The gateway between Europe and the Middle East, Turkey is a sprawling country with strong cultural and political influences. It borders Greece and Bulgaria to the west, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Iran to the east, and Iraq and Syria to the south-east. Turkey also serves as the gateway between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.
The capital is Ankara, but its largest and most important city is Istanbul. Istanbul is located in the west of the country, with the Bosphorus Strait - the dividing line between Europe and Asia - running through the center of the city. Other major cities include Bodrum, Antalya, Gaziantep and İzmir.
Turkey has long played an important role in both Europe and the Middle East. This is still reflected today in Turkey’s culture, its customs and even the Turkish language.
Turkey is a great student destination if you want to experience a new culture and be close to both East and West. Apart from the ideal mix between European and Oriental influence, Turkey also has a growing academic reputation with new and old universities working to offer international students competitive education.
Quality Higher Education Opportunities
Turkey is the second country in the world in access to higher education with 94.2% schooling rate. Turkey involved in European Higher Education Area is implementing the Bologna Process in a perfect way; our Bologna report is 5 out of 5. So, the diploma you receive from a university in Turkey is recognized in all European countries! As course credit system, ECTS is applied in accordance with Europe and all students are given Diploma Supplement. In addition, Turkey is one of the most successful countries participating in the exchange programs under Erasmus +. In addition to Erasmus, there are many exchange programs in Turkey, such as Mevlana, Farabi, which support the mobility of students and lecturers.
Universities in Turkey
There are over 200 universities in Turkey, the majority of which are run by the state. Most of these institutions are relatively young; as recently as 1970, there were only eight state institutions, and the first private university (Bilkent University), was not established until 1984. Among the youngest universities in Turkey is Antalya International University (AIU), which welcomed its first students in the 2012/13 academic year, and aims to recruit more than half of its students from outside Turkey.
Both public and private universities in Turkey conform to the Bologna Agreement, which standardizes degree programs across Europe, and many Turkish universities are participants in the Erasmus+ program, which supports international student exchanges. In the latest edition of the QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings, Turkey’s higher education system was ranked 43rd in the world.
Student Visas & Permits
If you want to study in Turkey, then you’ll need a visa. Individual visa policies vary from country to country, so do check before applying, but this is what you’ll generally need to present to get a Turkish student visa:
- A valid passport
- A completed visa application form
- Two passport-sized photos
- A letter of acceptance from the school where you’ll be studying
- Proof of travel insurance valid in Turkey for the duration of your stay
- Proof of health insurance valid in Turkey for the duration of your stay
- Confirmation of flights
- Receipt showing that you’ve paid the visa processing fee in full
- Evidence of financial self-sufficiency
- Proof showing that you have somewhere to stay during your time in Turkey, like a rent contract
- Previous education certificates and transcripts
All of these documents will need to be provided in Turkish. If they’re not originally in Turkish, then you’ll need to present the originals with a notarized translation. You’ll need to do this in-person at your nearest embassy, consulate or visa processing center.
Due to the political situation between the two countries, Cypriot passport holders will have to submit extra documentation. These extra requirements change regularly, so do check before applying.
Language of Instruction
The applicants must prove their efficiency in the universities’ course language which is usually in Turkish (Also in provided in English, French and German). The students, who are accepted to university but not able to get the efficiency score in the required language, are given language course for a year. Also, Turkish lessons are given to international students.
Academic Calendar
Universities in Turkey run on a two-semester system, known as fall and spring semesters. Some universities additionally have summer school programs.
University And Program Diversity
There are 207 universities in Turkey with a population of 82 Million. The number of students is close to 8 million. With this number of students, Turkey is the first country with the most students in European Higher Education Area. There are nearly 60.000 different programs at 207 universities. In such a variety, you will definitely find a university and program for yourself.
Master's Programs
Two types of master degrees as masters with thesis and non-thesis programs are offered for students. Whereas master’s programs with thesis consist of at least seven courses, one seminar and a thesis study. non-thesis master programs contain at least ten courses and a semester project. The required period to complete the master degree is 2 years.
Doctorate Programs
Doctorate programs have at least seven courses on offer, proficiency exam and a thesis. The period to complete the courses are four semesters at most and the period to finish the doctorate program is eight semesters. To be able to apply for doctorate programs, it is a requirement to have a master’s degree. The applicants can apply with their undergraduate diploma to the joint doctorate programs which consists of both master and doctorate education.
