Top 3 medical specializations to study in Turkey

StudyFans Date : 15 Mar 24

In recent years, Turkey began to be globally well-known in education, especially university education. Moreover, it has been a significant destination for Arab countries in the last ten years. In particular, medical specializations are in high demand at the universities of Turkey due to their scientific and practical strength.

Therefore, we have written this article to be a reference for all students seeking to study medical specializations in Turkey. This article contains all the required information about the top 3 medical specializations in Turkey and the fees of the best Turkish universities to find the suitable choice that meets your aspirations.

The following information was collected based on the frequently asked questions (FAQs) by students seeking to study the above mentioned specializations.

Study of Medicine in Turkish Universities

Medicine in Turkey

Medicine is one of the most important specializations to which the Turkish government pays attention. Turkish universities have a good reputation globally in the field of medicine. Therefore, the selection criteria of students are very rigid with high standards.

The study of medicine in Turkey is in English or Turkish. However, it is preferable to learn the Turkish language to help the graduated students during their work in the Turkish cities according to the Turkish work laws for foreigners.

Read more about: Studying Medicine in Turkey

Advantages of Studying Medicine in Turkey

Turkish universities are ranked 12th in the world for medical specializations.
Students can gain medical and practical knowledge in laboratories. These laboratories are designed to meet the latest international standards and to compete with laboratories worldwide.
The academic staff, including doctors and medical professors, are distinguished and highly qualified.
It has a global reputation leading to providing job opportunities for graduates worldwide. Foreign graduates from Turkish universities can work in Turkey, Europe, the United States, and English-speaking countries.
The Turkish government pays great attention to developing the medical universities by providing the latest equipment.
The priority of the Turkish universities is for scientific and practical cooperation with international universities and the academic experiences exchange to promote the level of students.
Turkish Medical schools mostly follow American and European teaching guidelines.
Medicine study in Turkey is affordable compared with European countries and the United States.
The study of medical specializations at the Turkish private universities in English or Turkish

does not require high academic scores or entrance exams such as YÖS or SAT.

The Turkish universities host highly qualified and professional teaching staff equivalent to the European ones.
The practical experience that the students gain during their hospital practicals from the fourth year onwards. On the other hand, Turkish universities provide a rich environment for scientific medical research with great technological infrastructure-equipped laboratories.

Courses of Medicine in Turkey

The duration of studying medicine in Turkish universities is 6 years. The courses consist of 4 stages, and each stage covers several years as follows:

First stage (first and second years): Scientific and basic subjects such as chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and other subjects related to the specialization or the university are covered.
Second stage (third and fourth year): Students study basic medical sciences such as anatomy, microbiology, physiology, and other subjects that qualify them to begin their practical training.
Third stage (fifth year): The practical part of the gained scientific knowledge in the previous stages takes place.
Fourth stage (sixth year): The practical training begins during which the students are qualified to finish their medicine specialization.

Eligibility criteria for Medicine Admission in Turkey

Students who seek to study medicine at Turkish public universities must have an average of 90% or above in their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).
In private Turkish universities, it is required to obtain a minimum average of 70% in GCSE and submit a language proficiency certificate according to the medium study language of medicine.

Duration of Medicine Study in Turkey

The duration of medicine study in Turkey is 6 years. The tuition fees vary between universities, starting from 10 thousand dollars per year in the universities with a Turkish medium of instruction.
The duration of the Master of Medicine in Turkey is 3 years.
In Master of Medicine, the students study the human body, life cycle, biomedical and clinical sciences, physiology, genetics, pathology, and pharmacology.
Postgraduate students should have several capabilities such as decision making, critical evaluation, observation, listening, logical reasoning, and an understanding of various medical conditions and terminology.
The tasks of the Master of Medicine students include helping patients to understand and treat their condition, participating in medical and social research, assisting patients in their smooth transition from the hospital to their community, providing support to patient's families, and helping patients collaborate with health insurance companies, community, health agencies, and financial assistance programs.

Learn more about: study medicine in Turkey in English

Salaries of Medicine Doctor in Turkey

The income of a doctor in Turkey varies according to his medical specialization.
According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, the average salary for doctors in Turkey is about 55,000₺.
The minimum salary for doctors is 30,000₺.
The maximum salary for doctors is 400,000₺.

