Study abroad in Turkey for students

The trend of studying abroad is increasing day by day. The factors for this shift, however, are numerous. Employment opportunities, safe environment, access to basic facilities and multicultural exposures are some of them. Among uncounted study abroad countries, Turkey is one of the most preferred destination to study abroad especially for students. Basic reasons to study in Turkey are listed below

Academic Hub for International Students

This Europe-Asia Crossroad destination is currently hosting a swarm of international students. Currently, there are around 150,000 international students in Turkey, enrolled in miscellaneous study programs. Turkish Government has revolutionized it’s the higher education system. The president of Turkey, in fact, has announced that the country is aiming to invite around 350,000 international students.

Scholarship Opportunities

Approximately 5,000 scholarships are provided to students every year from over 160 countries. The country has currently listed all official undergraduate, graduate and short-term scholarships for the upcoming year.

A vast majority of scholarships awarded to international students in Turkey, in fact, are funded by the Turkish state.Moreover,there are many graduate and postgraduate Turkish scholarships available for students in the current academic year.

Affordable Cost of Living and Study

Compared to other international study destinations, Turkey offers significantly lower tuition fees and living expenses. According to global cost of living rankings, Turkey’s metropolitan cities are not included in the most expensive cities list. Moreover, foreign students are allowed to have work permits. This allows students to earn part-time while studying. In addition, Turkey also allows international students to look for employment after they complete their degree course and can finally settle in this European nation.

A Muslim Destination

Being a Muslim country, students can access Halal food and easily conduct their religious rituals in Turkey, which is not possible in the western or European nations. Some Turkish cuisines like Sis Kebab, Donor Kebab and sweets like Turkish Delight are very familiar in Pakistan

High –Ranked Universities

There are over 200 universities in Turkey, the majority of which are public. Most of these institutions are relatively new, therefore, renders the most modern strategies of education. Moreover, both public and private universities in Turkey are associated with the Bologna Agreement, This program is a standard setter of degree programs across Europe. Turkish universities are also involved in the Erasmus+ program, thus students can also benefit from exchange programs.

According to the QS Higher Education System, Turkey’s higher education system was ranked 43rd in the world. There are 10 Turkish universities listed in the QS World University Rankings®. Moreover 45 Turkish universities are listed in the edition of the QS University Rankings: EECA, (universities in Emerging Europe and Central Asia).

Universities in famous Cities of Turkey

Up-To-Date Academic Courses at All Degree Levels

All degree courses including bachelors, Master’s and doctoral are taught at Turkish universities. The most popular courses in which international students take admission are

• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Bachelors in Business – Economics.
• Bachelor’s in Cultural Studies
• Bachelor’s in Business Administration
• Industrial Engineering

In addition, Associate Degree programs are also taught Turkish higher education system. In this two-year program, universities offer vocational oriented studies and graduates after completion of the study course are employed as intermediate staff in relevant organizations. The curriculum is designed to give the student the internship opportunity in firms of the study fields

English-Taught Courses

Though most graduate programs are taught in Turkish, with the passage of time English taught courses are gaining popularity in Turkish universities. On Masters Level, however, several English taught programs are rendered at top universities in most affordable prices. The best thing to study in Turkey as a study abroad student is that quality level of the education in English-taught state universities is parallel to the Western standards.

Turkey higher education institutes offer effective and high-standard academic programs to international students. The following are the various Study program intakes and admission requirements for Turkish Universities

The Academic Calendar 

The academic year in Turkey consists of 2 semesters which runs from September until June. The academic first semester runs from October to January and  the second semester from February to July. A two week holiday is given between these semesters, summer vacations are between July and October. Application deadlines are different in different institutions; universities generally begin their session in October. Many universities render admission on a first-come, first served basis depending on the applicant’s qualifications of the prospective study abroad student. Some courses at certain universities accept applications on a rolling basis, but the most credible institutions take admission on a competitive basis. Each university’s website provides details for the upcoming admission.

The Admission Criterion in Turkish Universities

Every Turkish University has its own admission criteria and international students who want to take admission to an undergraduate program must directly apply to the Student Affairs Office of the respective university. When the student submits the necessary documents the relevant faculty boards evaluate the application status of each student. Later Interviews are also conducted with the individual applicant if necessary. Upon acceptance of the admission, the applicant gets the right to study at the chosen university and he/she is then registered for the upcoming semester.

Admission in Undergraduate Program 

Foreign students who wish to pursue their graduate/post-graduate studies in Turkey should apply directly to the universities.

International candidates who are currently studying in a senior grade in a high school or have already earned an intermediate/A-levels or high school certificate with 12 years of education equivalent to Turkish credits can apply for undergraduate programs in Turkey. Turkish universities organize Examinations for Foreign Students (YOS) in their own terms. Thus, it is essential that prospective students should apply separately to each university. 

