Turkey is one of the most preferred countries by students, both for its linguistic and cultural similarities as well as the quality of education. So, which universities in Turkey have the highest scores, which ones offer affordable tuition fees, and which students should choose which university?
In this blog, we have sought answers to questions that interest students, based on research conducted on Turkish universities.
Turkey hosts many prestigious universities that stand out for their academic achievements, innovative research and international collaborations. These universities hold significant positions in global rankings and offer educational opportunities in various fields. Based on our review of the QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education rankings, and university examination over the last five years, here is the list of the top 10 universities in Turkey:
| Universities | Information about them |
| Boğaziçi University | Located in Istanbul, Boğaziçi University is especially known for its high-level education in engineering, humanities, and social sciences. Recognized internationally, Boğaziçi has been at the top of the rankings for years, offering its students a dynamic campus life and extensive research opportunities. |
| Middle East Technical University (METU) | Situated in Ankara, METU provides quality educational programs in various fields from engineering to social sciences. A leader in research and innovation, METU plays an active role in international projects and collaborations. |
| Istanbul Technical University (ITU) | As Turkey’s first technical university, ITU has a global reputation in engineering and architecture. Since its inception, ITU has taken a pioneering role in technology and innovation, offering its students education that integrates practical and theoretical knowledge. |
| Koç University | Located in Istanbul, Koç University is particularly recognized for its programs in law, medicine, and business. The university applies a research-oriented approach to teaching, providing students with an educational and research environment of international standards. |
| Bilkent University | Located in Ankara, Bilkent is one of Turkey’s first private universities and is particularly strong in business, engineering, and social sciences. Bilkent, which adopts a student-centered approach, stands out with its innovative educational philosophy. |
| Sabancı University | Located near Istanbul, Sabancı University distinguishes itself with its interdisciplinary educational programs. Offering a flexible educational model to its students, Sabancı excels particularly in research and entrepreneurship. |
| Hacettepe University | Based in Ankara, Hacettepe is one of the leading institutions in Turkey, especially in the field of health sciences. Offering extensive research opportunities in natural sciences, pharmacy, and health sciences, Hacettepe also has strong programs in physical sciences and social sciences. |
| Ege University | Located in Izmir, Ege University is particularly prominent in agriculture, marine sciences, and medicine. Offering a wide range of educational and research opportunities across various disciplines, Ege is also known for its international collaborations. |
| Istanbul University | One of Turkey’s oldest higher education institutions, Istanbul University offers quality education in various fields. It has a strong academic staff, especially in law, medicine, and science. |
| Anadolu University | Located in Eskişehir, Anadolu University is predominantly known for its distance education programs, which have a significant domestic and international reputation. |
| Universities | Information about them |
| Hacettepe University | It is recognized for offering strong academic programs in a wide range of fields, including natural sciences, social sciences, and engineering. Its medical faculty, in particular, has a national and international reputation. |
| Middle East Technical University (METU) | This university is internationally recognized in the fields of engineering, humanities, and social sciences. It stands out with its high-quality academic staff and research opportunities. |
| Ankara University | A well-established university that offers academic programs in various fields. It has a professional staff, especially in the areas of social sciences and natural sciences. |
| Gebze Technical University | It has a strong academic infrastructure in fields such as engineering, computer sciences, and industrial engineering. It is distinguished by projects implemented in collaboration with well-known industrial companies. |
| Ege University | It possesses a robust academic structure in diverse fields such as agriculture, maritime studies, medicine, and social sciences. It is known for its innovative research projects and international collaborations. |
(Source: https://istanbulbogazicienstitu.com/turkiyenin-en-iyi-devlet-universiteleri)
| Universities | Information about them |
| Koç University | Located in Istanbul, Koç University offers strong academic programs in a variety of fields such as business, law, engineering, and medicine. It is particularly known for its internationally recognized research centers and collaborations. |
| Bilkent University | Situated in Ankara, Bilkent University has a strong academic infrastructure in areas like humanities, engineering, business, and social sciences. It is one of Turkey’s first private universities. |
| Sabancı University | Located in Istanbul, Sabancı University provides robust academic programs in fields such as engineering, social sciences, business, and arts. |
