For International Students: University Application in Türkiye
State University or Foundation (Private) University? Detailed analysis of the differences and opportunities is here! Take your first step toward making the right decision now.
Quick Comparison
See the key differences between State and Foundation (Private) universities in Türkiye at a glance.
Cost
State: More Economical
Private: Higher tuition fees
Admission Requirement
State: Exam generally required (TR-YÖS, SAT...)
Private: Generally no exam (High school diploma sufficient)
Language of Instruction
State: Turkish (TÖMER compulsory)
Private: Mostly English instruction
Ease of Entry
State: High competition, exam condition
Private: No exam stress, fast and easy registration
3 Critical Factors Influencing Your Decision
Detailed analysis to help you make the right choice for your educational journey.
Fees and Budget
Visual: Average annual fee comparison
Language of Instruction
- State: Generally Turkish. Compulsory TÖMER preparatory program for non-Turkish speakers.
- Private: Generally English. TOEFL or IELTS required for language proficiency.
Admission Requirements
- State: Centralized exams like TR-YÖS, or international exams like SAT, A level, IB.
- Private: Often non-exam based; high school diploma and GPA are usually sufficient.
Comprehensive University Comparison Table
| Feature | State Universities | Foundation (Private) Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Cost / Fees | An economical option. Annual fees range from **500-2,000 USD** for general programs, and **5,000-12,000 USD** for health programs. | Higher tuition fees. Annual fees range from **3,000-10,000 USD** for general programs, and **15,000-30,000 USD** for health programs. |
| Admission Requirements | Generally exam-focused with high competition. TR-YÖS, SAT, or IB results are required. Non-exam entry: High school GPA 60 and above can apply for vacant quotas. | Generally non-exam based. Application is done with high school diploma and GPA. The application process is faster and more flexible. |
| Language of Instruction | Generally **Turkish**. A one-year TÖMER preparation program is compulsory for international students who do not speak Turkish. | Generally **English**. Adequate scores from international language proficiency exams like TOEFL or IELTS are expected. |
| Academic Quality and Programs | Possess established academic staff. They are strong in traditional disciplines like Law and Medicine. Newly established state universities may have staff shortages. | Attract popular and recognized academics. They are more dynamic in opening current, popular, and interdisciplinary new programs. |
| Campus Life and Facilities | Located in every province of Türkiye and generally have large campuses. Social facilities and activities may be more limited. | Concentrated mainly in metropolitan cities like **Istanbul and Ankara**. They feature more modern, technologically advanced, and aesthetically pleasing campuses. |
| Student Experience and Support | Administrative units, such as student affairs, can be more bureaucratic. International student offices may be less effective and may not offer multilingual services. | One-on-one attention is higher, and classes are smaller. International student offices are more effective and provide multilingual services. |
| Student Satisfaction | According to research, the perceived service quality, satisfaction, image, and loyalty levels are lower compared to foundation universities. | Students' perception of service quality, satisfaction, image, recommendation, and loyalty levels are higher compared to state universities. |
| Job Opportunities and Prestige | Established state universities hold high prestige. They are much stronger, especially in Health programs. | They have stronger links with the sector; they offer more support (career centers, etc.) for internships and job placement. |
| Scholarship Opportunities | Scholarships are generally tied to outstanding success in the TR-YÖS or the "Türkiye Scholarships" program. | They offer scholarships and discounts at rates like 25%, 50%, or 75%, based on academic achievement. |
Your First Step for Turkish Universities: The TR YÖS Exam
Our recommendation to all students planning to study in Türkiye: Prioritize **pre-registering for the TR YÖS Exam** immediately and begin preparing for the test.
Even if you fail these exams or decide not to take them, we can always secure your non-exam registration at private universities. **TR YÖS is the most important key that opens the doors to state universities!**
Great Opportunities
If your high school GPA is high, you can enroll in many state universities without an exam!
You can enter state universities using international exams like SAT, A level, or IB instead of the TR-YÖS exam.
Living expenses (accommodation, food, etc.) at universities in Türkiye average **3,000 - 5,000 USD**. This is quite economical compared to many Western countries. You should consider this cost in addition to your tuition fee when making your choice.
Which is the Right Choice for You?
State Universities
They are ideal if you are looking for an economic education, aim to learn Turkish, and are ready for the exam-based admission process. State universities are located in all cities across Türkiye, and admission scores vary widely.