List of doctors' salaries in Turkey:

Psychologist: 19,000₺
The surgeon: 370,000₺
Dermatologist: 20,000₺
General doctor: 27,000₺
Internal specialist: 24,000₺
Optometrist: 17,000₺
Immunology specialist: 23,000₺
Physician assistant: 12,000₺
Emergency doctor: 18,000₺
Physiotherapist: 14,000₺
Neurologist: 24,000₺
Obstetrics and Gynecology doctor: 22,000₺
Pediatrician: 19,000₺
Acupuncture doctor:23,000₺
Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist:21,000₺
Ophthalmologist:16,000₺
Gastroenterology doctor: 20,000₺
Radiology specialist:22,000₺

Expenses and Costs of Medicine Study in Turkey

Fees for studying medicine in private Turkish universities start from 14000$ per annum. The fees drop to 10,000$ if the medium of instruction is in Turkish.

University	Language	Fees
Bahçeşehir	English	25,000$
Maltepe	English	14,000$
Altinbaş	English	21,000$
Istanbul Medipol	English	38,700$
Istanbul Okan	English	22,500$
Istinye	English	22,990$
Biruni	English	18,000$
Istanbul Aydin	English	22,000$
Atilim	English	16,000$
Yeditepe	English	33,000$

Expenses of Medicine Study in Turkish Public Universities

The Turkish government supports the medical colleges at the universities and allocates large funds for the same. This improves the quality of the universities and their medical specializations, promotes their competition with international universities, and leads to constant development in scientific research, training, and laboratories. Therefore, the study of medicine in Turkish universities is affordable for all students, with annual fees ranging from 300$ to 6000$.

Turkish public universities to study medicine

There are many Turkish public universities to study medicine as listed below:

Atatürk University
Istanbul University
Inonu University - English medium of instruction
Gaziantep University
Ondokuz Mayıs University
Marmara University - English medium of instruction
Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University – English medium of instruction
Ankara University – English medium of instruction
Hacettepe University
Dokuz Eylül University

Read also about: Top 10 Best Public Universities in Turkey

Documents and Admission Requirements to Study Medicine in Turkey

Students must have a recognized certificate
General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or transcripts translated into English or Turkish.
A copy of a valid passport.
A personal photograph with a white background.
Some universities require you to clear the YÖS exam.
Students must obtain a minimum average of 90% in GCSE
Students who seek to study in English must submit a TOEFL or IELTS certificate.

Required Documents for a Master of Medicine Programme in Turkey

Passport copy translated into Turkish and certified by a notary.
Personal photograph.
General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) with transcripts.
A copy of the bachelor's degree with transcripts.
Two letters of recommendation.
Resume.
Motivation letter.
A language proficiency certificate, if any, or the university will conduct a ÜDS test. Therefore, it is better to check with the university about the mandatory of this certificate.
ALES exam results for Turkish university graduates.
GMAT test, and GRE test results with a score of 55 for the graduates of abroad universities. A true notarized copy should be submitted. Some branches disregard the mentioned score.
Payment receipt of the registration application.
A copy of the bachelor's degree equivalency issued by the Council of Higher Education in Turkey (YÖK) certified by the Notary.
A copy of the Turkish language proficiency certificate from the Language Center (TÖMER) certified by a notary.
A copy of the obtained study visa from the Turkish embassy in the respective country translated into Turkish and certified by a notary.
A disease-free certificate issued by an official body in the student's country, translated into Turkish, and certified by a notary.

The above mentioned documents are common for a master's degree admission in Turkey. However, some universities may request additional documents.

Study of Dentistry in Turkey

Dentistry in Turkey is one of the most important specializations. Dental students begin their study and training to discover the opportunities that await them in a country of combined European and Asian cultures.

On the other hand, Turkish universities occupy a prominent place worldwide in the scientific and practical fields. These degrees are accredited in all countries providing graduates with prestigious career opportunities. Hence, studying dentistry in Turkey is an aspiration for many international students, especially Arabs in Turkey and abroad.

Read more about: How can I Study Dentistry in Turkey in English?

