Not every healthcare career starts in a medical faculty. Nursing and physiotherapy graduates are in high demand worldwide, and in Turkey these programmes cost a fraction of medicine. Even better, scholarship quotas in these fields are wider, so your chances of a large award are much higher. This guide explains how to get a nursing scholarship in Turkey (and physiotherapy scholarships too) for the 2027 intake.
Nursing and Physiotherapy in Turkey: Key Facts
| Nursing (BSc) | Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation (BSc) | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years | 4 years |
| Language | Mostly Turkish; some English programmes | Mostly Turkish; some English programmes |
| Typical private tuition | ~$3,500 – $7,000 / year (e.g. Üsküdar lists $4,200) | ~$3,500 – $7,000 / year (e.g. Üsküdar lists $4,200) |
| Clinical training | Hospital rotations from year 2 | Clinical practice in rehab centres and hospitals |
| Scholarship chances | High for good students | High for good students |
Fees are indicative 2026 figures for international students; always confirm the current price list with each university.
Scholarship Options for Nursing and Physiotherapy
1. Private university merit scholarships (25%–100%)
This is the most realistic path for most students. Private universities award scholarships from an annual quota based on high school grades and, where available, SAT or YÖS scores. Because paramedical tuition is lower and quotas are wider, many strong students receive 50% or more, and top applicants can win 100%.
2. Türkiye Bursları
Nursing and physiotherapy are health sciences, so the fully funded government scholarship requires a high school average of 90% or more. It covers tuition, stipend, dormitory, health insurance and a Turkish course. See our full list of fully funded scholarships in Turkey.
3. Public universities via YÖS
Public universities charge low fees and admit international students through YÖS or SAT. Programmes are mostly Turkish-taught, preceded by a Turkish preparatory year.
Who Should Choose Nursing or Physiotherapy?
- Students who love healthcare but want a shorter, more affordable degree than medicine.
- Applicants whose grades are good but not high enough for a medicine scholarship.
- Students planning to work abroad, where nurses and physiotherapists are in demand.
- Those who want to start earning sooner after graduation.
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma and transcripts (translated and notarised)
- Passport copy and photos
- SAT, YÖS or other exam scores if available (they can raise your scholarship)
- Language: Turkish proficiency (or prep year) for Turkish programmes; English for English-taught ones. Many universities admit without IELTS; see scholarship in Turkey without IELTS
Career Prospects After Graduation
Graduates can work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, sports teams and elderly care. Many go on to a master’s degree or take licensing exams to work in other countries. Rules differ by country, so check the registration requirements where you plan to work.
Thinking about medicine instead? Compare options in our medical scholarship in Turkey guide, or see medicine in China vs Turkey.
Fees for Nursing and Physiotherapy in Turkey (2026–27)
Health sciences are among the most affordable programmes in Turkey. For example, Üsküdar University lists nursing and physiotherapy at $4,200 a year for international students (Turkish-taught), while Istinye University lists both at $8,000 a year. With a 25%–50% merit scholarship, total tuition can drop to only a few thousand dollars a year.
For a full price comparison across fields, see our tuition fees in Turkey guide and our list of the cheapest universities in Turkey.
How Saya Group Helps Health Sciences Students
We help you choose between nursing, physiotherapy and other health programmes, check the language of instruction, and apply for the highest scholarship your grades allow. Book a free consultation to see your options.
Get a nursing or physiotherapy scholarship in Turkey
Saya Group matches you with universities offering the highest scholarships in paramedical fields and manages your entire application.
How to Apply for a Nursing Scholarship in Turkey: Step by Step
- Shortlist programmes: compare nursing and physiotherapy programmes by language of instruction, fees, clinical partners and scholarship rules.
- Prepare your documents: passport, high school diploma and transcripts with translations, a language certificate if you have one, and a photo.
- Apply early: private universities often award merit scholarships based on your grades, and the highest percentages tend to go to strong applicants who apply early in the cycle.
- Apply for Türkiye Bursları separately: applications usually open around January and close around February, and this scholarship covers tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance and a Turkish language year.
- Compare offers: look at the final price after the scholarship, not the percentage alone.
- Pay the deposit and get your acceptance letter: then start your visa and residence permit process.
For a full overview of the admissions process, see our guide on how to apply to Turkish universities.
How to Keep Your Scholarship
Many private university scholarships are not guaranteed for the whole degree. They often come with conditions, such as maintaining a minimum grade point average, completing your courses on time and following the university’s disciplinary rules. If you fall below the requirement, the scholarship may be reduced or suspended for the following year.
Before you accept an offer, ask the university in writing whether the scholarship covers all years of study including the preparatory year, what grade average you need to keep it, and whether it can be increased if you perform well.
Clinical Training and the Turkish Language
Nursing and physiotherapy programmes include extensive clinical practice in hospitals and rehabilitation centres. Even if your programme is taught in English, most patients in Turkey speak Turkish, so learning the language makes your placements far more rewarding. Many students take a TÖMER Turkish language course during their first year. If you plan to work abroad, keep records of your clinical hours, as licensing bodies in other countries often ask for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students get a nursing scholarship in Turkey?
Yes. Private universities offer 25%–100% scholarships, and Türkiye Bursları funds high-achieving students fully.
How much does nursing cost in Turkey?
At private universities, roughly $3,500 to $7,000 per year for international students, before scholarships.
Is nursing in Turkey taught in English?
Most programmes are in Turkish after a preparatory year, but some private universities offer English-taught nursing.
Is physiotherapy a good degree to study in Turkey?
Yes. It is affordable, takes four years, offers good scholarship chances and leads to careers in hospitals, clinics and sports.
Do I need YÖS for a nursing scholarship?
Not always. Many private universities award scholarships based on high school grades; a good YÖS or SAT score can increase your award.
Are nursing programmes in Turkey taught in English?
Some private universities offer English-taught nursing and physiotherapy, but many programmes are in Turkish and include a Turkish preparatory year.
Can I work as a nurse in Turkey after graduation?
Working as a nurse in Turkey as a foreign graduate requires a work permit and meeting professional registration rules, so check the latest requirements before you plan your career.
Does a nursing scholarship in Turkey cover living costs?
Private university scholarships usually cover tuition only, so you need to fund accommodation, food and insurance yourself. Türkiye Bursları is the main option that also covers living costs through a monthly stipend and accommodation.
Can I keep my scholarship if I change programme?
Not always. Scholarships are usually tied to a specific programme, and changing department may mean a different scholarship rate or none at all. Check with the university before requesting a transfer.
