How much does it cost to study in Turkey in dollars?

Turkey is one of the destinations that many international students think of to complete their university studies, but before choosing a university or major, the most important question remains: How much does it cost to study in Turkey, and is it commensurate with your budget?

Tuition fees vary between public and private universities, and are also influenced by specialization, study language and city. Studying an engineering major at a private university may be much less expensive than studying medicine at another.

Fees for some non-medical specialties in public universities can start from a few hundred dollars annually, while the fees for many private universities are several thousand dollars, and may exceed $40,000 annually in some medical programs.

Costs of studying in public universities in Turkey

Public universities are a suitable option for students who are looking for a relatively low tuition fee. International study evidence indicates that the fees for many non-medical undergraduate programs may fall between $300 and $2,500 annually, but this is a guiding range, not an official limit, and some programs may be more expensive.

Admission requirements vary from one university to another; the university may require a TR-YÖS or SAT test or other international admission criteria. For official information of international students, you can visit International Students Portal of the Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK).

Are public universities always cheaper?

In terms of tuition fees, they are usually less expensive than private universities, but low fees do not necessarily mean ease of admission, especially in the required disciplines such as medicine and engineering.

Costs of study at private universities in Turkey 2026–2027

Private universities, also known as endowment universities, offer multiple programs in Turkish and English, and their fees vary depending on the university, specialization, and scholarships or discounts available. Here are examples officially published by international students:

The fees mentioned are the rates published for the year 2026–2027 prior to possible individual discounts, and the terms of payment and the preparatory year may vary.

What is the cheapest private university in Turkey?

One university cannot be identified as the cheapest for all majors. It may be a low-cost university in business administration, but it is more expensive in engineering or health sciences, so it is best to compare universities based on the required specialization, study language and budget, not the name alone.

Costs of studying medicine in Turkey

Medicine is one of the most expensive specialties in many Turkish universities, and it usually takes six years to study. Examples of annual medical fees for international students in 2026–2027:

Discounts for early payment or partial grants may be available, according to each university's policy.

Engineering study costs in Turkey

The costs of studying engineering vary by specialization, university and the language of teaching. For example, Istanbul University of Medipol announced the year 2026–2027 annual fees of 6,500 dollars for the English computer engineering program, and 10,000 dollars for AI engineering.

As for Ozygin University, it has announced a basic fee of $25,000 annually for many of its programs, with the possibility of obtaining grants that reduce fees according to the request's assessment.

The university should not be chosen based on price alone; it should also be considered the language of instruction, academic plan and training opportunities.

Living costs in Turkey for international students

In addition to university fees, the student needs a budget for housing, food, transportation, communications and personal expenses. For initial planning purposes, a virtual budget can be used between $400 and $900 per month, depending on the city, type of housing and spending style. These are not fixed official prices.

A student in Istanbul usually needs a higher budget than a student who lives in a less expensive university city.

These items vary according to nationality and university requirements.

How to calculate the cost of a full school year in Turkey?

To calculate the budget, use the following equation:

A default example for a student

• Tuition Fee: $6,500
• Living: $500 per month
• Estimated additional expenses: $500

Estimated annual budget = $13,000.

This is an example of planning, not an offer from a university, and actual costs may vary.

Can I be studying in Turkey with a scholarship?

Yes, there are government and university scholarships for international students. Most notably the Turkish Scholarship Program Türkiye Scholarships Governmental, which can include tuition, housing, health insurance, Turkish language study, travel tickets and monthly provision, according to the program conditions.

Some private universities also offer partial scholarships or discounts that may reduce tuition fees, and this does not mean ensuring that each applicant has received a scholarship.

How to choose the right Turkish university for your budget?

Before submitting the application, it is best to specify the specialization, academic degree, study language and the maximum annual budget. Next, compare the actual tuition fees, the admission requirements, the required documents, and the housing costs, and make sure that the university and its program meet your academic and professional requirements.

Application and registration in Turkish universities via Edomsar

If you have determined your specialty and budget and wish to start studying in Turkey, you can submit your application to Edomsar Student Services. To help us review your request and make the right options, please clarify:

• Required degree: Bachelor's, Master's or Ph.D.
• Desired specialty
• Current academic and qualification rate
• Favorite study language
• Annual budget for tuition fees
• Nationality and the date of the target enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Turkey