a major destination for art students. The list of top public art universities in Turkey includes:
- Yıldız Technical University
- Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University
- Marmara University
Entrance Exams for Applying to Art Universities in Turkey
The entrance exams for studying art in Turkey differ somewhat from other academic exams. Admission to art universities in Turkey typically involves two stages: a written exam and a practical exam.
-
The YÖS (Foreign Student Exam) is often required for top public art universities.
-
The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), a written exam, is also accepted by many universities and applies to various fields including art.
Some public universities in Turkey also consider age limits for applicants, typically between 21 and 26 years old.
You must achieve the minimum required score in the written exam specific to each university. Following that, you’ll be invited to take the practical exam, which is tailored based on your intended art discipline.
For example:
-
Graphic Design applicants may be tested on design concepts such as packaging, typography, photo composition, or poster design.
-
Photography applicants may be asked to submit a portfolio, which will be evaluated by the university.
-
Sculpture students often need to present samples of their work or hand-drawn sketches.
Art Majors Offered at Turkish Universities
Turkey is home to many universities offering a wide range of English-taught programs. These universities are well-regarded globally and attract talented students from around the world. The diversity of art majors allows international students to study their passion affordably in a culturally rich environment.
Below is a list of popular art majors available in Turkish universities:
-
Designer
-
Photographer
-
Video Game & Media Designer
-
Graphic Designer
-
Landscape Designer
-
Art Historian
-
Dancer
-
Musician
-
Actor
-
Producer
-
Photojournalist
-
Web Designer
-
Fashion Designer
-
Museum/Exhibition Specialist
-
Accessories & Footwear Designer
-
Composer
-
Sculptor
-
Potter
-
Modern Dance
-
Ballet
-
Playwright
-
Opera Singer
-
Guitarist
-
Violinist
-
Jazz Musician
-
Saxophonist
-
Trombonist
-
Vocal Coach
-
Art Teacher
-
Music Teacher
Let me know if you’d like this formatted for a website, social media post, or brochure
Tuition Fees for Art Studies in Turkey
International students pursuing art degrees in Turkey should expect to pay between $2,200 and $15,000 per year in tuition fees. The exact amount depends on the university, whether it is public or private, and the language of instruction.
-
Public universities generally charge between $2,000 and $5,000 annually.
-
Private institutions may charge from $5,000 up to $15,000 per year.
It’s important to note that art programs rarely offer instruction in English. When available, English-taught courses typically come with higher tuition fees than programs taught in Turkish.
Here is a summary of annual tuition fees at some of the most well-known art universities in Turkey:
| University Name |
Annual Tuition Fee |
| Haliç University |
$3,000 |
| Istanbul Aydın University |
$2,700 |
| Istanbul Bilgi University |
$2,200 |
| Istanbul Gedik University |
$15,000 |
| Beykoz University |
$3,000 |
In addition to tuition, students should also budget $5,000 to $10,000 per year to cover:
These additional costs will vary depending on each student’s lifestyle and spending habits.
Duration of Art Programs in Turkey
The duration of art studies in Turkey is generally as follows:
Art Scholarships in Turkey
Top art universities in Turkey offer a variety of scholarship programs tailored to different academic levels. These opportunities are available for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students, and may include long-term full scholarships, research and merit-based scholarships, and joint scholarship programs developed in collaboration with internationally recognized institutions.
Here are the most common art-related scholarships available in Turkey:
1. Full-Time Scholarships
Before applying for full scholarships to study art in Turkey, applicants are advised to verify the recognition and equivalency of their chosen programs in their home country. These scholarships typically cover tuition fees, accommodation, and monthly stipends across all academic levels:
-
Bachelor’s
-
Master’s
-
Doctorate (PhD)
Monthly stipends vary depending on the level of study.
2. Success Scholarship Program
The Success Scholarship is a partial scholarship that only covers monthly stipends. It does not include tuition, accommodation, or additional expenses. Monthly stipends provided through this program are as follows:
This program is designed for academically outstanding students who have already secured admission to a university in Turkey.
3. Joint Scholarship Programs
Joint scholarship programs are designed through collaborations with international organizations or public institutions. These programs often focus on specific academic themes or target underprivileged groups, providing them with access to higher education opportunities in Turkey.
Job Opportunities and Art Career Prospects in Turkey
Both Turkish and international students who pursue art degrees in Turkey—and develop strong Turkish language skills—can find job opportunities in a variety of artistic and creative sectors. However, non-Turkish citizens must obtain a valid work permit to legally work in Turkey.
Turkey has a deep appreciation and respect for art, and the general public shows strong support for artistic industries. Graduates from Turkey’s top art universities often find themselves well-positioned to enter the local job market.
Strong Prospects in Design, Fashion & Music
Turkey is internationally recognized for its thriving fashion and textile industry, as well as its growing sectors in design, visual arts, and music education. These industries offer promising job prospects for skilled graduates. On average, art graduates in Turkey can earn around 8,170 TRY per month, depending on their specialization and experience.
Summary
Turkey remains a popular destination for students due to its affordable cost of living, which typically ranges between €400–€600 per month, and its wide variety of high-quality educational programs in the arts.
Students benefit from access to numerous universities offering diverse art majors and concentrations across many cities. After graduation, those who study art in Turkey can transition into the workforce more easily thanks to the country’s established reputation and supportive environment for the arts.
Additionally, scholarships are available for both domestic and international art students, including full-time scholarships, merit-based programs, and international joint initiatives.
FAQs
What are the requirements to study art in Turkey?
-
Passing the YÖS (Foreign Student Exam)
-
Submitting academic records
-
Language proficiency certificate (Turkish or English depending on the program)
-
A strong academic CV (for graduate studies)
Which are the top art universities in Turkey?
-
Bahçeşehir University
-
Marmara University
-
Hacettepe University
-
Başkent University
-
Nişantaşı University
What scholarships are available for art students in Turkey?
میانگین امتیازات 5 از 5
Vote count: 1 Vote