Advantages of Studying Dentistry in Turkey

There is flexibility to study dentistry in English or Turkish language.
Students who have cleared the TOEFL, IELTS, or TÖMER exams are exempted from the language preparatory year.
The practical and training syllabus for dentistry is compatible with the syllabi of European universities.
Studying dentistry in Turkey is a great option for the seekers of an excellent dental education.
The quality of dental education at Turkish universities allows you to become a fresh scientist, specialist, and dentist at the same time.
Dental education in Turkey is accepted for dental specializations exams by dental boards in many states of the US.

Courses of Dentistry in Turkey

The first year of dentistry study in Turkey:

The courses focus on basic natural sciences, anatomy, physiology, histology, and pharmacology. The syllabus of the first-year "pre-clinical phase" aims to offer knowledge about devices, instruments, and materials utilized in dentistry and to provide the student with an introduction to dentistry. The courses include:

Study of cells in the human body.
Bioregulation.
Cellular organization.
Study of molecules and cells.
Introduction to medical sciences.
The musculoskeletal system.

The second year of dentistry study in Turkey:

The second year gives students a deep knowledge and ability to understand the human body and pathology, intensive biochemistry, and pharmacology. Courses include:

Metabolism and Nutrition.
Glands and the genitourinary system.
Introduction to Endodontics and Biology.
Introduction to Fixed Prosthodontics
Introduction to dentistry, its tissues, and diseases.
The vascular and respiratory systems.
Supplement the study of the musculoskeletal system.
Nervous system.
Preventive dentistry.

The third year of dentistry study in Turkey:

Pre-clinical practical training begins in the third year. The students learn to examine and interpret the patient's diseases theoretically and practically. The clinical started partially this year. The courses include:

Periodontal treatment and advanced prosthodontics.
Facial Orthopedic Surgery.
Oral Surgery and Anesthesia.
The Science of Periodontology.
The Science of Compensation.
Partial Dentures.
Advanced Endodontic Treatments.
Patient Assessment and Treatment planning.

The fourth and fifth years of dentistry study in Turkey:

These years include the clinical practical training phase in which the students start to practice in hospitals, laboratories, and medical centers. Students have the opportunity to work and study with real patients under college and medical center supervisors. They will be capable of employing all the required knowledge and practice as dentists. The courses include:

Periodontal Treatment.
Orthodontics.
Dental Medicine.
Endodontic Treatments.
Diagnosis of Oral Diseases and Maxillofacial Radiology.
Prosthodontics.
Maxillofacial and Dental Accidents.
Oral and maxillofacial pathology.
General Oral Health and Dentistry for the Elderly.
Facial Orthopedic Surgeries and Pediatric Dentistry.
Major Oral Surgeries and Regenerative Periodontal Surgery.

Students are required to pass courses in forensic medicine, dermatology, general surgery, and ENT as a basis for obtaining a bachelor's degree from the faculty of dentistry.

Eligibility Criteria for Dentistry Admission in Turkey

For admission to dentistry in a public university, candidates must have passed the YÖS exam with an average of 90% or above.
An average of 90% or above in the YÖS exam is the prerequisite for admission to dentistry in Turkish public universities according to the university system and requirements.
For admission to dentistry in most private universities, candidates must have passed the General Certificate of Secondary Education (Tawjihi) with an average of 70% or 75%. It should be noted that the requirements differ according to the university. For example, Medipol University requires passing the SAT. Therefore, you have to select the university first and check the eligibility criteria.

Duration of Dentistry Study in Turkey

The duration of dentistry study in Turkey is five years (ten semesters). If the student did not manage to clear the language test before joining the university, an additional English or Turkish language preparatory year is added to the total duration.

Sub-specializations of Dentistry in Turkey

The study of dentistry consists of several comprehensive sub-specializations as cosmetic dentistry, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the oral and facial, jaws, teeth, and surrounding tissues.

It includes the following:

Orthodontology: This specialization focuses on diagnosing and correcting deformities of jaws and teeth, preventing occlusal deformities, and orthodontic treatment to obtain a healthy occlusion.
Periodontology: It focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases of gums and bones surrounding the teeth and preventing them.
Endodontic treatment: It is concerned with endodontic treatment in addition to diagnosing and preventing the teeth nervous diseases.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: It focuses on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases and accidents affecting the mouth and jaws. The specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery treats wisdom teeth problems.
Pediatric dentistry: It is a special section of dentistry in Turkey. It aims to diagnose and treat oral problems in children under 14.
Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases: This specialization is concerned with examining and detecting diseases of the mouth, teeth, and surrounding areas using different methods such as X-rays and biopsies.
Oral and maxillofacial x-rays: it focuses on detecting and diagnosing diseases using different X-ray methods.

