Bachelor's Degrees in Turkey

Study in Turkey

Turkish higher education system has developed significantly in the last few decades in terms of both quality and quantity. Turkish universities now offer a rich field of choices for international students.

The quality of the system is also reflected in international ranking lists. According to The Times Higher Education BRICS & Emerging Economies Rankings 2014, there are 7 Turkish universities in the top 100 university list, and 3 of them are in the top 10. In addition, 9 Turkish universities took place among the top 800 world universities ranking by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) in the UK and 19 Turkish universities took place among the top 1000 world universities ranking by METU Informatics Institute.

Turkish universities offer high quality studies and are an integral part of the international education space. There is an increasing number of universities offering programs taught in English, and these include medicine, engineering, humanities, business, and finance. 

Industry Cooperation

Starting with 2000, many techno-parks and technology development centres have been established in university campuses. As of 2014, there are 32 technology development centres operating and an additional 11 are under construction in different universities. Graduates of vocational oriented programmes are expected to be employed as intermediate staff in related sectors. Students also have the opportunity to take internships in firms operating in related fields. 

General application requirements

International students may apply to institutions of higher education in Turkey on condition that applicants fulfil the requirements for student admission.The following documents may be required of applicants who wish to apply for undergraduate study in Turkey:

• International Student Application Form
• High School Diploma and translation (Turkish or English)
• Official Transcript and translation (Turkish or English)
• Language Proficiency Score. Students who do not meet language proficiency requirements may take the university's proficiency test upon arrival. Those who fail the proficiency test must attend the English Preparatory Program provided by the university. 
• Valid International University Entry Exam Result
• Financial Guarantee Letter
• Application Fee

Prospective students for graduate programs must also provide their completed bachelor diploma.

All application documents must be submitted to the respective university no later than the application deadline. Higher education institutions may have different application requirements. Please contact the international admissions office for detailed information about the application process in the institution you wish to attend.

For more information also visit: http://www.studyinturkey.gov.tr/pages/admission

Academic organization

The higher education system in Turkey is supervised by the Council of Higher Education (CoHE). The CoHE is an autonomous institution, which is responsible for the planning, coordination and governance of higher education system in Turkey in accordance with the Turkish Constitution and the Higher Education Laws. Universities decide upon their own academic calendars; however, academic year generally starts in September and ends in June. Summer school is also available at some universities.

Turkish universities offer:

• Associate's Degree Programmes: Associate's degree programs are 2 years long. Vocational high school graduates can qualify for associate's degree programs without taking any exams.
• Bachelor's Degree Programmes: Bachelor's degree programs generally take 4 years. Specialized bachelor's degree programs, such as medicine (6 years), may be longer.
• Graduate Programmes: Universities in Turkey offer a wide range of graduate programs. While master's programs take about 2 years (non-thesis master's programs generally take 1 year and a half), doctoral programs are usually 4 years long.
• Post-graduate Programmes: Post-graduate opportunities are also available in universities in Turkey. Their duration depends on the program and university.

Language of instruction

International students coming to Turkey have plenty of opportunities to study in English while in the country. Programmes provided by universities also include courses taught in both Turkish and English. Other study abroad opportunities in Turkey include institutions where the medium of instruction is German or French. 

There are many Turkish universities recommended as suitable hosts for English speaking students, with programmes available in English either at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. Erasmus exchange students and exchange students whose native language is English do not need to provide any documentation. 

Proof of required language proficiency may be requested by universities in 3 forms:

• letter of English proficiency from either the coordinator or a professor at the student's home university;
• one of the internationally recognised language certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, etc.);
• an English placement test taken at the university.

For students whose English proficiency does not meet the desired level of the university, there are intensive language preparation courses that may be taken before starting their studies.

To find and compare English, French and German language courses visit: www.languagelearningportal.com

Study Visa

As of April 17, 2013, an electronic visa (e-Visa) replaces the “sticker visa†which was issued at border crossings. Applicants just need to log on, provide the requested information and make the online payment to obtain their e-visa.

