18 Legitimate Reasons Why You Should Study In Turkey

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Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Here are 18 legitimate reasons why you should study in Turkey. Choose Türkiye for your studies, and choose life-changing experiences as written by Pearl Holland from Jharaphula

Turkey Travel Blog_Legitimate Reasons To Study In TurkeyIf you are thinking of studying abroad in Turkey, don’t think: do it! Türkiye is a safe, affordable study-abroad destination. With the country’s modern history, ancient architectural wonders, cultural diversity, and natural treasures, Turkey will put a smile on your face wherever you go. Here are 18 good reasons why you should study in Türkiye.

Reasons Why You Should Study In Turkey

Ever heard of the phrase: “Climb your own ladder”? It says you should rise through your career, not by taking the easy road but by working your way up from the bottom. Taking a degree in Türkiye gives you that opportunity. Good education is not for sale, and it is for those who are willing to put in effort and determination. So, if you are one of those who want to build their ladder to success, have a look at the positive impacts of traveling on students with these 18 fantastic reasons to study in Turkey.

World-Class Education System

Türkiye has a well-established and comprehensive higher education system. Across more than 180 universities, have 600,000+ international students in Turkey (as of the last academic year). Turkish universities offer more than 20,000 English-taught degree programs.

Many universities in Türkiye are ranked among the best in the world, and many scholarships are available for international students wishing to study in Turkey.

Multicultural Environment

Food in Cappadocia, Turkey

Türkiye is a multicultural and multi-ethnic country, which makes it an ideal destination for international students seeking an enriching experience abroad. Turkish people are friendly and welcoming towards foreigners, meaning you will feel at home quickly in this beautiful country. The fact that many students from all over the world choose to study at Turkish universities also means that you can easily meet new friends from all corners of the globe during your time abroad.

High Quality Of Life

The cost of living in Turkey is relatively low compared to other European countries, so you can make your money go further while enjoying a high quality of life while studying abroad. If you want to take advantage of all that Türkiye offers but don’t want to break the bank, studying in Turkey is a great choice!

Research And Innovation

Turkey Cappadocia, Rock Formations in Pasabag Monks Valley - Things to do in Cappadocia
Monks Valley, Cappadocia

Türkiye is at the forefront of research and innovation. The country was ranked 7th in scientific output among OECD countries, with a record number of scientists, engineers, and technicians per capita. In addition to ranking first in Europe for producing the most science, technology, and engineering graduates per year, Turkey has the highest number of newly-registered patent applications in the European Union. This means there are many opportunities for innovative research projects, which can be worked on during an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.

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Study At A Top-Ranked Türkiye University – University In Turkey 

Many top-ranked Turkish universities offer high-quality education in an international environment with affordable tuition fees and living costs. These include Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Bogazici University, Sabanci University, Middle East Technical University (METU), Bilkent University, and Yildiz Technical University (YTU).

English As A Medium Of Instruction

Most beautiful mosques in Turkey - Selimye Mosque - Edirne

English language proficiency is fundamental to studying abroad, as only 32% of students who cannot speak English are satisfied with their academic experience compared to 83% of students who are proficient in English (2). Many courses study in Turkey in English at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This means it is an excellent destination for international students who may not be proficient in Turkish or want to learn it.

Students can find courses in Türkiye taught in English across all disciplines, including engineering, sciences, humanities, art and design, and business. International universities offer many exchange programs that allow students to study at a Turkish university for 1-2 semesters.

Transportation Is Convenient And Cheap

Whether you are a student or not, Turkey has a very convenient transportation system. It is easy to get around the cities by public transportation. Buses, subways, taxis,s, and trains are available in all major cities of Türkiye. Its biggest city Istanbul has an underground train system similar to London and Paris. Ankara, the capital of Turkey, also offers a subway system currently under development and will be completed soon. Besides, there are plenty of buses in both cities to take you anywhere you want.

Ielts Or Toefl Exams Are Not Required For The Admission Process

Paragliding

Unlike the US or UK, most of the universities in Türkiye do not require language exam results like IELTS or TOEFL from their international students before accepting their applications. However, it is recommended that you should have at least intermediate English knowledge.

Scholarship Opportunities Are Available For International Students

The Turkish Government offers scholarships to international students from all over the world who wish to study in Turkey at various levels of education, ranging from short-term certificate programs to Ph.D.s. The Turkish Government provides scholarships for developing countries to study undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees and one-year Turkish language courses.

