The school system
Compulsory education in Türkiye lasts 12 years, organised as 4+4+4 (primary, lower secondary, upper secondary). High school usually takes 4 years, and some schools have a one-year foreign-language preparatory class. As well as standard state schools, there are Anatolian high schools, science high schools and private schools.
University admission (international students)
- International students do not sit the national exam taken by Turkish students; each university admits them under its own quota and requirements.
- Universities usually ask for a high school diploma, grade average and either their own exam (YÖS) or international test results such as the SAT.
- Turkish-taught programmes require proof of Turkish proficiency; students without it can take a one-year Turkish preparatory programme.
Programme length
- Bachelor's: 4 years (dentistry 5, medicine 6)
- Master's: Usually 2 years (with or without thesis)
- PhD: Usually 4 years
Language of instruction
Most programmes are taught in Turkish. Many universities also offer English-taught programmes, and a few teach in German or French.
Academic calendar
- Autumn semester: September/October – January
- Spring semester: February – June
- Summer school: July – August (optional)
Scholarships
Türkiye Scholarships offer full funding for bachelor's, master's and doctoral study. See the official Study in Türkiye portal and the Türkiye Scholarships website.
Typical student visa documents
- Valid passport
- University acceptance letter
- Health insurance
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Any other documents requested by the consulate
Student residence permit
After arriving in Türkiye, apply for a student residence permit promptly. It is usually issued in line with the length of your studies and must be renewed before it expires. Residence Permits
For students from Iran
To make sure your degree will be recognised in Iran, check that your chosen university is on the list of Iran's Ministry of Science.
Note: This page is for general information only, and regulations change often. Check the current rules with the official authorities before applying.