Study in Turkey for International Students

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In recent years, Turkey has become one of the most popular study destinations for Iranian students. A wide range of universities, affordable tuition fees, high educational standards, and cultural proximity have made Turkey a top choice, with Iranian students representing a significant portion of international student admissions in the country.

Studying in Turkey is also an increasingly attractive option for international students from around the world. With internationally recognized universities, reasonable living and education costs, and a rich cultural environment, Turkey offers exceptional opportunities for higher education.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore all aspects of studying in Turkey, including top public and private universities, tuition fees, scholarships, student residence permits, and student life in Turkey. This guide is designed to help you make an informed and confident decision about studying in Turkey as an international student.

Conditions for studying in Türkiye 2026

In 2026, Turkey remains one of the most popular study destinations for international students, particularly students from Iran. Thanks to its unique geographical position as a bridge between East and West, Turkey offers a safe, multicultural, and dynamic environment for students pursuing higher education.

Turkey’s higher education system is designed in line with international standards such as the Bologna Process, and degrees awarded by Turkish universities are recognized across many European countries and other parts of the world. As a result, admission to Turkish universities can serve as a strong pathway for further academic studies or entry into the international job market.

One of the key advantages of studying in Turkey is the opportunity to study without entrance exams at many private universities and in selected academic programs. In addition, students can choose to study in English or Turkish, which significantly strengthens both their academic profile and future career prospects. According to official statistics, more than 250,000 international students are currently studying in Turkey, highlighting the credibility and global appeal of the country’s higher education system.

From an economic perspective, the cost of tuition and student living expenses in Turkey is considerably more affordable compared to most European countries and the United States. Furthermore, Turkish scholarships, including the government-funded Türkiye Bursları program, can cover a large portion—or even all—of tuition fees and living costs.

If you are interested in studying high-demand fields such as Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Allied Health Sciences, or Engineering, Turkey in 2026 can be one of the smartest and most strategic choices for international students.

Universities approved by the Ministry of Science and the Ministry of Health of Iran in Türkiye (2026)

One of the most important considerations for Iranian students applying to study in Turkey is choosing universities that are officially approved by Iran’s Ministry of Science or Ministry of Health. This factor is particularly critical for students who plan to return to Iran after graduation and continue their academic or professional careers within the country.

Students applying to study Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, or other Allied Health Sciences in Turkey must ensure that their chosen university is listed among the universities approved by Iran’s Ministry of Health. Otherwise, their degree will not be officially recognized or evaluated in Iran after graduation.

Similarly, for non‑medical fields such as Engineering, Management, and Humanities, the selected university must be included in the list of universities approved by Iran’s Ministry of Science. Only degrees issued by approved institutions are considered academically valid and officially recognized in Iran.

University Name	Type
Acıbadem University, Istanbul	Private
Atatürk University, Erzurum	Public
Ankara University	Public
Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul	Private
Başkent University, Ankara	Private
Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir	Public
Ege University, Izmir	Public
Gazi University, Ankara	Public
Hacettepe University, Ankara	Public
Istanbul University	Public
Istanbul Aydın University	Private
Izmir Katip Çelebi University	Public
Koç University, Istanbul	Private
Marmara University, Istanbul	Public
Istanbul Medipol University	Private
Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun	Public
Yeditepe University, Istanbul	Private

Turkey, with 17 universities approved by Iran’s Ministry of Health, offers Iranian students a wider range of choices compared to countries such as Russia, where the number of approved universities is more limited.

Out of these 17 Turkish universities approved by the Ministry of Health of Iran, 7 are private universities and 10 are public (state) universities, providing students with diverse options based on tuition fees, language of instruction, and academic preferences.

International Recognition of Universities

Many Turkish universities are ranked in global rankings such as QS and Times Higher Education, reflecting their well‑established academic quality and international credibility.

Affordable Costs Compared to Europe

Tuition fees at Turkish universities are significantly lower than in most European countries, and student living expenses are also considered more affordable.

Cultural and Geographical Proximity

Turkey is only a few hours away from Iran and shares many cultural and lifestyle similarities, making adaptation easier for Iranian students.

Study Programs in English and Turkish

Many universities offer programs in both English and Turkish, allowing students to choose the language of instruction based on their academic field and future goals.

Turkish education system and university admission requirements in 2026

Turkey’s education system includes Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees, and all universities operate under the supervision of the Council of Higher Education of Turkey (YÖK). This centralized and well‑regulated structure ensures that Turkish university degrees are internationally recognized and academically evaluable worldwide.

