You do not need to speak Turkish to earn a degree in Turkey. Hundreds of bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programmes are taught fully in English, especially at private universities and at several leading state universities. This guide shows the best English-taught programs in Turkey for 2027, what English level you need and how much they cost.
Most Popular English-Taught Fields
- Medicine, dentistry and pharmacy: widely available at private universities; see our medical scholarship in Turkey and study pharmacy in Turkey guides.
- Engineering and computer science: software, computer, electrical, industrial, civil and mechanical engineering; read study engineering in Turkey.
- Business, economics and international relations: very common at private universities.
- Psychology: popular and affordable at many private universities.
- Architecture and design: offered in English at several universities; see study architecture in Turkey.
Universities Known for English-Taught Teaching
Some universities teach almost everything in English, including Boğaziçi, Middle East Technical University (METU), Bilkent, Koç and Sabancı. Many other private universities, such as Bahçeşehir, Özyeğin, Yeditepe, Istanbul Medipol, Istinye and Altınbaş, offer large English-taught programmes alongside Turkish ones.
English Requirements
| Proof of English | Notes |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Widely accepted; minimum set by each university |
| IELTS Academic | Widely accepted |
| PTE Academic | Accepted by many universities |
| Duolingo English Test | Accepted by a growing number of private universities |
| University proficiency exam | Held before the semester |
| English-medium previous education | Accepted by some universities |
If you do not meet the level, you join a one-year English preparatory programme before your degree.
No IELTS? Read our guide to scholarships in Turkey without IELTS.
How Much Do English-Taught Programmes Cost?
At private universities, English-taught programmes are usually slightly more expensive than the Turkish version. For example, one large Istanbul private university lists English-taught psychology at $5,600 a year for 2026–27 compared with $4,200 in Turkish. Medicine and dentistry are the most expensive. See our tuition fees in Turkey guide for full examples.
Find the right English-taught programme
Saya Group compares English-taught programmes by quality, language requirements, fees and scholarships, and handles your applications.
Should You Still Learn Turkish?
Yes, at least to a basic level. It helps with daily life, part-time opportunities and, for health students, with patients during clinical training. Many universities offer free Turkish courses to international students.
Master’s and PhD Programmes in English
English-taught options are even more common at graduate level. Many universities offer English-taught master’s degrees in business (including MBA), engineering, computer science, international relations and health sciences, and PhD programmes in research fields. Graduate admission usually requires a bachelor’s degree, transcripts, a statement of purpose, recommendation letters and sometimes ALES or GRE scores. See our study abroad by education level guide.
How to Check a Programme Is Really in English
- Look for “100% English” or “English-medium” on the official programme page.
- Check whether some courses are in Turkish (some programmes are 30% English).
- Ask about the language of internships and clinical training.
Explore specific fields: psychology, business and MBA and computer science in Turkey.
The English Preparatory Year: How It Works
If you are admitted to an English-taught programme without an accepted English test score, or your score is below the requirement, you will usually take the university’s own English proficiency exam when you arrive. Students who pass go straight into the first year of their degree. Students who do not pass join an English preparatory year, often called “hazırlık”.
The preparatory year typically lasts one academic year and is organised by level, from beginner or elementary up to the level needed for academic study. Classes are intensive, with many hours of teaching each week, regular quizzes and strict attendance rules. At the end of the year you take the proficiency exam again. Each university sets its own rules for what happens if you still do not pass, so read them carefully before you enrol.
The preparatory year adds time and living costs to your studies, but it is also a real advantage: you start your degree with stronger academic English, which makes lectures, reports and exams much easier.
English-Taught or Turkish-Taught: Which Should You Choose?
Many universities offer the same degree in both languages. English-taught programmes in Turkey usually cost more, while Turkish-taught programmes require a Turkish language certificate or a Turkish preparatory year. Here is how the two compare using verified 2026–27 international fees:
| Programme (university) | English-taught | Turkish-taught |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine (Üsküdar) | $24,000 / year | $18,000 / year |
| Medicine (Istinye) | $29,000 / year | $23,000 / year |
| Dentistry (Üsküdar) | $22,000 / year | $16,000 / year |
| Psychology (Üsküdar) | $5,600 / year | $4,200 / year |
Choose English if you plan to work internationally, continue to a master’s abroad or want to start your degree sooner without learning a new language. Choose Turkish if you want lower fees, plan to build a career in Turkey or are willing to spend a year learning the language through a Turkish language course at TÖMER. For clinical fields such as medicine, Turkish becomes important anyway once you work with patients, which is covered in our guide to studying medicine in Turkey.
What to Expect in an English-Taught Classroom
Classrooms in English-taught programmes are often very international, with students from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and beyond, alongside Turkish students who chose to study in English. This mix is one of the main attractions, but it also means accents and academic backgrounds vary widely, so be patient in the first weeks.
Assessment usually combines midterm and final exams with assignments, presentations and group projects. Academic writing matters: you will be expected to reference sources properly, and universities treat plagiarism seriously. Lecturers generally hold office hours, and asking questions is welcomed. Most students find that their English improves quickly once they are using it every day for study.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming “English” means 100% English: some programmes teach only a share of their courses in English. Check the official language percentage.
- Ignoring the proficiency exam: without an accepted test score, plan for the possibility of a preparatory year in your budget and timeline.
- Applying too late: English-taught places in popular fields such as medicine, dentistry and engineering often fill before the official deadline.
- Skipping Turkish entirely: daily life, part-time work and internships are all easier with at least basic Turkish.
- Comparing fees without discounts: some universities offer reductions for early or full payment, so compare the final amount you will actually pay.
If you would like a second opinion on your shortlist, Saya Group’s Istanbul advisors can check programme language, fees and requirements with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study medicine in English in Turkey?
Yes. Many private universities and some state universities offer English-taught medicine.
Are English-taught degrees in Turkey recognised?
Degrees from accredited Turkish universities are recognised in many countries; check your home country’s rules for your field.
Do I need IELTS for English-taught programmes?
Not necessarily. Many universities accept other tests, their own exam or a preparatory year.
Is the English preparatory year included in tuition?
It depends on the university. At some private universities the preparatory year is charged at the same rate as a degree year, while others have a separate fee. Ask the university for the preparatory-year cost in writing before you pay a deposit.
Can I switch from a Turkish-taught to an English-taught programme later?
Sometimes, through an internal transfer, but it is not guaranteed. Places, grade requirements and language proof are set by each university. It is usually simpler to choose the right language at the application stage.
How long does an English-taught bachelor’s degree take in Turkey?
Most bachelor’s degrees take four years, plus an optional one-year preparatory programme if needed. Medicine takes six years, while dentistry and pharmacy take five. Degrees follow the Bologna structure, which helps when you need Turkish degrees recognised abroad.
