What Are the Best Universities in Turkey?

The best universities in Turkey are a matter of curiosity, especially for foreign students who want to get higher education. Universities are institutions that are ranked in the world when criteria such as education, training, research, citation, international recognition, and industry income are taken into consideration. Every individual wants to complete their education life with a university choice that will shape their future. So, a university can be a turning point in the lives of students. The university itself is as important as the chosen department. Universities can be compared among themselves due to the opportunities they offer. Students should consider many criteria when making choices.

Here are some facts about the education system in Turkey:

  • Firstly, there are 209 states and 78 private universities in Turkey as of 2020.
  • Secondly, Turkey is one of the countries in which education is given the most importance.
  • Thirdly, 12 years of education is mandatory in Turkey.
  • Lastly, education in Turkey has the highest special expenditure among OECD countries.

1. Bogazici University

Bogazici University whose first name was Robert College is one of the best global universities in Turkey because of its business and economics departments. Firstly, it is among the oldest educational institutions in Turkey. Student clubs, research laboratories, education centers, Turkish and foreign assistants, and lecturers also give Bogazici University an international identity. Additionally, the 6 main campuses spread university life over a wide area. Thanks to its international networks and student exchange programs, the university welcomes hundreds of foreign students every year. For foreign students who enroll in and after the 2019/2020 academic year and exceed the normal period, the Engineering Faculty fee is 14,256 TL / 1,473 USD. For the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, it is 7,128 TL / 736 USD.

The location is in Istanbul. The establishment year is 1863. The total number of students is 16.233.

2. Istanbul Technical University

Istanbul Technical University is a university with outstanding achievements in engineering such as aerospace, mechanical, and civil engineering departments in addition to artificial intelligence, geology, and earth sciences. So, we can easily say that ITU is among the top ten best engineering universities in Turkey. Also, 13 faculties, 39 departments and 6 institutes, 360 laboratories, and 13 research centers bring the university to the fore in terms of R&D. The annual fee for foreign students studying at engineering faculties is 5,478 TL / 566 USD.

The location is in Istanbul. The establishment year is 1773. The total number of students is 36.113.

3. Middle East Technical University

Middle East Technical University has the second biggest campus in Turkey with an area of 76 km². Firstly, METU is also known for its education and strong academic staff. Secondly, it is one of the best technical universities in Turkey and is located in the capital of the country. Additionally, the medium of instruction is English, and there are 41 undergraduate programs, 5 faculties, 105 master and 70 doctoral programs. 1.472 foreign students take advantage of the great education system of METU as of 2021! Annual fees for undergraduate programs are about 4,000 TL / 413 USD.

The location is in Ankara. The establishment year is 1956. The total number of students is 27.451.

4. Bilkent University

Bilkent University, which also has the distinction of being the first foundation university in Turkey, has more than 55,000 graduates. Firstly, the institution managed to find a place in the top 100 universities in the world in 2014. Secondly, the university is on the list of the best universities in Turkey for international students. Because of the exchange agreements with 240 foreign universities! Currently, approximately 350 foreign students are studying at Bilkent University. It has been decided that the tuition fee will be 13,950 USD for international students who enrolled in 2015 and before, and 14,500 USD for international students who entered in 2016 and later.

The location is in Ankara. The establishment year is 1984. The total number of students is 12.000.

5. Izmir Yuksek Teknoloji Enstitusu

Izmir Institute of Technology has Turkey’s 3rd biggest campus with 35 km². The institute is the only example of a high-technology institute in Turkey. Furthermore, the academic structure of the Izmir Institute of Technology consists of 3 faculties and one institute. Also, the number of foreign students at the institute is currently 185.

The location is in Izmir. The establishment year is 1992. The total number of students is 6.700.

6. Hacettepe University

Hacettepe University is one of the best medical universities in Turkey. Thus, it was at the top of the list of best universities between 2010 – 2014 and 2018 – 2020. Moreover, Hacettepe University is famous for its strong academic staff and quality of education. Besides, the university has 15 faculties, 15 institutes, 2 colleges, 1 conservatory, 4 vocational colleges, and 98 research and application centers. Thanks to the multicultural environment and educational opportunities of the university, it has students from 83 different countries. The annual foreign student fee for the Faculty of Medicine is 2,955 TL / 305 USD and for the Faculty of Dentistry is 2,470 TL / 255 USD.

The location is in Ankara. The establishment year is 1967. The total number of students is 50.000.

