You need to know which are the best cities for studying in Turkey before you make your decision and choose the Turkish university you wish to attend. Although all universities in Turkey receive a high level of attention from the government, they naturally differ from one another, as the atmosphere of the city where the university is located—as well as the quality of its services—plays a major role in making you prefer studying in one city over another.
This article will serve as a guide to introduce you to the best 11 Turkish cities where you can study, as we will explain the characteristics of each city and highlight the top universities located there.
What Are the Best Cities for Studying in Turkey?
Turkey is considered the most popular destination for international students who wish to complete their academic studies at high-quality universities with an impressive global reputation, all at a reasonable cost and within a comfortable living environment—a combination that Turkey offers in its universities wherever they are found.
However, you should know that choosing the right city for your studies is linked to several factors that you must take into account, such as the cost of living, travel, accommodation, housing, food, etc.
To help you decide, here is a list of the best Turkish cities for studying:
1- Istanbul
Istanbul has experienced significant educational development in recent years. In addition to its architectural and touristic excellence—being the fourth most popular tourist destination in the world and home to over 14 million people—it is the most preferred city for international students. This is especially because it offers a host of attractive features, including:
- Istanbul boasts an educational infrastructure with centers such as libraries housing thousands of books from various fields, as well as scientific centers, laboratories, and spacious classrooms equipped with the latest technologies.
• Its universities have world-class teaching staff.
• Their programs are delivered in both English and Turkish.
• They offer diverse job opportunities for students who wish to work alongside their studies.
• The city has an advanced transportation network, including metro and metrobüs systems.
• There are 57 universities (13 public and 44 private) to choose from.
Istanbul is also home to a number of iconic landmarks, such as the Bosphorus Bridge, Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Taksim Square, Hagia Sophia, the covered market, Topkapi Museum, Dolmabahçe Palace, and the Bosphorus Strait. Among the most important universities located there are:
- Istanbul University.
• Bahçeşehir University.
• Marmara University.
• Boğaziçi University.
• Yeditepe University.
2- Ankara
The capital, Ankara, is considered the second-best city for studying in Turkey and serves as the country's commercial and political center. It also provides all the facilities a student needs to pursue their studies in the best possible way.
Like Istanbul, Ankara offers a strong educational infrastructure, as well as a fast transit network that facilitates student travel to and from universities, not to mention the international ranking of its institutions.
Regarding its number of universities, Ankara is home to 19 public and private universities, among the most famous of which are:
- Ankara University.
• Hacettepe University.
• Yıldırım Beyazıt University.
• Başkent University.
• Bilkent University.
3- Izmir
Izmir is distinguished by its low cost of living compared to Ankara and Istanbul, making it the third-best city for studying in Turkey.
Izmir is home to two universities with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea: Ege University and Dokuz Eylül University. In addition, the university towns of Alsancak and Konak are very popular among students—factors that greatly attract students to choose Izmir for their studies.
Among Izmir’s most famous landmarks are the ancient city of Ephesus, Kadifekale Castle, the clock tower, and the Izmir Archaeological Museum. Its renowned universities include:
- Ege University.
• Yaşar University.
• Izmir Katip Çelebi University.
• Izmir University.
• Dokuz Eylül University.
4- Eskişehir
Last year, Eskişehir was ranked globally among the "student-friendly university cities" due to the low costs of studying at its universities, the availability of modern transportation, and many other features that encourage students to choose it for their studies.
Among the most important universities in Eskişehir are:
- Anadolu University.
• Eskişehir University.
• Osman Gazi University.
5- Trabzon
Trabzon, nicknamed the "Bride of the Black Sea" for its enchanting nature and stunning views of the Black Sea, as well as its many prominent touristic attractions, is considered an ideal choice for students.
The university towns in Trabzon have also been ranked globally among the 100 most student-friendly university cities in the world. The city welcomes more than 63,000 students in its universities, the most important of which are:
- Afrasia University.
• Trabzon University.
• Karadeniz Technical University.
6- Bursa
Bursa is one of the most developed cities in Turkey, located quite close to Istanbul. It is characterized by its vast green spaces and offers students affordable living conditions. Among its most prominent universities are:
- Uludağ University.
• Faruk Sarak Technical Design Faculty.
• Bursa Technical University.
8- Mersin
Mersin is a large coastal city stretching along the Mediterranean coast. It was named after the aromatic plant "Mersin," which grows abundantly in the area.
Mersin is renowned for its distinctive landmarks, such as Mağmura Castle, İlyas Waterfall, Balkan Kışlık Castle, and the Gökçesu River. Its universities include:
- Mersin University.
• Toros University.
• Çağ University.
• KAG University.
This city is very attractive to students, welcoming over 50,000 students annually.
9- Adana
Adana is also considered one of the best cities for studying in Turkey and is home to universities with international rankings.
This city is located near Lake Seyhan and is one of the ancient cities, with a history dating back to 6000 BC, giving students the opportunity to explore its rich cultural heritage. Its most important universities include:
- Çukurova University.
• Adana Science and Technology University.
10- Konya
Konya is located in the southern part of Central Anatolia, right in the heart of the Anatolian Peninsula. It is one of the largest cities in Turkey by area and boasts a rich historical heritage, being home to the ancient settlement of Çatalhöyük—the oldest settlement discovered to date.
Konya welcomes thousands of international students every year, who enroll in its prominent universities, including:
- Selçuk University.
• Erbakan University.
• Karatay University.
11- Gaziantep
We conclude our list of the best cities for studying in Turkey with Gaziantep, located in the western part of the country. This city is popular among students because it offers them the opportunity to explore Turkish culture, with its wealth of museums, archaeological sites, and numerous entertainment venues.
Its most notable universities include:
- Gaziantep University.
• Hasan Kalyoncu University.
• Sanko University.
• Gaziantep University of Science and Technology.
This concludes the list of the best cities for studying in Turkey, which offer students affordable study opportunities as well as the advantage of exploring Turkey’s nature, rich history, and distinctive culture.
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