Studying in Turkey for Iraqis is a given, because Turkey welcomes many Arab and international students every year, especially Iraqis. Thanks to the proximity between Turkey and Iraq, Iraqis have a great desire to continue their studies in Turkey, knowing that Turkey is known for its low tuition fees. Moreover, when comparing Turkey’s educational level with that of European countries, we find that Turkish universities rank very high—especially in the fields of medicine and engineering—and most Turkish universities are recognized in Iraq. Therefore, in this article we will discuss all the details concerning every Iraqi student who wishes to study at one of the Turkish universities.
Read also:
Studying in Turkey for Iraqi Students:
Every Iraqi student has the right to enroll in both public and private Turkish universities provided they meet the required conditions set by the institutions—each university in Turkey having its own distinct characteristics.
· Studying for Iraqis in Turkish Public Universities:
As is known, according to the global rankings of public universities, Turkey is considered among the best. Public universities take a careful approach in selecting students; they choose the most distinguished candidates among those who apply meeting all the required conditions. Many Turkish public universities heavily rely on the YÖS (Foreign Student Exam) or the American SAT—whether under the first or second system.
Alternatively, they compare the applicants and select the best among them—those who have achieved high scores in the baccalaureate, as evidenced by the required documents—bearing in mind that each public university has its own separate admission criteria.
· Studying for Iraqis in Turkish Private Universities:
As for private universities in Turkey, they also rank among the top globally and offer all the specializations sought by any Iraqi or even foreign student.
Turkish private universities differ from public ones in that they do not impose any entrance exam requirements; they accept students based solely on their high school certificate.
Advantages of Studying in Turkey for Iraqis:
The high demand from Iraqi students wishing to continue their studies at a Turkish university is due to the advantages offered by both private and public Turkish universities, which have attracted many international students. Among these advantages are:
- Guaranteed acceptance of Iraqi students in Turkish private universities, with no requirement for a high high school average.
- The opportunity for Iraqi students to choose the specialization they desire, with a high likelihood of enrollment.
- Tuition fees and registration costs in Turkish universities are low compared to those in European and American countries, while maintaining the same academic standard.
- A great diversity of academic specializations and branches in Turkish universities, thanks to the abundance of faculties and academic institutes.
- Given that Iraq is predominantly Islamic, Turkey shares similar environments, customs, and traditions, so students will not face difficulties adapting to the Turkish society.
- Every Iraqi student can easily obtain annual student residency, along with the possibility of many benefits for residency holders.
- Many Turkish private universities teach English as the primary language of instruction in many academic programs.
- All Turkish universities have official recognition from the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Student Residency for Iraqis in Turkey:
Every Iraqi student can obtain Turkish residency for free when studying at a Turkish university. Obtaining Turkish residency is achieved through two methods:
Method One: This is done through the university where you are enrolled. You provide a copy of your passport, personal photographs, and a phone number, and the university will then process your residency easily without any intervention on your part or even an interview. However, if you are only studying the language, you follow the same procedures as those applying for a tourist residency.
Method Two: This involves applying on your own—by studying in Turkey for Iraqis, obtaining your academic certificate and all the other documents, and then processing the residency by yourself.
Admission Requirements for Studying in Turkey for Iraqis:
Turkish universities do not admit any student who does not meet the required conditions. They have provided many facilities even in the admission requirements—especially for Iraqi students. Among these requirements are:
- Passing the university’s admission test, which is the YÖS exam. Turkish public universities use this test to differentiate among Arab and Iraqi applicants, keeping in mind that no one can guarantee acceptance in public universities.
- For private universities, the process is not complicated at all; the Iraqi student must possess a general high school certificate (i.e., the baccalaureate).
- Registration in a private university can be done without any exam such as the YÖS or SAT, which are required by public universities.
- After obtaining preliminary acceptance, you must prepare a copy of the student’s passport, a copy of the high school certificate, a copy of the transcript for the two years preceding high school graduation, and also a personal photograph.
- Payment of the first installment of the tuition fees to the account of the chosen university is required in order to secure final university acceptance.
- To obtain the Turkish visa, the Iraqi student must apply for it, and then travel to Turkey to complete university registration and begin their studies.
Tuition and Living Costs for Iraqis in Turkey:
Tuition costs in Turkey, whether for foreigners or Iraqis, depend on the type of university—public or private—and vary according to the student’s preference for university dormitories, student housing, or even rented apartments.
· Tuition Costs for Iraqis in Turkey:
Tuition fees vary according to the type and location of the university in Turkey. Public universities are generally cheaper than private ones.
- Tuition fees in Turkish public universities for Iraqis range between 250 to 2,500 US dollars per year.
- Tuition fees in Turkish private universities range between 4,000 to 16,000 US dollars per year, with additional expenses such as books and administrative fees paid each semester, ranging between 100 to 150 US dollars per year.
· Living Costs for Iraqis in Turkey:
Housing costs in Turkey vary according to the type of accommodation preferred by each Iraqi student. Foreign students can live in university dormitories provided by Turkish universities, which are considered the most affordable, or in shared rented apartments with other students.
- The cost of housing and living in Turkey ranges between 400 to 600 US dollars per month, including residency, accommodation, transportation, and food. Naturally, this varies according to personal preferences.
The Turkish Scholarship for Iraqis:
The Turkish Scholarship is a scholarship offered by the Turkish government to Iraqi students as well as to students from around the world, making acceptance competitive because the best students will be selected to receive this scholarship.
Turkish scholarships are considered one of the most renowned programs globally because they cover all specializations and academic levels, including undergraduate studies as well as postgraduate studies such as master's and doctoral degrees.
The Language of Instruction in Turkey for Iraqis:
Studying in Turkey is available in either English or Turkish, as most Turkish universities offer courses primarily in English, in addition to some Turkish universities that teach in Arabic.