Foundation (Private) Universities
They are more suitable for you if you want to study in English, prefer to settle without the stress of an exam, and want to live in a Metropolitan city like Ankara or Istanbul.
We Are Here For You!
We are happy to guide you on your university journey in Türkiye. Contact us for more information or to start your application process.
If you want to listen to the Application and Registration Details audibly, click the icon below:
What our students say ?
Iris Du Leeuw
Netherlands
State university Student
Hello,
Meeting ISSA Eduinturkey was a turning point for me on my journey to fulfill my dream of studying at a university in Turkey. The support I received from the beginning to the end of the process truly impressed me with both professionalism and a sincere approach. Coming from the Netherlands to Turkey, adapting to the education system, and completing all bureaucratic procedures flawlessly made it clear that managing such a complex process alone would not be possible. However, thanks to ISSA Eduinturkey, I felt secure at every step.....
Firstly, I was very pleased with the guidance I received during the preparation process for the TR-YÖS exam. When I had no prior knowledge about the exam, the ISSA Eduinturkey team explained the details of the exam, how I should apply, and what I needed to pay attention to in great detail. With the resources they recommended and the support they provided, I successfully passed the exam. There was a team that increased my motivation and was always by my side throughout this process.
After the exam, the guidance I received regarding university and city preferences was invaluable to me. There were many options in Turkey, and making the right decision was quite challenging. The ISSA Eduinturkey team helped me compare universities that aligned with my academic goals and the most suitable cities in terms of living conditions. As a result, I was able to make a choice where I would be satisfied with the quality of education and live comfortably. During the university registration process, they enabled me to easily complete complex steps like document submission, notary transactions, and payment procedures.
Even after arriving in Turkey, ISSA Eduinturkey's support continued. Their guidance on accommodation, health insurance, and residence permits helped me adapt to this new environment more quickly. Especially as a foreign student, feeling that I was not alone during this process was very valuable to me.
In conclusion, working with ISSA Eduinturkey has been a great opportunity for me. Thanks to a professional, reliable, and always accessible team, I completed my educational journey stress-free and smoothly. I wholeheartedly recommend ISSA Eduinturkey to all international students who wish to study in Turkey. Without their support, I could not have experienced such an easy process.
On this occasion, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the ISSA Eduinturkey team. I am grateful for your guidance in realizing my dreams.
Thank you and best regards,
IRIS DE LEEUW / NETHERLANDS
Varney Siebo
Liberia
Master Student
My name is Varney Siebo, a Liberian. My reason for applying to this program is because of the International reputation of the University of Turkey, especially Business Administration which attracts such a variety of students and I believe it will be a stimulating environment in which to study at Master’s level. Your university also provides excellent working facilities for graduate students which demonstrate your commitment to the graduate student, while it is recognized regionally and internationally.
The good reputation of high-quality education standards, an extremely distinguished faculty members and research facilities are amongst some of the factors which have motivated me to choose my MBA studies at the University in Turkey.
Ayomiposi Emmanuel Akinwole
Nigeria
Master Student
Well your service have been good, very professional and responsive, i love your service as an agency whenever i ask a question, you always respond to me as fast as possible. you basically helped me with all my processing, all my applications. When i got to Turkey, I finished my registration in just one day,in few hours. Sorry, it wasn’t up to 24 hours. This service is one of the best i have experienced in the world , its a professional service, i love the service so much.
Niang Abdoul Mazid
Guinea
Thanks to my participation in the EDU IN TURKEY seminars, I found that studying in Turkey is 95% guaranteed to be safe. (4730)
Grâce à ma participation aux séminaires ÉDU IN TURKEY j'ai trouvé que etudier en Turquie en toute sécurité est garanti à 95%. (4730)
Alpha Mamoudou Barry
Guinea
Master Student
Good evening, Issa organization. I am a student living in Guinea and I would like to continue my studies in Turkey. First of all, thank you very much for giving us a chance to register for free. I saw your platform on social media and I am counting on your help. Thank you again. (6217)
Sadick Iddrisu
Ghana
Master Student
I've chosen Turkey because of its standard of education and high rate of development with which I can easily get an example to my country.
My choice of Turkey came very easy because I have the success stories of many across the globe through online websites and first-hand information from people who have studied in Turkey, And their experience is something that any well meaning individual will be endeavor to have.
The particular location of Turkey between Europe and Asia presents a very good opportunity for one to have an experience of blend of culture not forgetting Turkey being one of the best countries that attracts tourist from all walk of life. (5329)
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