Turkey as a nation bordered by eight countries and three seas is a perfect destination not only for tourists but international students. Life in the country is very much affordable compared to other European nations. The government of the country in a bid to make it friendly for students allowed them to work on a part-time basis and issued temporary resident permits to students who wished to stay back after completing their studies.
The educational system follows the European Bologna Process, so a degree you earn in a university in Turkey is recognized in all of Europe. Aside from Erasmus+, Turkey participates in other exchange programs like the Mevlana and Farabi exchange programs.
The country has universities in almost all the cities in the country, so you can rest assured of a quality and world learning experience. Now that you are ready to study in Turkey, we give you the top universities for international students in this article.
Reasons Why You Should Study in Turkey
1. Cost of Living: Most Turkish universities have the possibility of providing housing of all kinds, there are student dwellings owned by each university separately, as well as the role of students, and there is another alternative to housing, especially in big cities, which is renting apartments and houses in conjunction with other students.
Furthermore, monthly expenses for a foreign student’s living range from at least $500 to $600, depending on the student’s lifestyle. Book and administrative fees are approximately $ 100-150 USD per academic period.
2. Recognised Universities: The degrees and certificates granted by Turkish universities are recognized in most parts of the world, and you can find more information on the recognition of Turkish degrees and certificates by consulting the competent educational authorities in your country.
3. Exciting Learning Experience: The study environment in Turkey provides you with an opportunity to experience both modern and traditional experiences under one roof in a safer and more stable country, in addition to the fact that the language of study in some Turkish universities is English and give others the opportunity to learn the English language within them, and most important of all. The excellent quality of study will prepare you for a distinguished future.
4. Erasmus Opportunities: As a student in a Turkish university, after a year or two you are qualified for an Erasmus exchange opportunity as Turkey is a partner. This allows you to travel and study in a European country for a semester or two along with other Erasmus students coming from Turkey, and other Erasmus partner countries. This opportunity opens up the door for students to experience multiple universities, campuses, and countries within just one university education.
5. Study in English: There may be a common misconception that you would have to study in the Turkish language, however, many Turkish universities offer education in English and present an English medium environment to international students.
Top Turkish Universities for International Students
Here are some of the top Turkish universities for International Students in 2023:
1. Cankaya University
Çankaya University is a young and privately owned university located in Ankara. This top university in Turkey for international students comprises a comprehensive set of disciplines, including architecture, engineering, economics, arts & sciences, and law.
Degree programs at Çankaya University are predominantly in English so that international students can make the most out of their teaching and research.
For those learning the international language, the university has a dedicated Preparatory School of English. Research in Çankaya presently focuses on entrepreneurship and women’s studies, to name a few.
2. Sabanci University
This is another young and distinctive university designed with an interdisciplinary approach to education. The Sabanci Foundation established it in 1995 after an extensive process of examining the best educational systems across the globe.
Their teaching style involves two phases. First, students complete a Foundations Development Year that provides a comprehensive headstart. They will then move forward to University Courses that prepare them for a variety of careers.
There are three faculties at Sabanci University: Engineering and Natural Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences, and Management.
3. Boğaziçi University
Boğaziçi University was initially established as Robert College, an American university by philanthropists and missionaries in Turkey in 1863. Today, it is entirely under the Turkish administration but maintains strong relations with the American academic system. Boğaziçi University has the highest number of applicants in national entrance examinations.
At this top university in Turkey, students can pursue well-known programs, such as computer engineering, industrial engineering, and electrical & electronics engineering. Besides engineering, social science and education are also sought-after study fields by many local and international students.
4. Ankara University
Ankara University’s vision is to be an innovative university that conducts quality research, uses its knowledge and skills for the benefit of humanity and the country, and shapes the future by making a difference at a universal level.
Ankara University is a university located in the heart of Ankara city, which makes it an advantageous university to be in because of its accessibility and integration into Turkish city life. It is part of the Erasmus program, making it more internationally competitive in the arenas of science and technology.
5. Istanbul Technical University
Istanbul Technical University is one of the oldest technical universities in the world and was established with the name of “Mühendishane-i Bahr-i Hümayun” by Sultan Mustafa the Third. ITU, the first technical university in Turkey, is identified with its engineering and architectural education.
