Studying Photography in Turkey 2025

Due to its unique blend of tourism and historical attractions, studying photography in Turkey offers its distinct beauty and excitement. Photography, as an artistic field, has a dedicated audience, and the natural beauty of Turkey provides an excellent opportunity for students in the arts, particularly in photography. Turkish universities are well-regarded in the field of arts, offering a variety of academic programs, including photography. Students in Turkey’s photography programs enjoy greater creative freedom to capture images uniquely and artistically, making studying in Turkey highly appealing to many. Due to the importance of artistic fields, various scholarships are available to top students in this discipline, allowing them to partially cover their tuition fees. This article by Elm Vira Migration Group explores the various aspects of studying photography in Turkey. Advantages of Studying in Turkey Turkey’s higher education system, aligned with the Bologna Agreement, follows European standards and has successfully enhanced the global reputation of its universities. Various academic programs, including photography, are offered at the highest quality, attracting students who wish to study in Turkey. Students pursuing a photography degree can acquire specialized skills and receive professional training by participating in various domestic and international workshops. Photography students at the undergraduate level gain knowledge in the technical, artistic, aesthetic, and commercial aspects of photography. Additionally, outstanding students may benefit from scholarships in photography programs in Turkey. Graduates of photography programs in Turkey can find employment in art galleries, photography studios, the press and publishing industry, advertising agencies, and the tourism sector. Some of the major advantages of studying in Turkey include:

• The high prestige of universities and photography education centers in Turkey.
• Affordable tuition fees for photography programs in Turkey.
• Recognition of Turkish photography degrees in many countries worldwide.
• Permission to work while studying up to 30 hours per week.
• Availability of English-taught programs in addition to Turkish.
• Scholarships are available to eligible students.

Requirements for Studying Photography in Turkey There are no specific age restrictions for studying photography in Turkey, but applicants must take the university entrance exam, either the YOS or SAT, and achieve a passing score. In addition to the entrance exam score, applicants must have at least 70% in their high school subjects. Submitting the most recent academic diploma is another requirement for admission to photography programs in Turkey. Furthermore, some universities, especially public ones, also conduct an aptitude test, which is a two-stage practical exam. Some universities assess the applicant’s portfolio during an interview and issue the final admission based on that evaluation. Universities Offering Photography Programs in Turkey Given the high importance of art in today’s world and its transformation into a profitable industry, Turkish universities are known for their high quality and reputation in most artistic disciplines. In addition to universities, there are renowned photography training centers in Turkey, where talented artists are taught and trained in the field of photography. Some of the leading universities offering photography programs in Turkey include:

• Marmara University
• Istanbul University of Fine Arts
• Okan University
• Mimar Sinan University
• Atatürk University
• Dokuz Eylül University
• Yıldız Technical University
• Koç University
• Istanbul Aydın University
• Başkent University

Photography Study Chart in Turkey Generally, the curriculum for photography programs in Turkey is divided into two categories: theoretical and practical. In the theoretical section, students learn the principles and foundations of photography, research methods, essay writing, the history of photography, and the related theories. In the practical and workshop section, students are introduced to studio lighting techniques, image retouching and manipulation, darkroom techniques, digital workflow, and more. Some of the key courses in photography programs include:

• Analog Photography
• History of Photography
• Photography Techniques
• Employment in Photography Industries
• Image Processing
• Documentary Photography
• Photography, History, and Culture

Due to the high variety of courses, the reputable universities and training centers, the affordable tuition fees at public universities, and the freedom given to artists, studying photography in Turkey provides an excellent opportunity for those interested in the field. Photography Degree Levels in Turkish Universities Those interested in studying photography in Turkey can apply for the next level of education based on their highest completed degree. Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs in photography are offered at both public and private universities in Turkey. The Bachelor’s degree in photography lasts 4 years, the Master’s program lasts 2 years, and the Ph.D. program lasts 3 years. Outstanding students in various academic levels, especially in graduate studies, can benefit from scholarships for photography programs in Turkey. Ph.D. applicants must attend an in-person interview, and if they have credible knowledge and achievements, they can be granted final admission.

