In this article, we will discuss student expenses in Turkey, which is one of the most important matters that students are concerned with and seek information about. That is why Skyline Education is keen to include everything that matters to the student on this topic, including general student expenses, food and beverage costs, transportation, clothing purchases, and bills.
We will also explore some of the study costs at Turkish universities, learn about the key facilities provided by the Turkish government to help students live there, and finally offer some tips that students can benefit from.
How Much Do Student Expenses in Turkey Amount To?
Student expenses in Turkey vary from person to person, and many factors play a role in determining the amount a student needs, the most important being the student's personality, their ability to save, the city in which they live in Turkey, and the type of university they attend, whether private or public. However, in general, the expenses a student needs in Turkey are certainly lower than those required by a student studying at any of the universities in the neighboring European countries with similar academic rankings. Below is an overview of the expenses that a student living in Turkey will need:
General Expenses
These include many costs, the most important of which are the expenses that every student wishing to study in Turkey must pay. In general, student expenses in Turkey cover travel, accommodation, health insurance, document translation and certification, and all the costs necessary for a student to be able to reside in Turkey.
Then, there are the university tuition fees, which vary greatly between public and private universities, and the costs of housing, whether university dormitories or private accommodation. The average rent for an apartment consisting of one room and facilities ranges between $150 and $400. A student who receives a Turkish government scholarship may cover a very large part of these expenses if not all of them.
Local Transportation and Commuting Expenses
These are essential expenses that cannot be avoided, and their prices vary according to the level of comfort the student desires. There are many taxis and delivery companies, in addition to a large number of buses and trains, which represent the most economical and appropriate means of transport for international students in Turkey. The starting fare for a maroon or yellow taxi in Istanbul is 12.65 Turkish Lira and 8.51 Turkish Lira per kilometer, while bus fares are much lower than those of private taxis. Additionally, students receive a discount on public transportation fares of up to 70%.
Food and Beverage Expenses
Food and beverage expenses are also essential daily necessities that cannot be omitted, although savings can be made. The cost of living for a student in Turkey for food and drinks depends on the student, as food items and meal options vary in price from very cheap to very expensive. A student might spend as little as $70 per month on food and beverages, or up to $700 or more.
The expense for food and drink is one of the most significant costs for a student in Turkey, given that they often live away from their family and are frequently forced to eat in restaurants or order ready-made meals.
Monthly Utility Bills
Among the necessary expenses for a student in Turkey are the monthly utility bills for basic services such as water, electricity, communications, and others. Below is an overview of these expenses:
- Water: The tariff for consuming 0-15 cubic meters of water is 4.80 Turkish Lira, and the tariff for consuming 15-20 cubic meters of water is 7.20 Turkish Lira.
- Electricity: The price per kilowatt-hour of electricity in Turkey is 0.37 Turkish Lira. The bill is calculated by multiplying the amount of consumption in kilowatt-hours by the rate of 0.37 Turkish Lira per kilowatt-hour.
- Communications: The price per minute for local cellular calls in Turkey is 1.55 Turkish Lira, while the average cost for one gigabyte of mobile internet is about 13 Turkish Lira.
Clothing Expenses
As for clothing, Turkey is one of the leading exporters of apparel, so the products available in Turkish markets are of high quality and reasonably priced. The monthly clothing expense for a student in Turkey can be estimated at around $50.
What Is the Cost of Studying in Turkey?
Despite the great reputation of Turkish universities, their prestigious status, and their high international rankings, the cost of studying at Turkish universities—whether public or private—remains much lower than the cost of studying at European universities. Student expenses for studying in Turkey are relatively low.
Tuition fees vary from city to city, from one university to another, and from one major to another. In general, the average tuition fees in Turkey are as follows:
- Bachelor’s Level: Fees can start from $2,000 and reach up to $25,000. On average, tuition for humanities majors is around $3,000, for engineering majors about $5,000, and for medical majors approximately $10,000.
- Master’s Level: Fees can start from $2,000 and reach up to $25,000 depending on the specialization.
- Doctoral Level: Fees can start from $3,000 and reach up to $25,000 depending on the specialization.
Facilities Provided by the Turkish Government for Student Expenses
The Turkish government offers a range of facilities from which all international students in Turkey benefit, including:
- Providing university dormitory accommodation for students at symbolic prices, thereby saving them the high costs of private housing.
- Offering free libraries available in all universities for the benefit of all students.
- Reducing the prices of meals in public universities.
- Issuing a student card that includes discounts on public transportation fares and reductions when entering recreational venues.
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Tips for Students to Save Money During Their Studies
Below are some of the most important tips that help save on student expenses in Turkey during the period of study:
- Try to secure government-supported university accommodation or housing provided by charitable organizations.
- If you prefer private accommodation, try to choose one that is as close as possible to your place of study.
- Familiarize yourself with the local markets in your area and choose the best in terms of quality and affordability.
- Learn about charitable and community events that you can benefit from during your studies.
- Take advantage of the free libraries available at universities.
- Consider looking for a part-time job or freelance work to secure your expenses during your studies.
Questions About Living Costs for Students in Turkey
Below are the most frequently asked questions regarding student expenses in Turkey and related topics:
How Much Is a University Student’s Salary in Turkey?
Students accepted for the Turkish government scholarship receive accommodation and a monthly stipend from the government to cover their basic expenses. The Turkish government has set this stipend for the upcoming 2024 scholarship at 1,000 Turkish Lira for undergraduate students, 1,400 Turkish Lira for master’s students, and 1,800 Turkish Lira for doctoral students.
How Much Do You Need Monthly to Live in Turkey?
If you do not benefit from any of the government services that include housing, transportation, or others, you will need, on average, between $400 and $800 per month.
Which Is the Cheapest City in Turkey?
There are many Turkish cities where the cost of living is described as lower than others, such as Urfa, Bursa, and Sakarya, while major cities like Istanbul and Mersin are considered expensive in terms of living costs.
Is Life in Turkey Difficult for a Student?
The answer to this question varies from student to student, but generally, international students can live in Turkey, as evidenced by the huge number of international students currently studying at Turkish universities from various countries around the world.
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Read also: Is Studying in Turkey Better Than in Egypt?
Finally, we come to the conclusion of our article in which we discussed student expenses in Turkey, outlining everything that might come to mind regarding the costs of housing, transportation, food and beverages, and monthly bills. We also explained the facilities provided by the Turkish government to help ensure a decent living standard, and offered some tips on how to save on expenses. For more information about everything related to students in Turkey, you can visit the Skyline Education website to learn all the latest updates.