Master’s Studies in Turkey
Turkish higher education institutions make great efforts to ease both study and living conditions for international students. As a result, many foreign students are interested in completing their master’s degree or even spending a semester in Turkey.
A standard master’s program usually lasts 2 years with a thesis or 1 year without one. Turkish universities often offer master’s programs entirely in English, and sometimes even in French or German.
If you intend to complete your master’s degree in Turkey in English, you must demonstrate your language proficiency through globally recognized certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, etc.). However, those without such certificates need not worry, as it’s possible to take a language exam at the university or complete a one-year preparatory language program.
Turkey’s master’s programs, with their historic universities, intellectual exchange, and long-standing traditions, offer much to adventurous international students. Turkish universities are also attractive for their relatively low tuition fees for graduate programs.
If you plan to study in Turkey, a Turkish visa is essential. You must apply at the relevant embassy or consulate, as electronic visas (e-Visas) are only available for tourists. As a long-term student, you must also register with the local police department.
Additionally, to complete your international student application and pay the application fee, you must have your bachelor’s degree certificate.
Visa Requirements in Turkey
International students must obtain a student visa before arriving in Turkey; otherwise, they won’t be allowed to register at the university. Students must first be accepted by a Turkish university before applying for a student visa at the Turkish consulate in their home country. This process takes about eight weeks, after which the visa is stamped in the student’s passport.
Master’s Tuition Fees and Budget in Turkey
The cost of a master’s degree in Turkey can vary widely. Generally, programs taught in English and those at private universities cost more than those at public universities. Tuition fees for English-language programs at public universities range from €300 to €900 per year for international students.
Cost and Quality of Education and Life in Turkey
Quality education and an excellent standard of living are among the reasons graduates choose Turkey for their master’s studies. Other factors include lower living costs and the country’s rich cultural appeal.
Living in Turkey offers the best of both European and Asian cultures, traditional cuisine and delicious coffee, beautiful landscapes, a pleasant four-season climate, and a vibrant social and cultural life with countless opportunities for museums, churches, mosques, sightseeing, sports, and events.
Your expenses will vary depending on the city you live in and your type of accommodation (some universities provide dormitories). On average, you can expect to spend about €400–€500 per month on housing, food, clothing, leisure, and transportation.
Most programs at public universities are taught in Turkish, although some are offered in English, German, or French. Students who are not proficient in Turkish and enroll in Turkish-language programs can complete a one-year language course before continuing their studies.
Most international programs are taught at private universities, where the primary language of instruction is English. These private institutions are also known as foundation universities. Currently, around 30,000 international students are enrolled in programs in Turkey, though the country plans to increase this number to 150,000.
Most academic fields are available, with popular choices for international students including International Relations, Eastern Mediterranean Studies, Multicultural Studies, Engineering, Business Administration, and Hospitality Management.
Applying for a Master’s in Turkey
Admissions are handled directly by Turkish universities, so you must contact the institutions individually to learn about their application processes. At a minimum, you must provide your existing bachelor’s degree in a relevant field to apply. Recognition of your degree is usually straightforward, especially if you have previously studied in Europe. If your qualifications are less familiar, it may be best to contact the university in advance, as their international offices are experienced in handling such inquiries.
Other parts of the application process are determined by the universities. Master’s applicants may be invited for an interview. Information about requirements and deadlines is usually sent by the institutions in advance. If you anticipate any difficulties with travel or accommodation, you should contact your chosen university early for guidance.
Language Requirements
Some master’s programs are taught entirely or partly in English, and this trend is growing at newer universities that aim to attract more international students. For programs taught in Turkish, you are usually required to take a Turkish language proficiency test.
If you are applying for a program taught in English and English is your second language, you may need to take a proficiency test. ÖSYM offers its own exams for this purpose, but Turkish universities may also accept international tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.
Acquiring foreign language skills is one of the many benefits of pursuing graduate studies abroad and an excellent way to reflect this experience on your CV.
Turkey Student Visa for Master’s Programs
Turkey is a candidate for EU membership; however, since it is not yet a member, international students must apply for a visa before entering the country. You will start this process by visiting the website of the Consular Procedures of the Republic of Turkey and completing the pre-application visa form.
Master’s degrees obtained in Turkey are internationally recognized, fully preparing you for doctoral research or employment in fields related to your area of study. The relatively rigorous admissions and evaluation processes in Turkey can also help you stand out among other candidates.
Whatever path you choose after graduation, your time studying abroad will showcase your adaptability. In addition to your academic degree, you’ll gain valuable skills and experiences that prepare you for opportunities in Turkey or the surrounding region.
Types of Academic Terms in Turkey
Academic programs are divided into two semesters: October to January and February to July. A two-week break usually separates these teaching sessions, followed by a longer summer vacation from July to October. Most full-time master’s programs begin in October, but part-time options or programs that allow mid-year entry may also be available.
A master’s degree in Turkey (Yüksek Lisans Diplomasi) usually takes around two years to complete, totaling 120 ECTS credits. You’ll enroll in a series of modules offered each semester, with their assessments contributing to your final grade.
Most Turkish master’s programs also require you to complete an individual thesis in the second half of your second year. This is typically defended in an oral examination, similar to a PhD viva. If you are used to systems like those in the UK, where most master’s theses are simply graded and returned, this might seem intimidating but don’t let it worry you. By the time you finish your degree and write your thesis, you will be confident in your expertise, and the defense will provide an exciting opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge in an engaging academic discussion. Moreover, defending your thesis orally as part of your master’s program offers excellent preparation for further academic work an opportunity many students don’t get before beginning their doctoral studies.
Some Turkish master’s programs do not include a written thesis, instead requiring students to complete a professional project.
Master’s Studies at Private Universities in Turkey
Students who wish to pursue a master’s degree and continue their careers can enroll in various academic fields at private Turkish universities, where admission requirements are generally more flexible than at public institutions.
Advantages of Master’s Studies at Private Universities in Turkey:
Very easy admission requirements
International and European accreditation of private Turkish universities
Affordable tuition fees at most private universities
Higher likelihood of acceptance at private universities
Disadvantages of Master’s Studies at Private Universities in Turkey:
Rapidly filling seats in popular programs
Relatively higher tuition fees at some universitie