Please note that e-visa is only valid when the purpose of travel is tourism or commerce. Other purposes, such as work and study, require a regular visa given by Embassies or Consulates. You are advised to have a travel document/passport valid for at least 6 months as from the date of your arrival in Turkey.

If you have a valid visa, you do not need a residence permit for stays of up to 90 days. Long-term students should register at the nearest local police department upon their arrival in Turkey. The applicant is required to submit the following documents while applying in person:

• Valid travel document (passport);
• Completed visa application form;
• Passport size photograph of the applicant;
• Letter of invitation from higher education institution;
• Financial guarantees;
• Visa processing fee.

For detailed information, contact your local Turkish embassy or consulate. Also visit: https://turkey.evisas.org/Information.aspx

Living in Turkey

• Istanbul is the only city in the world that connects two continents. The city, which is located in both Asia and Europe, has been the capital city for many civilizations for thousands of years throughout its history.
• Turkey has been successful in blending western and eastern cultures and being home to cultural and historical richness and legacy for thousands of years.
• After Ottoman rule ended, secularism was established by separating religious and state affairs. The Latin alphabet replaced the Arabic script and women were given the right to vote and be elected as members of parliament.
• Both coffee and tea play an indispensable role in Turkey's social life. Tea and coffee houses are 'disguised' social and cultural meeting points.
• You can enjoy four distinct seasons, all providing outdoor sporting possibilities, ranging from swimming (scuba diving and snorkelling), white water rafting, and sailing to skiing. Football, basketball, volleyball and of course cycling and jogging, as well as yoga and Thai-chi, are all recreational activities you can enjoy.
• Average university dorm room prices vary between 30 USD to 300 USD per month, depending on the facilities.
• Average cost of a rented apartment ranges between USD 200 and USD 500 a month.
• An average international student in Turkey will spend about 400-500 USD a month on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transportation and telephone costs.
• Books and administrative fees are approximately 100-150 USD per semester.
• Food costs can amount to about 1,100 USD per semester.
• Halicarnassus is literally an open air museum with a history going back to 5000 years and its famous Mausoleum is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
• The ancient city of Troy was founded 5000 years ago and is now inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 
• The Hagia Sophia, presently a museum was constructed during the time of the Trabzon Empire. The church, decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from Jesus's life, has been converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period.
• Considered among the sacred sites of Islamic faith, Eyüp Sultan Mosque is one of the most significant mosques of Istanbul. 
• Thousands of unique delicacies and specialties ranging from meat dishes to cold dishes with olive oil, from sorbets to spices are waiting to be served to guests from all over the world.

About Turkey

Turkey is the cradle of cultures and civilizations connecting Europe and Asia and capital of civilizations that have reined the lands of Anatolia for centuries.

Since the beginning of history, Anatolia, well known as one the earliest settlements, has continued to flourish with the migration of various tribes, and accumulated a large cultural heritage through a line of succeeding empires and civilizations. Many empires ranging from the Sumerians to the Hittites, the Lydians to the Byzantines and the Seljuks to the Ottomans have once thrived and expired within the borders of Turkey.

Ankara is the capital of Turkey, which established a democratic regime with the foundation of the Turkish Republic in 1923. The Bosporus and the Dardanelles, connecting the seas of this magnificent landscape surrounded by the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, Aegean and Marmara seas, function as bridges connecting the lands of the region almost like silk threads. Istanbul is the only city that is built on two continents.

Greece and Bulgaria to the west, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan to the east and Iran, Iraq, and Syria to the south are the border neighbours of Turkey. Turkey is the member of various international organizations such as the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and others.

Located at the mid-point of the European, Asian and African continents, Turkey has a varied geography rich in mountains, plains, caves, seas and many other natural formations and beauties.

Worldwide famous cruise ships visit the major ports of Turkey on their route. Passengers of these cruise ships have the opportunity to visit and explore the port and city centre of Istanbul, Izmir and Kusadasi. Ferries between Northern Cyprus and Mersin and between Bodrum, Marmaris and the Greek islands provide for other alternatives to get to Turkey from other lands.