Turkey is an increasingly popular choice for graduate study. Universities offer hundreds of English-taught master’s programmes, fees are moderate, and fully funded options such as Türkiye Bursları are available. This guide explains how to get a master’s degree in Turkey in 2027, from choosing a programme to winning a scholarship.
Thesis vs Non-Thesis Master’s
| Thesis master’s | Non-thesis master’s | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | About 2 years | About 1–1.5 years |
| Focus | Research and a final thesis | Coursework and a final project |
| Best for | PhD plans, academic or research careers | Professional careers, faster entry to work |
| Scholarships | More funding and assistantship options | Fewer funding options |
Popular Fields
- Business administration and MBA; see study business in Turkey.
- Computer engineering, data science and artificial intelligence; see study computer science in Turkey.
- Engineering, architecture and urban design.
- International relations, political science and economics.
- Health sciences, psychology and public health.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and transcripts (final-year students can often apply conditionally).
- ALES (Turkey’s graduate entrance exam) or international alternatives such as GRE or GMAT, depending on the university and programme.
- Language proof: TOEFL, IELTS, YDS/YÖKDİL or the university’s own exam for English-taught programmes; Turkish proficiency for Turkish-taught ones.
- Statement of purpose, CV and recommendation letters.
- Interview or written exam for some programmes.
Fees and Funding
State universities charge modest fees for international graduate students, while private universities set higher prices but often give tuition waivers or research and teaching assistantships to strong applicants. Fully funded options include Türkiye Bursları and other fully funded scholarships, which cover tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation and health insurance.
Planning a master’s in Turkey?
Saya Group shortlists programmes that match your degree and goals, checks ALES/GRE requirements and prepares strong applications for admission and funding.
Application Timeline
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Autumn 2026 | Shortlist programmes, prepare test scores (ALES/GRE, English) |
| Jan–Feb 2027 | Apply to Türkiye Bursları |
| Spring 2027 | University applications for the autumn intake |
| Summer 2027 | Results, acceptance, student visa |
| Sep 2027 | Start of autumn semester |
Many universities also offer a spring intake with applications in autumn.
For the visa process, see our Turkey student visa and residence permit guide.
Your Application Documents Checklist
Requirements are set by each university and each graduate school (institute), but most applications for a master’s in Turkey ask for a similar set of documents. Preparing them early, with certified translations where needed, is the easiest way to avoid last-minute problems.
- Bachelor’s diploma or expected graduation letter, plus your full transcript with your grade point average.
- Passport copy valid for your planned period of study.
- Language proficiency evidence: an accepted English test score for English-taught programmes, or a Turkish certificate for Turkish-taught ones. Some universities run their own language exam instead.
- ALES or an accepted equivalent such as GRE or GMAT, where the programme requires it.
- Statement of purpose explaining your academic background, research interests and career goals.
- Reference letters, usually from former lecturers, especially for thesis programmes.
- CV and, for some fields, a portfolio (for example architecture or design).
Some programmes also hold an interview, online or in person. Always confirm the current list on the graduate school’s own website before you submit.
Choosing a Supervisor and Research Topic
If you choose a thesis master’s, your supervisor will shape your experience more than almost anything else. Before you apply, read the faculty pages of your target department, look at what professors have published recently and identify two or three whose work matches your interests.
A short, polite email introducing yourself, your background and a possible research idea can help, especially for research-focused programmes. Keep it specific: mention a paper or project of theirs and explain how your skills fit. Do not send the same generic message to dozens of professors.
When choosing a topic, think about where it leads. A thesis linked to an active lab, an industry partner or a funded project often brings better data, publications and contacts, and it can open the door to research assistant roles or a PhD later.
Life as a Master’s Student in Turkey
Graduate study in Turkey is usually more independent than undergraduate study. Classes are smaller, discussions are more common and you are expected to read widely on your own. In the first year of a thesis programme, you typically complete your coursework and a seminar, then focus on research and writing in the second year.
Many graduate students live in university dormitories or shared flats near campus, and life in cities such as Istanbul and Ankara offers a strong international community. Costs vary considerably by city and lifestyle, so compare tuition fees in Turkey together with living costs before you decide. After enrolment, you will need to apply for a student residence permit through e-ikamet, as all international students do.
What Comes After Your Master’s?
A master’s degree from Turkey can lead in several directions. Some graduates continue to a PhD in Turkey or abroad, which is easier if you completed a thesis and have a strong reference from your supervisor. Others enter the job market in Turkey, where employers in engineering, business, technology and health value postgraduate qualifications, although foreign nationals need a work permit to be employed. Many international students return home or move to a third country, using a degree that follows the Bologna structure with ECTS credits and a Diploma Supplement.
Whichever route you prefer, plan it from the start. Choose electives, a thesis topic and internships that fit your target career. Saya Group’s Istanbul advisors can help you shortlist programmes that suit your long-term plans.
Is a Master’s in Turkey Right for You?
A master’s in Turkey is a strong fit if you want an internationally structured degree at a cost that is usually lower than in Western Europe or North America, a wide choice of English-taught programmes, and a location between Europe and the Middle East. It suits career changers who want a focused non-thesis degree, as well as future researchers who want a thesis route towards a PhD.
It may be less suitable if you need a programme that leads directly to a regulated professional licence in another country, or if your field is only offered in Turkish and you are not prepared to learn the language. In those cases, check professional recognition rules in your target country before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ALES required for a master’s in Turkey?
Many programmes ask for ALES or accept GRE/GMAT instead. Some universities waive it for international students; check each programme.
Can I do a master’s in English in Turkey?
Yes. Hundreds of master’s programmes are fully taught in English.
Can I work during my master’s?
Graduate students can apply for a work permit with fewer restrictions than undergraduates. See work while studying in Turkey.
Are Turkish master’s degrees recognised?
Turkey is part of the European Higher Education Area. See are Turkish degrees recognised abroad?
How long does a master’s degree in Turkey take?
A thesis master’s normally takes about two years, while many non-thesis programmes can be completed in around one to one and a half years. If you need a language preparatory year first, add that to your timeline.
Can I apply for a master’s in Turkey without IELTS?
Often, yes. Many universities accept other English tests, their own proficiency exam, or proof that your previous degree was taught in English. Requirements differ by programme, so check each one before applying.
Can I do a PhD in Turkey after my master’s?
Yes. Turkish universities offer doctoral programmes in many fields, and most require a master’s degree, usually with a thesis, plus language and sometimes ALES or equivalent scores. Strong research experience and references improve your chances.