Required Documents 

• International Student Application Form online plus a hard copy

• High School Diploma or intermediate certificate

• An Official Transcript and all previous mark sheets both original and attested photocopies

• Language Proficiency certification (TOEFL, IELTS etc. or university test

• A simple short essay about your interest in Turkish education, why you want to attend this particular university  and what course of study you want to pursue to achieve your preferred career

• Application Fee (The fee for each application ranges between USD35 and 100. This pays for processing your application and is non-refundable

• Financial proofs

• scores from the following tests

  • YOS

  • SAT 1 (Scholastic Aptitude Test)

  • ACT (National College Admission Examination)

  • Abitur

  • French Baccalaureate

  • GCE certificate (minimum two subjects)

  • International Baccalaureate (IB)

Deadline for undergraduate applications is before the 1st of August. It is better to contact them at least one year before they plan to enter that school. Then they could have plenty of time to fulfil the requirements on time.

Application results

Applications of candidates are evaluated according to student’s academic achievements like a cumulative intermediate percentage. Marks in the relevant subject, high school GPAs, and other achievements relevant to the success of the student. Meeting the application criteria, however, does not guarantee admission to the programs.

Acceptance letters are sent to Successful candidates via email and regular post, usually in August. These students will then show this acceptance letter at Turkish consulate to get a Student Visa

Admission in Master’s Program

Foreign students who wish to pursue their graduate/post-graduate studies in Turkey should apply directly to the universities.

A postgraduate qualification or master’s degree typically takes two years to complete with 120 credit hours, although this period can vary depending on the institution. 

Some departments may ask the student to appear for a personal interview before rendering him/her the admission to postgraduate degree courses.

• A foreign national applying for a master program in Turkey must possess a student visa and a valid passport

• Application form

• Bachelor’s or Master’s diploma or degree with attested photocopies and English translations

• A statement of purpose

• A CV(updated)

• Specified sized photographs

• At least two Reference letters from professors and employers

• All previous Transcripts with attested copies

• Graduate exam scores (: GRE or GMAT)

• Language proficiency certificate (TOEFL, or a university’s own exam)

• Interviews or Written exams

• Proof of enough financial funds to support your studies

Application Deadlines

There are generally two application deadlines for graduate programs:

• Deadline For fall semester deadline falls at the end of May

• Deadline For spring semester falls at the end of December

Admission in PhD at A Turkish University

Turkish education system follows the Bologna Process. Therefore, PhD programs in Turkey are similar to other European PhD programs. The overall courses, seminars and exams for a PhD exam will lead to a total of 240 ECTS credits. There may be taught components in your program to complete an authentic PhD program. Supervision committees will assess the student’s performance and thesis. The thesis supervisor is a member of these committees. The supervisor is basically an academic lecturer who is an expert in your chosen research field. The supervisor will be appointed within the first year of PhD.

Fees and funding

Students can enrol in a Ph D program in affordable tuition fees. In most institutions, it is around €500-800 per year for international students. There are also many fully funded scholarships available to pursue a Ph D program in Turkey. There are however some limited funding resources available for international students. Tuition fees for PhD programs at private universities are relatively high. It is generally around €5, 3000-18,000 per year. However, there are many funding options available at these private institutions.

Applying for a PhD in Turkey

The specific requirements and procedures are different in different r research institution and course of study. The prospective candidate has to contact your preferred university’s international office for exact information.

Admission requirements

The admissions are highly competitive and the prospective PhD applicant has to show excellent academic performance e at undergraduate and graduate level.

• Masters degree, in a relevant subject, with good academic achievements, with a Merit or Distinction grade.

Generally, students seeking admission in PhD ( Arts and Humanities) need a Masters degree. However to take admission in the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) an undergraduate degree is generally sufficient. This, however, depends on the individual course and institution rendering the degree program.

International degrees may require additional recognition to be accepted as equivalent qualifications.

• Research proposal and it is recommended that you contact your prospective supervisor and/or university before applying to help with this.

• Academic references

• Scores of alternative international admissions tests, such as the GMAT (a minimum score of 500) and the GRE (a minimum score of 685)

• An English language test score, like TOEFL or IELTS, or a test offered by the Turkish examination coordinator ÖSYM.

• Financial proofs

• Specified sized photographs

• Spouse documents and marriage certificates for married candidates

An interview is generally conducted to assess the eligibility of prospective PhD student applying in a Turkish University.

Although Studying and living in this Euro –Asian study abroad destination is not that expensive, especially when compared to the cost of living in the UK and USA. However, the student should have enough cash in the pocket if he/she is planning to fly Turkey for studies. 

Study In Turkey Questions