Brief information about universities in Turkey
Recently, there has been a significant increase in the number of international students who prefer to pursue education in Turkey. This indicates the country’s growing importance as a destination for higher education. Turkish universities have received high evaluation scores and have appeared in various world rankings.
One of the most important reasons to study in Turkey is the opportunity to receive a good education at relatively affordable costs. In addition, there is the opportunity to obtain partial scholarships that cover accommodation, tuition fees, and other expenses.
The total number of universities in Turkey is approximately 209, and these universities offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Universities in Turkey are divided into public and foundation (private) universities.
According to the most recent QS World University Rankings, Turkey’s higher education system ranks 43rd worldwide.
In the field of scientific research and patents, Turkey has ranked among the top ten countries in the world in terms of scientific articles published in international journals, patents obtained, scientific innovations, and international awards received.
Are the diplomas of Turkish universities strong and recognized worldwide?
Six universities in Turkey are among the world’s top 500 universities; other Turkish universities also appear in reputable global rankings. The diplomas of Turkish universities are considered among the strongest diplomas worldwide and, as of 2024, are recognized by all European countries and most Arab countries.
What is the global ranking of Turkish universities?
According to the 2024 ranking of Turkish universities, Turkey’s higher education system ranks 43rd worldwide.
The ranking of Turkish universities has been rising year by year; because 34 of these universities have entered the top 1000 universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
These academic institutions have, for the first time, reached an unprecedented number according to the ranking criteria; the number of Turkish universities recognized internationally has increased, and some of them have entered the list of the world’s top 400 universities!
We recommend that you benefit from more information on this topic: Comprehensive guide about studying at foundation universities in Türkiye
The best universities in Türkiye that offer education in English worldwide
In the next paragraph, we will answer the following question from students: Which are the best universities in Türkiye?
Istanbul Technical University:
Istanbul Technical University (ITU), a public university, was founded in 1773, which makes it the third oldest technical university in the world.
The university has 13 faculties, including aeronautics and astronautics, mechanical engineering, and chemical and metallurgical engineering.
It also offers around 40 master’s and doctoral programs.
In addition, there are numerous research institutes such as the Molecular Biology, Biotechnology and Genetics Research Center, the Space Communications and Remote Sensing Center, and more than 350 laboratories.
The international exchange programs offered by the university enable students to obtain dual degrees with American institutions, and in addition there are more than 900 international partnerships and numerous programs offered within the Erasmus student exchange program. All of this makes the university one of the most famous universities in Türkiye in 2024.
Here are some photos from universities in Turkey.
Çankaya University:
It is one of the best foundation (private) universities in Turkey, located in Ankara, and offers international students a wide range of departments including architecture, engineering, economics, fine arts and sciences, as well as law.
Most undergraduate programs at Çankaya University are offered in English, allowing international students to benefit to the maximum from education and research. In addition, the university has a dedicated English preparatory school.
One of the most important features that distinguishes this university from others is its award-winning campus, which opened in 2011. The campus includes a modern library, first-class scientific laboratories, a dedicated sports center, and shuttle buses that run directly to the city.
Bahçeşehir University (BAU):
Bahçeşehir University (BAU) is considered one of the strongest and best universities in Turkey for international students for the year 2025.
Since BAU is a global institution, it is one of the few universities in Turkey that requires its students to have a high level of English proficiency.
The university consists of eight faculties, three schools, and four institutes for higher education.
BAU also has seven campuses in North America, Europe, and Asia, and maintains more than 193 partnerships and collaborations with academic institutions in different parts of the world; one of the most well-known of these is Harvard University.
Across its four campuses in Istanbul, the university currently has 17,000 enrolled students, and it admits more than 5,000 international students from over 120 countries every year.
Bahçeşehir University holds an advanced ranking on both the local and global scale; it ranks 32nd among the best universities in Turkey and 1537th in the 2021 world university rankings; therefore, it is considered one of the most important internationally recognized Turkish universities.
Istanbul Aydın University:
Istanbul Aydın University (IAU) was established under the leadership of the Anadolu Education and Culture Foundation and is one of the country’s most attractive higher education institutions, ranking among the newest and best Istanbul universities in 2025, and is regarded as one of the best foundation (private) universities.
Thanks to its competence in education and the high-quality instruction it offers, IAU is one of the best options for Turkish and international students; the university aims to be a major contributor to the country in the fields of science and technology.
