Turkey is a nation straddling Eastern Europe and western Asia with cultural connections to the ancient Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. The country has a lot of low tuition universities with tuition fees ranging from $600 to $1500 a year for international students. The cost of living is also on the low side usually estimated at $300 to $400 per month. This article will focus on the full list of Low-Cost universities in turkey for international students.

Why Study in Affordable Universities in Turkey

The high education system in Turkey has developed in the last few decades in terms of quality and standard. This is reflected in the international university ranking list, as 7 Turkish universities were in the top 100, and 3 of them were in the top 10 according to The Times Higher Education BRICS & Emerging Economies Rankings 2014 and still doing well to date. Turkish universities also offer a lot of programs in English in the fields of medicine, engineering, humanities, business, and finance. At Public universities in Turkey, the tuition fees are much cheaper when compared with tuition fees in private institutions there. For instance, Private universities charge about $20,000 while in Public universities in turkey, tuition fees range from $600-1500/ year for courses taught in English, while the same courses, in the Turkish language, are about $240-750.

Medical Universities in Turkey for International students

An alternative to think about. For many students, studying medicine is remains a dream. For many of the students, it is impossible or there are very hard requirements for studying medicine in their own country. Therefore many students give up their dream of studying medicine. Do not give up! – Studying medicine brings the students new hopes! We have compiled a complete list of low tuition universities in Turkey. For more information like how to apply and admission requirements, you will need to refer to our previous post by typing this “Low Tuition Universities in Turkey for international students”. 

Cost of living and studying in Turkey

The estimated living expenses for international students are minimally $300 to $400 per month, depending on the student’s lifestyle and spending habits. Also, students will need to budget for books and administrative fees, which are approximately $100 to $150 per semester. The tuition fee for international students is low and affordable and varies depending on the program. For study programs in English, tuition fees range from $600 to $1500 per year.

Admission Requirements to Study in Turkey

For undergraduate study, applicants should submit the following documents to the university;

International Student Application FormHigh School Diploma and its translation (Turkish or English)Official Transcript and its translation (Turkish or English)Language Proficiency Score (Applicants should contact the university for minimum English language requirements. Students who do not meet language proficiency requirements may take the university’s proficiency test upon arrival. Those who fail the proficiency test must attend the English Preparatory Program provided by the university. For further information, please contact the Admissions Office of the respective university.)Valid International University Entry Exam Result (Please contact the Admissions Office for the acceptable exams. Students who do not have enough scores on the acceptable international exams may take the university’s own exam for international students.)

For graduate study, applicants should submit the following documents to the university;

International Student Application FormBachelor’s or Master’s Diploma and its translation (Turkish or English)Official Transcript and its translation (Turkish or English)An updated resumeStatement of PurposeRecommendation LettersLanguage Proficiency Score (Applicants should contact the university for minimum English language requirements. Students who do not meet language proficiency requirements may take the university’s proficiency test upon arrival. Those who fail the proficiency test must attend the English Preparatory Program provided by the university. For further information, please contact the Admissions Office of the respective university.)Result for Graduate Program Entrance Exam (Please contact the Admissions Office for the acceptable exams.)Application Fee

You can read this: A full list of low tuition universities in Austria, Belarus, Russia, and Poland

Visa

Applicants will need just need to log on to www.evisa.gov.tr, provide the requested information, (after the application is approved) make an online payment, and download their e-Visa. Please note that an e-visa is only valid when the purpose of travel is tourism or commerce. Other purposes, such as work and study, require regular visas given by Embassies or Consulates. Below is the list of low tuition universities in Turkey for international students.

