Student and academic affairs
Educational migration to Türkiye
Currently, immigration and study in Turkey is popular due to its remarkable and unique features, including easy travel, low cost and no need for a visa, a suitable geographical location as a bridge between Asia and Europe, and a rich Eastern culture close to our country.Reputable and up-to-date higher education at the university has become an ideal option for many students around the world, especially in Asian and Middle Eastern countries, due to its employability, desirable educational quality, and affordable living and education costs.
But what are the requirements for foreign students to enter Turkey? Is education in this country in Turkish or English? What are the most popular fields of study in this country? Is it possible to continue your studies without providing a language certificate or without taking an exam? In this article, we intend to discuss the conditions for studying in Turkey, introducing the best fields of study, tuition fees, and other important matters related to this topic. If you are trying to obtain information in this field, we suggest that you continue reading this article with us.

International students must take the YÖS exam to study in Turkey and choose a university. This exam is a requirement for admission to Turkish universities for undergraduate applicants. However, some public and private universities accept students without taking this exam into account.University education without exams is considered a suitable and popular educational option for Iranian applicants, especially for those who, for various reasons, have failed to pass the entrance exam in Iran.
Some universities, including Altınbaş University, Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul Aydin University, Izmir University of Economics, and many other prestigious universities in various cities in Turkey, have been accepting foreign students from different countries every year for a certain fee.
To study in Turkey without an exam, some universities that accept students by holding the YÖS exam can also accept students without an exam; but, on condition that applicants to study at these universities have the opportunity to do so. That is, to study at an undergraduate level without an exam, applicants can be accepted as students at the desired university by meeting one of the following conditions:
- be considered fully foreign nationals.
- People who are originally considered Turkish citizens, but have the citizenship of another country.
- Foreign nationals who have recently become Turkish citizens.
- People who have completed their high school education in Türkiye, but are citizens of foreign countries.
- People who have Turkish citizenship but completed their high school education outside of Türkiye.
- KKTC students who have passed the GCE AL exam.
Studying in Türkiye in English
Applicants to study in Turkey can continue their studies in Turkish, English or other languages, depending on the university and the quality of education offered at a global level, and even try to develop their careers in Turkey. Although some universities offer their courses in Turkish; But many Turkish universities use English as their medium of instruction in undergraduate and graduate programs.
Therefore, students who wish to attend these universities or programs must provide the university with a certain level of English language proficiency through one of the recognized English language tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. Of course, it should be noted that depending on the field of study, the language level score that the university requires can vary. Therefore, it is better to review the language score prerequisites for each field and university before applying to study in Turkey and make choices accordingly.
In most universities, admission to undergraduate programs is not determined based on English or Turkish language skills. Even if an individual does not meet the criteria set by the university, their application will still be considered and they will have the opportunity to take one year of English or Turkish language preparation courses before starting their undergraduate studies in Turkey. However, there are usually requirements for students wishing to study in Turkey at postgraduate level. Failure to achieve the required level of language proficiency will most likely result in non-admission.
For example, the minimum English proficiency score for the TOELF iBT test is 65, IELTS is 6, and PTE is 55. Applicants who do not have any of the language proficiency certificates can assess their language level through the English language proficiency test of the university in question. Of course, the level of language test scores is higher for applicants at master's or doctoral levels.
Do you want to study in Turkey but think you have a language problem? Don't worry, Hai Mohajer offers quality English and Turkish language courses in Turkey. For more information, contact the institution numbers at the top and bottom of this page.
Prerequisite for studying in Türkiye is having a high school diploma.
Many Turkish universities accept foreign students with a high school diploma. Obtaining a diploma is mandatory to continue studying in Turkey. According to the resolution of the Supreme Council of Higher Education in Turkey, a diploma that is not a certificate will not have academic value. Iranian applicants to study in Turkey whose diploma is not ready can apply for admission and file in Turkish universities before the end of their academic year (year 12) by submitting their grade transcripts for year 12 and then finalize their names from year 12. Therefore, having a diploma is necessary to continue studying in Türkiye.
Conditions for studying in Türkiye
If you want to study in Turkey, the first requirement is to graduate from high school. Then, you can choose the university and field of study you want, depending on your desire and proficiency in Turkish or English. People who are fluent in Istanbul Turkish can choose public universities to continue their studies.
The documents that must be submitted after choosing a university and for admission include: high school diploma, passport, transcripts and personal photo. As mentioned, most universities hold the YÖS exam to admit foreign students and applicants enter the university after passing this exam. However, there are also conditions for applicants to enter the university without passing this course.
If the applicant has a good command of the Turkish language, he will have a smoother path to studying in Turkey, and if he does not have a command of the Turkish language, training courses will usually be held to learn it.
