Study Master in Turkey 2023

Turkey is at the northeast end of the Mediterranean Sea in southeast Europe and southwest Asia. To the north is the Black Sea and to the west is the Aegean Sea. Its neighbors are Greece and Bulgaria to the west, Russia, Ukraine, and Romania to the north and northwest (through the Black Sea), Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Iran to the east, and Syria and Iraq to the south.

Established in 1923, Turkey is literally a bridge between Europe and Asia; the country resides on both continents. Although the majority is located in Western Asia and has borders with Syria, Iraq, Iran and Iraq, a small portion is located in Southeastern Europe and has borders with Bulgaria, Greece, and Georgia. The country also has coastlines on three seas, including the Aegean, the Black and the Mediterranean. Turkey is a multicultural country with a long history reflected in the many historical sites and monuments around the country where visitors can find traces of legends such as Alexander. Turkey was a founding member of the United Nations and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Climate

Although the coastal areas of Turkey generally have a moderate Mediterranean climate, features such as open plains and mountains make for a wide variety of climatic conditions. The average high temperature in Istanbul is about 29 degrees C in August and the average low is about 3 degrees C in January. Average temperatures in the Mediterranean and Southeastern Anatolia regions are as high as 35 degrees C and average low temperature in Ankara are as low as -7 degrees C.

Culture

Turkey has long embraced multiculturalism, and the country strives to integrate secular and western ideas into their society and culture. At its founding, the Latin alphabet replaced the Arabic alphabet, and women were given the right to vote. In modern Turkey, people of many faiths and traditions live in harmony. Dress ranges from western clothing such as jeans to elegant evening wear and traditional clothing that includes colorful scarves and caps.

Cost of Living

Living costs in Turkey are low, and an international student can expect to pay about $400-$500 (US) each month for housing, food and miscellaneous expenses. Books and other fees will run about $150 (US) per semesters. To keep costs down, universities generally provide dormitories or other housing for international students.

Higher Education in Turkey

Higher education at universities includes bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees. In addition to the master’s degree, a Higher Engineering Diploma is also awarded which is the equivalent of a master’s degree. Both degrees require a thesis to be completed and defended.

Universities are divided into two types, with 104 state universities and 62 private universities. Turkish universities are held in high regard, with 5 schools in the top 400 world-wide, according to the 2012 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Why Study in Turkey?

Students pursuing master’s degrees in any academic discipline will find a safe, welcoming and rewarding multicultural environment that is a bridge between western and middle-eastern cultures. Turkish higher education institutions are known for high quality relative to low tuition and many programs are taught in English. Non-English speaking students who attend traditional programs will also find many opportunities to learn the English language as they complete their primary studies.

Universities in Turkey

Programs at state universities are generally taught in Turkish, although some programs are taught in English, German or French. Students not proficient in Turkish who enter Turkish programs can take one year of language training before pursuing their studies. Most international programs are taught at private universities, where the language of instruction is mostly English. Private universities are also known as foundation universities. Currently about 30,000 international students are enrolled in education programs in the country;

However, Turkey has a goal to increase that number to 150,000. Although most academic disciplines are available, popular programs for international students are International Relations, Eastern Mediterranean Studies, Multicultural Affairs Studies, Engineering, Business Management and Hospitality.

Tuition and Program Duration in Turkey

Tuition per semester at state universities where instruction is in Turkish is about $100-$200 (US) for Turkish nationals and students from Azerbaijan, Bashkortostan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dagestan, Karachay-Cherkessia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Mongolia, Moldova, Nakhchivan, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Tartarstan, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine. International student tuition per semester at state universities where instruction is in Turkish is about $300-$600 (US). Tuition is about 1.5 to 2 times higher at state institutions where instruction is in English.

Annual tuition at foundation universities is typically $6,000 (US) to $20,000 (US); however, foundation universities also provide many students with scholarships that cover 30 to 40 percent of their tuition. Most master’s degrees take two years to complete, but this varies by program and institution. To help defray costs, international students may find employment with a university as a researcher; however, international students do not have a right to work in other organizations within the public or private sector.

Academic Year in Turkey

The academic year in Turkey is based on two semesters and runs from October until June.

Post-Graduate Opportunities in Turkey

After graduation, international students may find opportunities for employment as researchers or on the staff at universities, especially universities with programs taught in English. Turkish students and international students with good Turkish language skills will find opportunities available in other industries as well. Non-Turkish citizens will need to obtain a work permit once they have been offered a job.

Visa Requirements in Turkey

International students must have a student visa, and the visa must be obtained before arriving in Turkey or the student will not be allowed to enroll at a university. Students must have been accepted to a Turkish university before applying for the student visa at a Turkish consulate in their home country. The process takes about 8 weeks and the student’s passport will be stamped with the student visa once approved.

Health Insurance in Turkey

All universities offer free health care at their medical facilities. However, this care is generally limited to emergency services and treatment for minor conditions, so international students are encouraged to purchase health insurance to cover other medical expenses that may arise. The policy should cover both European and Asian Turkey. Many private insurance policies are available in Turkey.

Students holding a residency permit for more than 6 months will also be registered at the Turkish Social Security Institution (SGK) and are required to obtain and pay for a local health insurance policy.