Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Venturing beyond borders to pursue graduate studies can be a transformative experience, and choosing Turkey as a destination offers a wealth of both academic and cultural discoveries.
This country, situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, provides a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation, making the stay both enriching and stimulating.
With renowned universities and programs offered in English, accessing a quality education becomes attainable while experiencing exceptional cultural immersion.
Whether you wish to enhance your language skills, explore the fascinating history of the Ottoman Empire, or simply broaden your personal horizons, Turkey stands out as a prime destination for anyone looking to combine learning and adventure.
Pursuing Graduate Studies in Turkey: Understanding the University System
The Turkish university system is based on three main cycles: undergraduate (4 years), master’s (1 to 2 years depending on whether it’s with or without a thesis), and doctoral (3 to 6 years depending on the specialization). Universities are distinguished as public (majority, state-funded) and private (foundation, generally more expensive). Some medical fields, like medicine, require 6 years of study for the basic degree, followed by specialization exams to access certain disciplines.
Structure of University Studies in Turkey
| Cycle | Duration | Degree Awarded | Main Specifics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 4 years | Lisans/Bachelor | Admission after high school |
| Master’s | 1-2 years | Master/Yüksek Lisans | With or without thesis |
| Doctorate | 3-6 years | Doktora/PhD | After master’s, thesis required |
| Medicine | 6 years | State Diploma | Specialization exam for further training |
| Dentistry/Pharmacy | 5 years | State Diploma | Specific tracks |
Admission for International Students
- Direct application to universities, with each institution setting its own criteria.
- YÖS Exam (Yabancı Uyruklu Öğrenci Sınavı): often required for undergraduate access to public universities.
- TOEFL/IELTS: necessary if the program is in English, to prove language proficiency.
- Academic transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, sometimes an interview.
Language of Instruction
- Turkish: main language in the majority of public universities.
- English: many private universities and some public ones offer programs entirely in English, especially in major cities.
- Preparatory Turkish courses are often available for international students.
- Proficiency in Turkish remains an asset for daily life and integration.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
| Institution Type | Approximate Annual Fees (Undergraduate) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Public Universities | 150 – 1,500 € | Cheaper, especially for programs in Turkish |
| Private Universities | 3,000 – 20,000 € | English programs often more expensive |
- Cost of living: between 300 and 600 € per month (housing, food, transportation).
- Scholarships: the Turkish government offers Türkiye Scholarships covering tuition, housing, health insurance, and a monthly stipend. Some universities also offer their own scholarships.
International Recognition
- Turkish degrees recognized in the European area thanks to participation in the Bologna Process.
- Active partnerships with many European (Erasmus+) and international universities.
- Issuance of diploma supplements to facilitate recognition abroad.
Popular Study Fields and Renowned Universities
- High-demand fields: medicine, engineering, social sciences, business, architecture, computer science.
- Renowned universities:
- Boğaziçi University (Istanbul)
- Middle East Technical University (METU, Ankara)
- Sabancı University (Istanbul)
- Koç University (Istanbul)
- Istanbul University
Practical Tips for Student Life
- Cost of living: moderate compared to Western Europe, but varies by city (Istanbul and Ankara more expensive).
- Housing: university dormitories, shared apartments, private rentals. Dorms are affordable but sometimes limited in availability.
- Cultural integration: Turks are known for their hospitality; learning some Turkish basics facilitates daily interactions.
- Student clubs and sports: highly developed, with many student clubs.
- Transportation: extensive public transport networks in major cities, student fares available.
Studying in Turkey combines a diverse academic offering, reasonable costs, and growing international openness, all within a culturally rich environment.
Good to Know:
The Turkish university system offers a three-cycle structure similar to many countries: undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate, with a distinction between public universities, generally less expensive, and private ones. For international students, the YÖS (entrance exam) and TOEFL may be required, especially for English programs. Courses are conducted in Turkish, although some universities offer English-taught programs, making Turkish proficiency not mandatory but advantageous. Tuition fees vary significantly between public and private institutions, with scholarships available to reduce costs. Turkish degrees are internationally recognized, benefiting from partnerships with other renowned universities. Disciplines like engineering, social sciences, and medicine are particularly popular, with universities like Boğaziçi University leading. Practically, the cost of living in Turkey is relatively affordable, with student housing options and a rich cultural life facilitating integration.
Admission Procedures and Degree Equivalency in Turkey
Overview of General Requirements for Higher Education Admission in Turkey:
- Hold a high school diploma (baccalaureate or equivalent) for undergraduate studies.
- For graduate cycles (master’s, doctorate), provide previous degrees (bachelor’s/master’s), transcripts, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose.
- Meet the specific conditions of each university and program.