7. Koc University

Koc University is a foundation university. It is among the best international universities in Turkey thanks to the opportunities and education it provides. There are 4 institutes and 7 faculties within the university, especially the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. If you are a successful student, you can also benefit from a university education along with a 100% scholarship. The number of foreign students is currently 334, including associate degree, undergraduate, and doctorate degrees. Education at Koc University is subject to a fee. For all students, the tuition fee is 136,500 TL / 14,108 USD including VAT for programs other than the Faculty of Medicine. Secondly, for the Faculty of Medicine, it is 187,700 TL / 19,400 USD including VAT.

The location is in Istanbul. The establishment year is 1993. The total number of students is 8.820.

8. Istanbul University

Istanbul University which has been providing education since the conquest of Istanbul is the oldest state university in Turkey. The university is also reputable for its education and staff in veterinary engineering. So, it is among the top 10 best universities in Istanbul Turkey. Additionally, there are 15 faculties, 1 conservatory, 2 vocational schools, and 1 informatics department. It has a total of 6533 foreign students from 146 different countries. Annual fees for international students vary between 700 – 40,000 TL / 72 – 4,134 USD.

The location is in Istanbul. The establishment year is 1453. The total number of students is  85.000.

9. Ankara University

Ankara University was established with the entry into force of the Higher Education Law. It is the first university in the Republic of Turkey and also one of the best universities in Ankara Turkey. Additionally, the university has 18 faculties, 11 vocational schools, 1 conservatory, and 13 institutes. Currently, 4594 foreign students are studying at Ankara University. Also, annual fees for international students vary between 6,000 – 36,000 TL / 620 – 3,720 USD.

The location is in Ankara. The establishment year is 1946. The total number of students is  67.034.

10. Marmara University

Marmara University is a state university located in Turkey. It is one of the best 10 universities in Turkey. Also, there are 16 faculties, 11 institutes, 3 colleges, and 4 vocational colleges. In its academic units, education is provided in different languages. For instance, Turkish, English, French, German and Arabic. The number of students studying here with Erasmus, Farabi, and Mevlana student programs is 1488 as of 2021. Annual fees for international students vary between 1,500 – 28,000 TL / 155 – 2,894 USD.

The location is in Istanbul. The establishment year is 1883. The total number of students is 74.765.

11. Yildiz Technical University

Yildiz Technical University which is a state university awaits Turkish and foreign students. Also, Yildiz Technical University is one of the best global engineering universities in Turkey. Because of having Besiktas-Yildiz Campus and Davutpasa Campus, offers a great education and living space for students. Student exchange programs within the university; Erasmus, Free Mover, Mevlana, and Farabi. Yildiz Technical University, which has nearly 2000 foreign students, provides educational opportunities to students from 91 different countries. Annual fees for international students vary between 2,500 – 4,200 TL / 258 – 434 USD.

The location is in Istanbul. The establishment year is 1911. The total number of students is  67.034.

12. Gazi University

Gazi University is located in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. There are 19 faculties, 1 conservatory, 7 institutes, 4 colleges, 12 vocational schools, and a total of 46 academic units. In addition to exchange programs such as Erasmus, Gazi University has international diploma agreements with US universities.

The location is in Ankara. The establishment year is 1926. The total number of students is 68.550.

13. Dokuz Eylul University

Dokuz Eylul University which is a state university is one of the best philosophy universities in Turkey. Firstly, there are 10 institutes, 18 faculties, 3 colleges, and 1 conservatory. Secondly, 6 vocational colleges, 1 practice, and research hospital, and 60 practice and research centers are outstanding in terms of education. Moreover, Izmir Dokuz Eylul University (DEU) has a quota of 10,115 foreign students for the 2021 academic year. Lastly, annual fees for international students vary between 2,800 – 15,500 TL / 289 – 1,602 USD.

The location is in Izmir. The establishment year is 1982. The total number of students is 70.282.

14. Erciyes University

Erciyes University is located in the Central Anatolian region of Turkey. The faculties within the university are pharmacy, literature, education and science, fine arts, aviation and space sciences, law, and economics. Also, as administrative sciences, theology, communication, architecture, engineering, and health sciences in addition to agriculture, sports sciences, medicine, tourism, and veterinary. 3,169 foreign students study at Erciyes University currently. Annual fees for international students range from 2,000 to 17,000 TL / 206 to 1,757 USD.

The location is in Kayseri. The establishment year is 1978. The total number of students is 52.534.

15. Firat University

Firat University is one of the most important institutions in Turkey. It also provides education for 2128 foreign students. Additionally, there are 4 institutes, 16 faculties, 32 departments, and 2105 academic staff. Besides, FU has students from 43 different countries. Annual fees for international students range from 100 to 3,100 USD.

