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A Comprehensive Guide to Studying in:
Turkey

Turkey impression

Turkey has developed rapidly in the last 20 years to become one of the world’s largest economies and a top tourist destination. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited countries, Turkey has long served as the bridge between eastern and western cultures. This ancient multicultural land is home to 19 UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Archaeological Site of Troy.

Turkey is part of the European Higher Education Area and has developed its universities to be in line with European standards. Turkey is very student-friendly, with at least one university in every city. International students can expect to pay less than US$2,000 a year in tuition for public universities and up to $20,000 at private institutions.

Turkey is currently experiencing a period of rapid inflation. The devaluation of the lira can make Turkey an attractive study destination for international students, as their native currency has more buying power.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

How much will it cost to live and study in Turkey?
Do I need to get a visa to live and study in Turkey?
How reputable are universities in Turkey?
What is the job market like for graduates in Turkey?
Are there a lot of international students in Turkey?

Did You Know? Fun Facts About Turkey

  • 1 Koç University Graduate School of Business consistently makes Financial Times’ top 100 business schools in Europe.
  • 2 The city of Istanbul is on the European and Asian continents.
  • 3 St. Nicholas, the inspiration for Santa Claus, was born in Patara in 270 A.D.
  • 4 Tulips are native to Turkey and their name derives from the Turkish word for turban.
  • 5 The automotive industry is the 15th largest in the world and the 5th largest in Europe.

Which Visas & permits do i need in Turkey

Turkey uses an e-visa system for tourist visas, but you’ll need a visa from a Turkish Embassy or Consulate to study or work. For a student visa, you’ll need to present a letter of acceptance from your school, and proof of accommodation.

All visas are issued for a maximum of 90 days. Your passport must be valid for an additional 60 days passed the expiration of the visa. To stay longer than that, you must apply for a “Short Term Residence Permit” at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Administration. You can find the details of Turkey’s visa regime on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Banking in Turkey

A Turkish bank account makes daily life much easier when it comes to paying bills and shopping locally. Opening a bank account is easy once you have a residence permit. Generally, you just need to present your passport, Foreigner’s Identification Number or Tax Identification Number, and proof of your residence address in Turkey. The largest banks, like İşbank and Ziraat Bank, have English-language websites to make immigration easier.

In December 2021, the Turkish government introduced a lira deposit protection scheme that compensates depositors for exchange rate losses against foreign currencies.

What do I need to know about healthcare in Turkey

Health insurance is required for international students in Turkey. You can either get private insurance or use the public General Health Insurance (GSS). Private insurers offer plans targeted to foreigners, but their scope is limited as only some hospitals are included in the plan. With GSS, treatment is free at all state hospitals, the only restriction is that you must apply within three months of university registration. Every university also has a health center for basic treatment.

Housing options for students in Turkey

Most universities in Turkey provide student accommodation. These are separated by gender and the price will vary depending on the number of roommates, but this can be a very affordable option at less than US$20 a month. Private housing is also an option. A room in a shared apartment in Istanbul can be as low as $160 a month, while you can find a fully furnished one-bedroom for around $800.

Though illegal, there have been reports of landlords asking for the full year’s rent upfront.

What are the public transport options in Turkey

Turkey has robust transportation options including buses, planes, trains, and high-speed rail. Major cities like Istanbul and Ankara have extensive metro and light rail systems. All cities offer a student discount on public transport.

You can drive in Turkey with a foreign driver’s license for up to six months. To continue driving after that, you’ll need to convert your license or obtain a Turkish one.

How much does a Big Mac cost in Turkey

The Big Mac Index uses the price of a McDonald’s Big Mac as a practical illustration of exchange rates. Turkey is a very affordable location for international students. A Big Mac costs 47 Turkish lira, which means US$50 buys a whopping 19 Big Macs.