Already a popular tourist destination, the rapid improvement in higher education quality is establishing Turkey as the perfect place for international students. The country has numerous international links, and its location makes it a great connection for Asia and Europe.
More than 220,000 international students chose to study in Turkey in the 2020/21 academic year. The Turkish government is keen to increase this number, aiming to attract 350,000 international students over the next few years. Turkish universities offer students the chance to gain a unique higher education experience. There are 183 higher education institutions in Turkey, 109 of which are state universities, with the remaining 74 being private non-profit institutions. You are able to gain a bachelor’s degree, masters degree and doctoral degree.
Despite the Turkish higher education system being one of the youngest in the world, it is already garnering a good reputation worldwide. There are 4 of Turkey’s universities in the 2023 QS World University Rankings top 600. The highest ranked is Koç University, which is placed at =477th. The next highest ranked is Middle East Technical University, which is placed in the 501-510th group. There are a further 6 Turkish universities in the top 1,000.
International students are required to obtain a student visa in order to study in Turkey. For more information about this, see our Turkey Student Visa Guide.
| Capital City | Ankara |
|---|---|
| Currency | TRY, Turkish Lira |
| Language(s) | Turkish |
| Universities on StudyLink | 11 universities |
| Major Student Cities | Istanbul |
The official language of Turkey is Turkish. There are several other languages that you will hear spoken throughout the country: Kurmanji, Arabic, Zaza, Kabardian, among others.
Degrees in Turkey are offered in both Turkish and English. If you choose to study in a non-native language, you will be required to provide evidence of your proficiency. If you do not meet the required standards, you may be able to take a language course to help you improve.
Even if you are able to study in English, you should make an effort to learn as much Turkish as possible. Communicating with locals and other students is the perfect way to practice. This skill will not only make your everyday life easier, it will also look great on your CV/resume!
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