Why Study in Turkey
Turkey had 337,119 international students in 2024-2025, one of the largest numbers in the world. Recognised degrees, English-taught programs and moderate costs are the main reasons; here is the full picture, including what to weigh.
By Burak Ünal, Director of University Admissions · · Updated
Figures are typical values for the current academic year, checked against the official sources listed at the end. How we research and update our guides
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One of the largest study destinations
According to YÖK statistics, 337,119 international students were enrolled in Turkish higher education in 2024-2025: 233,765 in bachelor's programs, 58,912 in two-year associate programs, 33,390 in master's programs and 11,052 in doctoral programs. They come from about 200 countries, which means you will rarely be the only student from your country on campus.
Recognised degrees
Turkey's roughly 208 state and foundation universities are authorised and supervised by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). Turkey takes part in the European Higher Education Area (the Bologna Process) and Erasmus+, so degrees use ECTS credits and come with a Diploma Supplement, which makes them easier to recognise abroad. For regulated professions such as medicine, law or engineering, check the licensing rules of the country where you plan to work before you choose a program.
Costs, honestly
Tuition is moderate by international standards. In 2026-2027, many state university programs cost international students from under 1,000 to about 6,000 US dollars a year, private universities typically charge 5,000 to 10,000 dollars for non-medical programs, and private medical schools charge about 18,000 to 29,000 dollars. Living costs range from roughly 500 dollars a month in smaller cities to 700 to 1,500 dollars in Istanbul.
Dollar equivalents use about 48 Turkish lira per US dollar (September 2026); the lira moves, so recheck before you budget.
Study in English, or learn Turkish
Many universities teach full degree programs in English, from medicine and engineering to business and international relations. If you choose a Turkish-taught program, a one-year Turkish preparatory course brings you to the level you need, and Turkish is a real advantage for internships and jobs in Turkey.
What to weigh before you decide
Turkey suits most students well, but plan for these realities:
- The lira changes quickly, so lira prices rise during the year; keep a buffer in a stable currency.
- Istanbul is far more expensive than Ankara, Izmir or smaller university cities.
- You need a student visa (or a visa exemption) and a student residence permit, and both have deadlines.
- Bachelor's students cannot work in their first year, so you cannot count on a job to pay your costs.
- Recognition for regulated professions depends on the country where you want to practise.
How Turquoise Education helps
We guide you through every stage, free of charge: choosing the right university and program, applying, securing your acceptance letter, and preparing your student visa and residence permit.
Why Study in Turkey: frequently asked questions
How many international students are there in Turkey?
YÖK statistics count 337,119 international students in 2024-2025, from about 200 countries, at associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral level.
Are Turkish university degrees recognised internationally?
Universities are authorised by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and Turkey is part of the Bologna Process, so degrees use ECTS credits and a Diploma Supplement. For regulated professions, check the licensing rules of the country where you plan to work.
Can I study in English in Turkey?
Yes. Many universities offer full degree programs taught in English. For Turkish-taught programs, a one-year Turkish preparatory course is available.
Is it expensive to study in Turkey?
Not by international standards. In 2026-2027 many state university programs cost from under 1,000 to about 6,000 US dollars a year, private non-medical programs usually 5,000 to 10,000 dollars, and living costs about 500 to 1,500 dollars a month depending on the city.
Official sources
Rules, fees and quotas are set by these institutions and change every year. Check them, or ask us, before you rely on a figure.
Further reading
Related
Burak Ünal is the Director of University Admissions at Turquoise Education, where he is responsible for university admission processes for international students. Before Turquoise Education he worked at Oliver Wyman, the New York based management consulting firm, as a Financial Services Consultant, with consulting projects in Turkey, Italy and Greece and business development work across the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. He holds a master's degree in finance from the London School of Economics and a bachelor's degree in management from Bogazici University.
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