Study in Türkiye

Higher education in Türkiye is overseen by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and follows the Bologna Process, which aligns degree structures with much of Europe:

• Associate degree (Önlisans) — typically 2 years of study at vocational schools.
• Bachelor's degree (Lisans) — typically 4 years (longer for medicine, dentistry and some engineering programs).
• Master's degree (Yüksek Lisans) — typically 2 years after a bachelor's degree, with or without thesis.
• PhD (Doktora) — typically 4 years of advanced research after a master's degree.

Both public and private (foundation) universities operate in Türkiye, and a growing number of programs are taught entirely in English.

The academic year in Türkiye generally runs from autumn to summer, with two main intakes:

• Fall intake — usually starts in September/October. This is the main intake with the widest choice of programs.
• Spring intake — usually starts in February. Offered by many universities, though program choice can be narrower.

Application deadlines vary by university and program — always check the deadline on the course page before applying.

Türkiye is widely regarded as an affordable study destination compared with many popular alternatives:

• Tuition — varies significantly between public and private universities and by program. Public universities are generally more affordable; private universities charge higher fees but often offer generous scholarships. Exact fees are listed on each course page.
• Living costs — depend heavily on the city. Istanbul and Ankara tend to be more expensive than smaller cities. Budget for accommodation, food, transport and health insurance.
• Scholarships — many universities offer merit-based tuition discounts, and the Turkish government runs scholarship programs for international students. Check each university's scholarship information.

Visa rules can change, so always confirm current requirements with the nearest Turkish consulate or embassy. The general process is:

1. Get accepted — secure an admission or acceptance letter from a Turkish university.
2. Prepare documents — typically your passport, acceptance letter, photos, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Requirements vary by country.
3. Apply at the consulate — submit your student visa application at the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
4. Travel to Türkiye — enter with your student visa.
5. Residence permit — after arrival, apply for a student residence permit through the local authorities, usually with your university's international office helping you.

Start the visa process as early as possible — processing times vary by country and season.