About Turkey
As an international student in Turkey you will have the opportunity to experience both modernity and tradition in one of the safest and most stable countries in the region. Some Turkish Universities has English as the teaching language while others will offer the opportunity to learn English. Above all, the high quality of education will make you more than ready for a future anywhere in the world.
Positioned at the crossroads of east and west, the Turkish landscape encompasses a vast variety of geographical zones, it has the combined characteristics of three continents of the world: Europe, Africa and Asia. Due to its location, surrounded by seas on three sides, Turkey has always been the centre of the great trade, silk and spice routes. Today, even in the most inaccessible or isolated corners, one can easily feel and see the traces of different cultures.
Why Turkey??
- High standards of education
- Internationally recognized degrees
- Modern campuses with outstanding facilities
- Cultural diversity
- Safe and affordable education
- A warm and friendly environment
Educational System
The Turkish National Educational System is composed of two main sections; formal and non-formal education. Formal Education means the school system and thus includes the higher education which will be the focus of this guide. Non- formal education includes all the activities organized outside or alongside the school.
The formal education includes:
PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION: Optional education held in kindergartens and such, up to 6 years of age.
PRIMARY EDUCATION: Compulsory for eight years, 6-14 years of age.
SECONDARY EDUCATION: High School or vocational High School, 15-17/18 years of age.
HIGHER EDUCATION: This category includes all educational institutions which will provide post- secondary education.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees of Turkish teaching institutions are determined at the beginning of every year. These where the annual amounts of 2003-04: (for more exact figures it is best to contact the university where you plan to apply)
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS:
State Universities where classes are taught in English:
Turkish students: US $ 150 – 500
International students: US $ 450 – 1500
Foundation Universities:
US $ 5.000 – 12.000
GRADUATE PROGRAMS:
State Universities where classes are taught in English:
Turkish students: US $ 200 – 300
International students: US $ 600 – 900
Foundation Universities:
US $ 5.000 – 12.000
In universities where classes are taught in Turkish the fees are generally about half the price.
(Students from Turkish Republics and Turkish-originated countries (Azerbaijan, Bashkortostan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dagestan, Karachay-Cherkessia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Mongolia, Moldova, Nahcevan, Uzbekistan, Tadzhikistan, Tatarstan, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine) all pay their tuition fees as Turkish nationals.)
Accommodation and Living Expenses
Most campus universities offer a variety of accommodation facilities or other options. Apart from university dormitories, state owned dormitories serve for all students. Students are encouraged to contact the university at hand to find out more about their specific options. Large cities sometimes also offer rented accommodation, often shared with other international or Turkish students.
Most of the dormitories have kitchen supplies for abilities to cook own meals, they also have small cafeterias which serve until midnight. Dormitories are separated by gender and offer both private and shared rooms. Living in a dormitory is a great opportunity to be involved in on- and off-campus activities as well as meeting lots of other students, a great way to make friends for an international student. Average room prices vary between $ 30 and $ 300 per month depending on facilities.
OFF-CAMPUS RENTING: In the major cities off-campus apartments prices quite high, but the prices also vary much with district, size and quality. The solution for many students is to share apartment with a friend or fellow student. Average cost of an apartment off campus ranges between $200 and $500/ month.
Living expenses for international students generally go upwards from 300 to 400 US dollars per month depending on the living standards you choose. Books and administrative fees are approximately 100 to 150 US dollars per semester.