Ankara, Turkey’s capital, is home to some of the country’s most respected universities and a large student population. It is calmer and usually cheaper than Istanbul, with wide avenues, green campuses and a strong academic culture. This guide explains what to expect from studying in Ankara in 2027.
Best Universities in Ankara
- Middle East Technical University (METU / ODTÜ): English-taught, famous for engineering, architecture and sciences.
- Hacettepe University: one of Turkey’s leading medical and health sciences universities.
- Bilkent University: Turkey’s first private (foundation) university, English-taught, strong in engineering, business and humanities.
- Ankara University: one of the country’s oldest universities, with faculties in law, medicine, languages and more.
- Gazi University, TOBB University of Economics and Technology, Başkent University and others.
Compare with other cities in our best universities in Turkey guide and see the medical options in best medical universities in Turkey.
Ankara vs Istanbul for Students
| Ankara | Istanbul | |
|---|---|---|
| Living costs | Generally lower | Higher, especially rent |
| Pace of life | Calmer, academic | Busy, cosmopolitan |
| Universities | Top state universities and Bilkent | Largest number of private universities |
| Campuses | Large, green campuses | Mix of city and suburban campuses |
| Commute | Shorter for most students | Can be long |
Prefer the big city? Read studying in Istanbul.
Living Costs and Housing
Rent is the biggest expense, but Ankara is generally more affordable than Istanbul. Students often live in university dormitories, state dormitories or shared flats in districts close to campuses, such as Çankaya, Bahçelievler or Kızılay-area neighbourhoods. Plan your budget with our cost of living in Turkey guide.
Considering Ankara for your degree?
Saya Group helps you choose between Ankara and Istanbul universities, applies for scholarships and supports you with housing and residence permits.
Student Life in the Capital
Ankara has a lively student scene around Kızılay and Tunalı Hilmi, plenty of cafés, concerts and theatres, and museums such as the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Weekend trips to Cappadocia and the Black Sea coast are easy. Winters are colder and drier than in Istanbul, so bring warm clothes.
Getting Around
Ankara’s metro, Ankaray light rail and buses connect most campuses to the city centre. Students can get discounted transport cards after registration.
How to Choose the Right University in Ankara
Ankara has a mix of large public universities and well-equipped private (foundation) universities, and the right choice depends less on reputation alone and more on how well a programme fits your goals. Before you shortlist, it helps to answer a few practical questions honestly.
- Language of instruction: check whether your programme is fully English-taught, partly English (often 30% English) or Turkish-taught. Turkish-taught degrees usually require a language preparatory year first.
- Admission route: public universities often rely on their own exams or international scores such as SAT, while many private universities admit on the basis of your high school diploma and grades.
- Campus location: some campuses sit on the edge of the city, so your daily commute and choice of neighbourhood will follow your university.
- Budget: tuition at private universities is set by each institution and varies widely by faculty, while public university fees for international students are generally lower but places are more competitive.
- Accreditation and outcomes: look for programmes with professional accreditation (for example in engineering) and ask about internships and graduate employment.
If you are comparing studying in Ankara with other cities, read our wider guide to studying in Turkey as an international student to see how Ankara fits into the bigger picture.
Step-by-Step: From Offer Letter to Your First Semester in Ankara
Once you have chosen a university, the administrative path is broadly the same as anywhere in Turkey. Planning it in order saves you weeks of stress.
- Apply and receive your acceptance letter. Most universities issue a conditional or final offer after reviewing your documents.
- Pay the deposit or first instalment if your university requires it to confirm your place.
- Apply for your student visa at the Turkish consulate in your country, if your nationality needs one. Our Turkey student visa guide explains the documents.
- Arrange accommodation before you fly, at least for the first few weeks, whether in a dormitory or a temporary flat.
- Complete final registration on campus with your original diploma, equivalence documents and photos.
- Apply for your student residence permit online via e-ikamet after enrolment and attend your appointment at the migration office.
- Get health insurance, a local SIM card and an Ankarakart for public transport.
Rules and document lists change, so always confirm the latest requirements with your university’s international office and official government sources.
Best Neighbourhoods for Students in Ankara
Where you live shapes your budget and your daily routine as much as your university does. Ankara is spread out, so choosing a neighbourhood close to your campus or to a metro line makes life much easier.
- Kızılay and Çankaya: the central heart of the city, with cafés, bookshops and excellent transport connections. Rents are usually higher, but you can reach almost anywhere easily.
- Bahçelievler and Emek: popular with students and young professionals, with a lively atmosphere, affordable eateries and good access to central Ankara.
- Cebeci: a traditional student district near several faculties, generally more affordable and full of shared flats.
- Çayyolu and Ümitköy: quieter, greener suburbs on the metro line towards the western campuses, suited to students who prefer calm and modern housing.
- Bilkent and nearby areas: convenient if you study on that side of the city, though you may rely more on buses or shuttles.
Visit a neighbourhood at different times of day before signing a lease, check heating costs for the winter, and ask your university about verified housing options.
Working and Building Your Career While Studying in Ankara
As the capital, Ankara is home to government ministries, embassies, international organisations, defence and technology companies, and several technoparks attached to universities. For students in engineering, international relations, public policy and computer science, this creates real opportunities for internships and networking that are harder to find elsewhere.
International students can work in Turkey, but paid work generally requires a work permit, and the rules differ for associate, bachelor’s and postgraduate students. Our guide to working while studying in Turkey explains the current options. In practice, many students focus on university internships, research assistant roles, freelance remote work and summer placements.
To make the most of studying in Ankara, join student clubs early, attend career fairs and technopark events, and learn at least intermediate Turkish. Even in English-taught programmes, Turkish language skills significantly widen your job and internship options in the capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ankara good for international students?
Yes. It has top universities, a strong academic atmosphere and lower living costs than Istanbul.
Are programmes in Ankara taught in English?
Many are, especially at METU, Bilkent and TOBB ETÜ, and in selected programmes at Hacettepe.
Is Ankara cheaper than Istanbul?
In general, yes, mainly because rents are lower.
How do I get from Ankara Esenboğa Airport to the city centre?
The airport is outside the city, and the simplest options are the airport shuttle buses to central points such as Kızılay and the AŞTİ bus station, or a taxi. Check current routes and fares before you travel, especially if you arrive late at night.
Is Ankara safe for international students?
Ankara is generally considered a safe and orderly city for students, with a calm atmosphere compared with larger metropolitan areas. As in any city, use common sense at night, keep your documents secure and follow official guidance from your university and embassy.
Do I need to speak Turkish to live in Ankara?
You can study in an English-taught programme without Turkish, but daily life outside campus is easier with basic Turkish. Fewer people speak English in shops and offices than in tourist areas, so learning everyday phrases early is a good investment.