List of Cheap Tuition Universities and Colleges in Turkey

This is the list of the Low Tuition Universities in Turkey:

#1. Mimar Sinan University

Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts (Turkish: Mimar Sinan Güzel Sanatlar Üniversitesi) is a Turkish state university dedicated to the higher education of fine arts. It is located in the Fındıklı neighborhood of İstanbul, Turkey. In addition, this is one of the Low Tuition Universities in Turkey. Apply Now

#2. Mugla University

Mugla Sitki Kocman University was established in 1992 as a state university with four proposed faculties: the Faculty of Arts & Sciences and Humanities, the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, the Faculty of Technical Education, and the Faculty of Fisheries. The aim of the university was to support contemporary instruction and research in various areas of the social, natural, and pedagogical sciences, as well as the arts and humanities, in conjunction with vocational training. In addition, this is one of the Low Tuition Universities in Turkey. Apply Now

#3. Mustafa Kemal University

Founded in 1992, Mustafa Kemal Universities (Mustafa Kemal University) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of Antakya (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Hatay.

#4. Near East University (Cyprus)

The Near East University, established in 1988, is located in Nicosia, the capital of North Cyprus, and as an international higher education institution employing highly qualified staff, offers the most extensive undergraduate and postgraduate education opportunities to over 26 thousand students coming from over 100 countries. The Near East University has 16 faculties comprising 220 departments and programs, 4 graduate schools with around 200 graduate and postgraduate programs, and 4 high schools, 28 research institutes, and several international memberships.

#5. Nigde University

This university is located in central Anatolia of turkey which is a famous area of turkey. This university is a public university and is located 6 kilometers away from Nigde. The university has more than 14000 students and the university has employed more than 1100 staff members for these students. It is a cheap University in Turkey that students can apply for.

#6. Okan University

Okan University is located in Istanbul, the only city that spans the two continents, Europe and Asia. Okan University is one of the most dynamic universities in Turkey with a student body of 8000 students. It offers 52 undergraduate programs, 27 graduate programs, and 5 Ph.D. programs under 5 faculties, 2 graduate institutions, schools of applied sciences, and health sciences.

#7. Dicle (Tirgris) University

The University is an institute of research and higher education. At a university, you can study for academic degrees in a lot of different subjects such as Architecture, Art and design, Biosciences, Business, Chemical engineering, Chemistry, Civil engineering, History, Economics, Finance and accounting, Language, Medicine, Law, Physics and much more.

#8. Dogus University

Established in 1974, The Doğuş High School is educated at the level of an Anatolian High School. Following the high school, the primary school, Acıbadem Kindergarten, the science high school, and Çamlıca Kindergarten were also established. With the quality education approach from kindergarten through university, Doğuş University is the last link in this chain. In addition, this is one of the Low Tuition Universities in Turkey.

#9. Dokuz Eylül University

DEU is a dynamic university that keeps growing with 14 faculties, 10 institutes and graduate schools, 3 schools, a state conservatory, 7 vocational schools, and 54 research centers. It also embodies the Dokuz Eylul Technology Development Zone (DEPARK).

#10. Dumlupinar University

Dumlupınar University is one of the newest universities in Turkey. The university began to operate as a new institution under the name of Kütahya Dumlupınar University on July 3, 1992. It is a cheap University in Turkey that students can apply for.

#11. Eastern Mediterranean University (Cyprus)

International students entering Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) for the first time will have to pay the full fees for their first semester upfront before they can be granted a visa more detail will be on your admission letter. Installment payment is only available to already registered students.

#12. Erciyes University

Erciyes University is a Turkish institute of higher education located in Kayseri, Turkey. As of 4 April 2006, a total of 28,474 students were studying for their bachelor’s degree and postgraduate studies. It is a cheap University in Turkey that students can apply for.

#13. European University of Lefke (Cyprus)

The European University of Lefke is a non-profit university founded in 1990 by the Cyprus Science Foundation. The “philosophy” of the EUL is “science and education are universal in our age,” thus the EUL provides a broad range of contemporary education and is committed to maintaining international standards of excellence with all degree programs accredited and recognized by the higher education authorities around the world.

#14. Fatih University Tuition Fees

Fatih University is a private university in Istanbul, Turkey. It was started in the year 1997 by the Turkish Association of Health and Medical Treatment. The Faculty of Arts and Science, the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Medicine, the Institute of Social Sciences, the Institute of Science and Engineering, the Institute of Medical Sciences, the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Nursing School and Vocational School of Medical Sciences was opened.