Documents Required for Registration:
| Required Document | Undergraduate Cycle | Master’s/Doctorate Cycle | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copy of diploma or certificate | Yes | Yes | Certified translation if necessary |
| Transcript | Yes | Yes | |
| Passport | Yes | Yes | |
| ID photo | Yes | Yes | |
| Entrance exam result | Depending on university | Depending on university | e.g., YÖS, SAT, GRE, GMAT |
| Proof of language proficiency | Yes | Yes | Turkish certificate (TÖMER) or English (TOEFL, IELTS) depending on language of instruction |
| Statement of purpose | No | Yes | Essential for master’s/doctorate |
| Letters of recommendation | No | Yes | |
| CV/Biography | No | Yes | |
| Proof of financial resources | Yes | Yes |
Specific Entrance Exams:
- For most public universities: YÖS Exam (Yabancı Uyruklu Öğrenci Sınavı), reserved for international students.
- Some universities also accept international tests like the SAT.
- For English programs, a language certificate (TOEFL, IELTS) is required. For Turkish programs, the TÖMER certificate is required.
Recognition and Equivalency of Foreign Degrees (by YÖK):
- Document preparation: Original diploma, transcript, certified translation, passport copy, equivalency application form.
- Validation/Apostille: For non-EU countries, apostille or legalization of documents by competent authorities.
- Submission to YÖK: File submission to the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) or via the online portal.
- Evaluation: YÖK analyzes the conformity of the foreign curriculum with the Turkish system.
- Equivalency decision: Issuance of an equivalency certificate (“Denklik Belgesi”) allowing university registration.
Timelines and Associated Costs:
Timelines:
- Document preparation and legalization: 2 to 4 weeks (varies by country of origin).
- Equivalency procedure at YÖK: 1 to 3 months depending on the period and complexity of the file.
Costs:
- Legalization/apostille: variable fees depending on the country.
- YÖK application fee: generally moderate.
- Certified translations: expect additional fees.
Tips to Simplify the Admission Process:
- Anticipate document preparation (translations, legalization).
- Strictly adhere to university and YÖK application deadlines.
- Check language requirements specific to each program.
- Contact the university’s admissions office for any specific questions.
- Use online platforms provided by universities for application tracking.
Resources and Support for International Students:
- International offices of universities: administrative support, orientation, housing assistance.
- Official university websites: detailed guides, FAQ, useful contacts.
- Specialized portals (like Study in Turkey): centralized information on procedures and schedules.
- Student associations and alumni networks: practical advice and integration support.
- University language centers: preparation for language tests (TÖMER, TOEFL).
- Social media groups: experience sharing and mutual aid among international students.
Important
It is recommended to start the process at least 6 months before the intended start date.
A complete and compliant file significantly speeds up administrative processing.
Good to Know:
To pursue graduate studies in Turkey, it is essential to understand the admission procedures and degree equivalency requirements. Applicants generally need to provide a file including proof of proficiency in Turkish or English, often attested by tests like TOEFL or TÖMER. A specific exam, the YÖS, may be required for international students wishing to access certain universities. The Council of Higher Education of Turkey (YÖK) is responsible for recognizing foreign degrees; this process may require validating academic documents with an apostille, especially for non-Europeans. Timelines can vary and fees are to be expected, but carefully preparing all documents, such as translated transcripts and certificates, can expedite the process. To simplify admission, applicants can turn to specialized agencies or use online resources provided by universities. Workshops are sometimes available to help students better understand the process and navigate the Turkish educational system effectively.
Funding Studies and Scholarships for Expatriates in Turkey
Funding Options for Expatriate Students in Turkey
International students can access several types of funding:
- Public funding: Turkish government scholarships (Türkiye Scholarships), scholarships from foreign governments (European Union, Erasmus+, some bilateral agreements).
- Private funding: scholarships from Turkish universities (e.g., Bilkent, Sabanci), foundations, companies, NGOs.
- Digital scholarships: specialized platforms (ScholarshipPortal, StudyinTurkey, Bourses-etudiants.ma) listing opportunities accessible online.
| Funding Type | Examples | Main Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Public | Türkiye Scholarships, Erasmus+ | Full or partial coverage, strict criteria |
| Private | Bilkent University, NGOs | Sometimes combinable, variable allowances |
| Digital | ScholarshipPortal, Online Scholarships | 100% online process, regularly updated offers |
Specific Scholarships Offered to International Students
- Türkiye Scholarships: Turkish government scholarships, covering tuition, housing, monthly stipend (4,500 to 9,000 TL depending on level), health insurance, round-trip airfare, one-year Turkish language course, and university placement.
- European Union scholarships: Erasmus+ (mobility, exchanges), joint project scholarships.