The purpose of existence for the Istanbul Technical University is to expand the borders of knowledge and its applications in science, technology and art for contributing to the sustainable community.
Istanbul Technical University is one of the oldest universities in Turkey and is a good university for international students. It is recognized globally for producing prominent and well-equipped professionals and focuses its efforts on providing quality education in the areas of social sciences and engineering.
6. Hacettepe University
Hacettepe University is a highly-regarded public institution, especially when it comes to medicine and life sciences. The main campus in the old town of Ankara houses its world-renowned Medical School.
It also includes faculties of Dentistry and Pharmacy, biomedical centres, and several health institutes. On the Beytepe campus, you can find the faculties in Economics, Education, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Fine Arts, Letters, and Sports Sciences.
Furthermore, it has one conservatory, five vocational schools, and 104 research centres. Courses in Hacettepe are taught in either Turkish, English, German, and French. The university supports internationalization at any degree level and has over 500 bilateral agreements with universities across the globe.
7. Çukurova University
Çukurova University which was established in 1973 is a public university near Adana, Turkey’s city center. Today, the university is a well-known implementer of the Erasmus mobility program, establishing nearly 350 Erasmus agreements with around 250 European universities.
The university coordinates with 128 academic institutions from 11 partner countries, with Germany being the most prominent coordinator.
Çukurova University has built 19 faculties, two colleges, 11 vocational schools, five state institutions, and 38 research and application centres. The university also has accommodations for its 40,000-strong students, such as modernized classrooms and halls, medico-social units, social facilities, guest houses and dorms, sports centres, cafeterias and restaurants, and a central library.
8. Izmir Yuksek Teknoloji Enstitusu
The İzmir Institute of Technology (IZTECH) is a Turkish state university established in 1992 to offer higher education and carry out research in the fields of science and technology. The medium of instruction at this institute is English. They are currently the only internationally distinguished advanced technical university in Turkey.
They established graduate programs in 1994 in the centre of İzmir and began admitting students to undergraduate programs in 1998. The campus relocated from the city centre to the seaside town of Urla, İzmir in 1999. The institute owns approximately 8,600 acres of land, 32 acres of which are currently dedicated to education and research.
Within Turkey, this university is known as “İzmir Yüksek Teknoloji Enstitüsü,” abbreviated as “İYTE.” The international name is İzmir Institute of Technology, or “IZTECH” and it is considered one of the best universities in Turkey.
9. Koç University
Koç University values and actively pursues a diverse campus, where different thoughts, cultures, values and personalities, not only co-exist but also mutually contribute to the expansion of the individual and the collective.
Students who wish to apply as International Students must hold the nationality of a country other than Turkey (stateless citizens and refugees can also apply). The applicants must have successfully completed secondary education in Türkiye or at a school equivalent to that of a Turkish high school, or they must currently be in the last year of secondary education.
10. Istanbul Bilgi University (BILGI)
Istanbul Bilgi University (BILGI) is one of the leading international universities in Turkey. The university focuses on providing its students with a fully engaging campus life across its four campuses, and over 100 student clubs cover a wide range of interests.
The university has various learning facilities, such as the legal clinic, architecture workshops, libraries, and engineering and healthcare labs. BILGI also provides its students with internship opportunities and educational programs through its partnerships with more than 250 institutions in 43 countries abroad. For these, it’s no secret that BILGI is among the best Turkey universities for international students.
11. Erciyes University
Erciyes University was Established in 1978, it is a public higher education institution located in the city of Kayseri. It was officially accredited by YÖK – Council of Higher Education), Erciyes University has 18 faculties, 4 colleges, 9 vocational schools, 7 institutes and more than 37 research centres.
They have a very large well-developed research hospital (Gevher Nesibe Hospital) and also a Heart and Vascular Diseases Hospital, Organ Transplant and Dialysis Hospital, Oncology Hospital, Children’s Hospital and Bone Marrow Transplantation and Stem Cell Therapy Center are among the influential health facilities in the region.
Conclusion: There are many other universities for international students in Turkey, the ones provided above are only to give you a lead way to know some of the top universities available in the country. We hope this article will help you find the school that you desire in order to begin your journey to study in Turkey. Kindly, help share with friends.