Cost of Studying in Turkey

How Much does it Cost to Study in Turkey?

Turkey is a very cost-effective place to take your studies. Its most populous city, Istanbul, falls at number 376 in terms of most expensive cities in the world. When it comes to studying, specifically, students are welcomed with a similarly low cost of tuition across most of the universities in the country, which number over 180.

So, for students with a budget in mind and a desire to study at a renowned university in a new culture that offers a wide variety of experiences and opportunities, it is clear that Turkey might be the ideal destination for you. Even with the relatively low cost of study, however, prices of tuition can vary, so students should be familiar with the choices they make that will affect the cost of their tuition. Here are three of the most important aspects to consider when making your university decision in Turkey:

Private or Public University?

This question comes up frequently for students looking to study internationally, and even for those seeking domestic opportunities, for good reason: in many countries, both the government and private investors sponsor universities, colleges, and other higher education institutions. In almost every case, the former is less expensive for the students than the latter. Turkey is no exception.

For students looking to attend a private university, sources vary on the average cost of tuition. Usually, however, the annual price of tuition will fall between 5000 to 20,000 USD. Some of the most popular schools in Turkey, including Uskudar University fall slightly below that margin, while others, like Sabanci University, fall closer to the upper margin. Students can also consider well-known European and American universities with campuses in the country.

Public universities in Turkey provide well regarded alternatives to their more expensive counterparts. The annual cost of tuition for international students looking to attend schools of this nature, such as Middle East Technical University, range from 240 to 1500 USD – and no, that’s not a typo. Turkey is known for its low-cost, high-quality institutions, which tend to have a higher student body population and closer ties to Turkish ideals, since they are funded by the government.

English or Turkish Language?

Another facet that contributes to the cost of eduction, but which many students will overlook, is the fact that there is a noticeable difference in tuition fees between courses that are taught in English versus those taught in Turkish. Turkish universities often teach using English rather than the country’s native tongue, perhaps in an effort to attract a larger global student population. However, it should be noted that a difference in the cost when it comes to language only applies in public institutions.

For international students familiar enough with Turkish to study in the language and interested at studying at a public Turkish university, the expected annual tuition should fall between 240 and 750 USD. Those who prefer to study in English at a public university should expect their annual tuition fees to fall slightly higher, between 450 and 1500 USD. Luckily, in both cases, the cost is well below that of private universities in Turkey, and both private and public schools – regardless of language – require a significantly lower tuition fee on average than in many other countries.

Undergraduate or Graduate Degree?

Another common aspect affecting the price of tuition for students around the world is the level of the degree they are ready to pursue. In Turkey, much like in the US, undergraduate degrees tend to span 4 years, while master’s degrees are typically 2, and PhD programs vary – sometimes including up to 3 years of research.

As is mentioned above, students pursuing an undergraduate degree in Turkey should expect to pay between 250 and 1500 USD each year, depending upon the language they speak and the institution they choose. Those ready to enter in a graduate program can expect to pay 300 to 900 USD.

While public schools vary ever so slightly depending on the degree level, private institutions offer various degree for comparable prices – ranging from 5000 to 20,000 USD. However, it is important to bear in mind that many private universities in Turkey offer generous scholarships depending on the nature of your degree. For example, the European University of Lefke, a private university in Cyprus typically costing approximately 5600 USD offers all international students in pursuit of an undergraduate degree a 50% discount, leaving their tuition fees at a mere 2800 USD. This same offer is not available to graduate students at the same institution.