#15. Anadolu University

Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, a pioneering institution in aviation training, offers undergraduate programs in Avionics, Air Traffic Control, Airframe, Powerplant Maintenance, Aviation Management, and Flight Training.  The faculty aims to train qualified pilots, air traffic controllers, airline and airport management staff, and aircraft maintenance personnel in accordance with international aviation standards and regulations for the air transportation industry.

#16. Ankara University

Ankara University is a public university in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. It was the first higher education institution founded in Turkey after the formation of the republic. The university has 40 vocational programs, 120 undergraduate programs, and 110 graduate programs

#17. Atatürk University

Atatürk University’s history is one of the dreams that came true for the Republic of Turkey. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, spoke about the necessity of establishing a large university in Eastern Anatolia in his Grand National Assembly inauguration speech on 1st November 1937 and also gave instructions for the start of the proceedings.

#18. Atilim University

Founded in Ankara with the purpose of being a university that “provides quality education, produces science and technology, conducts research and enlightens the future of our country”, Atilim University takes firm steps to attain its target and even carry it one step further

#19. Bahcesehir University

Bahçeşehir University is a private educational institution in Turkey, located on the European side of Istanbul. The Turkish National Assembly authorized the establishment of the University of Bahçeşehir by the Bahçeşehir Uğur Education Foundation in 1998.

#20. Balikesir University

Balikesir Üniversitesi offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details

#21. Baskent University

The annual tuition fee is paid in two equal installments, before the Fall and Spring semester course registrations, by the deadline in the academic calendar. Newly admitted students pay the Fall semester installment during the registration period. It is a cheap University in Turkey that students can apply for.

#22. Beykent University

Beykent University was established as a not-for-profit organization by The Adem Çelik – Beykent Education Foundation and began its educational programs in the 1997 – 1998 academic year. Since then Beykent University has grown its facilities for teaching, learning, and research on three separate campuses. Today it has 10 Faculties, 4 Higher Education Colleges, 2 Institutes, 3 Research Centres, The Continuing Education & Career Centre, and the Distance Education Centre.

#23. Celal Bayar University

Manisa Celal Bayar University is a public research university located in Manisa, Turkey. CBU traces its root back to 1959 as an independent sports and teachers’ college in Manisa. The main campus is in the Muradiye district of Manisa. Check this: Top 15 Universities in Turkey that Teach in English 2022

#24. Cumhuriyet (Republik) University

Cumhuriyet University which was founded in Sivas, the second-largest city in terms of the area of our country, was established on 11000 acres of land in 1974, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic.

#25. Cyprus International University

Cyprus International University is an English-language private university in Northern Cyprus. It is located in the capital, North Nicosia, and was established in 1997. Cyprus International University welcomes applications from students around the world. Students who wish to enroll at Cyprus International University need to apply online using our application website

#26. Karadeniz Technical University

Karadeniz Technical University, is a public research university in Trabzon, in the Black Sea region of Turkey. Established in 1955, it is the fourth oldest university in Turkey. Karadeniz Technical University is a state university institution subject to Law No. 2547 on Higher Education in Turkey. It is a cheap University in Turkey that students can apply for.   Kirikkale University Kirikkale University was established on 3 July 1992, the organization according to the law of Arts and Sciences, Economics and Administrative Sciences, Engineering and Veterinary Faculty, Social Sciences, Science and Health Sciences Centres. It is a cheap University in Turkey that students can apply for.

#27. Koc University

Koç University is a non-profit private university in Istanbul, Turkey. It started education in temporary buildings in İstinye in 1993 and moved to its current Rumeli Feneri campus near Sarıyer in 2000. Koç University is ranked highest in Turkey according to the 2016 Times Higher Education World University Rankings

#28. Kocaeli University

The University of Kocaeli is a state university in Kocaeli, Turkey. It was founded as the Academy of Engineering and Architecture of Kocaeli in 1976. The electrical and mechanical engineering departments, basic sciences, and departments of modern languages were the original departments of the academy.