As of 2025, there are more than 208 active universities in Turkey, including 129 public universities (Devlet Üniversiteleri) and 79 private foundation universities (Vakıf Üniversiteleri). This wide academic diversity provides international students with numerous options for studying in Turkey across different fields and levels.

Admission to public universities in Turkey is typically based on standardized exams such as TR‑YÖS or SAT, while many private universities offer admission without entrance exams for international students. For this reason, studying in Turkey is considered a highly attractive option for applicants seeking faster and more flexible university admission.

Education in Turkey is available in both Turkish and English, and many academic programs—especially at private universities—are taught entirely in English. The standard duration of study is 4 years for a Bachelor’s degree, 2 years for a Master’s degree

Conditions for studying in Türkiye for Iranians

There are generally two main pathways for admission to public universities in Turkey for international students:

TR‑YÖS Exam

The TR‑YÖS is the official entrance exam designed specifically for international students applying to undergraduate programs at public universities in Turkey across all fields of study. This exam typically includes Mathematics, IQ (Logic), and sometimes Geometry, and the majority of Turkish public universities base their admissions on TR‑YÖS results.

The TR‑YÖS exam is held twice a year in Turkey and is conducted in over 70 test centers across more than 50 countries worldwide. The exam consists of 80 questions, and candidates are given 100 minutes to complete it.

Subjects Covered in the TR‑YÖS Exam

:Mathematics Section

Includes basic to intermediate mathematics topics such as vectors, numbers, equations and inequalities, functions, probability, and other fundamental mathematical concepts.

:Geometry Section

Covers geometry questions similar to the Iranian university entrance exam, but with broader and more advanced conceptual depth.

:IQ (Logic) Section

Consists of questions designed to evaluate the candidate’s logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem‑solving skills.

SAT Exam

The SAT exam is fundamentally different from the TR‑YÖS. It is a combined test of Mathematics and English language skills, with each section scored out of 800 points, resulting in a total score of 1600 points.

While the Mathematics section of the SAT is generally easier than the TR‑YÖS math section, the English section is considerably more challenging and competitive. Some highly ranked and reputable public universities in Turkey accept SAT scores either in addition to or instead of TR‑YÖS results for undergraduate admissions

Middle East Technical University (METU)

Istanbul Technical University (ITU)

Gazi University (Ankara)

Hacettepe University (Ankara)

https://internationalstudent.hacettepe.edu.tr/tr

Should I take the SAT or the YOS exam to get admitted to a public university in Türkiye

:Advice from a Turkey Study Consultant

If you are strong in Mathematics, enrolling in YÖS preparation courses is highly recommended. However, if you are weak in Mathematics and Geometry but possess a high level of English proficiency—approximately IELTS 7 or higher—you may consider enrolling in SAT preparation courses and testing your chances through the SAT pathway.

It is important to note that the majority of seats in Turkish public universities are allocated to students admitted through the YÖS exam, while only a limited number of seats are reserved for applicants applying with SAT scores.

Admission to private universities in Türkiye (study without exams)

Private universities in Turkey are primarily concentrated in Istanbul, although Ankara and Izmir are also home to several reputable private institutions. Studying in Istanbul is particularly popular among international students due to the wide variety of academic programs, modern educational facilities, and more flexible admission procedures.

Admission to private universities in Turkey is generally conducted without an entrance exam. The main criteria for acceptance are the applicant’s high school GPA and academic transcripts. However, some well‑known private universities—such as Başkent University in Ankara or Koç University in Istanbul—may require entrance examinations for certain programs.

An important point to consider is that many Turkish private universities hold strong international rankings and academic recognition. In some cases, their educational quality, campus facilities, and teaching standards are even evaluated as higher than those of public universities in Turkey.

Choosing between a public or private university in Turkey largely depends on your financial budget and preferred city of study. Admission to top public universities located in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir is highly competitive and usually requires several months of preparation for the TR‑YÖS entrance exam. On the other hand, if you are applying for medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy at universities approved by Iran’s Ministry of Health, it is important to note that tuition fees at Turkish public universities have increased significantly in recent years. In many cases, the cost difference between public and private universities is no longer substantial. For this reason, for many Iranian students, studying without an entrance exam at private universities in Turkey is considered a more practical and lower‑risk option. In the following sections of this article, we will provide a detailed breakdown of tuition fees and study costs in Turkey.
Opinion of a study consultant in Türkiye

Studying in Turkish colleges (test preparation and language courses)

In the process of student admission to Turkey, the term “college” generally refers to pre‑university preparatory programs. However, the concept of a college in Turkey is slightly different and can refer to two distinct types of educational programs

University Entrance Exam Preparation Institutions

First, there are private educational institutions in Turkey that offer preparatory courses for university entrance exams, such as TR‑YÖS and SAT. Institutions such as Poza and Metropol prepare students for admission to public universities and some private universities in Turkey. Some of these institutions also have official representatives in Iran, making them accessible to Iranian students before traveling to Turkey.

