Why study in Türkiye
Türkiye has more than 200 universities, including long-established state institutions and well-funded private “foundation” universities, and a growing number of programmes taught entirely in English. For many families it offers the combination they are looking for: a recognised degree, manageable costs, a Muslim-majority society with a large international student community, and geographic closeness to home.
Universities are accredited by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). Several Turkish universities appear in international rankings for engineering, medicine and business, and many have joint programmes with European and American partners.
Universities and courses
- State universities — low tuition; admission for international students is usually based on school certificate results or an entrance exam such as YÖS or the SAT, depending on the university.
- Foundation (private) universities — higher tuition, generous merit scholarships, smaller classes and the widest choice of English-medium programmes. Many are in Istanbul and Ankara.
- Medicine, dentistry and pharmacy — popular among international students, with competitive entry and higher fees.
- Turkish language preparation (TÖMER) — a preparatory year for students joining Turkish-medium programmes.
Noventra works with state and foundation universities in Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir and other cities — see the list above.
Costs
State universities charge international students from a few hundred to a few thousand US dollars per year. Foundation universities typically charge between US$5,000 and US$20,000 per year before scholarships, with medicine higher. Merit scholarships of 25–100 per cent of tuition are common at foundation universities for students with strong grades. Living costs vary by city; Istanbul is the most expensive.
Scholarships: Türkiye Bursları
The Turkish government’s Türkiye Bursları (Türkiye Scholarships) programme is one of the largest state scholarship schemes in the world. Successful applicants receive full tuition, university accommodation, health insurance, a monthly stipend, a one-year Turkish language course and a return flight. Applications open each year, usually in January and February, and are highly competitive. We help eligible students prepare strong applications well ahead of the deadline.
Visa and residence permit
Students who need a visa apply for a student visa at a Turkish consulate using the university’s acceptance letter. After arrival, every international student applies for a student residence permit through the Presidency of Migration Management within the first month. We prepare the full document set — acceptance letter, health insurance, proof of funds and accommodation — before you travel, so that the permit application is straightforward.
Living in Türkiye
Student housing includes state dormitories (KYK), private residences and shared apartments. Public transport is inexpensive, and students receive discounted travel cards in most cities. Halal food is universal, Arabic is widely understood in Istanbul and the south-east, and the Arab student community is large and well organised.
Figures are indicative and change each academic year; we confirm current fees and requirements with the institution before you apply.