Western Asia, capital Ankara

How to Apply to Universities in Turkey (2027): Step by Step

Turkiye offers low cost, English and Turkish taught degrees at state and private foundation universities, with international undergraduate entry through a foreign student exam (YOS), the national TR-YOS, or accepted results such as SAT, GCE A Level or the International Baccalaureate. State tuition for international students is usually a few hundred to a few thousand US dollars a year; the private foundation universities charge far more. A student visa from a Turkish consulate, followed by a residence permit applied for after arrival, covers the length of study.

Verified 7 Sep 2026 Sources
Public tuition, per year
$1,600 to $2,400
international students
Living cost, per month
Not listed
typical range
Work during study
Not listed
per week
Post study work
1 yr
after graduation
Intakes
Fall, Spring
main application cycles

Undergraduate

  1. Check the specific university's international admissions page for which route it uses: its own YOS exam, the national TR-YOS, or accepted results such as SAT, GCE A Level or IB.
  2. Sit the required exam, or arrange for official transcripts and school leaving results to be sent, and take an English or Turkish proficiency test if the university asks for one before applying.
  3. Apply online through the university's own international student application portal inside its stated window, and pay the application fee where one applies.
  4. Wait for the result and, if admitted, pay the first instalment of tuition and complete registration by the university's deadline.
  5. Apply for a student visa at the nearest Turkish consulate once you hold the acceptance letter, then travel and apply for a residence permit through e-ikamet within the required period after arrival.

Graduate (master's and PhD)

  1. Identify a graduate programme and check its department's entry requirements, generally a relevant first degree, transcripts and, for some fields, GRE or GMAT scores.
  2. Apply through the university's graduate school application system inside its stated window; some departments also ask for a research proposal or reference letters.
  3. Meet the university's English or Turkish proficiency requirement, or plan for its preparatory programme if you do not yet meet it.
  4. Accept the offer, pay tuition and complete registration.
  5. Apply for a student visa and then a residence permit in the same way as an undergraduate applicant.
Sources, checked 7 September 2026
  1. https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
  2. https://en.goc.gov.tr/residence-permit-types
  3. https://en.goc.gov.tr/work-permit
  4. https://e-ikamet.goc.gov.tr/
  5. https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/en
  6. https://iso.metu.edu.tr/en/residence-permit
  7. https://iso.metu.edu.tr/en/work-permits