Study Engineering in Turkey – A Complete Guide

Studying engineering in Turkey requires creativity and innovation. It is one of the most fascinating fields due to its high artistic sense.

Studying engineering in Turkey requires a vision marked by creativity and innovation. It is considered one of the most fascinating fields of study due to its high artistic sense, and Turkey’s drive to offer the strongest curricula in all engineering disciplines has motivated many international students to enroll in its universities.

In this article, we will highlight some important information for students interested in studying engineering in Turkey, including admission requirements, benefits, and details about the engineering specialties available in Turkish universities.

What distinguishes studying engineering in Turkey?

Studying engineering in Turkey is characterized by several features that attract international students. These advantages include:

Public universities in Turkey are very affordable, with the average cost of education for international students ranging between $400 and $4,000 per academic year, which is much lower compared to neighboring countries.
The cost of living in Turkey is low, ranging between $400 and $600 per month, significantly lower than in European and American countries.
Four Turkish technical universities are ranked among the top 500 in the world, and they are also considered among the top 100 universities in Asia.
They offer students a great opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in European and American universities, thanks to the membership of most Turkish universities in American and European student exchange programs.
They aid students in research and discovery by providing extensive technological infrastructure and modern, advanced laboratories.
They offer an interactive and cultural environment through workshops and academic clubs.
Turkish universities feature some of the strongest curricula for both master’s and doctoral programs in engineering disciplines, should you wish to pursue further studies.

What are the requirements for studying engineering in Turkey?

The requirements for studying engineering in Turkey may vary between public and private universities. Public universities require success in the Turkish aptitude test (YÖS) or the American aptitude test (SAT), along with a high school diploma with excellent grades. They also require a language proficiency certificate in either Turkish or English, depending on the language of instruction in the program.

As for private universities, their requirements are generally easier, as they only require a high school diploma and a language proficiency certificate according to the language used for instruction.

It is worth noting that the engineering study system in Turkey is divided into two programs: the first lasts 4 years for a bachelor’s degree and 2 years for a diploma, after which students can move on to master’s and doctoral studies.

Here is a list of the top 5 universities for studying engineering in Turkey:

Bilgi University
Bahçeşehir University
İsküdar University
Okan University
Özyeğin University

What are the most prominent engineering specialties in Turkish public and private universities?

１- Aviation Engineering:

Turkish universities excel in this specialty on a global level, thanks to the quality of education in engineering and technology, as well as the tremendous developments in Turkey’s aviation sector.

２- Mechanical Engineering:

This is considered one of the advanced specialties in Turkey, attracting international students from all over the world.

３- Electrical Engineering:

The enrollment of international students in this specialty at Turkish universities has increased, owing to scientific and research advancements and a distinguished academic staff.

４- Computer Engineering:

This field is one of the successful choices due to its importance in our daily lives, which has drawn many students to study it at Turkish universities.

５- Mechatronics Engineering:

This specialty is responsible for designing machines and flexible production systems by combining mechanical and computer engineering, and Turkish universities place great importance on it.

６- Civil Engineering:

Civil engineering in Turkish universities involves constructing, planning, designing, and maintaining structures to meet people’s needs, and Turkey is considered a leader in this field.

７- Chemical Engineering:

With the proliferation of factories and labs worldwide, chemical engineering has become one of the most in-demand specialties, and Turkish universities are known for fostering this field.

８- Genetic Molecular Engineering:

This field can be employed for scientific research related to genetic modification, vaccine production, drug manufacturing, and treating diseases caused by genetic issues. Turkish universities have managed to provide a fertile environment for this precise specialty.

９- Energy Engineering:

The importance of energy engineering is growing daily due to the increasing need for renewable, inexhaustible energy sources that can meet societal demands. Turkey is a pioneer in this area, with its universities quickly offering high-quality programs in energy engineering.

１０- Software Engineering:

This field focuses on developing and designing everything a computer does to meet user needs. Turkish universities are distinguished by the quality of their practical and professional training in this specialty.

１１- Industrial Engineering:

Industrial engineering is the art of mechanical design and developing various stages of production and manufacturing, with Turkish universities providing dedicated laboratories and workshops for this department.

１２- Automotive Engineering:

One of the most attractive and in-demand engineering specialties, automotive engineering challenges professionals to design modern, advanced tires and cars with utmost precision and luxury for users.

１３- Biomedical Engineering:

This specialty involves a detailed study of the human body to design devices and systems that meet its needs, along with conducting research to assess and improve these devices.

１４- Medical Equipment Engineering:

The close relationship between medicine and engineering has given rise to this specialty, where students learn how to innovate new devices to help doctors perform their tasks more effectively.

１５- Architectural Engineering:

Turkey’s rich past and bright present, along with its universities’ high educational standards in engineering, have made them highly attractive for students eager to learn the fundamentals of architectural art.

Overview of Master’s in Engineering Studies in Turkey

Master’s education in engineering specialties in Turkey is divided into two types:

１- Thesis-based Master’s Degree

This type is suitable for students who wish to pursue a PhD and secure an academic position. The master’s program takes two years to complete—one year for coursework and one year for preparing the thesis.

２- Non-thesis Master’s Degree.

Non-thesis master’s programs are more industry-oriented than academic ones, and graduates of these programs are highly sought after by industry. However, this option is not suitable for students who wish to continue with doctoral studies or pursue an academic career.

In this type, students must graduate by completing projects instead of preparing a thesis, and the program takes two years—one year for coursework and one year for the project.