#28. Maltepe University

Maltepe University is a private university located in the Maltepe district of Istanbul, Turkey. It was established on July 9, 1997, by the “Istanbul Marmara Education Foundation”. The institution has a broad scope of education starting from the elementary level to university. The first students graduated in June 2001.

#29. Marmara University Istanbul

Marmara University (Turkish: Marmara University) has its roots in a business college which opened in 1883. its current incarnation was inaugurated in 1982. One of the top universities in Turkey, today it has over 70,000 students and around 2,800 faculty. A polyglot university, it is separated into many different faculties, institutes, and schools.

#30. Mersin University

Mersin University is a public university, built-in 1992 in Mersin province, Turkey. It has about 25,000 students, 1,405 academic staff, and a number of foreign and guest academic staff. The university has research and sports facilities, in Mersin town center and in other towns. Mersin university tuition fees are low and affordable.

#31. Middle East Technical University

Middle East Technical University (METU), located near the Turkish capital of Ankara, is one of Turkey’s premier state-financed institutions of higher education. METU has a very strong emphasis on research and education in engineering and the natural sciences. While a wide range of subjects is offered at this prestigious University, it is best known for its excellence in science education. It is considered one of the very best Universities in Turkey and in Europe. Also, you can check this: Study Abroad in Colombia: Cost Of Living, Application, Tuition & Top Universities

#32. Firat (Euphrates) University

Fırat University is a state university based in Elazığ, Turkey. The university was founded in 1975 and named after the Turkish name of the Euphrates River which originates near Elazığ. It is a cheap University in Turkey that students can apply for.

#33. Galatasaray University

Galatasaray University is a Turkish university established in İstanbul, Turkey in 1992, following an agreement signed in the presence of President François Mitterrand of France and President Turgut Özal of Turkey during a ceremony at Galatasaray High School, the mother school of the university.

#34. Gazi University Ankara

Gazi University is a public university primarily located in Ankara, Turkey. It was established in 1926 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as Gazi Teacher Training Institute.

#35. Gaziantep University

Gaziantep University is a public university in Gaziantep, Turkey. Gaziantep University has 10 faculties, containing a total of 22 academic departments, with a strong emphasis on scientific and technological research. Gaziantep is the largest trade and industrial center in the west of Southeastern Turkey.

#36. Gaziosmanpasa University

Established in 1992, Gaziosmanpasa Üniversitesi (Gaziosmanpasa University) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the large town of Tokat (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants).

#37. Gebze Institute of Technology

Gebze Technical University, formerly known as Gebze Institute of Technology, is one of two institutes of technology founded in Turkey; The other one is the İzmir Institute of Technology.

#38. Girne American University

Girne American University is a university in Kyrenia, a city in the northern area of Cyprus. The university was founded in 1985 by Mr. Serhat Akpinar as an institution of American-style higher education.

#39. Hacettepe University

Hacettepe University is a major state university in Ankara, Turkey. Based on academic performance, it ranks 1st among Turkish universities with medical schools. The University has two main campuses.

#40. Halic University

Founded in 1998, Haliç Üniversitesi (Halic University) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the metropolis of Istanbul (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants).

#41. Harran University

The first higher education unit established in Sanliurfa is the Sanliurfa Vocational School (1976). Then the Faculty of Agriculture (1978), and the Department of Civil Engineering (1984) both affiliated with Dicle University were founded. Following these schools, the Faculty of Theology was formed in Sanliurfa by Gaziantep University in 1988.

#42. Inönü University

Ä°nönü University (Ä°nönü Üniversitesi) is a university in Malatya, Turkey. On 28 January 1975 Turkish Parliament ordered the establishment of Inonu University in Malatya, the hometown of the 2nd president of Turkey, Ismet Inonu. It is one of the biggest universities in the eastern part of Turkey. Until today the university graduated over 70,000 students. It is a cheap University in Turkey that students can apply for.