Students can benefit from internship opportunities offered on campus and excellent facilities; engineering and health sciences laboratories, classrooms, and libraries equipped with the latest infrastructure and technology are among these opportunities.
Istanbul Aydın University is one of the Turkish universities that stand out in world rankings; it has taken its place among internationally recognized Turkish universities, has entered the top 3000 universities worldwide, and rose to 2902nd place in the world ranking in 2021.
Discover more: Education at Istanbul Aydın University in 2025
Ankara University:
Ankara University is considered one of Turkey’s leading foundation universities in terms of the number of international students, admissions, and student exchange, and ranks among the best and most well-known Turkish universities in 2025.
As one of the participants in the European Union’s Erasmus Program, the university holds a more competitive position in science and technology in the various departments it offers to international students; this is considered a great advantage for students who wish to pursue a double-degree education.
The university currently offers its students undergraduate programs in different fields and the opportunity to obtain a double degree. The university has 68,000 students and around 4,700 international students from 128 countries. Ankara University also has over a hundred collaborations and partnerships with many universities and institutions in different countries.
Üsküdar University:
Üsküdar University is Turkey’s first university specialized in behavioral health and sciences and has 6 faculties with more than 30 undergraduate programs. It is also ranked among the best foundation universities.
It has also received many international and regional awards and rankings in the field of scientific research and development.
The university is known for its departments in psychology, forensic medicine, and neuroscience.
It is located in the city center of Istanbul, enjoying a unique location and proximity to public transportation stops.
The university is technologically equipped with modern devices and equipment.
With its 89 laboratories, the university conducts extensive scientific research and achieves prestigious global rankings among world universities in the field of research.
In addition, according to the Scimago Science Impact Index, it ranks fourth among the best universities in Turkey in the “Research Index” ranking of the Scopus database. Therefore, Üsküdar University is considered among the best universities in Turkey in 2024 and is also one of the world-renowned Turkish universities.
Also check: 2025 tuition fees for majors at Üsküdar University
Istanbul Medipol University:
Istanbul Medipol University was founded in 2009 and is undoubtedly among the best universities in Turkey in 2024 in many fields, especially medicine and health sciences, where it makes use of modern technology in education.
It has three different campuses located in separate areas of Istanbul: one in Beykoz, another in Kavacık, and the third in Haliç.
The university is considered a global research center because it has several laboratories that meet modern university standards and hosts the largest simulation laboratory in Turkey. This helps Medipol University Dentistry students acquire the necessary clinical skills during their studies.
Another noteworthy point is its distinguished academic staff from different countries around the world; for example, Dr. Abdulbari Baner, who is a professor and faculty member at the Faculty of Medicine at Medipol University.
Medipol University is one of the Turkish universities recognized worldwide; it ranks 2178th among 11,994 universities globally, while in the ranking of the best universities in Turkey it holds 51st place at the national level.
Read more about the university: Why is Medipol University considered one of the best Turkish universities?
Istinye University:
Istinye University is one of the newest universities in Türkiye, and its education system is based on the most up-to-date modern methods. Its departments focus on the field of health and place a strong emphasis on the practical aspects of these professions; therefore, it is considered among the best foundation (private) universities in Türkiye.
Istinye University is regarded as one of the best universities in the fields of medicine and pharmacy. In addition, it offers departments in engineering and administrative sciences, as well as humanities and other health-related disciplines.
The university attaches great importance to practical training, which enables students to gain sufficient experience in their professional fields. It also has a renowned library that contains a variety of professional books.
Istinye University continues to implement its modern curricula in order to reach an advanced position at the local level, and it ranks 147th in the list of the best universities in Türkiye.
Discover more: Istinye University accreditations and recognitions 2025 – Study in Türkiye
Okan University:
Considered one of the most dynamic universities in Turkey, Okan University was founded in 1999. Through 10 faculties, two vocational schools and three graduate schools, the university offers 63 undergraduate programs, 41 master’s programs and 13 PhD programs.
It delivers its academic programs through a teaching staff made up of distinguished lecturers and scholars with a high level of experience and competence from all around the world.
Okan University has cooperation protocols with a large number of institutions, including local and international companies such as the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey, the Turkish–Eurasian Business Council, the Turkish Contractors Association and the International Transporters’ Association. It also cooperates with many academic institutions such as Peking University and Murray State University.
