Study in Turkey for International Students: Universities, Courses & Fees 2026

What if you could study in Turkey and get a globally recognised degree at a much lower cost than in the UK or the USA? Many students are now discovering that Turkey offers the right balance of strong academics, affordable tuition, and a welcoming environment for international learners.

According to the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) 2025 report, more than 337,000 international students are enrolled in Turkish universities, including around 15,000 students from India. This growing presence shows how Turkey has evolved into a preferred destination for Indian students seeking quality education at reasonable costs.

Top universities in Turkey, such as Middle East Technical University, Koç University, Istanbul Technical University, and Bilkent University, are ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2025. These universities offer a wide range of English-taught courses in Turkey, making it easier for international students to integrate both academically and culturally.

For Indian students, the cost of studying in Turkey is far lower than in countries like the UK or the USA, yet the degrees carry international value. This guide explains everything you need to know about how to study in Turkey from India in 2025–26, including top universities, eligibility, scholarships, and living costs.

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Turkey is home to more than 200 universities, including 129 public and 75 private institutions, offering diverse programs in engineering, medicine, business, and the arts. With 6 universities ranked among the top 500 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, the country has earned strong global recognition for its academic standards.

For Indian students, the tuition fees in Turkey are considerably lower than in Western destinations like the UK, USA, or Canada. Public universities such as Middle East Technical University and Boğaziçi University offer globally ranked degrees at costs starting around ₺12,000 (₹25,260) per year, while private universities like Koç and Sabancı charge higher fees but provide international-standard facilities, English-taught programs, and strong research opportunities.

Turkey’s universities offer a wide variety of English-taught programs across science, technology, business, and humanities. Many courses are internationally accredited and attract students from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Engineering, Business, and IT remain the most employable courses for international students, offering high job demand and global career mobility.

Turkey offers one of the most affordable education systems among OECD countries, while maintaining high academic quality. The cost of studying in Turkey for international students varies by university type, course, and city. Public universities are heavily subsidised, whereas private ones have higher tuition but more global partnerships and English-taught programs.

Tuition fees in Turkey are comparatively lower than in most European countries, making it an affordable option for Indian students. We will list the approximate yearly tuition costs at leading Turkish universities:

Disclaimer: Diploma and PGDM programs are ideal for students seeking short-term, skill-based training in areas such as business management, IT, and hospitality. Fees may vary depending on the course and institution, with medical and engineering programs generally costing more than those in arts or humanities.

The cost of living in Turkey is affordable compared to most European study destinations. A single student typically spends between ₺20,000 and ₺35,000 (₹42,100 - ₹73,675) per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. Istanbul and Ankara have higher rent and transport costs than smaller university cities like Eskişehir or Konya.

• Public university tuition is 70-80% cheaper than private universities, especially for STEM programs.
• Students receive transport, dining, and cultural discounts through their student card (Öğrenci Kartı).
• The average annual cost of study and living combined is about ₺250,000 (₹5,26,251).
• Major cities like Istanbul offer part-time work opportunities for English-speaking students.
• On-campus housing and dining options reduce monthly spending significantly.

Turkey offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, helping reduce the financial burden of tuition and living costs. Most scholarships are merit-based and include tuition waivers, accommodation, and even monthly stipends.

Türkiye Scholarships are among the most comprehensive government-funded programs globally, offering benefits similar to those in developed countries. Indian students with strong academic backgrounds should prioritise early applications, as seats are competitive and awarded on merit.

Indian students must obtain a Turkish Student Visa (Education Visa) before entering Turkey. This visa allows them to study full-time and later apply for a residence permit after arrival.

• Education Visa – for bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs.
• Language Course Visa – for short-term Turkish language studies.
• Exchange Visa – for programs under Erasmus or similar schemes.

According to the Turkish Embassy in New Delhi and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the following are required:

• Valid passport (at least 6 months' validity)
• Letter of acceptance from a recognised Turkish university
• Completed visa application form and two passport-size photos
• Proof of financial means (bank statement or sponsor affidavit)
• Receipt of tuition fee payment
• Health and travel insurance
• Police clearance certificate
• Academic records and transcripts

• Secure admission to a Turkish university and obtain your offer letter.
• Schedule a visa appointment at the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate.
• Submit all required documents and pay the visa fee (around ₹5,000–₹6,000).
• Attend an interview if requested.
• Wait for visa approval (4-6 weeks) and collect your passport.
• On arrival in Turkey, apply for a residence permit card (ikamet) within 30 days through the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM).

