Medicine is the most expensive degree you can study in Turkey: at private universities the English-taught programme can cost anywhere from about $12,500 to more than $40,000 per year, over six years. That is exactly why a medical scholarship in Turkey is one of the most searched-for opportunities among international students. The good news: scholarships for medicine do exist. The honest news: they are competitive, and you need a clear strategy to win one. This guide shows you every realistic option for the 2027 intake.
How Much Does Medicine Cost in Turkey Without a Scholarship?
| University type | Typical annual tuition (international students) | Programme length |
|---|---|---|
| Public universities | Roughly $3,000 – $10,000 (varies by university) | 6 years |
| Mid-range private universities (e.g. Okan, Altınbaş, Biruni) | ~$21,000 – $23,000 | 6 years |
| Popular Istanbul private universities (e.g. Üsküdar, Aydın, Bahçeşehir, İstinye) | ~$24,000 – $29,000 | 6 years |
| Top private universities (e.g. Koç, Medipol) | ~$40,000 – $44,000 | 6 years |
Figures are published 2026 list prices for English-taught medicine and may change each year. For the full picture of programmes and admission, read our main guide: Study Medicine in Turkey.
Option 1: Türkiye Bursları for Medicine (Fully Funded)
The government’s Türkiye Bursları programme can cover 100% of tuition, a monthly stipend, dormitory accommodation, health insurance, a return flight and a one-year Turkish language course. Medicine is offered mainly in Turkish at public universities, so the language year is essential.
- Minimum grade: at least 90% high school average for medical sciences.
- Age: generally under 21 for undergraduate applicants.
- Application window: usually January to late February, with interviews in spring.
Because medicine is the most requested field, a strong biology and chemistry record, a convincing motivation letter and a well-prepared interview make a real difference.
Option 2: Private University Scholarships for Medicine
Many foundation universities offer international students partial scholarships for medicine, usually 25% or 50% off tuition, and occasionally a 75% or 100% award to exceptional applicants. These are granted from a limited annual quota decided by each university’s board of trustees.
What committees look at
- High school GPA, especially in biology, chemistry and mathematics.
- Standardised scores such as SAT, IB Diploma, A-levels or YÖS. Learn more in What Is the YOS Exam?
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or the university’s own exam) for English-taught medicine.
- Timing: early applicants get access to the full quota.
Option 3: Public Universities via YÖS or SAT
Turkish public universities charge international students far less than private ones, and some of Turkey’s best medical faculties are public. Admission is competitive and is usually based on YÖS (many universities run their own exam), SAT, or other international scores. The trade-off: most public medicine programmes are taught in Turkish, so you complete a Turkish preparatory year first.
Medical Scholarship vs Self-Funded: Which Path Fits You?
| Your profile | Best strategy |
|---|---|
| 90%+ grades, under 21, open to studying in Turkish | Apply to Türkiye Bursları and public universities in parallel |
| Strong grades, wants English-taught medicine in Istanbul | Apply early to private universities for a 25–100% merit scholarship |
| Average grades, limited budget | Consider public universities via YÖS, or a paramedical degree with a higher scholarship chance |
| Strong SAT/IB, flexible on city | Target universities outside Istanbul with lower fees and larger quotas |
How to Apply for a Medical Scholarship in Turkey: Checklist
- Passport copy and passport-size photos
- High school diploma and transcripts (official translation + notarisation)
- Exam results: SAT, YÖS, IB, A-level or equivalent
- English certificate (IELTS/TOEFL) if applying to English-taught medicine
- Motivation letter explaining why you want to become a doctor
- Recommendation letter(s) where requested
Smart Alternatives If You Miss a Medicine Scholarship
If you do not win funding for medicine this year, consider dentistry, pharmacy or paramedical fields such as nursing and physiotherapy, which have lower tuition and wider scholarship quotas. See our Study Dentistry in Turkey guide and our article on the 100% scholarship in Turkey for programmes where full awards are easier to win.
Which Universities Offer the Most Medical Scholarships?
Large private universities in Istanbul and Ankara run the biggest English-taught medicine programmes and therefore the largest scholarship quotas. State universities with strong medical faculties, such as Hacettepe, Istanbul University and Ankara University, are much cheaper but admit international students through competitive exam scores and usually teach in Turkish. See our list of the best medical universities in Turkey to compare them.
| Type | Typical fee (per year) | Scholarship chance |
|---|---|---|
| Private, English-taught | ~$24,000–$29,000 | 25%–100% merit awards |
| Private, Turkish-taught | ~$18,000–$23,000 | 25%–100% merit awards |
| State university | Much lower, set by each university | Türkiye Bursları or low fees |
Fees are indicative 2026–27 list prices for international students at large Istanbul private universities and change every year.
How Saya Group Helps Medical Applicants
Medicine is the most competitive field for scholarships, so timing matters. We check your biology and chemistry grades, recommend whether you should sit the YÖS exam or SAT, and apply in the first weeks of the admission window. Request a free medical scholarship assessment to see which universities fit your grades.
Find your best medical scholarship match
Saya Group reviews your grades and exam scores, shortlists universities with open medicine quotas and manages your application from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students get a full scholarship for medicine in Turkey?
Yes, but it is very competitive. Türkiye Bursları offers fully funded places, and a few private universities give 100% awards to exceptional students. Most successful applicants receive 25%–50%.
What grades do I need for a medical scholarship in Turkey?
For Türkiye Bursları you need at least 90% in high school. Private universities set their own levels, but top scholarships generally go to students with very high biology, chemistry and maths grades.
Is medicine in Turkey taught in English?
Many private universities offer English-taught medicine. Most public universities teach medicine in Turkish after a one-year Turkish preparatory course.
Is a Turkish medical degree recognised internationally?
Turkish medical faculties are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, and graduates can sit licensing exams in many countries. Always check the specific rules of the country where you plan to practise.
When should I apply for a 2027 medical scholarship?
Türkiye Bursları runs from about January to February 2027. Private university applications usually open in early 2027, and scholarship quotas fill quickly, so prepare your documents in autumn 2026.
Is a Turkish medical degree recognised abroad?
Medical degrees from accredited Turkish universities are recognised in many countries, but licensing rules differ. Always check your home country’s ministry of health list before you choose a university.
Do I need a preparatory year for medicine in Turkey?
Only if your English or Turkish is not strong enough. Students who pass the university’s proficiency exam or hold an accepted certificate can start the six-year programme directly.
