Turkey is a country that connects Europe and Asia and is surrounded by water. Study in Turkey is also a breathtaking place with its mesmerizing beauty, mouth-watering delicacies, and vibrant rich culture. And the diverse natures of Turkey attract people from all around the world. Istanbul, the largest city, is located on a seaway and is known for its mosques. Turkey has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including ancient Troy.
Ankara is the capital and has universities that follow Ataturk’s principles. Higher education in Turkey includes universities, colleges, and research centers. Universities are established by law and are supervised by the Council of Higher Education.
Admission to universities is based on grades and high school average. Good grades qualify for four-year Bachelor’s Degree programs. Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine take five years, and Medicine takes six years. After completing a four-year program, individuals can pursue a two-year Master’s Degree.
Admission to doctoral programs requires a Master’s Degree and typically lasts for a minimum of four years. Graduates of Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Dentistry programs can directly apply for PhD programs. Some of the top-ranked universities in Turkey are- Istanbul University, Istanbul OKAN University, Marmara University, etc.
Turkey’s cities have unique natural, spiritual, transportation, and physical characteristics that make them popular among students worldwide.
Why Study in Turkey
Turkish universities are well-regarded for their high-quality education and internationally recognised programs. They offer modern facilities, experienced faculty, and opportunities for research and academic growth. Turkey has a high rate of access to higher education, ranking second in the world with a schooling rate of 94.2%.
The country is actively involved in the European Higher Education Area and implements the Bologna Process effectively, ensuring that diplomas from Turkish universities are recognized in all European countries. The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) are used, and students receive a Diploma Supplement.
Turkey is also successful in participating in exchange programs such as Erasmus, Mevlana, and Farabi, which support student and lecturer mobility. With 208 universities and over 8 million students, Turkey has the highest number of students in the European Higher Education Area.
The country provides a safe and peaceful environment for students, with at least one university in every city. Social clubs, sports teams, and cultural events at universities bring students together and create a sense of community. Many universities in Turkey offer programs in English, allowing students to learn Turkish, the fifth most widely spoken language globally. Additionally, universities provide Turkish courses for students to learn a new language and interact with individuals from diverse cultures.
Top Cities to Study
Although Istanbul is not the official capital of Turkey, it is the largest and most famous city. It is highly recommended for international students due to its prestigious educational institutions. Istanbul is a vibrant and diverse city, blending old and new elements, with bustling markets and various lifestyle destinations for visitors to explore. Some of the universities in Istanbul are- Istanbul University, Marmara University, Koc University, etc.
A few must-visit places in Istanbul are-
- The Blue Mosque
- Hagia Sophia
- Galata Tower
Ankara-
Ankara, the official capital of Turkey, is a hub of political activity and offers a variety of educational opportunities. Universities in Ankara offer undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as opportunities for international study through programs like Erasmus. The city’s multicultural environment is fostered by its international student population and frequent tourists.
No matter what you plan to do, enjoy a calm and immersive experience in this city by visiting the following establishments- Bilkent University, Ankara University, Middle East Technical University, etc. The top sights of Ankara are-
- The Roman Baths of Ankara
- The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
- Kocatepe Mosque – the largest mosque in the city
Izmir-
Izmir, a popular tourist destination in Turkey, is also becoming a popular choice for international students seeking a diverse and stimulating education. The city offers a rich culture, beautiful scenery, and a friendly atmosphere. Universities in Izmir focus on research and provide students with opportunities to engage in advanced projects. They also offer modern facilities for scientific, social sciences, and humanities research. The top universities in Izmir for studying are- Izmir Institute of Technology (IYTE), Ege University, Dokuz Eylul University, etc. A few attractions are-
- Key Museum
- Tarihi Asansor
- Konak Mosque
Antalya-
If you are thinking about studying in Turkey, Antalya is a destination worth considering. It provides a wide range of opportunities for international students, such as top-notch universities and thrilling student activities. The best university in Antalya for international students are- Akdeniz University, Antalya Bilim University, Antalya Akev University, etc. The top attractions are-
- Duden Waterfalls
- Hadrian’s Gate
- Antalya Museum
Bursa-
Bursa is a top city in Turkey for international students and is rich in history. If you decide to study in Bursa, you can pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate in your desired academic field. Currently, Bursa has two universities, both of which are public institutions. Two of the universities of Bursa are- Bursa Technical University and Bursa Uludag University. The top sights are-
- Grand Mosque of Bursa
- Koza Han
Study in the Turkey with GMC STUDIES
- Honest and skilled services
- Professionalism in words and works
- On-the-spot assessment.
- High-skilled and experienced visa service
- Service Charge after visa
- Our success rate is 100% so far
Turkey Student Visa Requirements
- Internship Visa
- Internship ERASMUS
- Internship AISEC
- Turkish Language Course Purpose
- Course Purpose
- Education Purpose
- Education in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
The student education visa permits students to remain in Turkey for a maximum of 90 days. Upon arrival, they can subsequently request a short-term residence permit or a student residence permit based on their requirements.