The best fields of study in Türkiye
As mentioned, the most important reasons why students are welcome to study in Turkey are the country's unique geographical location as a bridge between Asia and Europe, relatively low tuition fees, the existence of reputable universities with appropriate educational quality in accordance with global educational standards, and the educational facilities and conditions it provides for international students.
Considering this issue, as well as the increase in Turkey's gross domestic product and progress in the field of science and technology, some of the best fields of study in this country include medicine and its subfields, textiles and design, business management, and computer science and engineering, which we will briefly discuss below.
Medical fields in Türkiye
The increase in the number of specialized clinics and hospitals equipped with the most up-to-date medical facilities and modern treatment methods in Turkey, along with the unprecedented increase in the rate of health tourism (a branch of health tourism in which a person travels from a country to other parts of the world with more advanced health and medical facilities to benefit from the medical services of the destination country in medical centers) from Arab and European countries to Turkey, is another reason to prove the good quality of medical science in Turkey.
All of the above has been achieved through the growth of basic medical sciences in Turkish universities. Turkey is currently one of the poles of medical education in the region. We will discuss the quality of universities, the cost of medical education and other related issues in detail in the rest of this article. Izmir Dokuz Eylul University, Erzurum Ataturk University, Ankara Baskent and Istanbul Koc University are among the universities called Medical Sciences in Türkiye.
Textiles and design in Türkiye
Turkey, and especially Istanbul, is located along one of the main trade routes between Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and textiles are the main source of income for its residents. On the other hand, the arrival of foreign traders from various countries has made Turkey famous in the field of textiles and design. Although the state controls many industries, including communications, banking and transportation, Turkey's most important industry and largest exporter is textiles and clothing, and this industry is almost entirely in the hands of private companies.
Therefore, many international students interested in this field have turned to studying in industrial fields such as industrial design, fashion and textiles in this country. Students interested in studying in Turkey, especially in these fields of study, can apply for admission at Istanbul Aydin University, Eastern Mediterranean University and Uskudar University.
Business Management in Türkiye
Turkey's GDP is constantly increasing. Although this is a complex reality, it shows the country's strength in business management and has provided a path for students interested in this field, especially foreign students interested in studying in Turkey in the field of business. Among the applicants for bachelor's and master's degrees, business has become one of the most popular fields of study for domestic and international students in Turkey. Some of the universities in Turkey that are known for their business management are: Near East University, European University of Lefkada, and Okan University.
Computer Science and Engineering in Türkiye
Computer science and engineering is rapidly becoming one of the most popular fields of study around the world. In many ways, the future of business seems to be related to science, technology and communications. This field has great potential for students in terms of career opportunities. Therefore, those interested in studying in Turkey, especially international students, are applying to study in educational environments in this country to benefit from the high quality of education of these centers and to study in their field of interest.
Some of the universities in Türkiye that are known for their programs in computer science and engineering include: Middle East Technical University, Sabanci University, and Istanbul Soyur University.
Get free advice from our specialized study in Turkey experts to choose the right major based on your talent and ability, skills, interests, and future job market.
The cost of living in Turkey is very affordable for international students. On the other hand, there are various scholarship programs available for studying in Turkey. It is also possible to consider university scholarships for applicants to cover the cost of studying in Turkey. However, in general, tuition fees range from $1,000 per year for a public university to $20,000 per year for a private university.
Students from all over the world can receive high-quality education at an incredibly affordable price. Furthermore, an international student needs an average of less than $400 per month to cover their living expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, books, entertainment, etc. Keep in mind that tuition fees for studying in Turkey vary from university to university, and private institutions can charge higher fees to students.
Other costs of studying in Türkiye include:
- $350-500 per month for various living expenses
- An additional $100-150 per semester for books and administrative expenses
- About $40-70 per year to pay for health insurance
In general, the tuition fees for various undergraduate and graduate programs for international students in Türkiye are as follows:
- Bachelor's degree in English: 450 - 1500 US dollars per academic year
- Bachelor's degree in Turkish: 1000 to 300 US dollars per academic year
- Bachelor's degree in English: 450 - 1500 US dollars per academic year
- Bachelor's degree in Turkish: 1200 to 300 US dollars per academic year
Cost of studying medicine in Türkiye
Compared to other applicants for study in Turkey, medical, dental and pharmaceutical students pay more for their studies in Turkey than other fields due to the provision of materials, tools or books. The educational materials and medical equipment required for studying in dentistry must be provided by the student himself. During a year of study in dentistry in Turkey, a student spends 2000 to 4500 liras (equivalent to 100 to 250 dollars) on purchasing tools. For this reason, many students usually receive the tools they need from students in a higher semester.
But in some Turkish universities, the tuition fee also includes the provision of work tools, which the university provides to students. The cost of studying in Turkey at private universities for medicine ranges from about $14,000 to $27,500, and the cost of studying in pharmacy in Turkey ranges from $11,880 to $18,500.
