Turkey has become a global hub for dentistry. Its universities train dentists in modern clinics, and the country’s dental tourism industry gives students plenty of exposure to real cases. But with private tuition often above $15,000 a year, many students ask the same question: how do I get a dentistry scholarship in Turkey? This guide covers every funding route for the 2027 intake, what each one requires, and how much you could save.
How Much Does Dentistry Cost in Turkey?
| University type | Approx. annual tuition (international students) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public universities | ~$3,000 – $9,000 | Mostly Turkish-taught; competitive YÖS/SAT admission |
| Private universities (Istanbul) | ~$14,000 – $25,000 | English-taught options; e.g. Üsküdar lists $22,000/year for English dentistry |
| Private universities (other cities) | ~$10,000 – $18,000 | Lower living costs and fees |
Over five years, the difference between paying full price and holding a 50% scholarship can easily exceed $50,000. For more about the programme itself, see our Study Dentistry in Turkey guide.
Route 1: Türkiye Bursları for Dentistry
The Turkish government’s scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance and a one-year Turkish language course. Dentistry falls under health sciences, which means:
- A minimum high school average of 90%.
- Undergraduate applicants generally under 21.
- An application window that usually runs from January to around 20 February.
Strong science grades, a focused motivation letter and good interview preparation are essential, because dentistry is one of the most requested fields.
Route 2: Private University Dentistry Scholarships
Private (foundation) universities set an international scholarship quota every year. For dentistry, awards of 25% or 50% are the most common, while 75% and 100% awards are reserved for top applicants. Typical criteria:
- High school GPA, especially biology and chemistry.
- SAT, IB, A-level or YÖS results (see What Is the YOS Exam?).
- English level for English-taught programmes.
- Early application, since quotas are limited.
Route 3: Public Universities with YÖS or SAT
Public dental faculties charge international students much less than private ones, and several are among the best in the country. Admission is score-based and competitive, and you will normally complete a Turkish preparatory year first.
Savings Calculator: What a Scholarship Is Worth
| Annual tuition | 25% scholarship (5 yrs) | 50% scholarship (5 yrs) | 100% scholarship (5 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $14,000 | Save $17,500 | Save $35,000 | Save $70,000 |
| $18,000 | Save $22,500 | Save $45,000 | Save $90,000 |
| $22,000 | Save $27,500 | Save $55,000 | Save $110,000 |
Step-by-Step Application Plan
- Autumn 2026: choose your target universities and check their dentistry fees and scholarship policies.
- Prepare documents: passport, translated and notarised diploma and transcripts, exam results, English certificate, photos.
- January–February 2027: submit your Türkiye Bursları application.
- Early 2027: apply to private universities as soon as international admissions open.
- Compare offers and confirm your seat; then start your student visa process.
Dentistry vs Medicine: Which Is Easier to Fund?
Dentistry is a year shorter than medicine and usually a little cheaper, so even a partial scholarship covers a large share of total costs. Both fields are highly competitive for full awards. Compare options in our medical scholarship in Turkey article.
What Dentistry Students Study Year by Year
The five-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) programme in Turkey moves from science to clinic. Knowing the structure helps you judge whether a university’s clinical facilities are strong enough.
- Years 1–2: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, dental materials and pre-clinical lab work on models.
- Year 3: first supervised patient work in restorative dentistry, periodontology and prosthodontics.
- Years 4–5: full clinical rotations, including oral surgery, orthodontics, paediatric dentistry and endodontics.
Visit or ask for photos of the university’s dental hospital. The number of dental chairs and patients per student is one of the best signs of training quality. Compare the options in our study dentistry in Turkey guide and our list of the best medical universities in Turkey, many of which also have top dentistry faculties.
How Saya Group Helps Dentistry Applicants
Dentistry scholarship seats fill quickly. We shortlist universities whose fees and award levels match your grades, prepare your documents and apply as soon as international admissions open. Get your free dentistry assessment today.
Want a dentistry scholarship for 2027?
Saya Group finds the dental faculties with open scholarship quotas, prepares your file and supports you until you start classes in Turkey.
Hidden Costs Dentistry Students Should Budget For
Even with a generous dentistry scholarship in Turkey, tuition is only part of the bill. Dentistry is a hands-on degree, and students in the clinical years often face costs that are not covered by a tuition discount:
- Instruments and materials. Some faculties expect students to buy personal instrument kits, loupes or consumables for pre-clinical practice. Ask each university what is provided and what you must buy.
- Uniforms and protective equipment. Clinic uniforms, shoes and other protective items are usually the student’s responsibility.
- Accommodation and daily living. Rent varies widely between cities and neighbourhoods. Our cost of living in Turkey guide breaks down typical monthly spending.
- Health insurance and residence permit fees. These are required for every international student and are renewed regularly.
Plan for these costs from the start, especially if your scholarship covers tuition only. Running out of money in year three or four is far more disruptive than budgeting carefully in year one.
Common Mistakes in Dentistry Scholarship Applications
Dentistry places are competitive, so small errors can cost you a better discount. The most common problems we see are applying after the strongest scholarships have been allocated, submitting transcripts without official translations, and choosing a programme only on price without checking its clinical facilities. Another frequent mistake is applying to just one university. Applying to several gives you offers to compare and more room to negotiate on start date or payment plan.
Career Options After Studying Dentistry in Turkey
Graduates can practise in Turkey once they meet the local licensing requirements, continue to specialist training, or return to their home country. If you plan to work abroad, research the licensing process of that country early, because many require equivalence exams or additional clinical assessment. Turkey is part of the Bologna Process, which helps with academic recognition, and you can read more in our guide on whether Turkish degrees are recognised. Licensing rules change, so always confirm with the dental regulator in the country where you want to practise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students get a dentistry scholarship in Turkey?
Yes. Türkiye Bursları offers fully funded places and many private universities award 25%–100% scholarships to strong international applicants.
How long is a dentistry degree in Turkey?
Five years, plus an optional one-year language preparatory programme if needed.
Is dentistry in Turkey taught in English?
Many private universities offer English-taught dentistry. Public universities mostly teach in Turkish.
What grades do I need?
Türkiye Bursları requires at least 90% for health sciences. Private universities set their own bars, but top scholarships go to students with high science grades and strong SAT/YÖS/IB scores.
Does a dentistry scholarship cover living costs?
Türkiye Bursları does. Private university scholarships usually cover tuition only, so you need a budget for housing and daily expenses.
How much does dentistry cost in Turkey after a 50% scholarship?
At large Istanbul private universities, English-taught dentistry lists at roughly $22,000–$24,500 a year, so a 50% award brings it to about $11,000–$12,250 a year before living costs.
Is a dentistry scholarship renewed every year?
Most private university scholarships continue for the standard length of the programme as long as you meet the university’s academic conditions, such as passing your courses or keeping a minimum GPA. Read the scholarship terms carefully, because some discounts can be reduced if your grades fall.
Can I transfer to another university and keep my dentistry scholarship?
Usually not. Scholarships are awarded by each university to its own students, so moving to a new university normally means applying for that university’s scholarship under its own rules. Choose your university carefully at the start.