These programs focus on strengthening students’ academic foundations and exam strategies to improve their chances of admission to Turkish universities

University Language Preparation Programs (Hazırlık)

The second type refers to university language preparation programs, commonly known as Hazırlık. After receiving admission from a Turkish university, if an applicant does not hold an approved language certificate (Turkish or English) or fails the university’s language placement exam, they are required to complete the Hazırlık program.

The Hazırlık program is typically a one‑year intensive language course. While public universities in Turkey tend to be more flexible in this regard, completing the Hazırlık year is more common and, in many cases, mandatory at private universities.

These programs play a crucial role in preparing students for academic life in Turkey and significantly contribute to their success in a university learning environment.

Top Universities in Türkiye for International Students

With more than 200 public and private universities, Turkey is considered one of the leading destinations for studying abroad. Many Turkish universities are featured in well‑known global rankings such as QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE), and they offer an acceptable to high level of quality in terms of education, research, and campus facilities.

Several Turkish universities attract the highest demand among international students, particularly Iranian students. Some of the most popular and reputable universities include.

🎓 Boğaziçi University (Boğaziçi Üniversitesi)

One of the most prestigious public universities in Turkey, especially well known for its strengths in humanities, engineering, and basic sciences.

🎓 Koç University

One of the top private universities in Turkey, with a strong focus on international research and English‑taught academic programs.

🎓 Bilkent University

A pioneer in English‑medium education in Turkey and one of the country’s most internationally recognized universities in global rankings.

🎓 Istanbul Technical University (ITU)

One of the oldest and most respected universities in Turkey, with a strong emphasis on engineering and technical disciplines.

🎓 Acıbadem University

A top choice for studying medicine in Turkey, known for its advanced medical education facilities and university hospitals.

🎓 Istanbul Medipol University

A popular option for dentistry and allied health sciences, widely chosen by international students in Turkey.

In addition to the universities listed above, several private universities such as Istanbul Aydın University and Bahçeşehir University are also considered strong options for studying in Turkey, thanks to their wide range of academic programs, English‑taught courses, and simpler admission requirements.

For a more detailed understanding of medical and dentistry programs in Turkey, you may read our dedicated article on Istanbul Medipol University. Additionally, Bahçeşehir University Istanbul enjoys a strong reputation not only in medical sciences, but also in fields such as business administration, arts, and design.

The most popular fields of study in Türkiye in 2026

Studying in Turkey has been very popular with international students, especially Iranian students, in some academic fields in recent years. The combination of educational quality, university facilities, and affordable costs has made some fields the main options for applicants.

Studying medicine in Turkey is one of the most popular choices, because the country’s medical universities have modern educational equipment and hospitals, and their tuition fees are lower than in many European countries. For this reason, dentistry and pharmacy fields in Turkey also have many applicants.

In the technical field, engineering fields in Turkey, especially computer engineering and civil engineering, have a good scientific level and are taught in English at many universities.

In addition, fields such as management, law, architecture, and fashion design are also popular options in Türkiye. Universities such as Bahçeşehir, Istanbul, and Nişantaşı offer strong and practical educational programs in the fields of architecture, fashion design, and fashion design, and are a good choice for those interested in these fields.

Admission requirements for medical and engineering majors in Türkiye

For medical and engineering studies in Turkey, admission requirements vary depending on whether the university is public or private. In public universities, passing the TR-YÖS or SAT exam along with a suitable GPA is usually required. Medical fields are more competitive, and test scores and GPA are more important.

In private universities in Turkey, admission is often done without an exam and based on the GPA of the diploma. Also, presenting a Turkish or English language certificate (or participating in a language course) is a common admission requirement.