Studying medicine in Türkiye
For many students living in Turkey, studying medicine in their own country is an unattainable dream. For us Iranians, for example, passing the entrance exam is difficult, competitive, and almost impossible for us for various reasons. Studying medicine in Turkey is often a desirable destination for international students, especially for Iranian applicants who are looking to fulfill their dream of becoming a doctor. In Türkiye, you can study medicine in either English or Turkish.
With prominent universities in Istanbul, Ankara or Izmir, students have a variety of options to study. Studying medicine in Türkiye has many advantages for international students, including:
- Education at Turkish medical universities is provided with the most up-to-date facilities and educational methods.
- Living costs are low and tuition fees are affordable.
- Turkish academic degrees are recognized by the World Health Organization as well as European and American countries.
- Many medical schools in Türkiye teach in English.
- Education in universities and university hospitals is in line with the latest global standards.
- There is a wide range of universities to choose from.
I suggest you definitely take a look at the sample admissions taken by our team of immigration professionals and interviews with successful students.
The requirement for studying medicine in Turkey is a high school diploma. The medical field usually lasts six years and the course of study is divided into two years of preclinical study, three years of clinical study and one year of clinical internship. Graduates receive the title of Doctor of Medicine (MD) upon completion of the course. In the first and second year, as in other countries, students spend the first two years of basic sciences; in the third year onwards, with various diseases; and in the fourth and fifth years, they spend the sixth year as an intern at a university hospital.
Studying Dentistry in Türkiye
Studying dentistry in Turkey offers a great opportunity for foreign students. There are two ways to get an acceptance letter to Turkish dental schools, both of which are very suitable for this group of students: One option is to apply directly to the state university with the results of the YÖS exam, which is held once a year by the university. Some state universities also hold the annual YÖS joint exam, in which the participating universities have good reputation. The second way to get an acceptance letter from Turkish dental schools is to apply without an exam and enter the university directly.
Most international students who have failed to take the YÖS exam or are unwilling to take it use the second method.
The number of dental schools in Turkey is increasing every year to accommodate more applications from both inside and outside Turkey, including a large number of foreign students. The quality of dental schools to study in Turkey is also competitively high. In the first year of study, courses are held in basic sciences and in the fields of anatomy, physiology, histology and pharmacology, which is called the "preclinical stage".
Other course objectives include familiarization with the devices, tools, and materials used in dentistry. In the second year, knowledge and understanding of the human organism and its pathology, biochemistry, and pharmacology are addressed. In the third year, the clinical phase begins and students learn to examine and interpret diseases theoretically and practically, and in the fifth year, practical work is carried out. Studying dentistry is possible in both English and Turkish.
Studying Pharmacy in Türkiye
Pharmacy is a science that studies the production, distribution and effects of drugs on the body. Studying pharmacy in Turkey is a favorite of many international students. The duration of study in pharmacy in Turkey is 5 years. There are several reputable universities in Turkey that teach pharmacy to international students in English and Turkish, including: Ankara University, Ataturk University, Istanbul University and a number of other universities in different cities in Turkey that are approved by the Ministry of Health.
There are many reasons to study pharmacy in Turkey. For example, graduates can work in research and development centers, hospitals and pharmaceutical factories. Studying pharmacy in Turkey includes: basic information technology, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, history and terminology of medicine, basic pharmaceutical sciences, pharmaceutical law, pharmacy and basic medical sciences, pharmaceutical raw materials, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutical technology and clinical biochemistry.
Pharmacy students studying in Turkey can take courses such as first aid, pharmacology, pathology, and pharmaceutical ethics, as well as courses such as food safety and analysis, and other practical courses to gain a better understanding and mastery of various aspects of this field. In terms of employment, graduates of this field can easily work in Iran or Turkey in various work environments, including research centers, pharmaceutical companies, and medical centers.
People who wish to continue their studies in Turkey in the field of pharmacy can take the YÖS and SAT exams for entering Turkish universities and, after passing, submit the necessary documents to the university and register. If you meet the conditions for continuing your studies without an entrance exam as explained in the previous sections, you can contact our experts by completing the free consultation form to receive your admission to one of the prestigious universities in Turkey in the shortest possible time.
Conclusion and summary
In this article, we learned about the conditions for studying in Turkey. We talked about the popular and highly sought-after majors, and we talked about the costs and duration of studying in popular majors, including medicine. In general, obtaining educational requirements in Turkey is not strict, and if you have financial capacity and fluency in English or Turkish, the process will progress more smoothly.
It should be noted that the cost of studying in Turkey in medical, paramedical and other fields, if done in Turkish, is often much lower than in English. However, in some faculties there is no difference between the costs of English and Turkish education. However, learning Turkish is valuable, even for those who take courses in English, especially medicine, because it will establish better communication between the doctor and the patient, and this is very effective in understanding mutual cooperation and clinical processes.



