Study and Education in Turkey for International Students: Complete Guide

In recent years, Turkey has become one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking higher education. The reasons are clear: affordable tuition fees and living costs, internationally recognized diplomas, programs offered in both Turkish and English, and a comfortable environment for adaptation. In addition, the Türkiye Scholarships program opens opportunities for talented students from around the world.

Structure of Higher Education in Turkey

Turkey offers a wide network of public and private universities with different levels of study:

  • Associate degree (short vocational programs)
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Master’s degree
  • Doctorate (PhD)

Most universities follow the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), making academic mobility easier and diplomas widely accepted.

International students can study in Turkish or English. For programs taught in Turkish, a TÖMER certificate (C1 level) is usually required. If the student does not yet meet the language requirement, universities allow up to two years to complete preparatory language courses. For English-taught programs, IELTS or TOEFL is accepted.

Admission: Exams and Alternatives

The main exam for undergraduate applicants is TR-YÖS — a centralized test designed for international students. It assesses mathematics, logic, and basic knowledge, and is conducted twice a year in multiple languages, including Russian and English.

Some universities also accept international exams (SAT, ACT, IELTS, TOEFL) instead of TR-YÖS. For master’s and PhD programs, applicants usually need a prior diploma, a motivation letter, recommendation letters, and sometimes an interview.

Required Documents

  • Passport with sufficient validity.
  • High school diploma/degree certificate with transcripts (translated and apostilled if required).
  • TR-YÖS results or international test scores.
  • Proof of language proficiency (TÖMER, IELTS, TOEFL).
  • Photographs, CV, motivation letter.
  • For visa: application form, insurance, financial guarantee, and an acceptance/admission letter from a university.

Student Visa and Residence Permit

International students first apply for a student visa at a Turkish consulate. Upon arrival, they must register at the university and apply for a residence permit (ikamet). The application is submitted online (e-İkamet), followed by a visit to the immigration office with original documents.

Residence permits are usually granted for the study period and renewed annually. To renew, students need a university enrollment certificate, health insurance, proof of accommodation, and payment receipts.

Health Insurance and Accommodation

Health insurance is mandatory for all students. Universities often help to arrange suitable insurance plans. For accommodation, students can choose between dormitories and private apartments. Major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir are more expensive but offer greater opportunities for work and internships.

Working During Studies

International students are allowed to work only with a work permit. For undergraduate students, the right to work part-time comes after the first academic year. Master’s and PhD students may apply for a permit immediately. The employer initiates the application for the work permit.

Scholarships and Grants

The Türkiye Scholarships program covers tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, and living expenses. Applications are free and submitted online. Competition is high, but it remains one of the most comprehensive scholarship programs worldwide.

Many universities also provide their own scholarships and tuition discounts based on academic achievements.

Certificates and Short-Term Programs

Besides traditional university degrees, Turkey also offers a wide range of certificate programs and short-term educational courses. These are highly valued by students and professionals who want to quickly gain practical skills, upgrade their qualifications, or strengthen their career prospects.

Individual and Corporate Requests

We provide a flexible approach: if a student, a government institution, or a private company informs us about the training program they need, we can organize custom-made courses tailored to their request.

For example, if a certificate in dentistry, cosmetology, nursing, or healthcare management is required, we collaborate with Turkish universities and training centers to design a suitable program. Similarly, for corporate clients, we can arrange training in management, IT, engineering, foreign languages, marketing, and other fields.

Main Focus — Healthcare

The greatest demand is in the healthcare sector:

  • short-term clinical internships,
  • professional development programs for doctors, nurses, dentists, physiotherapists,
  • training in modern treatment technologies,
  • simulation-based courses for medical students.

After completion, participants receive an official certificate or diploma of additional education, which can be used for employment or career advancement.

Advantages of Certificate Programs in Turkey

  • Flexibility — programs developed upon specific requests.
  • Quality — courses led by experienced university professors and clinicians.
  • Language options — training available in Turkish, English, and, if needed, in the student’s native language.
  • Recognition — certificates meet international standards and can be used abroad.

We emphasize that programs can be adapted to the native language of participants. Moreover, we provide educational solutions not only for individual students, but also for government institutions and corporate organizations. While our main focus is healthcare, we also offer programs in other fields. For full details and a personalized plan, please contact us directly.

Preparation Timeline

  • 8–12 months before: choose your field and gather information.
  • 6–9 months before: prepare documents, register for TR-YÖS or other exams.
  • 3–6 months before: apply to universities, wait for the admission letter.
  • 1–2 months before: finalize visa, insurance, and accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know Turkish?
For Turkish-taught programs: yes, TÖMER C1. For English-taught programs: IELTS/TOEFL is enough.

Is TR-YÖS mandatory?
Mostly for undergraduate programs, but some universities accept international test scores instead.

Can I work during my studies?
Yes, but only with a valid work permit.

Are there scholarships available?
Yes, Türkiye Scholarships and university-based scholarships.

Why Choose Us

We support both students and institutions at every step:

  • university and program selection,
  • document preparation,
  • admission assistance,
  • visa and residence permit guidance,
  • organization of certificate and corporate training programs,
  • post-arrival support: housing, insurance, adaptation.

We work transparently and professionally so you can focus on your education and career growth.

Take the First Step Today!

Would you like to study in Turkey, join a certificate program, or organize specialized training for your institution? Contact us now — we will evaluate your chances for free and prepare a personalized plan for you!