Read more about: Studying Prosthodontics in Turkey

Postgraduate Programmes of Dentistry in Turkey

Many opportunities will be available for you upon completing the study of dentistry in Turkey. Either you can proceed with your career in the academic field by pursuing Ph.D. studies and/or specializing in different clinical areas.
The holder of a Ph.D. in dentistry from Turkey can work as a lecturer in any university worldwide.
You must clear the DUES test for foreigners in the Turkish or English language to become a dentistry resident in Turkey.

Expenses and Costs of Dentistry Study in Turkey

The tuition fees to study dentistry in the Turkish language are lesser than studying the same specialization in the English medium of instruction. However, these fees may not differ in some colleges.
Students must bear expenses of the necessary materials and medical equipment during their study. Therefore, the student incurs more expenses compared to a law student.
Example: The student spends between 300$ to 400$ on educational and practical tools during the study of dentistry in Turkey.
The expenses of studying dentistry at private Turkish universities range from 4,500$ to 33000$ annually.
The Fees for studying dentistry at Turkish public universities range from 1200$ to 19,000$ annually.

Learn more about: Your comprehensive guide to the cheapest universities in Turkey 2023

Areas of Work for Dentistry Graduates in Turkey

Dentistry in Turkey offers many areas of work, including:

Dentist.
Orthodontics specialization.
Work in hospitals or dental clinics.
Developing scientific research for dentistry.
Cosmetic dentistry.
Dental implants.
Opening a clinic, conducting a private internship, part-time or full-time work at a hospital, or specializing in dentistry in Turkey or abroad.
If you choose to practice dentistry in any of the hospitals in Turkey, you must register with the Dentistry Board of Physicians. After that, the Turkish authorities assign you to a region/hospital of your choice.

Best Turkish Universities to Study Dentistry

Turkish universities are of categories, private and public universities, and below are the best of each:

Best Turkish Private Universities to Study Dentistry

Best Turkish Public Universities to Study Dentistry

Istanbul University
University of Health Sciences
Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University
Ankara University
Gazi University

Turkish Public Universities to Study Dentistry with English Medium of Instruction

Izmir Katip Çelebi University
Ankara University
Marmara University

Turkish Private Universities to Study Dentistry with English Medium of Instruction

Yeditepe University
Medipol University
Istanbul Okan University
Altinbas University
Başkent University
Bahçeşehir University

Documents and Admission Requirements to Study Dentistry in Turkey

For admission to Turkish private universities, you must have passed secondary school with an average of 75%.
Thereafter, you send your documents and contact us to get admission in dentistry at a private Turkish university.
Some universities require students to clear the YÖS exam as a prerequisite for admission to the college of dentistry, and some others require the American SAT with a (good) score.
Some universities require the student to clear an English or Turkish language test
A General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is required for admission to the Bachelor of Dentistry program
Passport copy
Some universities may request a letter of recommendation or letter of intent.
It is important to learn the Turkish language, even for those studying dentistry in English, to easily communicate with patients and doctors and interact with colleagues during the clinical phase of dentistry.

Learn more about: Equivalency Certificate in turkey (DENKLIK)

Study of Physiotherapy in Turkey

Physiotherapy is a branch of medicine and health with interdisciplinary subjects. The study of physiotherapy at Turkish universities aims to educate health professionals to plan and implement the required physiotherapy interventions and rehabilitation programs developed by the doctor after diagnosis. Moreover, students with a bachelor's or master's degree in physiotherapy learn how to help people with physical disabilities and how to improve the well-being and full functioning of the human body and the locomotor apparatus.

Students learn psychology concepts and discover how treatment plans can be utilized, modified, and adapted to meet patients' specific needs. Physiotherapy includes many human skills, so you need patience and well-understanding while helping patients to recover different motor functions.

