Advantage and disadvantage of Studying in Turkey

StudyFans Date : 23 Nov 23

In this article we will look at the upsides of studying in Turkey that make it climb the education ranking globally, also we will discuss the downsides and the obstacles that face the students in Turkey.

Dear students, let me first show the upsides and the perks of studying in Turkey and the nature of its educational system, then we will discuss the downsides.

Advantages of Studying in Turkey

Turkey location

• Turkey is considered a stable country both politically and economically, as its geographical location is close to the MENA region, so it attracts people for education, business, or pleasure.
• Despite being a European country, Turkey is an iconic Islamic state with its ancient mosques, women with head scarfs, and conservative Islamic approach.
•  In addition to its captivating nature and incredible monuments.
• That’s why so many students from the MENA region choose to come to Turkey instead of any other European country, which created a tightly knit and culturally diverse community in Turkey.

High-quality education

• The education system in Turkey doesn’t get affected by the political changes in the country because it’s under the jurisdiction of a higher education council that keeps it running smoothly.
• Turkish universities are getting more recognition on the academic front with new educational technologies and methods being introduced, and each year Turkish universities rank among the best globally.
• Turkish universities have ranked among the best 500 universities globally: Middle East Technical University, Bogazici University, Istanbul University, Koc University, Sabanci University, Istanbul Technical University, Hacettepe University, Bilkent University, and TOBB University of Economics and Technology.
• Plus, a degree from a Turkish university is globally recognized which makes it easier to find work anywhere.

Living Cost

• Living cost in Turkey is considerably lower than the other European countries because it mainly depends on the domestic production of goods and it is offered at a reasonable price, consequently Turkey is recognized as a shopping hub worldwide.
• Students' living costs are estimated between $ 500 to $ 600, in addition, Turkey provides international students with dormitories with high standards and a wide range of prices.

Public transportation

• Most universities in Turkey are built within a convenient distance from major public transportation, so the students can go to the university comfortably.
• Turkey also offers all university students (undergraduate & postgraduate) a special transportation card that offers discounts on public transportation fares.
• Besides, most Turkish private universities offer private shuttles to pick up students from designated locations during the academic year.

Student visa

• A student visa to Turkey is easy to acquire, as soon as the students receive their final acceptance letter and with all proper documents they can apply for a student visa at the Turkish embassy in their country, and the success rate for a student visa to Turkey is higher than other major education hubs.

Scientific research in Turkish universities

• Turkey allocates huge funds for scientific research each year and encourages students through different activities and social clubs to exchange expertise and knowledge between different cultures. 

Transfer to Turkish universities

• The Turkish government issued decisions in 2011 and 2015 that allow foreign students to transfer to Turkish universities.
• Students who have studied in a university outside Turkey and want to continue their degree in a Turkish university in the same department, are allowed to apply after providing a grade statement, course description, and student certificate from their previous university, also passport photocopy, and a high school diploma.

Scholarships in Turkey

• The Turkish government scholarship is considered one of the most sought-after scholarships in the world, it covers the tuition fee for the whole program, Turkish language courses, and health insurance for students allowing them to receive treatment in governmental hospitals for free.
• Plus, they offer airplane tickets for the student, free accommodation in the university dormitory, and a monthly allowance.

Disadvantages of Studying in Turkey

Turkish language

• Turkish language is considered less popular globally in comparison with English language or French language, however, governmental universities offer the majority of their program in Turkish language.
• Students need to have upper-intermediate knowledge of Turkish language to join governmental universities, even if the department was in English language some professors tend to speak in Turkish because their English language is not fluent enough.

Social communication

• If you live in Turkey, you must learn its language because most Turkish people don’t speak English, which creates a gap between foreign students and the people due to miscommunication. 
• Foreign students can interpret this miscommunication as a sign of racism or marginalizing them on a day-to-day basis or during their visit to different governmental institutes to finalize official documents.

Rent prices

• Rent prices in Turkey are increasing exponentially and it becomes harder each year for students to find suitable accommodation during their studies.
• Foreign students especially from the MENA region complain that house owners refuse to rent for them because they are afraid they won’t pay the rent.

Tuition fees for some departments in Turkish private universities

• Despite offering moderate tuition fees in comparison to most European countries, Turkey has some departments that keep getting expensive every year.
• The medicine department for example is the most expensive department in private universities and its tuition fee is increasing yearly, however you are allowed to work in Turkey after graduation.
• Finally dear students, despite the downsides of studying in Turkey, there are plenty of upsides we mentioned earlier.
• In addition, you can overcome all these downsides with time, and you can enjoy all that Turkey has to offer.

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

Requirements for applying to Turkish public universities

Applying to public universities in Turkey requires several requirements, including

• High school diploma for the student
• A statement of the student's grades in detail
• A copy of the student's passport
• A certificate stating that the student is fluent in one of the two languages "Turkish or English".
• The student passes the "YOS" or "SAT" exam in order to join the department of his choice.

Requirements for applying to Turkish private universities

Applying to Turkish private universities requires several simple requirements, as all that the university requires to join them is:

• High school diploma for the student
• A copy of the student's passport
• An internationally recognized certificate such as TOEFL or IELTS in English (if applicable)
• In the absence of it, the student is subject to an English language placement test by the university before joining the department of his choice, on the basis of which he can join the department or enroll in a language preparatory year before starting the study.

This is as private universities do not require a certificate of the "YOS" test, where the student can enroll in any college he wishes to study as long as he has a certificate of successful secondary school passage.

Read also: Equivalency Certificate in turkey (DENKLIK)

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