Studying in Türkiye
Tuition, living costs, visas and how to apply, from the European Commission's official profile — with student numbers from Eurostat and the Erasmus Mundus master's you can take here.
🇹🇷 Browse Türkiye’s universities on CollegeMatcherAt a glance
Tuition · EU/EEA students
Tuition · non-EU/EEA students
Fees — more detail
Living costs
Erasmus Mundus master's
Students in Türkiye
Tertiary students · 2024
From abroad · 2024
Of whom from the EU · 2024
Largest countries of origin: Syria (60,751), Azerbaijan (40,365), Turkmenistan (29,126), Iran (28,926), Iraq (13,153).
“From abroad” means degree-mobile students — enrolled for a whole degree, having gained their previous qualification in another country. Exchange students on Erasmus aren't counted.
| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4,975,690 | 5,472,521 | 6,062,886 | 6,689,185 | 7,198,987 | 7,560,371 | 7,775,381 | 7,976,064 | 8,280,595 | 8,296,959 | 6,995,402 | 7,081,289 |
Tuition fees and living costs
Tuition fees in Türkiye vary depending on the type of university (public or foundation/private) and the study programme.
Public universities
- Bachelor’s programmes: €250-€700 per year
- Master’s programmes: €500-€1,200 per year
Private universities
€4,000 - €20,000 per year for Bachelor's and Master's programmes.
Estimated monthly living costs
- accommodation: €150-€400
- food & groceries: €150-€250
- transport: €20-€50
- books and leisure: €50+
- Total estimate: €400-€800 per month
Costs vary depending on the city, with Istanbul generally being more expensive.
Visa requirements
All students who come to study in Türkiye must obtain a student visa before arrival. Visa applications can be submitted via Turkish consulates or online. Required documents typically include
- admission letter
- valid passport
- completed visa application
- proof of financial means
Visa processing times can vary, so early application is recommended.
Higher education system
Türkiye offers a diverse and structured higher education system aligned with the Bologna Process.
Degree structure
- Associate degrees: 2 years
- Bachelor's degree: 3-4 years (5-6 years for medicine-related fields)
- Master's degree: 1-2 years
- PhD: typically 4 years
Institutions
- Public Universities
- Foundation (non-profit private) Universities
- Vocational Schools
- Conservatories and specialised institutions
Application process
- search for programmes via the official platform
- learn about scholarships and financing
- check admission requirements (academic qualifications and language proficiency)
- apply directly to the university
- apply for a student visa
Scholarships for studying
Türkiye offers a range of scholarships for international students
Türkiye scholarships
State-funded covers accommodation and health insurance during the education period
CoHE scholarships
Available for students from partner countries. These may include a Turkish language preparation year.
University scholarships
Full or partial tuition waivers, and merit-based or need-based.
Scholarships may also include monthly stipends depending on the level of study.
Student life
Türkiye offers a vibrant student experience combining cultural diversity, modern campuses, and affordable living. Thanks to its rich cultural and social diversity, students can enjoy a lifestyle with sports, cinema, travel opportunities, nature, and cultural activities.
Universities offer dynamic communities where students explore interests, meet people, and experience Türkiye’s unique blend of history, culture, and modern city life.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to speak Turkish?
Not always. Many programmes are offered in English, but basic Turkish is helpful for daily life and for after-graduation opportunities.
Can I work while studying in Türkiye?
Yes, but you need a work permit. Graduate students may work on research projects, and undergraduate students may work part-time up to 24 hours per week.
What housing options are available?
Students can choose from university dormitories, state dormitories, private dorms, or shared apartments. Options exist for different budgets and cities.
What kind of health insurance do I need?
You must have valid health insurance, either private or through Türkiye's General Health Insurance (GSS), which provides access to public healthcare services.
Source: Study in Türkiye – Education, tuition, scholarships and student life, last updated 8 July 2026.
Erasmus Mundus master's with a university in Türkiye
Joint master's taught by several universities in different countries, open to students from anywhere, with EU-funded scholarships on many of them.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Redesigning the Post-Industrial CityKoc University · Political science, Social Sciences and Humanities · 24 months / 120 ECTS
- International Master in Transnational MigrationsGalatasaray University · Social Sciences and Humanities · 24 months / 120 ECTS
- Master of Applied CybersecurityKadir Has Universitesi · Information Science and Engineering, Information Technology · 24 months / 120 ECTS
- Mediterranean Forestry and Natural Resources ManagementKaradeniz Teknik Universitesi · Environmental and Geosciences · 24 months / 120 ECTS
Country guidance adapted from the European Commission’s Study in Europe country profiles, © European Union, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Condensed, restructured and combined with other data by CollegeMatcher.
Student numbers: Eurostat, tables educ_uoe_enrt01 (tertiary enrolment) and educ_uoe_mobs02 (degree-mobile students from abroad).
Programmes: the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA); partner institutions from the Erasmus+ Project Results Platform. © European Union, CC BY 4.0.