Study abroad in Turkey
Visa, costs, healthcare and the best cities for exchange students in Turkey.
Capital
Ankara
Languages
Turkish
Academic Year
Two semesters: Fall (late September to mid-January, with a January exam period) and Spring (February to June). Long summer break.
Population
85,372,377
Typical Budget
TRY 15,000 - 35,000/month
Study Abroad in Turkey: What to Expect
Study abroad in Turkey should not be chosen by ranking or postcard alone: compare city, campus, language, rent and daily rhythm. Turkey is one of the most popular and affordable Erasmus+ destinations, a full programme member with thousands of bilateral agreements and large, well-organised international offices. Compare Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir because housing, transport and social life change a lot by city.
Who loves this country?
Students who want a dynamic non-EU exchange, strong campus communities, affordable routines and a city experience that rewards curiosity.
What makes it special
Turkey is academically broad and socially intense, but the best semester comes from realistic transport, housing and budget planning.
Newcomer shocks
- Istanbul distances are huge; commute planning matters as much as rent.
- Turkish helps with housing and daily life even when courses are in English.
- Inflation can change everyday prices faster than students expect.
Safety & Cost Indices
Source: Numbeo crowdsourced data. Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
Crime Index
Moderate
World avg: 44.7
Safety Index
Moderate
World avg: 55.3
Cost of Living
Very affordable
TRY 15,000 - 35,000/month
The cost to study abroad in Turkey is mostly shaped by rent, transport and weekly food routines. Use TRY 15000-35000/month as a planning range, then add deposit money, insurance, local registration and first-week setup.
Safety: Major student cities are generally safe for everyday life with normal big-city precautions. Be aware Turkey is in an active earthquake zone — know your building's basics. Petty scams in tourist areas and fast-moving prices are the day-to-day issues for students.
Big Cities vs Small Towns
Big Cities
- Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir host the top universities (Boğaziçi, METU, Koç, Sabancı, Bilkent, Ege) and the most English-taught programmes and international community.
- Istanbul is in a league of its own for culture, nightlife, and student life, but it is huge and commutes can be long.
- Costs are higher in the big cities but still low for euro-holders; Istanbul is the priciest.
Small Towns
- Smaller university cities like Eskişehir (Anadolu University) and Antalya offer lower costs and tight, friendly student communities.
- Eskişehir is a genuine student town with a young, lively, walkable centre.
- Less English is spoken and international infrastructure is thinner, so some Turkish helps.
Culture & student life in Turkey
Student culture in Turkey rewards adapting to schedules, local language and everyday etiquette. Treat the do and don't list as practical arrival advice, not tourist folklore.
Social Norms
Hospitality is central — expect to be offered çay (tea) constantly, and accepting it is a warm social gesture. Respect for elders and teachers is strong; politeness and a little formality go a long way. Dress modestly when visiting mosques (covered shoulders and knees; women cover their hair), and remove your shoes at the door of homes and mosques.
Daily Rhythm
Local pace08:00–10:00
Morning
A leisurely Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) of bread, cheese, olives, and tea fuels the day. City commutes by metro, tram, and ferry build through the morning.
12:30–14:00
Midday
Lunch at an esnaf lokantası (home-style diner) or a quick döner. Çay follows almost every meal.
14:00–18:00
Afternoon
Classes and study. Cafés double as study and social spaces; tea and Turkish coffee keep things going.
19:00–22:00
Evening
Dinner is late and social — meze, grills, and long table conversations. Meyhane (taverns) come alive with friends.
22:00–02:00
Night
Nightlife runs late, especially in Istanbul (Kadıköy, Beyoğlu). Ferries and night buses help, but plan the last connection home.
Food Culture
Döner kebab
TRY 60-150 (EUR ~2-4)Seasoned meat from a vertical rotisserie, served in bread (ekmek arası) or on a plate. The classic cheap, filling student meal everywhere.
A döner dürüm (wrap) from a busy local spot is one of the cheapest hot meals you can buy.
Simit
TRY 10-25 (EUR ~0.30-0.70)A sesame-crusted bread ring sold from red carts on every corner — the quintessential cheap Turkish breakfast or snack.
Grab a simit and a glass of çay from a street cart for the cheapest breakfast in the country.
Balık ekmek (fish sandwich)
TRY 100-200 (EUR ~3-6)Grilled fish in bread, sold from boats and stalls by the water — an Istanbul classic best eaten at Eminönü by the Galata Bridge.
Eat it standing by the water at Eminönü where the boats grill it fresh — cheaper than sit-down fish restaurants.
Menemen
TRY 90-180 (EUR ~3-5)Eggs scrambled with tomatoes, peppers, and spices, eaten with bread — a beloved cheap Turkish breakfast.
Order it at a neighbourhood breakfast place (kahvaltı salonu) where it comes with endless bread and tea.
