{"id":12805,"date":"2026-10-10T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-10T12:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/?p=12805"},"modified":"2026-10-07T21:28:17","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T17:58:17","slug":"masters-in-turkey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/masters-in-turkey\/","title":{"rendered":"Master\u2019s Degree in Turkey 2027: Programmes, Admission, ALES and Scholarships"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Turkey is an increasingly popular choice for graduate study. Universities offer hundreds of English-taught master\u2019s programmes, fees are moderate, and fully funded options such as T\u00fcrkiye Burslar\u0131 are available. This guide explains how to get a <strong>master\u2019s degree in Turkey<\/strong> in 2027, from choosing a programme to winning a scholarship.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#FFF8E8;border:1px solid #E9CF95;border-left:5px solid #D4A64A;border-radius:12px;padding:16px 20px;margin:22px 0;\"><strong>At a glance:<\/strong> Thesis master\u2019s: usually 2 years \u2022 Non-thesis master\u2019s: usually 1\u20131.5 years \u2022 Admission based on bachelor\u2019s GPA, ALES or GRE\/GMAT (for many programmes), language scores and sometimes an interview \u2022 Most universities run autumn and spring intakes.<\/div>\n<h2>Thesis vs Non-Thesis Master\u2019s<\/h2>\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:18px 0;font-size:15px\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background:#0B1F3A;color:#fff\">\n<th style=\"padding:10px;text-align:left\"><\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:10px;text-align:left\">Thesis master\u2019s<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:10px;text-align:left\">Non-thesis master\u2019s<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">Duration<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">About 2 years<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">About 1\u20131.5 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">Focus<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">Research and a final thesis<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">Coursework and a final project<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">Best for<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">PhD plans, academic or research careers<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">Professional careers, faster entry to work<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">Scholarships<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">More funding and assistantship options<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">Fewer funding options<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<figure style=\"margin:26px 0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12783\" src=\"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/masters-in-turkey-photo.webp\" alt=\"Graduates at a graduation ceremony\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:14px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/masters-in-turkey-photo.webp 1200w, https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/masters-in-turkey-photo-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/masters-in-turkey-photo-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/masters-in-turkey-photo-768x432.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption style=\"font-size:13px;color:#5b6280;text-align:center;margin-top:6px\">Many international graduates continue to a master\u2019s degree in Turkey.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Popular Fields<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Business administration and MBA; see <a href=\"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/study-business-in-turkey\/\">study business in Turkey<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Computer engineering, data science and artificial intelligence; see <a href=\"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/study-computer-science-in-turkey\/\">study computer science in Turkey<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Engineering, architecture and urban design.<\/li>\n<li>International relations, political science and economics.<\/li>\n<li>Health sciences, psychology and public health.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Admission Requirements<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/strong> and transcripts (final-year students can often apply conditionally).<\/li>\n<li><strong>ALES<\/strong> (Turkey\u2019s graduate entrance exam) or international alternatives such as <strong>GRE<\/strong> or <strong>GMAT<\/strong>, depending on the university and programme.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Language proof:<\/strong> TOEFL, IELTS, YDS\/Y\u00d6KD\u0130L or the university\u2019s own exam for English-taught programmes; Turkish proficiency for Turkish-taught ones.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Statement of purpose, CV and recommendation letters.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Interview<\/strong> or written exam for some programmes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"background:#EEF6FF;border:1px solid #C9DDF5;border-radius:12px;padding:16px 20px;margin:22px 0;\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> contact potential thesis supervisors before you apply. A short, specific email about your research interests can make your application much stronger.<\/div>\n<h2>Fees and Funding<\/h2>\n<p>State universities charge modest fees for international graduate students, while private universities set higher prices but often give tuition waivers or research and teaching assistantships to strong applicants. Fully funded options include <a href=\"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/fully-funded-scholarships-in-turkey\/\">T\u00fcrkiye Burslar\u0131 and other fully funded scholarships<\/a>, which cover tuition, a monthly stipend, accommodation and health insurance.