Advantages of Studying Physiotherapy in Turkey

Physiotherapy is considered one of the leading specializations in Turkish universities
Turkish universities are concerned with allocating funds to ensure the supply of laboratories with all materials, devices, and technical programs in accordance with the latest international standards.
Turkish universities support scientific research by affording digital libraries with recent books and research papers that students can access.
Turkish universities are keen on the quality of education in Physiotherapy through a highly qualified academic faculty of international standards.
Turkish universities are determined to provide high-quality training for physiotherapy students by contracting with government and private hospitals as well as medical centers.

Diseases Treated by Physiotherapists

Sports injuries
Back and neck pain
Limited Range of Motion (ROM)
Osteoporosis
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Respiratory issues
Knuckle replacement
Sprained ankle
Parkinson's disease
broken foot
ligament injury
Pelvic floor weakness

Tasks for Physiotherapy Graduate from Turkish Universities

Accelerate the healing process through therapeutic practices and pain management skills.
Accelerate muscle balance and stimulate or inhibit the central nervous system.
Practice electrotherapy programs.
Prepare children with disabilities through basic motor skills programs for the body and limbs.
Ensure fitness and rehabilitation for patients recovering from various injuries.

Duration of Physiotherapy Study in Turkey

The duration of physiotherapy study in Turkish universities is 4 years (8 semesters). If the student did not manage to pass the language test before joining the university, an additional English or Turkish language preparatory year is added to the total duration.

Courses of Physiotherapy in Turkey

Turkish universities do not require any tests to study physiotherapy.
A General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is sufficient to study physiotherapy in Turkish universities.
Students have the option to study physiotherapy in both English and Turkish.
Theoretical and practical courses, internal and external training, are provided in Turkish hospitals and medical centers.

First semester

Anatomy
Introduction to Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Introduction to Nutrition
Psychology
Fundamentals of Physics

Second Semester

Advanced Anatomy
Advanced Physiology
Heat treatment and Hydro light
Pathology
Normal Motor Development and Developmental Stages of Body Systems
Ethics of Physiotherapy

Third semester

Muscular Therapy
Electrotherapy
Measurement and Evaluation in Physiotherapy
Inner Sciences
Functional Neuroanatomy
Biomechanics and Kinesiology

Fourth semester

Manual Therapy
Electrotherapy
Therapeutic Exercises
Physiological Exercises
Surgical Sciences
Biomechanics and Kinesiology
An elective course

Fifth semester

Neurophysiology Approaches
Orthopedic Rehabilitation
Children Rehabilitation
Occupational Therapy
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Orthotics and Rehabilitation
Practical Training

Sixth semester

Neurophysiology Approaches
Nervous System Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy in sports
Pharmacology
Prosthetics
Rehabilitation
Biostatistics

Seventh semester

Musculoskeletal rehabilitation
Clinical Practice in Neurological and Cardiac Rehabilitation
Research Methods in Health Sciences

8th semester

Public Health
Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
Clinical Practice in Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
Graduation Project

Jobs for Physiotherapy Graduates in Turkey

A physiotherapist in medical centers, hospitals, and private clinics
A physiotherapist in playgrounds (exercise physiologist)
A manual and kinetic therapist
Work in elderly care centers
Work in the academic field and scientific research

Expenses of Physiotherapy Study in Turkey

The expenses of physiotherapy study in Turkish private universities range from 1000$ to 9800$ per annum. These expenses will drop significantly in Turkish public universities. However, the admission requirement is to have a General Certificate of Secondary Education with an average of 90% and above.

Best Turkish Universities to Study Physiotherapy

First: Study Physiotherapy with English Medium of Instruction

Bahçeşehir University
Medipol University
Istanbul Gelişim University
Istinye University
Yeditepe University

Second: Study Physiotherapy with Turkish Medium of Instruction

Bilkent University
Istanbul Aydin University
Üsküdar University
Istanbul Okan University

Documents and Admission Requirements to Study Physiotherapy in Turkey

Passport copy.
Personal photograph.
A General Certificate of Secondary Education (Baccalaureate - Tawjihi) translated into English or Turkish and certified.

If you have not completed secondary school, the certificate of the last semester, translated and certified, can be submitted.

Secondary school graduation certificate, if available, translated and certified.
Proficiency certificate in the English language, if any, (if the student prefers to study in English).
It is preferable to submit any additional documents and certificates, if any, that may help you obtain a fee waiver of tuition.