Study in Turkey

April 14, 2015

Merhaba ! Turkey is one of the most popular travel destinations for Germans. However, it is not only an excellent place to vacation, but also to study. Centuries-old culture and incomparable cuisine, an attitude to life that mixes Asian and European influences, and a high-level university landscape make every semester abroad an experience.

University landscape

Turkey has around 100 state and 60 private universities.
A flagship project of Turkish-German educational relations is the Turkish-German University in Istanbul (http://www.tau.edu.tr/), which was officially opened in April 2014. There are also many other collaborations between universities in both countries.

Well-known public universities

Istanbul: İstanbul University, Turkish-German University
Ankara: Hacettepe University, ODTÜ (Middle East Technical University), Gazi University
Izmir: Ege University

Study structure

Lectures and seminars at Turkish universities are quite academic.
Lecture period summer semester: mid-February to mid-June
Lecture period winter semester: September to January
1st academic degree: Önlisans Diplomasi (pre-licentiate)
2nd academic degree: Lisans Diplomasi (licentiate studies; bachelor)
3rd academic degree: Yüsek-Lisans (higher licentiate; master)
4th academic degree: Doctora Diplomasi (doctoral studies)

Admission/Application

If you want to spend a semester abroad in Turkey, apply directly to your desired university (International Office).
To apply, all courses taken in Germany must be listed and translated into Turkish.
There is only an aptitude test for first-year students, but not for those continuing their studies.

Language

Essential for every application: You must demonstrate sufficient Turkish language skills. To do this, you must complete a Turkish Language Proficiency Test (http://www.languagecoursesuk.co.uk/test/turkish_test.php).

tuition fee

Turkish universities charge tuition fees - state ones between €200 and €1,000, private ones €5,000 to €10,000 annually.

visa

You do not need a visa for a study stay of up to three months.
If your stay lasts longer than 90 days, you must apply for a student visa at the Turkish embassy in Berlin.
The following must be presented: proof of admission to a Turkish educational institution, passport, police clearance certificate, passport photo, proof of financial security during the stay
After entering Turkey, you must register with the local police station within 30 days. There you will receive your residence permit.

Cost of living

Expect to pay €250 to €350 per month – excluding rent. However, in large cities like Istanbul you should allow for a little more.
Some examples:
- Cup of coffee: €2
- Beer (0.33 l): €2.90
- Monthly ticket for buses, trains, etc.: €20
- Cinema ticket: €4.60

Accommodation

The cheapest option is probably a place in a dormitory. However, you shouldn't be a loner here, as the Turkish dormitories primarily offer shared rooms (usually separated by gender).
If you want to look for something private, you should start early. The room prices are roughly at the German price level (furnished room up to €350); In Istanbul it can be a little more.

Helpful links

Scholarships

Culture & language courses

Search for shared apartments and apartments

Do you want to know more about student life in Turkey? Merve and Tugba talk about their shared apartments, their studies and what else is interesting.

Merhaba! Turkey is one of the most popular travel destinations for Germans. However, it is not only an excellent place to vacation, but also to study. Centuries-old culture and incomparable cuisine, an attitude to life that mixes Asian and European influences, and a high-level university landscape make every semester abroad an experience. University landscape Turkey has around 100

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