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:linear-gradient(135deg,#0B1F3A,#163E70);color:#fff;border-radius:16px;padding:24px 26px;margin:30px 0;\">\n<p style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:700;color:#F2C66D;margin:0 0 8px;\">Planning a master\u2019s in Turkey?<\/p>\n<p style=\"color:#fff;margin:0 0 10px;\">Saya Group shortlists programmes that match your degree and goals, checks ALES\/GRE requirements and prepares strong applications for admission and funding.<\/p>\n<p><a style=\"display:inline-block;background:#D4A64A;color:#0B1F3A;font-weight:700;padding:11px 22px;border-radius:30px;text-decoration:none;margin-top:8px;\" href=\"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/free-consultation\/\">Get a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Application Timeline<\/h2>\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:18px 0;font-size:15px\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background:#0B1F3A;color:#fff\">\n<th style=\"padding:10px;text-align:left\">When<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding:10px;text-align:left\">What to do<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">Autumn 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">Shortlist programmes, prepare test scores (ALES\/GRE, English)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">Jan\u2013Feb 2027<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">Apply to T\u00fcrkiye Burslar\u0131<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">Spring 2027<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">University applications for the autumn intake<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">Summer 2027<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">Results, acceptance, student visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">Sep 2027<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #e5e7ef\">Start of autumn semester<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;color:#5b6280\">Many universities also offer a spring intake with applications in autumn.<\/p>\n<p>For the visa process, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/turkey-student-visa\/\">Turkey student visa and residence permit<\/a> guide.<\/p>\n<h2>Your Application Documents Checklist<\/h2>\n<p>Requirements are set by each university and each graduate school (institute), but most applications for a master&#8217;s in Turkey ask for a similar set of documents. Preparing them early, with certified translations where needed, is the easiest way to avoid last-minute problems.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Bachelor&#8217;s diploma or expected graduation letter<\/strong>, plus your full transcript with your grade point average.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Passport copy<\/strong> valid for your planned period of study.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Language proficiency evidence:<\/strong> an accepted English test score for English-taught programmes, or a Turkish certificate for Turkish-taught ones. Some universities run their own language exam instead.<\/li>\n<li><strong>ALES or an accepted equivalent such as GRE or GMAT<\/strong>, where the programme requires it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Statement of purpose<\/strong> explaining your academic background, research interests and career goals.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reference letters<\/strong>, usually from former lecturers, especially for thesis programmes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>CV and, for some fields, a portfolio<\/strong> (for example architecture or design).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Some programmes also hold an interview, online or in person. Always confirm the current list on the graduate school&#8217;s own website before you submit.<\/p>\n<h2>Choosing a Supervisor and Research Topic<\/h2>\n<p>If you choose a thesis master&#8217;s, your supervisor will shape your experience more than almost anything else. Before you apply, read the faculty pages of your target department, look at what professors have published recently and identify two or three whose work matches your interests.<\/p>\n<p>A short, polite email introducing yourself, your background and a possible research idea can help, especially for research-focused programmes. Keep it specific: mention a paper or project of theirs and explain how your skills fit. Do not send the same generic message to dozens of professors.<\/p>\n<p>When choosing a topic, think about where it leads. A thesis linked to an active lab, an industry partner or a funded project often brings better data, publications and contacts, and it can open the door to research assistant roles or a PhD later.<\/p>\n<h2>Life as a Master&#8217;s Student in Turkey<\/h2>\n<p>Graduate study in Turkey is usually more independent than undergraduate study. Classes are smaller, discussions are more common and you are expected to read widely on your own. In the first year of a thesis programme, you typically complete your coursework and a seminar, then focus on research and writing in the second year.<\/p>\n<p>Many graduate students live in university dormitories or shared flats near campus, and life in cities such as Istanbul and Ankara offers a strong international community. Costs vary considerably by city and lifestyle, so compare <a href=\"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/tuition-fees-in-turkey\/\">tuition fees in Turkey<\/a> together with living costs before you decide. After enrolment, you will need to apply for a student residence permit through e-ikamet, as all international students do.