Istanbul Bilgi University:
Istanbul Bilgi University (BILGI) is one of Turkey’s leading foundation universities that remains firmly committed to its school motto, “learning not for school, but for life,” and is also recognized among the best universities in Istanbul.
The university focuses on offering its students a fully engaging campus life across its four campuses; the more than 100 student clubs on campus provide a wide range of interests in sports and many other fields.
The university has many educational facilities such as a law clinic, architecture studios, libraries, and engineering and health laboratories, providing students with an excellent environment for hands-on practice.
In addition, through its collaborations with more than 250 institutions in 43 countries via student exchange programs, it also offers its students internship and training program opportunities.
Istanbul Bilgi University’s world ranking is 1354th on the list of the best 11994 universities worldwide; locally, it ranks 18th among the best universities in Turkey. Therefore, Bilgi University is considered one of the best universities in Turkey for international students.
Also read: The best foundation universities in Turkey where you can study in English in 2024
Education costs at universities in Turkey
Now we will examine the average fees of universities in Turkey:
- Istanbul Technical University:
The cost of undergraduate education at Istanbul Technical University is $1800.
- Çankaya University:
Undergraduate tuition fees at Çankaya University are $7726.
Doctoral fees are $1800, and the fee for another doctoral program is set at $1000.
- Bahçeşehir University:
At this university, undergraduate fees range from $7900 to $25000.
The tuition fee for master’s programs is $9,000, while the fee for doctoral programs is $40,000.
- Istanbul Aydın University:
At this university, undergraduate tuition fees range from $4,000 to $22,000.
Graduate program fees range from $4,700 to $11,000.
- Ankara University:
At this university, tuition fees range from $400 to $1,800.
- Üsküdar University:
At this university, undergraduate tuition fees range from $3,200 to $19,000.
- Medipol University:
At this university, undergraduate tuition fees range from $3,600 to $25,200.
Master’s program fees start from $3,000 and go up to $5,000, while doctoral program fees are set at $6,000.
- Istinye University:
At this university, undergraduate tuition fees range from $4,320 to $21,600.
- Okan University:
At this university, undergraduate tuition fees range from $4,000 to $19,000.
- Bilgi University:
Undergraduate tuition fees range from $8,100 to $9,740.
Local ranking of the best universities in Turkey
- Hacettepe University.
- Middle East Technical University.
- Istanbul Technical University.
- Istanbul University.
- Koç University.
- Ankara University.
- Boğaziçi University.
- Ege University.
- Bilkent University.
- Gebze Technical University.
For more detailed information: What is the difference between studying at foundation universities and public universities in Turkey?
What is the global ranking of Turkish universities?
- Anadolu University.
- Istanbul University.
- Boğaziçi University.
- Ankara University.
- Middle East Technical University.
- Atatürk University.
- Hacettepe University.
- Dokuz Eylül University.
- Marmara University.
- Koç University.
Are Turkish universities recognized in Arab countries?
Thanks to the many advantages they offer, such as their low costs compared to the strength of their diplomas and the dense presence of Arab communities in most Turkish cities, all Turkish universities, that is, public and foundation universities, are recognized in Arab countries, provided that they are affiliated with the Turkish Council of Higher Education.
This recognition can vary from country to country and from university to university; for example, Saudi Arabia may recognize Gelişim University this year, but withdraw its recognition the following year. However, this does not reduce the quality of your diploma or your chances of finding a job in your own country with this diploma.
Some countries accept the equivalency of foreign diplomas on the condition that the university is official and accredited in its own country; therefore, Turkish universities are also recognized in these countries. These countries are:
- Egypt
- Lebanon
- Yemen
Examples of some Turkish universities recognized in Saudi Arabia:
- Istanbul Technical University
- Ankara University
- Marmara University
- Istanbul University
- Middle East Technical University
In this way, we have also answered the question most frequently asked by students: Are Turkish universities recognized worldwide?
Are Turkish universities recognized in Europe?
Both public and foundation Turkish universities are bound by the Bologna Agreement within the European Higher Education Area and receive a score of 5 out of 5 according to the agreement’s evaluation criteria.
This means that every degree obtained from official Turkish universities is recognized in all European countries, because students at Turkish universities receive their diplomas according to an evaluation system based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Since Türkiye is part of the European Higher Education Area, diplomas obtained from Turkish universities are recognized in European Union countries.
What do Turkish universities offer their international students?