Studying medicine in Türkiye

Studying medicine in Turkey has become one of the most popular options for Iranian and international students in recent years. Prestigious Turkish universities such as Hacettepe University, Istanbul University, Ankara University, Medipol University and Acibadem University have managed to achieve significant global rankings in international rankings by offering medical programs in English and high educational standards, and their degrees are valid and equivalent in most European countries, the United States and Canada. The cost of studying medicine in public universities in Turkey, especially through the YÖS or SAT exam, is very affordable and sometimes even lower than in Iranian free universities, while private universities in Turkey have also created fierce competition by offering 100% scholarships and reasonable tuition discounts. The medical course in Turkey is usually 6 years and is accompanied by practical courses and internships in well-equipped hospitals from the first year; This factor has led Turkish graduates to perform very well in international exams such as the USMLE. Also, the possibility of transferring to European and American universities in the later years and the existence of twinning programs (eTwinning) with prestigious European universities have made Turkey an ideal bridge for those who intend to continue their studies or work in Western countries.

Studying Dentistry in Türkiye

Dentistry in Turkey, as one of the most sought-after and prestigious fields, offers attractive educational opportunities to Iranian students. Dental programs at Turkish universities such as Yediyurappa, Bahçeşehir, Medipol, and Aydin last five years and consist of two main parts: the first two years focus on basic science and theory courses at the university, and the final three years are completely devoted to specialized training in university clinics and affiliated hospitals, focusing on practical work and treating real patients. This extensive clinical experience has led Turkish dental graduates to have a very high pass rate in international exams such as the INBDE in the US and the ORE in the UK. In addition, the possibility of transferring to European and American universities in later years, joint programs with universities in Germany, Austria, and Sweden, and the opportunity to work part-time in private clinics while studying make Turkey a dream destination for those who want to obtain a valid degree and rich experience in dentistry at a reasonable cost.

Very important point: Foreign nationals, even if they receive a dental degree from Turkish universities, will not have the right to officially work in Turkey. Therefore, applicants for dental education in Turkey must either return to Iran and have their documents equivalent at the Ministry of Health or plan to work in other countries.

Studying Pharmacy in Türkiye

Studying pharmacy in Turkey is like stepping into a world where chemistry, medicine and technology meet. With modern laboratories, standard curricula and close ties to the pharmaceutical industry, Turkish pharmacy universities provide students with a serious growth environment. The pharmacy course is usually five years and has a combination of theoretical courses, laboratory work and specialized internships; this allows students to get acquainted with the real world of pharmacy and the process of manufacturing, quality control and distribution of drugs from the very first years. Some public universities and most private universities in Turkey offer the course in English and admission to many private universities is possible without an exam. Turkey has made significant investments in the pharmaceutical industry in recent years, which has created attractive career prospects for graduates. The pharmacy path in this country is a combination of precise knowledge and growing opportunities, especially for students who are interested in new therapeutic technologies.

Studying Physiotherapy in Türkiye

Physiotherapy in Turkey is a growing field of medicine that has attracted international students due to its focus on general health and rehabilitation. The program typically takes four years to complete and prepares students to assess, diagnose, and treat movement and physical problems. Prestigious universities such as Istanbul Aydın University and Istanbul Medipol University are leaders in this field. These universities provide a strong practical and scientific educational platform by offering modern academic facilities, well-equipped laboratories, and extensive internship opportunities in partner hospitals. The advantage of studying physiotherapy in Turkey, in addition to high quality education, is more affordable tuition fees, and an active environment for exchanging knowledge with experienced professors and students from all over the world. Graduates of this program can work as physiotherapists in clinics, hospitals, sports centers, and rehabilitation centers, and physiotherapy is one of the highest-paying fields in the world.

Studying fashion design in Türkiye

Studying Fashion Design & Management in Turkey, especially in Istanbul, has become one of the trendiest choices for creative students interested in the fashion industry in recent years. Nişantaşı University, Bahçeşehir University (BAU) and Yeditepe University are leaders in this field and offer fully up-to-date and internationally recognized bachelor’s, master’s and even doctoral programs. With professional sewing workshops, digital design studios, advanced CLO 3D and Lectra software, 3D fabric printers and, most importantly, direct collaboration with major Turkish brands such as LC Waikiki, Koton, Mavi, İpekyol, Machka, Damat Tween and even renowned designers such as Dice Kayek and Bora Aksu, these universities provide students with a completely practical experience close to the real job market.

