Study in Turkey - Study abroad destination

Costs and Funding - Study in Turkey

A complete financial guide to studying in Turkey — tuition fees at state and private universities, monthly living costs by city, the Turkiye Burslari scholarship, and other funding options.

Updated March 1, 2026 7 min read

Costs and Funding for Studying in Turkey

Turkey is one of the most affordable study destinations in the world, combining low tuition fees with low living costs in a country that offers a rich cultural experience. Whether you are funded by the Turkiye Burslari scholarship or paying your own way, understanding the full financial picture will help you plan realistically and avoid surprises. This guide covers every cost you will face — tuition, accommodation, food, transport, insurance — and every funding option available.

Tuition Fees

State (Devlet) Universities

State university tuition for international students varies by program, language of instruction, and institution:

Program Type	Annual Tuition (USD)	Notes
Bachelor's (Turkish-taught)	600-2,000	Cheapest option
Bachelor's (English-taught)	1,000-4,000	Higher than Turkish-taught
Master's (Turkish-taught)	600-2,500	Per year
Master's (English-taught)	1,000-5,000	Per year
PhD	600-3,000	Often funded through research positions
Medicine (6 years)	2,000-6,000	Higher than other programs
Dentistry	2,000-5,000	Higher than standard programs

Private (Vakif) Universities

Private university tuition is significantly higher but often offset by scholarships:

University	Annual Tuition (USD)	Scholarship Availability
Koc University	15,000-20,000	Merit scholarships up to 100%
Sabanci University	15,000-20,000	Merit scholarships up to 100%
Bilkent University	12,000-17,000	Scholarships for high achievers
Other vakif universities	5,000-15,000	Varies widely

Pro tip: Many private universities offer automatic tuition discounts based on your YOS, SAT, or high school GPA. Some offer 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% fee waivers. Always check the scholarship page before ruling out a private university on cost grounds.

Monthly Living Costs by City

Expense	Istanbul	Ankara	Izmir	Eskisehir/Smaller Cities
Accommodation (shared)	200-350	150-250	150-250	100-200
Food and groceries	150-250	120-200	120-200	100-170
Transport	30-50	25-40	25-40	15-30
Phone and internet	15-25	15-25	15-25	15-25
Personal and social	50-100	40-80	40-80	30-60
Total/month	450-700	350-550	350-550	260-450

All figures in USD. The Turkish lira has depreciated significantly against major currencies, which benefits international students earning or receiving money in USD, EUR, or GBP.

Accommodation Options

Type	Monthly Cost (USD)	Pros	Cons
KYK dormitory (state)	50-100	Cheapest; included in Turkiye Burslari	Limited availability; basic facilities; shared rooms
University dormitory	80-150	Convenient location; social environment	May be basic; waiting lists common
Private dormitory	100-250	Better facilities; meal plans available	More expensive than state dorms
Shared apartment	150-350	More independence; choose your location	Requires deposit; utility costs extra
Studio apartment	250-500	Full privacy	Most expensive option; Istanbul prices much higher

Turkiye Burslari: The Full Breakdown

The Turkiye Burslari scholarship provides:

Benefit	Details
Tuition	100% covered at assigned university
Monthly stipend	1,400 TRY (bachelor's), 1,900 TRY (master's), 2,500 TRY (PhD), 3,000 TRY (research)
Accommodation	Free university dormitory
Health insurance	Comprehensive coverage for duration of study
Turkish language course	One year at TOMER, fully covered
Flights	Round-trip airfare to/from Turkey

What the stipend covers: The monthly stipend is designed to cover food, transport, personal expenses, and incidental costs. Combined with free accommodation and health insurance, Turkiye Burslari recipients can live comfortably without any additional income — though the stipend is modest rather than generous.

Pro tip: Turkiye Burslari stipend amounts are set in Turkish lira and are not adjusted for currency fluctuations. However, the program periodically reviews and increases stipend amounts to account for inflation. The real value depends on the lira's exchange rate at the time.

Other Scholarships and Funding

University Merit Scholarships

Most private (vakif) universities offer automatic merit-based fee reductions:

100% scholarship: Full tuition waiver for top academic performers
75% scholarship: Significant fee reduction
50% scholarship: Half tuition covered
25% scholarship: Partial fee reduction

These are typically awarded based on YOS scores, SAT scores, high school GPA, or the university's own assessment criteria.

