Advantages of Studying Law in Turkey
The roots of legal studies in Turkey extend back to 1839 AD with the establishment of the Office of Justice in Istanbul, followed ten years later by the founding of the first Faculty of Law in Turkey in 1924 AD, after which law faculties were subsequently opened in all Turkish cities and provinces.
Given the importance of studying law in Turkey, this article will shed light on the most important information you may wish to know, including details about the specialization, admission requirements, the advantages of studying it in Turkey, and other essential information.
An Overview of Studying Law in Turkey
The study of law derives its importance from the legal system that governs the lives of individuals in society. It is deeply concerned with the humanitarian aspect of safeguarding everyone’s rights and punishing anyone who infringes on them, in addition to defending the accused in any case. The professions of lawyers and judges are considered among the most prestigious careers that students, whether Turkish or foreign, aspire to.
Number of Years of Study
The duration for studying law in Turkey, like other university disciplines, is 4 years provided that the student does not fail any course. However, these years may be preceded by a preparatory year designed to teach the language in which the specialization will be conducted, whether Turkish or English.
Language of Instruction
Considering that the law specialization focuses on teaching systems and laws in general within the Turkish state, Turkish is predominantly the language of instruction in the majority of Turkish universities. However, some private universities in Turkey offer this specialization in English alongside Turkish, with Turkish accounting for 70% of the law courses.
Key Specializations and Courses in the Faculty of Law
There are many specializations offered in the Faculty of Law in Turkey, such as:
- Administrative Law
- Public Law
- Financial Law
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Law
- Civil Law
- Private Law
As for the academic subjects, they are as follows:
- Securities
- Judicial Applications
- Specific Crimes
- Public Rights and Liberties
- Crimes Against State Security
- Human Rights
- Administrative Contracts
- Local Administration Law
- Criminology
- Administrative Law
- Environmental Law
- International Organization Law
- International Humanitarian Law
- Public International Law
- International Maritime Law
- International Criminal Law
- Penal Law
- Criminal Procedure Law
- Administrative Judiciary
- Public Service
- Public Finance and Taxation
- Constitutional System
- Political Systems and Constitutional Law
What are the Advantages of Studying Law in Turkey?
The Turkish educational system is committed to adopting an advanced curriculum that keeps pace with new branches of law and improves the teaching methods of traditional legal fields such as civil, administrative, criminal, and commercial law.
With the advent of the technological era, new legal branches have emerged that focus on all aspects of modern technology, such as cybercrimes, electronic signatures, and other issues newly introduced to law.
Furthermore, private Turkish universities are renowned for their high-quality academic programs. They work diligently to enhance students’ skills and adequately prepare them for entering the job market—a necessity for law students. Although many consider law to be a purely theoretical field, most career paths in this area rely on analytical skills, critical thinking for solving legal issues, research abilities, negotiation skills in drafting contracts, and other essential competencies.
It is also worth noting that Turkey is one of the countries that has risen due to its well-organized legislative system governing everything related to citizens, their lives, investment, justice, and all other law-related fields. The Turkish educational system is keen to keep pace with the latest methodologies in legal legislations and curricula across all departments, such as civil, administrative, and commercial.
What are the Best Universities for Studying Law in Turkey?
Law is taught in Turkey using advanced techniques and exceptional skills in most Turkish universities. Among the most prominent institutions for this specialization are:
- Bahçeşehir University
- Başkent University
- Altınbaş University
- Bilgi University
- Maltepe University
- Yeditepe University
- Medipol University
- Aydın University
- Atilim University
- Okan University
- Kültür University
- Özyeğin University
- Beikent University
What are the University Admission Requirements for Studying Law in Turkish Universities?
Admission requirements for the law specialization in Turkish universities vary depending on whether the institution is public or private. Public universities tend to have more stringent requirements compared to private universities, which generally have less demanding criteria, as outlined below:
Public Universities:
Public universities require high scores in the high school diploma—often around 70%—in addition to the necessity for students to pass aptitude tests, whether the Turkish exam (YÖS) or the American aptitude test (SAT), as well as a certificate proving proficiency in Turkish (TÖMER).
Private Universities:
Studying law in Turkish private universities does not require many conditions; an average of no less than 50% in the high school certificate is sufficient, with the only additional requirement being proof of the student’s proficiency in the language in which the specialization will be taught.
Documents Required for Enrollment
If you wish to enroll in a Turkish university to study law, you must submit some required documents, which are as follows:
- A copy of your passport, translated and certified by a notary.
- A copy of your high school diploma, certified and translated into Turkish.
- Personal photographs of the applicant.
- A copy of your high school transcript in case you have not yet obtained your high school certificate.
- A certificate proving proficiency in Turkish (TÖMER).
Costs and Fees for Studying Law in Turkey
Turkish universities are not considered among those that require high costs for studying, despite their high educational quality and advanced curricula and methods. The annual tuition fees in private universities range between 4,000 and 10,000 US dollars, while scholarships tend to be lower.
What are the Job Opportunities Available for Law Graduates in Turkey?
The career paths for law graduates are not limited to practicing law. They can also become public prosecutors and judges. Additionally, they may hold senior positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or work in the legal departments of major companies as specialists in drafting contracts and legal translation.
Furthermore, they can pursue careers in international organizations and courts such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court—fields that many are unaware of, as their knowledge is often limited to working as a lawyer or judge after graduating from law school in Turkey.
An Overview of Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Law in Turkey
Many students aspire to continue their postgraduate studies in Turkey, and law is one of the most sought-after specializations. There are several areas in which students can specialize at the master’s and doctoral levels, namely:
- Public Law
- Administrative Law
- Financial Law
- Constitutional Law
- Private Law
- Civil Law
- Criminal Law
With this, we have concluded our article on studying law in Turkey, having highlighted the key topics that benefit students interested in this specialization—from the duration of study and the language of instruction to the admission requirements, costs, and the most important career opportunities awaiting them after graduation.
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