Living Expenses Are Relatively Low

Istiklal streetm Taksim Istanbul Guide

Living in Türkiye is very cheap compared to other European countries and the United States. The cost of living is one of the most important factors when choosing a study abroad destination, and Turkey can be a perfect option if you want to save money.

Tuition fees are less than half of those in the US, Canada, and the UK. Accommodation costs are around $300-$500 per month, while food is relatively cheap. In addition, students get discounts on almost everything from public transport to cinema tickets. All these living costs are considerably more affordable when compared with other Western countries.

You Can Learn A New Language

Even though Turkey is a country with high linguistic diversity, it is necessary to learn the official language if you want to make friends or find work here (if your visa allows you to work). Turkish can be challenging to learn but totally doable if you put in the time and effort. However, learning Turkish is a lot easier than learning most other major languages, such as English or French, because it uses the Latin alphabet rather than the Cyrillic alphabet, and there are no irregular verbs like in French or Spanish.

You Will Enjoy The Weather

Solo Travel In Turkey

The weather in Türkiye is only scorching during the summer months, and there are four seasons during the year, so you won’t feel bored with the weather! There is always something new to see, whether it’s snowing or sunny outside.

You Can Taste The World At Your Doorstep

Turkey is a bridge between the east and the west. The culture and traditions of Türkiye reflect this. The country has a rich heritage to be proud of, but it also has its foot in the door of the future. Istanbul is one city that reflects this perfectly! This is why studying in Turkey; you get the best of both worlds.

You Can See History Everywhere

The Ottoman Empire was established in 1299 and lasted more than 600 years. You can see its heritage everywhere, especially when you visit historical places such as Istanbul, Izmir, or Bursa, which were the capital cities many times during this period.

Turkish People Are Welcoming And Friendly

Winter in Istanbul - Hagia Sophia in winter morning

Turkish people are very friendly and kind. You will never feel alone or homesick because they treat you like family members from day one. If you don’t know someone, it’s easy for you to make new friends as many clubs, organizations, and events occur at universities – where international students often gather together for social or sports events.

There Are So Many Places To See And Visit

Türkiye is a beautiful country that attracts many tourists, not just because of its weather or the food. It’s also because it has some of the most beautiful places you’d probably ever see. Most of these places are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Pamukkale, known for its white terraces formed by hot springs, Cappadocia, known for its rock-hewn houses and underground cities; and Ephesus, which is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.


Study In Turkey For Free

What? Is there free study in Türkiye? Yes. International students who wish to study at public universities in Turkey do not have to pay tuition fees! However, some costs must be paid every semester, including registration and health insurance fees. The tuition fees for private universities are higher, but they still remain affordable compared to other countries such as the UK and the US.

The Country Is Safe To Live In

Fethiye King Tombs, Fethiye center of the 4th century BC, carved into the rock tomb. The Lycian Amintas King Tombs were built in Ionian style and carved from a single piece of rock.

The crime rate in Turkey is relatively low compared to other countries. This means that it is pretty safe for students to study in Turkey.

Conclusion

If you’ve ever thought of studying in Turkey, it would be best to study during the summertime when most universities are open. That way, you have more options to choose from and can get to know the city a little better. Also, don’t forget that these universities only allow female students. If you’re planning on living in Türkiye for a few years and not attending school, it might be better if you learn Turkish first.

Comments (10)

  1. Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful info. You always have good humor in your posts. So much fun and easy to read!

  2. Great blog! Turkey is on one of my best countries lists. It is a clean, peaceful country and many intellectuals come from there. You not only can get higher education but also enjoy living there.

  3. All what is said on Turkish universities is absolutely true. My cousin is currently studying there. Their numerous universities give employable high quality education as found in top universities worldwide. Most importantly life is generally relatively cheap. I am even more appreciative with the security set up existing there. You’re absolutely safe when you’re there.

  4. Thanks for this info! I’ll take a deeper look. Thanks for sharing, friends.
    -Lucas

  5. Very informative and motivating article on University education in Turkey. I really enjoyed reading it. Thanks!

  6. This blog post highlighting the reasons why studying in Turkey is a great choice is spot on! The article concisely captures the essence of Turkey’s appeal as a study abroad destination, from its rich cultural heritage to its renowned educational institutions. The information provided is helpful and persuasive for students considering Turkey for their academic pursuits.

    Thank you for sharing this insightful article, and I hope many students will benefit from the valuable information it provides!

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