| Bezmialem Foundation University | Located in Istanbul, Bezmialem Foundation University has a strong academic foundation in fields such as natural sciences, medicine, and dentistry. It offers education in both traditional and modern medical fields. |
| Çankaya University | Located in Ankara, Çankaya University offers various academic programs in engineering, communications, law, and business. It is recognized for its international student exchange programs and collaborations. |
(Source: https://istanbulbogazicienstitu.com/turkiyedeki-en-iyi-ozel-universiteler)
| Universities | Information about them |
| Eskişehir Osmangazi University | Eskişehir Osmangazi University has a strong academic foundation, especially in the fields of education, engineering, and social sciences. It is known for its student-centered educational approach. |
| Kafkas University | Kafkas University offers its students a wide range of academic programs and modern educational facilities. It has a strong academic structure in fields such as humanities, social sciences, and medical sciences. |
| Batman University | Batman University is particularly notable in the fields of social sciences, natural sciences, and medical sciences. |
| Harran University | Harran University is a well-known university with strengths in agricultural sciences, medicine, engineering, and social sciences. It distinguishes itself from other universities with research projects that contribute to regional development. |
| Kırıkkale University | Kırıkkale University has a broad academic spectrum in fields such as engineering, medicine, social sciences, and natural sciences. It is particularly known for its successful educational programs in medical sciences. |
| Universities | Private or public? | Cities | Tuition fees |
| Ihsan Doğramacı Bilkent University | Private | Ankara | 12,000 – 25,000 USD |
| Eastern Mediterranean University | Private | Northern Cyprus | 8,000 – 12,000 USD |
| Mehmet Akif Ersoy University | Public | Burdur | 1,000 – 5,000 USD |
| Atatürk University | Public | Erzurum | 1,000 – 5,000 USD |
| Istanbul Okan University | Private | Istanbul | 7,500 – 15,000 USD |
| Universities | Information about them |
| Istanbul Technical University (ITU) | Located in Istanbul, ITU has a longstanding history and established structure in architectural education. It includes departments such as Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, Industrial Design, Interior Architecture, and Landscape Architecture. As a state university, ITU’s annual tuition fees range from $1,500 to $12,000. |
| Middle East Technical University (METU) | METU offers a wide range of architectural education starting from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning. Within the faculty, students are given the opportunity to develop themselves by taking specialty courses (Architectural Media). The annual tuition fee for this state university in Ankara ranges from $1,500 to $12,000. |
| Ihsan Doğramacı Bilkent University | Bilkent offers a broad spectrum of architecture and design education. Located in Ankara, this foundation university has tuition fees ranging from $1,500 to $12,000. |
| Yıldız Technical University (YTU) | A state university in Istanbul working on sustainable quality teaching methods in European architectural education and research areas. The average annual tuition fee ranges from $1,000 to $7,500. |
| Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University | One of the first institutions in Turkey to offer fine arts education, following the tradition of the Sanayi-î Nefise school. Located in Istanbul, this state university’s annual tuition fees range from $1,000 to $7,500. |
Turkey, with its universities that have the best medical faculties, prepares professional doctors for the future through modern medical education and comprehensive research opportunities. Medical education in the country offers students a wide variety of opportunities by providing world-standard quality programs. These universities provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience due to their academic excellence and strong ties with the industry.
The best medical universities in Turkey are:
| Universities | Cities | About |
| Hacettepe University, Medical Faculty | Ankara | Recognized as one of Turkey’s most prestigious medical faculties, offering extensive clinical and research opportunities. |
| Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Medical Faculty | Istanbul | Known for its innovative educational programs and research, with a long-established history. |
| Ankara University, Medical Faculty | Ankara | Stands out with its expertise derived from its long history, providing quality medical education. |
| Ege University, Medical Faculty | Izmir | One of the best universities in Turkey, with access to modern medical technologies and a strong academic staff. |
| Gazi University, Medical Faculty | Ankara | A leader in Turkey, especially in the fields of research and clinical training. |
| Koç University, Medical Faculty | Istanbul | Offers high-standard educational opportunities, recognized for its modern facilities and international collaborations. |
| Istanbul University, Medical Faculty | Istanbul | Recognized for offering some of the best medical education in the world, with a long-established history. |
| Marmara University, Medical Faculty | Istanbul | Offers comprehensive educational programs and an active academic environment, making it a preferred choice for students. |
These universities are known for their comprehensive educational programs that include both theoretical knowledge and practical applications. The medical faculties are recognized educational institutions at both national and international levels, admitting thousands of students each year.
