Turkey

With its territory split between western Asia and southeastern Europe, the Republic of Turkey is a fascinating country with a rich and chaotic past and an equally complex present. Eight countries form its border--Bulgaria, Iran, Greece, Armenia, Georgia, Syria, Azerbaijan and Iraq, Turkey remains vital to the international community because of its geographic location, secularism and stable democratic government in a region known for chaos and war. A founding member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations and the G-20, Turkey is home to mostly ethnic Turks and about 25 percent ethnic Kurds who practice Islam and speak Turkish, the country's official language. Rapid development of Turkey's diplomatic and economic initiatives have contributed to other world leaders recognizing Turkey as an emerging regional power.

Higher Education in Turkey

Higher education at universities includes bachelor’ s, master’ s, doctoral degrees. In addition to the master’ s degree, a Higher Engineering Diploma is also awarded which is the equivalent of a master’ s degree. Both degrees require a thesis be completed and defended. Universities are divided into two types, with 104 state universities and 62 private universities. Turkish universities are held in high regard, with 5 schools in the top 400 world-wide, according to the 2012  Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Why Study in Turkey?

Students pursuing master’ s degrees in any academic discipline will find a safe, welcoming and rewarding multicultural environment that is a bridge between western and middle-eastern cultures. Turkish higher education institutions are known for high quality relative to low tuition and many programs are taught in English. Non-English speaking students who attend traditional programs will also find many opportunities to learn the English language as they complete their primary studies.

Universities in Turkey

Programs at state universities are generally taught in Turkish, although some programs are taught in English, German or French. Students not proficient in Turkish who enter Turkish programs can take one year of language training before pursuing their studies. Most international programs are taught at private universities, where the language of instruction is mostly English. Private universities are also known as foundation universities.

Currently about 30,000 international students are enrolled in education programs in the country; however, Turkey has a goal to increase that number to 150,000. Although most academic disciplines are available, popular programs for international students are International Relations, Eastern Mediterranean Studies, Multicultural Affairs Studies, Engineering, Business Management and Hospitality.

Tuition and Program Duration

Tuition per semester at state universities where instruction is in Turkish is about $100-$200 (US) for Turkish nationals and students from Azerbaijan, Bashkortostan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dagestan, Karachay-Cherkessia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Mongolia, Moldova, Nakhchivan, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Tartarstan, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine. International student tuition per semester at state universities where instruction is in Turkish is about $300-$600 (US). Tuition is about 1.5 to 2 times higher at state institutions where instruction is in English.

Annual tuition at foundation universities is typically $6,000 (US) to $20,000 (US); however, foundation universities also provide many students with scholarships that cover 30 to 40 percent of their tuition.

Most master’ s degrees take two years to complete, but this varies by program and institution.

To help defray costs, international students may find employment with a university as a researcher; however, international students do not have a right to work in other organizations within the public or private sector.

Academic Year

The academic year in Turkey is based on two semesters and runs from October until June.

Post-Graduate Opportunities

After graduation, international students may find opportunities for employment as researchers or on the staff at universities, especially universities with programs taught in English. Turkish students and international students with good Turkish language skills will find opportunities available in other industries as well. Non-Turkish citizens will need to obtain a work permit once they have been offered a job.

Visa Requirements

International students must have a student visa, and the visa must be obtained before arriving in Turkey or the student will not be allowed to enroll at a university. Students must have been accepted to a Turkish university before applying for the student visa at a Turkish consulate in their home country. The process takes about 8 weeks and the student’ s passport will be stamped with the student visa once approved.

Health Insurance

All universities offer free health care at their medical facilities. However, this care is generally limited to emergency services and treatment for minor conditions, so international students are encouraged to purchase health insurance to cover other medical expenses that may arise. The policy should cover both European and Asian Turkey. Many private insurance policies are available in Turkey.

Students holding a residency permit for more than 6 months will also be registered at the Turkish Social Security Institution (SGK) and are required to obtain and pay for a local health insurance policy.