#43. Isik University

Işık University is a private university located in Istanbul, Turkey. The university is a part of the Feyziye Mektepleri Vakfi Isik Okulları which was established by the Feyz-i Sıbyan School in the city of Salonica on 14 December 1885

#44. Istanbul Bilgi University

Istanbul Bilgi University is a university in Istanbul, Turkey, privately owned by US-based Laureate Education, which is a for-profit college corporation. In Turkish, Bilgi means “knowledge” or “information”. The Bilgi Education and Culture Foundation was founded on October 31, 1994, in Istanbul. It is a cheap University in Turkey that students can apply for.

#45. Istanbul Kultur University

İstanbul Kültür University is one of the many private universities located in Istanbul, Turkey. It has a total of three campuses all within close proximity to each other in the western part of Istanbul. The campuses include the Ataköy and İncirli campus in Bakırköy and the Şirinevler campus in Bahçelievler.

#46. Istanbul Technical University

As a leading research-intensive university, Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ) attaches great importance to the development of graduate and post-graduate studies. Thus, İTÜ continues its endeavor to train MSc and Ph.D. students with high-caliber academic and research skills to advance contemporary science and technology, and develop innovation.

#47. Istanbul University

Istanbul University brings together the East and the West; the past and the future; also it is the leading University raising competent individuals who produce beneficial knowledge for our country and humanity. It is a cheap University in Turkey that students can apply for.

#48. Izmir Institute of Technology

The İzmir Institute of Technology was set up in 1992 in the city of Izmir on the Western coast of Turkey in the Aegean sea. The higher-level institution puts a strong emphasis on natural sciences and engineering. The university is one of the most prestigious and selective in Turkey. Its courses cover engineering (civil, chemical, computer, electrical, food, and mechanical) and science (chemistry, mathematics, molecular biology and genetics, physics), as well as architecture (including architectural restoration, city, and regional planning, and industrial design). All courses are taught in English.

#49. Kadir Has University

KHAS has an extensive scholarship program to support well-qualified international students in their studies at KHAS. 25% to 50% of tuition waiver scholarships are available for undergraduate studies. 25%, 50%, and 100% tuition waiver scholarships are available for Masters (with thesis) and Ph.D. programs. Every international student application for a KHAS academic program is evaluated for a scholarship. No separate scholarship application is necessary. Tuition reduction scholarships are awarded based on academic merit. High international or national examination scores and graduation grades are taken into consideration. Tuition reduction scholarships are subject to maintaining a min. of 1.5 GPA at the end of each academic year.

#50. Bilkent University

Bilkent University prides itself on its truly international perspective. The medium of instruction at Bilkent is English, and its international community of scholars and students forms an essential component of the university’s academic and social life.

51. Bogazici University

Each academic year, the University Executive Council announces the tuition and fees that students must pay in contribution toward the current service costs of institutions of higher education, following the enactment of the relevant decree by the Council of Ministers.

How Do I get Visa to Study in Turkey?

Obtaining a student visa before departing your home country is a requirement for formal registration as a student at a Turkish university. Therefore, students who come to Turkey without a student visa will neither be allowed to register as a student at the university nor receive a residency permit once in the country. Student visas must be obtained from a Turkish consulate, generally the one nearest your place of residence in the country of your nationality. Student visas CAN NOT be issued from within Turkey. You must take or mail a copy of your “Letter of Acceptance” from a Turkish university and a completed visa application form to the appropriate Turkish Consulate. Consulate staff can provide you with an application form upon request. Please note that it generally takes around eight weeks from the time you submit your application until you receive your visa. The student visa will be stamped in your passport. Although a time limit will be indicated on your visa, your student visa remains valid as long as you are enrolled at school. The application form should be submitted to the university/college before the last date mentioned by the institute. The application form should have some educational documents attached to it like: Once you have submitted your application to the university/college you have to wait you will get your approval letter from the college for the course you had applied in.

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