Specializations in Photography Studies in Turkey Students studying photography in Turkey can choose one of the specializations based on their interests and become highly skilled in their chosen field. The main photography specializations in Turkish universities are:

• Documentary Photography: This includes photography of nature and natural events, which is highly appealing to those interested in this area.
• Macro Photography: Focused on capturing small-scale details, such as plants, insects, and objects.
• Portrait Photography: Specializing in human faces, this type of photography expresses various human emotions.
• Fashion Photography: Widely used in the fashion industry, this specialization offers lucrative opportunities.
• Wildlife Photography: One of the most thrilling and dangerous specializations, popular among those interested in capturing wildlife.

Tuition Fees for Photography Programs in Turkey Since photography programs in Turkey include both theoretical courses and practical, hands-on workshops, the tuition fees for these programs are generally higher than for programs without practical components. Additionally, factors such as the language of instruction, academic level, and the specific university also influence the overall cost. However, by obtaining a scholarship for photography studies in Turkey, students can cover part or all of their tuition or living expenses. Below are the annual tuition fees for photography programs at several Turkish universities:

University	Annual Tuition Fee	Degree Level	Language of Instruction
Başkent University	$3500 – $3900	Bachelor’s, Master’s	English
Istanbul University of Fine Arts	$700	All levels	Turkish
Okan University	$4800 – $5000	All levels	English
Yildiz Technical University	$6000	All levels	English
Marmara University	$3000	Bachelor’s	English

Language of Instruction in Turkey Turkish universities offer their programs, including photography, in both Turkish and English. However, not all universities and photography training centers provide courses in English. Therefore, if you wish to study photography in Turkey in English, it is essential to gather the necessary information before applying. Additionally, students studying in Turkish have a higher chance of being accepted and receiving scholarships for photography programs in Turkey. A TOEFL or IELTS certificate is required for studying in English, while a TÖMER certificate is required for studying in Turkish. Photography Studies in Turkey; Scholarships for Photography Students pursuing photography studies in Turkey can qualify for scholarships by demonstrating their academic and professional achievements. Some of the most prominent scholarships include:

• Yücel Cultural Foundation Scholarship: The maximum age for eligibility is 28 years.
• Development Foundation Scholarship: Offered by the Atatürk Development Foundation to undergraduate students facing financial difficulties.
• Turkish Education Foundation Scholarship: Available for students from vocational schools and fine arts faculties, with a minimum GPA of 16.
• Academic Achievement Scholarship: For undergraduate students with a GPA of at least 17, photography applicants with high exam scores, and students with articles published in reputable academic journals.

Required Documents for Registration in Photography Programs in Turkey After obtaining admission to a photography program in Turkey, applicants must prepare the following documents for registration:

1. Latest Educational Certificates along with official transcripts (translated into Turkish or English)
2. A passport with the required validity
3. Proof of Admission in the YOS or SAT Exam
4. 2 Recent Biometric Photos
5. Interview and Talent Test Results from the Chosen University

Conclusion Photography is one of the most captivating artistic fields, and many prospective students travel to Turkey annually to pursue a degree in this discipline. Due to the high reputation of Turkish universities and the significance of artistic studies, photography is taught with the highest quality in the country’s academic institutions. Additionally, Turkey’s beautiful natural landscapes, better career opportunities, and the freedom it offers to artists make it an attractive destination for students in this field. The availability of scholarships for photography further enhances the appeal of studying this major in Turkey. In addition to universities, there are reputable educational centers in Turkey that specialize in professional photography training. Students can choose one of the specialized branches of photography based on their interests and pursue it at advanced levels. The cost of studying photography in Turkey depends on the language, university, and level of study, but scholarships can help reduce these expenses. Elm Vira Immigration Institute, with its strong credibility and outstanding success in the field of educational migration, is a reliable resource for those looking to study abroad. For information about studying abroad, feel free to visit our free consultation section.