- Private institution/NGO scholarships: Turkish universities (Bilkent, Sabanci, Koç), foundations (Vehbi Koç, Sabanci Foundation), international associations.
| Scholarship | Coverage | Levels Concerned | Specifics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Türkiye Scholarships | Tuition, housing, living expenses, etc. | Undergraduate, Master’s, Doctorate | Guaranteed university placement |
| Bilkent University | Tuition, housing, computer, meals | Master’s, Doctorate | Travel support for scientific events |
| Erasmus+/EU | Mobility, partial living costs | Undergraduate, Master’s, Doctorate | Based on inter-university agreements |
| NGOs/Foundations | Varies by organization | Varies | Sometimes restricted to certain nationalities |
Common Eligibility Criteria
- Academic requirements: good academic results (often minimum GPA, e.g., 2.80/4.00 for Bilkent), recognized degrees.
- Language level: Turkish (TÖMER certificate or equivalent) or English (TOEFL/IELTS), depending on the program.
- Age: age limits for some scholarships.
Remember: applying to multiple opportunities, strictly respecting deadlines, and personalizing each application are keys to securing study funding in Turkey.
Good to Know:
Expatriate students in Turkey can explore several funding options, including public sources like Türkiye Scholarships, European Union scholarships, or private funding offered by NGOs. Turkish government scholarships are particularly notable, helping cover tuition, housing, and providing monthly stipends. These scholarships generally require excellent academic results, good command of English or Turkish, and sometimes proof of leadership or community engagement. The application process often involves strict deadlines and requires documents like transcripts, statements of purpose, and recommendations. Meanwhile, students can resort to educational loans or work part-time to support themselves. To maximize their chances, it is advisable to consult educational experts, participate in scholarship writing workshops, and explore specialized online platforms that offer personalized advice and highlight available opportunities.
Vocational and Online Training Opportunities for Expatriates
Types of Vocational Training for Expatriates in Turkey
- Information technology and web development
- Tourism and hospitality
- International trade and logistics
- Engineering (industry, energy)
- Teaching foreign languages (English, French)
- Digital marketing and communication
- Health and nursing
These sectors are among the most popular with expatriates due to high local demand in these fields.
Main Online Platforms and Institutions Offering Courses Suitable for Expatriates
| Platform/Institution | Type of Training | Recognized Certifications |
|---|---|---|
| Coursera | IT, business, languages | Google/Coursera/IBM |
| Udemy | Programming, marketing | Udemy Certificate |
| LinkedIn Learning | Soft skills, management | LinkedIn Certificate |
| Akteos | Intercultural training | Akteos Certificate |
| Turkish universities (Sabancı…) | MBA, engineering | University Degree |
Certifications from Coursera or LinkedIn Learning are generally recognized internationally. Turkish university degrees can also be valued in several countries.
Government Initiatives or Public-Private Partnerships Facilitating Access to Training
- Residence permit for participation in internships or training via Turkish public institutions: allows foreigners to access technical or educational programs organized by the government.
- France Travail programs (ex-Pôle Emploi) for French citizens registered with the consulate: facilitated access to qualifying training covered by French regions.
Testimonials from Expatriates Who Have Completed These Trainings
“I completed a certified digital marketing training on Coursera while living in Istanbul. It allowed me to secure a local position in an international agency.”
“Thanks to the ‘in-service training’ permit, I was able to complete a technical internship at a Turkish automotive manufacturer. The experience opened doors to the local job market.”
“The intercultural training offered by Akteos helped me better understand Turkish professional culture. I was able to integrate quickly into my company.”
Practical Tips for Choosing Vocational or Online Training in Turkey
- Verify that the obtained certification is recognized outside Turkey if you plan an international career.
- Check the required Turkish language level: some trainings require a minimum language proficiency; prefer those with English/French support if needed.
- Consider intercultural content to avoid misunderstandings due to professional cultural differences.
- Ensure the format matches your availability (in-person vs. remote).
- Inquire about support offered to expatriates by the chosen institution (administrative assistance, permit help).
Good cultural preparation not only facilitates learning but also your professional integration.
Good to Know:
In Turkey, expatriates can access various vocational trainings in high-demand sectors like information technology, tourism, and foreign language teaching. Platforms like Coursera and edX offer online courses with internationally recognized certificates, while local institutions such as Sabancı University provide programs tailored to expatriates’ needs. The Turkish government encourages participation through public-private partnerships, facilitating access to subsidized training. Expatriates testify to the tangible impact of these trainings on their careers, mentioning the acquisition of sought-after skills and the expansion of their local professional network. When choosing a training, it is advisable to consider the program and available languages, taking into account cultural diversity and local learning norms, ensuring a rewarding and beneficial experience.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