Turkey Student Visa Fees (From Bangladesh) –
24,750.00 BDT or 32,250.00 BDT
Checklist for University Admission:
- All Academic Certificates & Transcripts
- Copy of Passport Information Page
- TOEFL Certificate (Minimum Score 79)/University Internal Test
- Photographs(2×2)
The documents needed for a Turkey Student Visa application include the following-
- A valid Passport with 12-month validity along with old passports
- Passport information page photocopies (3 copies)
- 3 copies of colour photograph (2×2 matte paper), white background, recent 6 months, full face with ear
- Cover letter (Letter directed to Turkey Embassy)
- National ID card or Birth certificate photocopy (Mandatory)
- Air ticket reservation
- Original Bank Solvency
- Original Bank Statement up to date (covers last 3-month transaction); around 10,000 USD
- Travel Insurance (Covered by REIRED)
- Marriage Certificate and Nikahnama (If married, Attested by a Notary Public)
- Official Acceptance letter from the University (Also directly sent to the embassy)
- Photocopy of all the academic certificates and transcripts attested by foreign and education ministry
- Results of the university exam for foreigners held by the higher education board of Turkey (Only for the public University in Turkey)
- Medical Certificate from United Hospital (5000 BDT for Turkey)
- Sponsor letter of student parents in 100tk stamp paper attested by a notary public
- Student visa interview: In Turkey no student visa interview is required.
- Visa Processing Time- The visa processing time is usually 1 to 1.5 months.
Turkey University Tuition Fees Range-
- For Vocational: around 2900 – 5000 USD per year
- For Bachelor: around 4500 – 8000 USD per year
- For Masters: around 2700 – 8000 USD per year
- Medicine and Dentistry: around 15 – 25K USD per year
- PhD: around 3000 – 5000 USD per year
Popular Turkey University Courses-
- Business Administration/Economics
- Computer Science/IT
- Engineering- Civil Engineering/ Mechanical Engineering
- Health Science/ Applied Science/ Biology
Available Scholarships to Study in the Turkey-
ERASMUS Exchange Programme- Erasmus is an EU program that encourages partnership between European higher education institutions while enabling more than 180,000 students to study and work overseas each year.
Engaging in an Erasmus program in Turkey can provide fresh viewpoints, a better understanding of other cultures, enhanced communication abilities, and global connections.
The goal of institutes is to assist exchange students in making the most of this program. You can contact your university’s International Office to inquire about any partnerships your university may have with Turkish universities.
CoHE Scholarship for International Students-
This program is designed for international students who are studying at the undergraduate or graduate level in countries that have agreements with the Council of Higher Education. If these students do not have a Turkish Proficiency Certificate, they can take a one-year language preparation course.
Türkiye Scholarships: Türkiye Scholarships not only offer financial aid but also guarantee placement in the desired program at a university. Unlike other scholarships, it aims to provide students with a well-rounded experience by offering social and cultural activities in addition to academic education. The program also includes provisions for accommodation and health insurance.
Study Options-
- Vocational: 2 years
- Bachelor: 4 Years
- Masters: 2 Years
- PHD: 3- 5 Years
Study in Turkey from Bangladesh without IELTS–
The majority of universities in Turkey use English as their main language of instruction, so students are required to demonstrate their language proficiency through a test. Most of the Turkish University accept TOEFL. Besides TOEFL, an internal test is also accepted as per the university’s requirements.
Costs of studying and living in Turkey
International students have the option to live in Turkey on a monthly budget ranging from 400 to 650 EUR.
Part-Time Jobs/Work Opportunities–
The students can do part-time/full-time work inside the campus during their study period. To do the work, the students must seek permission from the university. Usually, the university authority always allows their students to do their respective jobs, besides their study.
Undergraduates- Can work part-time On-Campus during studies, per week 20 hours.
Postgraduates- Can start working from day one of their studies.
Post-Study Work Permit–
Once you finish your education, you have the opportunity to apply for a work visa in Turkey and acquire a Turkish passport. The duration of your studies in Turkey will be recognized as part of your time spent in the country, thus simplifying the process of obtaining Turkish citizenship.
Study in the Turkey – FAQ
What city in Turkey has the highest number of international students?
The majority of students opt for Istanbul as their preferred place for education.
What are the most famous areas of study in Turkey?
Business Studies, Computer Science, and Engineering are some of the most studied programs in Turkey.
Is obtaining a student visa for Turkey a straightforward process?
Applying online for a student visa to Turkey is a quick process, taking only 24 hours. However, if applicants choose to apply through a consulate, it can take up to 90 days.
Is it possible for students to work part-time in Turkey?
It is important to understand that having a student visa in Turkey does not allow a student to have a job.
What is the processing time for a student visa to Turkey?
On average, it takes about 1 to 1.5 months for your student visa for Turkey to be processed and approved after you have submitted your application.