Can’t choose between European charm and Asian appeal? You don’t have to! Turkey literally is the best of both worlds thanks to a social and cultural mix that will spice up the life of any international student.
It’s not surprising that foreign students decide to study in Turkey. Many universities are listed by world academic rankings, and the overall tuition and living costs are very affordable. But how affordable?
Let’s find out!
1. University tuition fees in Turkey
Tuition fees at public universities
In Turkey, public universities are very affordable, especially compared to similar institutions in Europe or the United States. International students usually pay between 100 and 4,000 EUR per academic year. Disciplines like Medicine or Engineering can be more expensive.
Tuition fees at private universities
No surprises here: private Turkish universities are more expensive than public ones. You can still find academic courses with reasonable tuition, but there are also degrees that cost over 20,000 EUR per year.
Both public and private universities in Turkey can decide if they offer lower tuition fees to international students from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA). This is why checking the official university website is the best way to discover how much you need to pay.
Most affordable universities in Turkey
- Middle East Technical University (METU) – Bachelors start at 236 EUR/year
- Abdullah Gül University (AGU) – Bachelors start at 439 EUR/year
- Bogazici University – Bachelors start at 1,018 EUR/year
- Koç University – Masters start at 0 EUR/year
- Istanbul Okan University – Masters start at 1,140 EUR/year
These are only a few examples. You can find other affordable universities and study programmes in Turkey, so don’t limit yourself to our list.
Universities we recommend in Turkey
Check out the best universities in Turkey according to global rankings.
2. Student living costs in Turkey
As an international student, you can live in Turkey with a budget of 400–650 EUR per month. This is much more affordable when compared to other study destinations in the world. Your average living costs will go up or down depending on your lifestyle and spending habits.
In Turkey, the national currency is the Turkish lira; 1 EUR equals around 9 Turkish lire right now.
3. Student accommodation costs
While studying in Turkey, you can choose from different types of accommodation. Some are more budget-friendly, others provide additional comfort and convenience. In the end, it’s up to you to decide which one fits your needs.
The following are the most popular accommodation options for students in Turkey:
- university dormitories: costs vary depending on the university and facilities
- state dormitories: 24–38 EUR per month
- private dormitories: come with much better facilities but also higher costs
- renting a flat: 68–283 EUR/month depending on the location and size of the apartment
If you decide that renting a flat is the best option, don’t forget the additional utilities, which will add 50–75 EUR to your monthly living expenses.
4. Food costs in Turkey
Students can take advantage of the university cafeteria, which serves 2 or 3 very affordable meals every day. These meals cost around 0.30–1.15 EUR. Of course, there are other restaurants, canteens, or cafés around the university if you want to try other dishes.
The monthly budget for food and groceries largely depends on your lifestyle. You’ll end up spending a lot more if you enjoy eating out or ordering food multiple times per week. The opposite is true if you enjoy cooking and keeping an eye on discounts at supermarkets.
These are some of the average prices for food products in Turkey:
- 1 loaf of bread: 0.30 EUR
- 1 litre of milk: 0.58 EUR
- 12 eggs: 1.23 EUR
- 1 kg of white cheese: 4.48 EUR
- 1 kg of apples: 0.65 EUR
- 1 meal at affordable restaurants: 2.50 EUR
- 1 kebab menu: 2.85–3.40 EUR
Check out other living costs in Turkey.
5. Transportation costs
A monthly transport pass (for bus, metro) is around 27 EUR. This will come in handy for students who need to commute daily or simply enjoy exploring surrounding areas and getting to know the city well. Otherwise, for single trips, you can expect to pay:
- taxi: 2.85 EUR for a 5 km trip
- bus/metro: 0.20–0.40 EUR per ticket
6. Extra costs in Turkey
- books and other study materials: 80 EUR
- monthly phone bill: 6.50–11.50 EUR
- entertainment (cinema, concerts, theatre): 10–15 EUR per month
- private medical insurance: starting at 34–57 EUR per year (depending on your personal situation). Learn more about international student insurance for students studying in Turkey.
7. University scholarships and grants
In Turkey, international students can apply for a wide range of scholarships and grants. These forms of financial support are offered by various institutions, such as:
- the government
- universities and educational institutions
- international organisations
The application criteria are different from one scholarship to another, and the same is true for the amount you receive. You can start by looking into the Türkiye Scholarships, but don’t settle because there are many other scholarships available in Turkey.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to apply for our Studyportals Scholarship.