The location is in Elazig. The establishment is in 1975. The total number of students is 45.349.

16. Uludag University

Uludag University is among the best governmental university in Turkey. Faculties within the university: medicine, economics, administrative sciences, engineering, veterinary, agriculture, and education. There are also faculties of theology, science, literature, law, fine arts, Inegol faculty of business, architecture, health sciences, and dentistry. Lastly, Uludag University provides education to 5,000 foreign students from 124 countries. Annual fees for international students vary between 3,000 – 30,000 TL / 310 – 3,100 USD.

The location is in Bursa. The establishment year is 1975. The total number of students is 70.006.

17. Osmangazi University

Osmangazi University is also a famous state university in Turkey. The establishment of Eskisehir Osmangazi University dates back to 1970, the foundation date of the Faculty of Medicine, Engineering-Architecture and Science and Letters. Because of Erasmus, Farabi, and Mevlana student exchange programs, there are foreign student quotas in almost every department. Lastly, it is among the list of top best universities in Turkey. Annual fees for international students vary between 5,000 – 50,000 TL / 516 – 5,167 USD.

The location is in Eskisehir. The establishment year is 1970. The total number of students is 30.000.

18. Bahcesehir University

Bahcesehir University is among the top 20 foundation universities in Turkey. There are 9 faculties, 1 school of applied sciences, 1 conservatory, 1 school of foreign languages, and 1 vocational school within the university. Also, it provides education for thousands of university students. According to the YOK Foundation Higher Education Institutions 2021 report, BAU ranked first in the “Foundation Higher Education Institutions by Number of Foreign Students” with 5,589 foreign students! BAU is also one of the best private universities in Turkey.

The location is in Istanbul. The establishment year is 1998. The total number of students is 27.222.

19. Istanbul University – Cerrahpasa

Istanbul University – Cerrahpasa was established by the law numbered 7141 by separating from Istanbul University. Firstly, there are 9 faculties, 6 institutes, 1 college, 5 vocational colleges, and 13 research centers. Secondly, the rectorate of the University, which has 8 campuses in total, is located in the Avcilar Campus. The university has opened a quota for 450 foreign students this year. Annual fees for international students vary between 7,000 – 25,000 TL / 723 – 2,583 USD.

The location is in Istanbul. The establishment year is 2018. The total number of students is 39.337.

20. Ataturk University

Ataturk University is located in eastern Turkey. Because of its open education faculty, it is among the universities with the highest number of students in Turkey. So, it is one of the best universities in Turkey. Also, student exchange programs such as Mevlana, Erasmus, and Farabi are one of the greatest advantages waiting for the students of Ataturk University. Besides, annual fees for international students vary between 350 – 11,500 TL / 36 – 1,188 USD.

The location is in Erzurum. The establishment year is 1957. The total number of students is 435.653.

Why is it Advantageous to Live in Cities with Universities?

Culture, capital, technology, ideas, and people all converge in cities with universities. Cities with universities serve as crossroads for everything. Going to a university in such a city will encourage students to engage with their studies and get the most out of them, not just in terms of grades, but also in terms of personal development.

The cost of living in cities with universities is usually low. Landlords frequently rent apartments to students who do not have a lot of money. Musicians, theater groups, and speakers frequently visit cities with universities for cultural events and tours. The community is often provided with a plethora of low-cost and free entertainment options by the universities themselves.

Universities usually have robust research initiatives that recruit residents from the surrounding community for paid positions. You’ll have access to the best medical services within your budget if you live near a university with a good medical school.

Why is it Advantageous to Live in Cities with Universities?

Living in a university city offers many advantages in daily life, for example, the majority of the population is young, so the city focuses more on activities and attractions. In addition, the works are constantly developed, and an innovative perspective prevails in the city. Finally, cities close to universities are more affordable places to live than big cities, so rents are more affordable.

Is Turkey best for International Students?

Studying in Turkey is very advantageous for foreign students. Because Turkey is an attractive place for students around the world with its beautiful nature, spiritual mosques and historical architecture, wonderful transportation system, and unique features of its cities. In addition, with the education it offers and diplomas with international validity, students can find great job opportunities.

Is it Safe to Study in Turkey?

Since Turkey is a region where natural disasters such as earthquakes, droughts, floods, landslides, and tsunamis are not frequently experienced, it is suitable for foreign students for education. In addition, the crime rate is relatively low compared to other countries. This means that it will be very safe and comfortable for students to study in Turkey.

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