Tuition is usually the biggest cost of studying abroad, and in Turkey it varies more than most students expect. The same degree can cost a few thousand dollars at one university and five times more at another. This guide shows real 2026–27 tuition fees in Turkey for international students, explains why prices differ, and shows how scholarships and early payment discounts reduce what you actually pay.
Why Tuition Fees in Turkey Vary So Much
- State vs private: state universities charge international students relatively low fees set by each university, while private (foundation) universities set market prices.
- Programme: medicine and dentistry cost several times more than most other degrees.
- Language: English-taught programmes are usually more expensive than Turkish-taught ones at the same university.
- Payment method: many universities give a discount for paying the full year in advance.
Real Examples: 2026–27 Fees at Two Istanbul Private Universities
The table below shows published 2026–27 annual fees for new international students at two large private universities in Istanbul. They give a realistic picture of the private market.
| Programme | Üsküdar University | Istinye University |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine (English) | $24,000 | $29,000 |
| Medicine (Turkish) | $18,000 | $23,000 |
| Dentistry (English) | $22,000 | $24,500 |
| Dentistry (Turkish) | $16,000 | $20,000 |
| Pharmacy (English) | — | $15,000 |
| Nursing | $4,200 (Turkish) | $8,000 |
| Physiotherapy | $4,200 (Turkish) | $8,000 |
| Psychology (English) | $5,600 | $8,000 |
| Engineering | $4,200–$5,600 | $8,000 |
Source: the universities’ official 2026–27 international fee pages (list prices before scholarships). Üsküdar gives about 10% off for advance payment; Istinye about 5% for full payment. Fees change every year, so always confirm the current price.
State University Fees
State universities are the budget option. Each one sets its own fee for international students, and for most programmes it is a small fraction of private tuition. The trade-offs: admission is more competitive, many programmes are taught in Turkish (with a one-year Turkish preparatory course), and you usually need an exam score such as YÖS or SAT. See our list of the cheapest universities in Turkey for low-cost options.
How Scholarships Change the Real Price
Private universities publish list prices, but many international students pay less thanks to merit scholarships. Here is what common awards mean for English-taught medicine at $24,000 a year:
| Scholarship | Annual tuition | 6-year total |
|---|---|---|
| None | $24,000 | $144,000 |
| 25% | $18,000 | $108,000 |
| 50% | $12,000 | $72,000 |
| 75% | $6,000 | $36,000 |
| 100% | $0 | $0 |
Illustrative calculation based on a $24,000 list price; awards usually require you to keep a minimum GPA each year.
Learn how to win these awards in our 100% scholarship in Turkey and medical scholarship in Turkey guides.
Get your real price, not the list price
Tell us your grades and preferred programme. Saya Group will show you which universities fit your budget and which scholarship level you can realistically get.
Other Costs to Budget For
- Preparatory year: if you need English or Turkish preparation, it adds a year of tuition at most universities.
- Accommodation: dormitories or shared flats; prices depend heavily on the city and district.
- Living costs: food, transport and phone; read our cost of living in Turkey guide.
- Health insurance and residence permit: required for international students; see our Turkey student visa and residence permit guide.
- Application and document costs: translations, notarisation and diploma equivalence.
Deposits, Deadlines and Payment Plans
Most private universities ask for a deposit or the first instalment to confirm your place after you accept an offer. The deposit is usually deducted from your first-year tuition. Read the refund policy carefully: if your visa is refused, many universities refund the deposit minus a fee, but rules differ.
When you compare offers, look at four numbers, not one: the list price, your scholarship percentage, the early-payment discount and the cost of any preparatory year. Two universities with the same list price can end up thousands of dollars apart.
How to Compare University Offers Step by Step
- Write down the list price for each programme and language.
- Apply the scholarship percentage in your offer letter.
- Subtract any full-payment discount you can realistically use.
- Add a preparatory year if your English or Turkish level is not yet enough.
- Multiply by the number of years, then add living costs for the city.
Doing this for two or three universities usually makes the best value obvious.
Calculate the Total Cost of Your Degree
Comparing yearly tuition fees in Turkey is useful, but the number that really matters is the total cost of your whole degree. Programme length makes a big difference: most bachelor’s degrees take four years, pharmacy and dentistry five, and medicine six. Add an optional one-year language preparatory year if your English or Turkish is not yet at the required level.
Using the 2026–27 fees above as an example, English-taught medicine at Üsküdar University at $24,000 per year comes to around $144,000 over six years before any discount, while Turkish-taught psychology at $4,200 per year comes to around $16,800 over four years. A preparatory year adds both tuition and a full year of living costs.
When you build your budget, multiply the yearly fee by the number of years, subtract any confirmed discount or scholarship, and add realistic living costs for each year. Remember that fees can rise from one year to the next, so leave a margin for increases.
Tuition Fees for Master’s and PhD Programmes
Postgraduate tuition follows similar patterns to undergraduate fees. State universities usually charge relatively modest fees, while private universities set their own prices, which vary by field and by whether the programme includes a thesis. Non-thesis master’s degrees aimed at working professionals can sometimes cost more than research-based programmes.
Funding is also more available at postgraduate level. Türkiye Bursları accepts master’s and PhD applicants, and some universities offer research or teaching assistant roles that reduce or cover fees. Our guide to a master’s degree in Turkey explains the application process and how to find funded places.
How Turkey Compares With Other Study Destinations
Turkey sits in an interesting position on price. Private university tuition is usually lower than in the UK, the US or Australia, and living costs are generally more affordable than in Western Europe. Germany is the main exception: most German public universities charge no tuition, although Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students, and you must show a blocked account of roughly €12,000 per year for living costs.
The trade-off is that Turkey offers a wide choice of English-taught programmes in Turkey, easier admission at many private universities and lower language requirements. For a detailed comparison, see studying in Turkey vs Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest programme to study in Turkey?
At private universities, nursing, physiotherapy, psychology, business and many engineering programmes are the cheapest, often between about $4,000 and $8,000 a year before scholarships.
Are tuition fees in Turkey paid in dollars?
Most universities quote international fees in US dollars, and some also accept payment in Turkish lira at the current exchange rate.
Can I pay tuition in instalments?
Yes, many private universities allow instalments, but the full-payment price is usually lower.
Do fees increase every year?
Universities can update fees each academic year, although some fix the price for students who keep their scholarship. Check this in your offer letter.
Do international students pay more than Turkish students?
Usually, yes. State universities set separate, higher fees for international students, and private universities publish international fee lists that often differ from their domestic prices.
Does the language preparatory year cost extra?
At most universities the preparatory year has its own fee, which is often similar to or lower than the programme fee. You can usually skip it by submitting an accepted language certificate or passing the university’s proficiency exam.
Is my tuition deposit refundable if my visa is refused?
Many universities refund all or part of the deposit if you can show an official visa refusal, but the rules differ. Read the refund policy carefully before paying.