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#EEF6FF;border:1px solid #C9DDF5;border-radius:12px;padding:16px 20px;margin:22px 0;\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> ask your department about research or teaching assistant opportunities early. They are competitive, but they give you valuable experience and closer contact with academic staff.<\/div>\n<h2>What Comes After Your Master&#8217;s?<\/h2>\n<p>A master&#8217;s degree from Turkey can lead in several directions. Some graduates continue to a PhD in Turkey or abroad, which is easier if you completed a thesis and have a strong reference from your supervisor. Others enter the job market in Turkey, where employers in engineering, business, technology and health value postgraduate qualifications, although foreign nationals need a work permit to be employed. Many international students return home or move to a third country, using a degree that follows the Bologna structure with ECTS credits and a Diploma Supplement.<\/p>\n<p>Whichever route you prefer, plan it from the start. Choose electives, a thesis topic and internships that fit your target career. Saya Group&#8217;s Istanbul advisors can help you shortlist programmes that suit your long-term plans.<\/p>\n<h2>Is a Master\u2019s in Turkey Right for You?<\/h2>\n<p>A master&#8217;s in Turkey is a strong fit if you want an internationally structured degree at a cost that is usually lower than in Western Europe or North America, a wide choice of English-taught programmes, and a location between Europe and the Middle East. It suits career changers who want a focused non-thesis degree, as well as future researchers who want a thesis route towards a PhD.<\/p>\n<p>It may be less suitable if you need a programme that leads directly to a regulated professional licence in another country, or if your field is only offered in Turkish and you are not prepared to learn the language. In those cases, check professional recognition rules in your target country before you commit.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3>Is ALES required for a master\u2019s in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p>Many programmes ask for ALES or accept GRE\/GMAT instead. Some universities waive it for international students; check each programme.<\/p>\n<h3>Can I do a master\u2019s in English in Turkey?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Hundreds of master\u2019s programmes are fully taught in English.<\/p>\n<h3>Can I work during my master\u2019s?<\/h3>\n<p>Graduate students can apply for a work permit with fewer restrictions than undergraduates. See <a href=\"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/work-while-studying-in-turkey\/\">work while studying in Turkey<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Are Turkish master\u2019s degrees recognised?<\/h3>\n<p>Turkey is part of the European Higher Education Area. See <a href=\"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/are-turkish-degrees-recognized\/\">are Turkish degrees recognised abroad?<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>How long does a master&#8217;s degree in Turkey take?<\/h3>\n<p>A thesis master&#8217;s normally takes about two years, while many non-thesis programmes can be completed in around one to one and a half years. If you need a language preparatory year first, add that to your timeline.<\/p>\n<h3>Can I apply for a master&#8217;s in Turkey without IELTS?<\/h3>\n<p>Often, yes. Many universities accept other English tests, their own proficiency exam, or proof that your previous degree was taught in English. Requirements differ by programme, so check each one before applying.<\/p>\n<h3>Can I do a PhD in Turkey after my master&#8217;s?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Turkish universities offer doctoral programmes in many fields, and most require a master&#8217;s degree, usually with a thesis, plus language and sometimes ALES or equivalent scores. Strong research experience and references improve your chances.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#F4F6FB;border:1px solid #E3E7F2;border-radius:14px;padding:18px 22px;margin:30px 0\">\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;margin:0 0 8px;color:#0B1F3A\">Related guides<\/p>\n<ul style=\"margin:0;padding-left:20px\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/study-abroad-by-education-level\/\">Comparison of Study Migration across Different Educational Levels<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/english-taught-programs-in-turkey\/\">Best English-Taught Programs in Turkey for International Students<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/how-to-apply-to-turkish-universities\/\">How to Apply to Turkish Universities in 2027<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Everything about a master\u2019s degree in Turkey for international students: programme types, English-taught options, ALES and GRE, documents, deadlines, costs and scholarships.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12782,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[48],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12805","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-study-abroad"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12805","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12805"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12805\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12912,"href":"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12805\/revisions\/12912"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12782"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12805"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12805"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sayainternational.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12805"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}