Exploring Turkey: Options For Public University Students

Turkey is a popular destination for students wishing to study abroad, offering a vibrant culture, a rich history, and a unique location between Europe and the Middle East. The country boasts a range of universities, including both public and private institutions, with classes taught in Turkish and English. Students can expect to immerse themselves in a dynamic and modern society, with a lower cost of living and a simple visa process. The application process for international students varies depending on the university and program, with some requiring entrance exams and others accepting applications through an exchange program. Turkey's diverse cities, such as Istanbul and Ankara, provide a blend of ancient traditions and modern attractions, making it an attractive option for those seeking a transformative educational experience.

Student visas

To study in Turkey, you will need to get a student visa. Students from all nationalities except for Northern Republic of Cyprus nationals will need a visa to enter Turkey for educational purposes.

Who is Exempt from the Turkish Student Visa?

• International students who have completed their secondary/high-school education in Turkey and want to complete a bachelor's or master's degree from a Turkish educational institute.
• Children of people living in Turkey with a residence permit and work visa.
• Individuals holding a Blue Card.

How to Apply for a Turkish Student Visa:

• Be accepted onto a program in Turkey: You can only apply for a visa once you’ve received an acceptance letter from a university in Turkey.
• Arrange an appointment at your local consulate: You need to make your application in person at your nearest Turkish embassy or consulate. You should be able to book an appointment online.
• Complete your application and supply documents: When you attend your visa appointment, you need to complete and sign a visa application, and submit it with the required documents. These include:

• Your passport, valid for at least 90 days
• A completed and signed Turkish student visa application form
• 2 passport-size photos
• Letter of acceptance from your university, including the duration of your stay
• Proof of travel insurance for your entire stay in Turkey
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of booked flight tickets to Turkey
• Evidence of sufficient financial resources to support your study and living in Turkey
• Visa processing fee, this can vary depending on your nationality
• Proof of accommodation in Turkey
• Previous education certificates or diplomas

• Await a decision: You can sometimes track the process of your application on the Turkish consulate website.
• Apply for a residence permit: Once you arrive in Turkey, you will need to apply for a residence permit within one month to stay in the country beyond 90 days.

Student Visa Application Processing Time:

The processing time for a Turkish student visa is usually between 3 and 15 days, but this can vary depending on the embassy or consulate. It is recommended that you apply for your visa at least 30 days before your intended date of travel to Turkey.

Scholarships

There are a variety of scholarships available for students looking to study abroad in Turkey. Here are some options to consider:

Government Scholarships

The US federal government supports international studies in Turkey through the David L. Boren Scholarships, sponsored by the National Security Education Program, an invention of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The scholarships are awarded to undergraduate and graduate students who are willing to participate in international studies in Turkey and other countries of interest to the Department of Defense. Eligible applicants must engage in a program that deeply immerses them in the local culture, including language studies. Scholarships can be up to $20,000, but recipients must agree to provide their services post-graduation to the Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Defense for a short period.

Another federal program is the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships, sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This scholarship is aimed at undergraduate students from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly those pursuing non-traditional programs in countries other than the typical European study abroad destinations. Pell Grant recipients can qualify for up to $5,000 in Gilman Scholarship money. Additionally, the Critical Need Language Supplement provides up to $3,000 in extra funding for students studying Turkic languages.

The Turkish Coalition in America

The Turkish government provides more than 800 scholarships annually to international students who want to study Turkic culture in Turkey. While most of these scholarships are granted to students in European countries and Africa, the Turkish Coalition in America offers scholarships to minorities. Over 100 scholarships of $2,000 each are awarded to Hispanic Americans, African Americans, and Native Americans who are academically qualified and want to study in Turkey. The Robert C. Byrd Scholarships, worth $5,000 per year and renewable, are awarded to Turkish-American students from the Appalachian region.

Private Organizations

The Halide Edip Adivar Prize for Turkish Studies is a $1,000 annual scholarship for undergraduate students enrolled at any U.S. college or university who plan to study in Turkey for the first time. Candidates can be in any major but must have some experience with the Turkish language.

Rotary International offers highly competitive Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships for students pursuing humanitarian studies in Turkey. After returning to the US, recipients must present their experiences to a local Rotary group. Through the Global Grants program, Rotary International may award up to $30,000 to students doing significant work in sustainability, education, or medicine in Turkey.

University-Specific Scholarships

Several universities in the US offer scholarships for students interested in studying abroad in Turkey:

• Michigan State University's Eli Broad College of Business provides scholarships for its study abroad program at Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey, through the Kellogg Foundation Scholarship.
• The University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, has partnerships with eight universities in Turkey and offers financial aid for students in good standing to study at these universities.
• Georgetown University has partnerships with the cities of Alanya and Istanbul and offers scholarship funding for its study abroad programs in Turkey through the Alanya – McGhee Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies and Koc University.

