Students often search for an answer to the question: How do I start studying in Turkey? This comes after they have decided to study in a country that is considered one of the best for education, whether in its public or private universities, not to mention the low cost of living when compared to the high standard of life in Turkey in general, and the quality of education you will receive at the universities in particular.
In this article, we will answer all the questions that cross your mind about academic life in Turkey, where we will outline the requirements and steps for registering at Turkish universities, how to obtain a student visa, and where you can reside during your years of study.
How to Start Studying in Turkey: Registration Requirements for Turkish Universities
This is your first step towards studying in Turkey, so it is essential that you know well the admission requirements of the Turkish university in which you wish to study, in order to ensure that you meet them. These requirements vary somewhat between public and private universities.
Enrollment in Turkish Public Universities
Public universities require that the student meets a set of requirements, which are:
- A high school certificate translated and attested by a notary, and it must be authenticated by the Directorate of Education in Turkey or by the Turkish embassy in the country where the student is located.
- A copy of the student’s passport, which must be valid at the time of submission.
- A recent and clear personal photograph with a white background.
- Language certificates (if already available); if not, the student will be subjected to a language test.
- The Turkish YÖS exam or the American SAT exam.
Enrollment in Turkish Private Universities
Enrollment in Turkish private universities is considered more accessible than in public ones, due to the ease of application and a high guarantee of acceptance, but this does not mean that they are not of a high standard in higher education, recognized not only in Turkey but throughout Europe.
Regarding the registration requirements in these universities, the admission requirements are:
- A copy of the passport.
- A high school graduation certificate with a transcript of the student’s grades in the subjects.
- An English language test certificate, such as the “TOEFL”, if you wish to study in English at the university.
- A letter of recommendation, endorsement, or nomination if you want to pursue a master’s degree in one of the Turkish private universities.
It is worth mentioning that these are the general registration requirements, but the admission criteria differ from one university to another, so you should visit the official website of the university you wish to study in and learn about the specific admission requirements you need to fulfill.
Thus ends the first section of answering the question “How do I start studying in Turkey?”. Let us now explore the steps for registration at Turkish universities.
Also read:
- The Difficulties of Studying in Turkey and How to Overcome Them
- How to Enroll in Turkish Private Universities
What Are the Steps for Registration at Turkish Universities?
If you choose to enroll in a public university, you must follow these steps:
- Determine the specialization you wish to study.
- Access the Turkish university’s website.
- Prepare the required documents for registration.
- Read the admission requirements set by the university.
- Log in to the admission portal of the Turkish university.
- Register an account on the site.
- Enter the required personal data and contact information.
- Attach the required files.
- Pay the required fees either via bank transfer or online payment.
- Submit the application.
Usually, the response takes about 15 days until the preliminary acceptance is sent, after which you must pay the first installment of the tuition fees mentioned in the acceptance letter.
How Do You Obtain a Student Visa for Turkey?
After you obtain university acceptance, you must contact the Turkish consulate or embassy in your country to schedule an appointment for submitting a student visa for Turkey application, which in turn will require you to appear with the following documents:
- The acceptance letter from the university.
- A valid passport.
- The visa application form.
- A personal photograph.
- Proof of financial capacity.
- A tax receipt covering the costs related to the residence permit.
- A birth certificate for individuals under 18 years of age.
What Are the Types of University Accommodation in Turkey?
After being accepted into the university of your choice, you will have to choose the accommodation in which you will reside during your studies. Here, you can differentiate between several types, which are:
1- Government Student Housing
This type of accommodation is affiliated with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and is available in various regions of Turkey. However, it is usually reserved for Turkish scholarship students or Turkish students, and it is the cheapest type of accommodation.
2- Private Student Housing
Managed by private companies or investors, this housing is located in areas where Turkish universities are present. It is distinguished from government housing by offering better services, fewer students sharing a room, and the added benefit of free internet.
3- Endowment Student Housing
Admission to this accommodation requires an interview to get to know the student, as it is subject to strict regulations and also organizes religious seminars for the students.
This accommodation is available in three Turkish cities, namely Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir.
4- Youth Housing
This is a secondary option in case the student does not obtain government, private, or endowment university housing. It consists of a residential apartment where the renting students share the rent, insurance, and all housing necessities.
It is worth mentioning that you can rent a private apartment, but that is considered very expensive given your situation as a student in Turkey.
Important Information About Studying in Turkey
After answering your question “How do I start studying in Turkey?”, we advise you to review the following information that revolves around universities in Turkey:
1- Universities in Turkey are distinguished by their independence; they are not subject to ministerial changes, which contributes to achieving transparency, accurate monitoring, and continuous accountability.
2- Each Turkish university is characterized by its own vision that contributes to the development of the education sector and works towards its realization.
3- Turkish universities are notable for their partnerships with the most prominent European and American universities, as the requirement for such collaboration is one of the most mandatory conditions for establishing a Turkish university. Therefore, all Turkish universities, without any exception, collaborate with European and American universities in various stages of higher education.
4- Turkish universities benefit from the expertise of Turkish professionals abroad, which has played a significant role in the development and prosperity of Turkish universities.
5- Turkish universities offer fully funded scholarships and provide all the necessary facilities.
6- The academic programs in Turkish universities are prepared at a high level of professionalism, delivered by an outstanding teaching staff.
7- The Turkish degree is considered one of the most prestigious worldwide, and as such, it guarantees that anyone who obtains it will find a job opportunity that suits their abilities in various countries around the world.
8- Turkish universities provide the advantage of practical training during the years of study, which qualifies students to enter the job market immediately after graduation.
9- The tuition fees and living conditions in Turkey are suitable for all students.
This concludes our article “How do I start studying in Turkey?”, in which we discussed everything related to academic life in Turkish universities.