How to choose the right university in Turkey is one of the most frequently asked questions that leave students puzzled after finishing high school, as they must carefully consider the next phase—university education. Turkey has witnessed an influx of many international students registering in its universities because of what sets Turkish universities apart from others.
In this article, we will answer this question in detail and outline the most important criteria that students should consider when choosing the university they wish to attend. We will also discuss the advantages that Turkish universities offer to international students and the requirements that must be met whether the student decides to enroll in public or private Turkish universities.
How to Choose the Right University in Turkey?
Students often make many mistakes when selecting the university in which they will study. Some may make decisions that do not align with their needs and desires by relying on incorrect criteria, such as enrolling in the same university as a close friend—even if it is not suitable—or focusing solely on the distinguished and upscale geographical location of the institution without considering other factors like costs, language, and more.
If you are unsure how to choose the right university in Turkey, we will present the most important criteria to help you make the choice, as follows:
1. The Field of Study You Wish to Pursue:
Although most Turkish universities offer a wide range of disciplines, some excel in teaching certain fields. It is important to choose the best university that offers the field you wish to study, and also one that is committed to providing practical training and hands-on applications in your area of specialization in addition to advanced and modern curricula.
2. Language of Instruction:
When choosing your field and university, you must take into account the language in which you will study. Although Turkish universities offer instruction in various languages, some disciplines are available only in specific languages, and Turkish and English are the most commonly used languages in most Turkish universities.
Therefore, you must possess a certificate proving your proficiency in one of these languages—either TOMER for Turkish or TOEFL for English. If you are not proficient in the language of instruction, you can attend a preparatory year that will be added to the duration of your program.
3. Location of the University:
The geographical location of the university is one of the most important criteria that a foreign student should consider. Turkey is home to a large number of universities spread across various provinces and regions. You should pay attention to choosing a location that suits you as an international student—one that is close to the essential public facilities that meet your personal needs and offers easy transportation between the university and your accommodation.
4. Tuition Fees:
You should take into account the costs you will incur during your academic journey and compare them with your personal budget. Choose a university that fits within your budget, which should be determined based on the tuition fees for your chosen field in addition to housing and food expenses.
5. University Ranking and Global Classification:
The global ranking of the university is very important, as many Turkish universities are ranked among the best in the world. Therefore, choosing a strong university is one of the most crucial criteria. Be sure to select an institution distinguished by its advanced curricula and a highly competent academic staff, with practical training also being one of the most important factors to consider when making your choice.
Now you know how to choose the right university in Turkey after we have summarized the most important criteria to consider. However, you must also be aware of the advantages that Turkish universities offer and the requirements that must be met before enrollment.
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Admission Requirements for Private and Public Turkish Universities
After learning how to choose the right university in Turkey, you must know the most important requirements imposed by Turkish universities for admission. These requirements differ between private and public institutions.
Requirements for Private Universities
Private universities do not impose many conditions on students, as they are satisfied with only the following two requirements:
- Passing high school with at least a 50% average, as private Turkish universities do not require a high high school GPA.
- A certificate of proficiency in the language in which the student wishes to study—either TOEFL for English or TOMER for Turkish.
Requirements for Public Universities
Students who wish to study at public universities are required to meet additional conditions compared to private institutions. They must fulfill the following requirements:
- Public universities base admission on high school GPA, requiring specific averages for each field of study.
- In public universities, a high school diploma alone is not sufficient for admission; students must also take an aptitude test, either YÖS or SAT, and the score of this test is taken into consideration during the admission process.
- Public universities have also set an age limit for applicants: for undergraduate programs, applicants must not be over 21 years old, and for master's programs, the age limit is 30 years.
Advantages of Studying at Turkish Universities
Turkish universities are ranked among the best in the world, and every year they attract many students from around the globe to study at their institutions. This is due to the many advantages Turkish universities are renowned for and the comfortable conditions they provide for international students. Some of these advantages include:
- Free Scholarships offered annually by Turkish universities exclusively for international students.
- International recognition of Turkish degrees, as they are considered among the strongest in the world.
- High-quality teaching, with specialized academic staff comprised of some of the best professors in the world overseeing the educational process.
- State-of-the-art curricula that are continuously developed in line with the latest scientific research.
- A strong emphasis on practical applications and hands-on training in the field, with partnerships with various institutions to ensure that students are fully qualified to enter the workforce upon graduation.
- Laboratories equipped with the latest technologies necessary for experiments and practical applications.
- Use of advanced and modern educational tools that make the learning process easier and smoother.
- A wide range of disciplines, with the possibility for students to pursue postgraduate studies such as master's and doctoral degrees in their chosen field.
- The freedom to choose the language of instruction—either English or Turkish—with some universities even offering courses in Arabic for certain disciplines.
- Lower tuition fees compared to those of other global universities, making Turkey a popular study destination for many students from various countries around the world.
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Sabancı University in Istanbul
In conclusion, we have explained everything you need to know about how to choose the right university in Turkey with ease by focusing on the most important criteria mentioned above, as well as outlining the main advantages of Turkish universities and their admission requirements.
If you still have further inquiries, do not hesitate to contact Skyline Education.