• Apply for the visa 8-10 weeks before your course begins.
• Keep both digital and physical copies of all submitted documents.
• Maintain a valid passport and residence card throughout your stay.
• Ensure your health insurance covers the entire study duration.

Turkish universities have two main intakes for international students, including those from India. The Fall intake is the major one, while the Spring intake has limited options.

• Applications: January to June 2026
• Classes Begin: September 2026
• Programs: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD

Note: Most scholarships and seats are available in this intake.

• Applications: September to November 2026
• Classes Begin: February 2026
• Programs: Mainly postgraduate and language courses

Tip for Indian Students:

Choose the Fall 2026 intake as it offers more courses, scholarships, and time for visa processing.

Applying to Turkish universities is a straightforward process, provided you meet the academic and language requirements. Most universities accept direct online applications, while some also allow submissions through the Study in Türkiye portal.

Select programs based on your academic goals, tuition fees, and course relevance. Always review the university’s admission deadlines, as these vary between institutions.

• Undergraduate: Minimum 70–75% in Class 12
• Postgraduate: Minimum 60% in a bachelor’s degree
• Language Proficiency: IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80+.
• For Turkish-taught programs, a TOMER (Turkish Proficiency Exam) certificate is often required.

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Passport copy
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)  (for master’s programs)
• Proof of English or Turkish language proficiency
• Financial proof showing you can cover living expenses

Apply through the university’s international portal or the Study in Türkiye website. Upload verified and translated copies of all required documents.

Once you receive your admission letter, pay any initial deposit required and apply for a Turkish Student Visa. After arriving in Turkey, you must register for a residence permit within 30 days at the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM).

Turkey’s job market is growing steadily, supported by its technology, construction, healthcare, and finance sectors. Graduates from leading universities such as Koç University, Middle East Technical University (METU), and Istanbul Technical University (ITU) are well-positioned for both local and international employment.

Graduates in Turkey work across diverse sectors. Here are the popular fields, common job roles, and the average annual salary range you can expect in Turkey.

Many leading Turkish and international companies hire university graduates every year. Below are some top recruiters that regularly employ skilled professionals.

Turkey has become one of the fastest-growing education destinations for international students. According to the OECD Education at a Glance 2025 report, Turkish universities have increased their international faculty by over 30% in the past five years, strengthening global exposure and research quality. For Indian students planning to study in Turkey, this means access to globally taught courses, cross-cultural learning, and expanding academic networks.

Here are the top five reasons why studying in Turkey in 2025 is worth considering:

Turkey is home to highly ranked institutions such as Koç University, Bilkent University, Sabancı University, Istanbul Technical University, and Middle East Technical University (METU). All of these universities are featured in the QS World University Rankings 2025, highlighting Turkey’s growing global academic reputation.

The cost of studying in Turkey for international students is much lower than in Western countries. Public university tuition averages TRY 15,000–60,000 (INR 31,500–126,000) per year, while monthly living costs are around TRY 4,000–7,000 (INR 8,400–14,700) in major cities.

Over 70 universities in Turkey now offer degree programs fully in English. Popular courses in Turkey include engineering, business, medicine, and international relations, attracting students from across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The Türkiye Scholarships Program continues to be one of the largest government-funded schemes in the region, offering tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend. In 2025, it plans to support more than 5,000 new international students, including those from India.

Turkey’s location between Europe and Asia gives students access to diverse cultures and job opportunities. Cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir combine modern infrastructure with affordable student housing and a safe, welcoming environment.

Turkey is becoming one of the most promising study destinations for Indian students in 2026. With globally ranked universities, industry-relevant programs, and affordable tuition, it offers an ideal mix of quality education and value for money. Students can pursue degrees in engineering, business, or medicine while enjoying a welcoming culture and a safe environment.

If you plan to study in Turkey, begin early. Research intake timelines, prepare your academic documents, and explore scholarship options before applications open. Planning increases your chances of admission and scholarship success.

To make your study abroad journey seamless, connect with LeapScholar. Their expert counsellors can guide you through university selection, eligibility checks, and application submission for the 2026 intake.