TUBITAK Scholarships

TUBITAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) offers scholarships for:

Graduate research students (master's and PhD)
International researchers collaborating with Turkish institutions
Students participating in TUBITAK-funded research projects

Other Funding Sources

Bilateral agreements: Some countries have education agreements with Turkey offering scholarships or fee waivers
Embassy scholarships: Check with the Turkish embassy in your country for country-specific programs
External organizations: The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Organization of Turkic States, and various NGOs offer study-in-Turkey scholarships
University research/teaching assistantships: Available for graduate students, particularly at the PhD level

Budgeting: Annual Cost Summary

Scenario	Annual Cost (USD)
Turkiye Burslari recipient	~0 (all covered)
State university + dormitory (cheapest)	3,500-6,000
State university + shared apartment (moderate)	5,000-9,000
Private university with 50% scholarship	8,000-15,000
Private university full fee + apartment (Istanbul)	15,000-28,000

Even the most expensive scenario (full-fee private university in Istanbul) is significantly cheaper than studying in the UK, USA, or Australia.

Banking and Money

Opening a bank account: You can open a Turkish bank account with your passport and residence permit. Major banks include Ziraat Bankasi, Is Bankasi, Garanti BBVA, and Akbank
Student bank accounts: Most banks offer free student accounts with no maintenance fees
Currency: Turkish lira (TRY). ATMs are widely available. International cards work at most ATMs (fees apply)
Money transfers: Wise (formerly TransferWise), Western Union, and bank wire transfers are common options for receiving money from abroad
Cost advantage: If you receive money in USD, EUR, or GBP, the current exchange rate makes Turkey exceptionally affordable

Saving Money: Practical Tips

Eat at university cafeterias (yemekhane): Student meal prices are heavily subsidized — often TRY 5-15 per meal
Use public transport student cards: Discounted rates for students in all major cities
Shop at local pazars (weekly markets): Fresh produce at a fraction of supermarket prices
Cook at home: Groceries in Turkey are very affordable, especially produce, bread, and dairy
Take advantage of student discounts: Museums, cinemas, transport, and many services offer student rates
Choose a cheaper city: If academics allow, cities like Eskisehir, Antalya, or Kayseri offer much lower costs than Istanbul
Compare insurance options: Compare health insurance for Turkey to find the best rate for your required coverage

Next Steps

Check visa requirements — Student visa and residence permit process
Explore life in Turkey — Student cities, culture, and daily life
Understand the admissions process — Application steps and requirements
Plan your studies — Build your planning timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to study at a public university in Turkey?

Tuition at Turkish state (public) universities for international students ranges from USD 600 to USD 4,000 per year, depending on the university, program, and language of instruction. Turkish-taught programs are generally cheaper than English-taught ones. Medical programs are at the higher end. These are among the lowest tuition fees in the world for internationally recognized degrees.

How much does it cost to live in Turkey as a student?

Monthly living costs range from USD 400 to USD 700 depending on the city. Istanbul is the most expensive (USD 550-700/month), Ankara is moderate (USD 450-600/month), and smaller cities like Eskisehir, Antalya, and Bursa are the cheapest (USD 400-500/month). This covers accommodation, food, transport, and basic personal expenses.

What is the Turkiye Burslari scholarship?

Turkiye Burslari is the Turkish government's flagship scholarship covering full tuition, monthly stipend (1,400-3,000 TRY depending on level), university dormitory accommodation, health insurance, one-year Turkish language course, and round-trip flights. Over 5,000 scholarships are awarded annually from 100,000+ applicants. It is open to students from all countries at all academic levels.

Are there other scholarships besides Turkiye Burslari?

Yes. Many private (vakif) universities offer merit scholarships covering 25-100% of tuition. TUBITAK provides research scholarships for graduate students. Some universities offer fee waivers for high YOS scores. There are also bilateral agreements between Turkey and certain countries, embassy scholarships, and external organizations that fund study in Turkey.

How much is student accommodation in Turkey?

University dormitories (KYK or university-run) cost USD 50-150/month and are the cheapest option. Turkiye Burslari recipients get free dormitory accommodation. Private dormitories cost USD 100-250/month. Shared apartments range from USD 150-350/month depending on the city. Istanbul is the most expensive for housing.

Can I work while studying in Turkey?

International students on a student residence permit can work part-time after their first year of study. Working hours are limited during term time. Many students find part-time work in language teaching, tutoring, tourism, and hospitality. However, wages in Turkey are relatively low compared to Western Europe, so working is more useful for experience than as a primary income source.

How does Turkey's cost compare to other study destinations?

Turkey is one of the cheapest study destinations in the world for international students. Only a handful of countries (such as Germany's tuition-free public universities) rival Turkey for affordability. Compared to the UK, USA, Australia, or Canada, Turkey costs a fraction — both in tuition and living expenses. The depreciation of the Turkish lira has made Turkey even more affordable for those with foreign currency income.

Do I need to show financial proof for a Turkish student visa?

Yes. For a student residence permit, you typically need to show proof of sufficient funds — approximately USD 5,000-8,000 for one academic year, or a scholarship letter (such as Turkiye Burslari) confirming financial coverage. A bank statement from your home country or a sponsor letter is usually sufficient.

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