High-quality education:
Turkish universities are known for offering a high level of education and have many internationally recognized programs; they provide modern facilities, experienced academic staff, and opportunities for research and academic development. The high quality of education is one of the prominent reasons why students choose Turkey for studying abroad.
Internship and job opportunities:
The constantly growing Turkish economy offers various internship and job opportunities to international students through education in Turkey; in this way, you can gain practical experience, develop your professional network, and increase your employability.
It also enables you to add fundamental skills to your resume; therefore, studying in Turkey is a great choice to start your career.
Student support services:
Turkish universities prioritize the well-being and success of their students and often provide comprehensive student support services; these include academic guidance, psychological counseling, health services, and career counseling. In this way, it is ensured that students have access to the resources they need to achieve success.
Affordable university costs:
Turkey stands out with low and medium levels of tuition costs for university education; these costs are lower compared to European countries. However, of course, this does not contradict the quality of the education offered.
You may also be interested in: Detailed explanation of education costs in Turkey in 2025
Established academic staff:
This is clearly evident from the fact that its graduates are strong and competitive in the job market, as they have been taught by the most competent professors who are highly qualified and specialized in their fields.
To learn more, check out: The best Turkish universities in 2025 for preparing students for the job market
What are the admission and registration requirements for Turkish universities?
Required conditions for public universities in Turkey:
- Having at least a 70% acceptance rate for Turkish public universities.
- A detailed transcript of high school grades.
- Turkey student visa.
- A TOEFL certificate with at least 80% score for English-medium education.
- Turkish language proficiency certificate in the case of Turkish-medium education.
- Passing the SAT exam.
- Passing the AP exam.
- Having communication and management skills.
Admission requirements for foundation (private) universities in Turkey:
- A minimum overall high school average of 50%.
- Turkey student visa.
- TOEFL or IELTS certificate as determined by the department.
- Turkish language proficiency certificate in the case of Turkish-medium education.
- Or enrollment in a language preparatory year.
Of course, the conditions vary depending on the university and the department, and these are general conditions.
What are the required documents for studying at universities in Turkey?
Here are the most important documents required for application to Turkish universities:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months.
- High school graduation diploma.
- High school transcript and grade report.
- Student visa for Turkey.
- Passport-size photograph with a white background.
- TOEFL certificate in English.
All documents must be translated into Turkish before submission.
Frequently asked questions
1. Are Turkish universities recognized worldwide?
Yes, most Turkish universities are recognized by major European countries.
2. What are the best scholarships in Turkey for 2025?
Türkiye Scholarships (government scholarship), Ibn-i Sina Natural Sciences Scholarship, Sabancı University Scholarship, Ibn Haldun Social Sciences Scholarship.
3. Is it possible to study in English at public universities?
Yes, many public universities offer their programs in English.
4. Which is the best university for medical education in Turkey?
Medipol University.
5. What is the best public university in Turkey?
Istanbul University is the best public university in Turkey.
6. What are the best universities to study engineering in Turkey?
Bilkent University.
7. What are the best public universities to study medicine in Turkey?
Hacettepe University is one of the best public universities in Istanbul for medical education.
8. How much are the fees at public universities in Turkey?
In terms of public universities and their fees in Turkey, tuition ranges from $300 to $10,000, and this range applies to most of the top public universities.
9. How many public universities are there in Turkey?
There are 129 public universities.
10. How much does it cost to study at universities in Turkey?
Tuition fees at foundation (private) universities range from $4,000 to $30,000 depending on the program.
11. What is Turkey’s ranking in terms of education?
It ranks 43rd worldwide in terms of education.
12. What are the disadvantages of studying in Turkey?
The difficulty of learning Turkish and the challenge of adapting to Turkish society.
How does Uniscope help you with registration at Turkish universities?
You have now learned everything about studying in Turkey and Turkish universities, their requirements, and the necessary documents. In the next step, we will help you get started. As Uniscope, we will assist you in applying for and obtaining a student visa to study in Turkey. In addition:
- Annual installment options and discounts of up to 50% on tuition fees.
- Admission from foundation (private) universities within 72 hours.
- Support in choosing the university, faculty, and department that suit you.
- Translation and verification of all your application documents, such as your passport and high school diploma.
- Student support and answers to all your questions.
- Guidance on the university education system in Turkey throughout your studies.
Do not wait any longer; start your educational journey in Turkey with us right away. Contact us through the following channels:
Admissions and registration unit:
or contact us via:
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