Additionally, specific to Turkish universities, the Turkish Scholarships Program at Koç University offers joint scholarships with the Turkish Government for international students. This includes undergraduate, master's, Ph.D., and research scholarships, covering tuition, accommodation, monthly stipends, and other benefits.

Housing

There are various options for student housing in Turkey, including government-owned university dormitories, private student housing, youth hostels, tourist housing, and flat renting.

Government-Owned Student Housing

Government-owned student housing is often located within university campuses, reducing travel time between the university and accommodation. These dormitories are managed by the KYK institution, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and can be found across Turkey. They are known for their low fees and high security, with 24/7 surveillance. While they primarily cater to Turkish students, international students can also apply through their enrolled university. The monthly fee for this type of accommodation is nominal, ranging from 200 to 280 Turkish liras. However, there is a limited number of seats available for international students, and acceptance is not guaranteed. An insurance amount of around 300 Turkish liras is typically required upon admission.

Private Student Housing

Private student housing in Turkey is owned by private entities licensed by the government. These accommodations can offer more luxurious amenities and services than government-owned dormitories. They provide rooms for one to four people, allowing students to choose their preferred living arrangements. The monthly fees for private student housing vary depending on location, the number of occupants, and the quality of services provided, ranging from 900 to 1700 Turkish liras in Istanbul. International student registration is relatively straightforward, requiring only a student certificate and some personal documents. The insurance fee for private housing starts at 400 Turkish liras.

Youth Hostels

Youth hostels are another option for student housing in Turkey. These are typically regular apartments designated for student or foreign youth accommodation. They are popular among students with limited incomes as they offer lower housing costs compared to private housing. Youth hostels usually accommodate multiple students, with separate options for male and female occupants. While the rent often includes utility bills, setting up this type of housing may require a security deposit and furnishing expenses.

Tourist Housing

Tourist housing refers to apartments that are rented out by the owner on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. These apartments tend to be well-furnished, and the rent usually covers all associated services and bills. Consequently, the price of tourist housing may be relatively high compared to other options.

Flat Renting

Students can also choose to rent a flat or share a flat with other students near their university, especially in cities like Istanbul, to save time on commuting. The cost of renting a 1+1 house in a popular area of Istanbul can range from 1200 to 1800 Turkish liras, and an insurance fee of approximately half the monthly rent is typically required.

Additional Considerations

When considering housing options, students should prioritize accommodations close to their university, especially in major cities like Istanbul, to avoid lengthy commutes and high transportation costs. Additionally, it is essential to review the terms and conditions of the housing agreement, including the services included in the rent, to ensure they fit within the student's budget.

Language skills

If you want to enrol in a Turkish-taught programme, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in the language. Turkish universities may require you to have a certain level of Turkish to accept you onto a course. For fields like law or nursing, a high level of Turkish proficiency is mandatory.

If you want to study in English, you will need to provide proof of English language proficiency. IELTS or TOEFL scores are the most commonly accepted way to do this, though some universities may require you to take their own language exams. If you don't pass these, some universities offer intensive preparatory language programmes to get your skills up to the required level.

Turkey's higher education system is divided into three steps: bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees. Associate degrees are also available in vocational and technical fields. A bachelor's degree is called a 'lisans' and usually takes four years to complete, though some subjects, such as veterinary sciences, law, and medicine, take five or six years respectively. A master's degree is a 'yüksek lisans', and takes a minimum of two years to complete, or three years if you choose to do a dissertation. A doctorate or Ph.D. is called a 'doktora' and takes an average of three to five years.

Social life

Turkey is a unique blend of European and Middle Eastern culture, with a long history and a modern, dynamic society. This makes it an exciting prospect for international students, offering a vibrant social life alongside academic challenges.

Language

Turkish is the main language, and learning it is a great way to integrate and make friends. However, many universities teach in English, and English proficiency tests are often required for entry.

Culture

The culture in Turkey is a fascinating mix of East and West, with domed mosques, bustling streets, ancient rituals, and a lively café culture. The people are known for their hospitality and openness, and you can expect to be welcomed warmly. Turkish people are curious about others and their homelands, so expect to be asked a lot of questions!

Food

Turkish cuisine is delicious and varied, with regional specialities. Expect lots of sweets and desserts, especially on holidays. Turkish coffee, tea, and shisha are all popular. The Black Sea region uses a lot of fish, and the western parts are known for their vegetables.

Student Life

Universities in Turkey offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, with many student-run clubs and societies. These are a great way to make friends and gain experience in your field of interest.

Cities

Istanbul is the largest and most important city, with a unique location on the Bosphorus Strait, which divides Europe and Asia. It has a rich history and a modern, hip vibe, with restaurants, bars, exhibits, and street events. It is also known for its nightlife. Ankara, the capital, is a student-friendly city with a thriving café culture and impressive historical architecture.

Accommodation

Student accommodation in Turkey is often in residence halls or dormitories, with suite-style dorms and optional meal plans.

Frequently asked questions