(Source: https://dreambig.com.tr/ulke-universite-bolumleri/turkiye/tip-fakultesi)
| Universities | Cities | About |
| Hacettepe University, Faculty of Dentistry | Ankara | One of Turkey’s oldest faculties of dentistry, Hacettepe is recognized for its superior education quality and extensive research opportunities. |
| Istanbul University, Faculty of Dentistry | Istanbul | Istanbul University offers high standards of education to its students, with advanced laboratory facilities and an experienced academic staff. |
| Ankara University, Faculty of Dentistry | Ankara | Ankara University provides a balanced education both practically and theoretically by integrating modern technologies into its educational programs. |
| Gazi University, Faculty of Dentistry | Ankara | Gazi University is a leader in dental research and clinical practices. |
| Ege University, Faculty of Dentistry | Izmir | Ege University attracts attention with its innovative education concept and comprehensive clinical practice opportunities. |
| Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Faculty of Dentistry | Istanbul | This faculty prepares its students for the industry by offering rich educational programs and extensive clinical experiences. |
| Marmara University, Faculty of Dentistry | Istanbul | Marmara University is known for teaching modern dental techniques and its strong academic staff. |
| Atatürk University, Faculty of Dentistry | Erzurum | Atatürk University is one of the universities offering the best dental education in the world. |
| Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Dentistry | Izmir | Dokuz Eylül is known for its innovative and research-focused teaching approach. |
(Source: https://dreambig.com.tr/ulke-universite-bolumleri/turkiye/dis-hekimligi-fakultesi)
| Universities | Cities |
SAT score requirement |
| Boğaziçi University | Istanbul | 1300+ |
| Koç University | Istanbul | 1300+ |
| Bilkent University | Ankara | 1200-1300+ |
| Sabancı University | Istanbul | 1200-1300+ |
| Özyeğin University | Istanbul | 1100-1200+ |
| Universities | Cities |
| Boğaziçi University | Istanbul |
| Middle East Technical University (METU) | Ankara |
| Bilkent University | Ankara |
| Koç University | Istanbul |
| Sabancı University | Istanbul |
| Istanbul Technical University (ITU) | Istanbul |
| Yıldız Technical University | Istanbul |
| Izmir Institute of Technology | Izmir |
| Atılım University | Ankara |
| TOBB University of Economics and Technology | Ankara |
(Source: https://atakurumsal.com/turkiyede-ingilizce-egitim-veren-universiteler/)
| Universities |
Maximum monthly stipend amount |
| Middle East Technical University (METU) | 4000 TL |
| Istanbul Technical University (ITU) | 5000 TL |
| Istanbul University of Health Sciences | 3000 TL |
| Istanbul Medipol University | 6000 TL |
| Hasan Kalyoncu University | 5000 TL |
(Source: https://www.basarisiralamalari.com/burs-veren-universiteler/)
| Universities | Total score | Level of cooperation | Quality grade |
| Middle East Technical University (METU) | 85,40% | 28.15% | 35.86% |
| Istanbul Technical University (ITU) | 76.24% | 23.62% | 32.83% |
| Boğaziçi University | 70.34% | 28.24% | 27.50% |
| Istanbul University of High Technologies | 60.87% | 19.94% | 24.95% |
| Yıldız Technical University (YTU) | 54.11% | 14.58% | 23.33% |
(Source: https://ncc.metu.edu.tr/tr/announcement/odtu-arastirma-universite-yine-birinci)
| Universities | Programs |
| Bilkent University | Information Systems and Technologies |
| Sabancı University | Computer Science and Engineering |
| Ankara University | Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering |
| Boğaziçi University | Computer Engineering |
| Istanbul Technical University | Electronics and Communication Engineering |
| Koç University | Computer Engineering |
| Ankara University | Geophysics Engineering |
| Ankara University | Physics Engineering |
| Bilkent University | Industrial Engineering |
| Boğaziçi University | Chemical Engineering |
| Istanbul Technical University | Chemical Engineering |
| Hacettepe University | Mathematics |
| Istanbul Technical University | Molecular Biology and Genetics |
| Middle East Technical University | Molecular Biology and Genetics |
| Istanbul Technical University | Aviation Engineering |
| Middle East Technical University | Aerospace Engineering |
| Hacettepe University | Economics |
| Sabancı University | Economics |
| Istanbul Technical University | Mining Engineering |
| Universities | Programs |
| Middle East Technical University | Information System |
| Sabancı University | Cyber Security |
| Yıldız Technical University | Cyber Security and Cryptography |
| Ankara University | Computer Engineering |
| Koç University | Biomedical Sciences and Engineering |
| Istanbul Technical University | Computer Engineering |
| Koç University | Computer Science and Engineering |
| Gazi University | Electrical and Electronics Engineering |
| Istanbul Technical University | System Dynamics and Control |
| Koç University | Material Science and Engineering |
| Middle East Technical University | Biomedical Engineering |
| Middle East Technical University | Industrial Engineering |
| Sabancı University | Industrial Engineering |
| Yıldız Technical University | Biomedical Engineering |
| Yıldız Technical University | Bioengineering |
| Marmara University | Microbiology |
| Middle East Technical University | Biotechnology |
| Marmara University | Physics |
| Sabancı University | Manufacturing Engineering |
Tuition fees at Turkish universities vary depending on the level of education, language of instruction, department, and university, and like all prices. However, our research shows that the cheapest universities in Turkey are state universities. Tuition fees at state universities start from 1,000 to 2,000 TRY and can increase depending on factors such as specialty area, language of instruction, and level of education.
In foundation universities, which are fully fee-paying private institutions, tuition fees can be quite high, ranging approximately from 20,000 to 100,000 TRY.
The cheapest universities in Turkey are:
Our team of education specialists in Turkey will help you gain admission to the best universities in Turkey with high scholarships and broad job opportunities, based on your indicators.
To take advantage of this opportunity and study at the best universities in Turkey, you can contact us.
The fundamental requirements for admission to universities in Turkey include:
While these are general requirements for admission, each university and program may have different admission criteria. Therefore, it is advisable to visit the official website of the university you are considering applying to for more information on the admission criteria of the program. University websites provide up-to-date admission requirements, application deadlines, required documents, and other important information.
Additionally, you can benefit from our consultancy service to access accurate information about Turkish universities from our experts.