The Bachelor of Fashion Design program is usually 4 years long and is taught in both Turkish and English; Nişantaşı and Bahçeşehir Universities, due to their central location in the Nişantaşı and Beşiktaş regions (the heart of Istanbul’s fashion industry), allow students to participate in Istanbul Fashion Week and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Istanbul from the first semester, have internships in major brands, and even present their first personal collection on stage during their studies. Yeditepe University also offers a unique opportunity to enter the European fashion market with its very strong Faculty of Fine Arts and joint programs with Italian universities (especially Domus Academy and Istituto Marangoni) and the possibility of spending one or two semesters in Milan.

The cost of studying in these fields at private universities with 50-75% scholarships is usually between $3,500 and $7,500 per year, which is a very smart investment considering the quality of education, studio facilities and extremely strong network of contacts with the Turkish and European fashion industry. Graduates of these universities are now working in fashion houses in Paris, London and New York, major Turkish brands or by establishing their own personal brands in Istanbul, and many of them have achieved high incomes and key positions in the fashion industry in less than two years after graduation. If you dream of working in the fashion world, participating in international fashion weeks and creating your own personal collections, Turkey and especially these three universities are the shortest and surest path to achieving this goal.

Is a language certificate required to study in Türkiye?

As you know, for admission to European universities, a language certificate is usually required for application, and universities in countries such as Germany and Austria first examine the language certificate for admission and then issue an admission, but in Turkey it is completely the opposite and universities do not emphasize the student’s language certificates. After receiving admission from Turkish universities, whether private or public, students can submit a TÜMER language certificate for Turkish majors and TOEFL or PTE for English majors (English language certificates accepted in different universities in Turkey are different). In case of not having a language certificate, students take the language proficiency test of the university they are admitted to and if they get a passing score, they enter the main course.

Opinion of an expert in education consulting in Turkey: If you do not get a passing score on the private university language proficiency test, you must have your level determined and the university will provide you with a language course for one to three semesters, which has positive and negative points. To understand this, simply call the institution’s numbers to get a complete academic consultation.

Cost of studying and living in Türkiye

One of the biggest advantages of studying in Turkey is the low cost of living and university. Generally, students studying in Turkey have two tiers of expenses, student living expenses and university tuition fees.

Student life in Türkiye

Student life in Turkey is exciting and attractive. Cities like Istanbul and Ankara are full of cultural activities, restaurants and public transportation. The cost of student accommodation in Turkey, including rent or university dormitory, is 300-500 USD per month. Food and transportation costs are also around 300-400 USD, so on average, you will spend 700 USD per month to live a student life in Turkey, and students also benefit from discounts on transportation and food.

University tuition fees in Türkiye

It was mentioned earlier that the tuition fees of public universities are lower than those of private universities, but consider that for popular fields such as English medicine in Turkey and at Ankara State University, the tuition fee reaches up to $16,500 per year, but at Ataturk State University of Erzurum, medicine in Turkish is 194,000 liras per year, which, taking into account the 2,500 liras in 1404, the annual tuition fee is equivalent to 97 million tomans for two semesters of medicine. Other articles have explained the cost of studying in Türkiye in more detail.

Türkiye Scholarship 2026

Turkey Scholarships are one of the best programs for international students. The Türkiye Burslari program covers all expenses: tuition, housing, monthly stipend (around 1000 lira for undergraduate), airfare, and insurance. Eligible candidates must have a high GPA and a language certificate. The application is online and free. In addition, universities offer partial scholarships. If you are interested in Turkey Scholarships, this program is a great opportunity to study in Turkey for free.

Opinion of a study consultant in Turkey: Don’t count on getting this scholarship, there are too many applicants and on the other hand, they give this scholarship to a small number. And in general, the chances are very, very slim for popular fields. But in general, there is a bullet in the dark, you can register for it from the following website address.

turkiyeburslari.gov.tr

Türkiye Student Visa 2026

For a Turkish student visa or Turkish student residence, after being accepted to a private or public university, you must deposit a certain amount of the annual tuition fee into the university account, which is called a deposit. After depositing the deposit, a definitive student card is issued through which you can apply for a student residence in Turkey. The documents required to obtain a Turkish student residence include a valid passport, acceptance letter, insurance, and a photo. The visa fee is about $170-190 for Iranians.

Advice for studying in Türkiye

Studying in Turkey is a golden opportunity to grow your education and earn a degree and specialization with minimal hassle. With prestigious universities, various scholarships and tuition discounts, and affordable living, Turkey is an ideal destination for studying abroad. If you have any questions, contact the study in Turkey consultants of the authorized Atiye Daran Student Sending Institute. Good luck on your path to studying in Turkey!