Köfte (meatballs)
TRY 120-250 (EUR ~4-7)Grilled spiced meatballs, usually served with rice (pilav), bread, and salad — a hearty staple lunch.
Köfte-pilav from a lunchtime esnaf lokantası (tradesmen's diner) is filling and cheap.
Baklava
TRY 40-120 (EUR ~1.20-3.50) per piece/portionLayered filo pastry with pistachios or walnuts and syrup — the iconic Turkish dessert, best from a dedicated baklavacı.
Buy by the piece from a specialist baklavacı rather than a tourist café for the best quality and price.
Cultural dos & don'ts in Turkey
Do
Accept çay when offered — it is the heart of Turkish social life and refusing can feel cold.
Carry your passport or residence-permit card; you may be asked for ID.
Use the dolmuş (shared minibus) and city cards like İstanbulkart for cheap transport.
Learn a few Turkish phrases — 'teşekkürler' (thanks) and 'merhaba' (hello) are warmly received.
Dress modestly and cover up when entering mosques; carry a scarf if you plan to visit.
Bargain politely in bazaars, but not in fixed-price shops and supermarkets.
Open a Turkish bank account or use a card that works locally; keep some cash for street food and markets.
Don't
Do not insult Atatürk, the flag, or the Republic — it is taken very seriously and can be a legal matter.
Do not wear shoes inside homes or mosques.
Do not photograph military or police installations.
Do not assume tap water is for drinking everywhere — many locals drink bottled or filtered water.
Do not be surprised by fast-changing prices; high inflation means menus and rents update often.
Do not flag unofficial taxis; use metered taxis or the BiTaksi/Uber apps to avoid overcharging.
Do not ignore earthquake-safety basics — know your building and your university's guidance.
Things to do in Turkey as a student
The semester works best when you build repeatable routines: cheap food, transport, student groups and realistic weekend trips. Turkey rewards students who solve housing early and avoid improvising admin.
Bosphorus ferry cruise
A public ferry between the European and Asian shores is the cheapest, most scenic way to feel the city — tea and simit on deck included.
Learn more
Cappadocia & dawn balloons
Surreal rock valleys, cave hotels, and the famous dawn balloon flight — the bucket-list trip from Istanbul or Ankara.
Learn more
Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar
One of the oldest covered markets in the world — practise polite bargaining, sample lokum (Turkish delight), and soak up the atmosphere even if you buy nothing.
Learn more
Galata Tower & Beyoğlu
Climb the medieval tower for the best panorama of the old city and Bosphorus, then wander the cafés and music shops of Beyoğlu.
Learn more
Princes' Islands day trip
A car-free island of pine forests, old mansions, and beaches a cheap ferry ride from the city — the classic Istanbul escape.
Learn more
Basilica Cistern
An eerie, beautiful underground Byzantine water cistern with columns and the famous Medusa heads — a cool escape on a hot day.
Learn moreFestival Calendar
April (annual)
Istanbul Tulip Festival
Istanbul (Emirgan Park and citywide)
Millions of tulips bloom across the city's parks — tulips are originally Turkish — with Emirgan Park the spectacular centrepiece. Free to enjoy.
October 29 (annual)
Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı)
Nationwide
The national holiday marking the founding of the Republic in 1923 — parades, flags everywhere, concerts, and evening fireworks over the Bosphorus.
December (around the 17th)
Şeb-i Arus (Whirling Dervishes / Mevlana commemoration)
Konya (and Sema ceremonies in Istanbul)
The hypnotic Sema ceremony of the whirling dervishes, a UNESCO-listed Sufi tradition. Konya hosts the main commemoration; Istanbul venues like Hodjapasha run regular performances.
Peak spring and autumn
Cappadocia balloon season
Cappadocia (Göreme)
Hundreds of hot-air balloons rise over the fairy chimneys at dawn — the most photographed sight in Turkey and a feasible weekend trip from the big cities.
Movable (Islamic calendar)
Ramadan & Eid (Ramazan / Şeker Bayramı)
Nationwide, atmospheric in Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Evenings come alive after the fast with communal iftar meals; Sultanahmet's mosques are lit with mahya messages strung between minarets. Eid brings sweets and family celebrations.
June (annual)
International Istanbul Music Festival
Istanbul (historic venues)
Classical and world-music concerts in spectacular historic venues across the city, organised by İKSV. Student-rate tickets are usually available.
Travel Tips
- Domestic flights and intercity buses are cheap and extensive — book trains (YHT high-speed) and flights early for the best fares.
- Use the ferry network in Istanbul; it is scenic and counts as normal transit on your İstanbulkart.
- Shoulder seasons (April–June, September–October) are ideal for weather and lower prices.
- For Cappadocia and the coast, overnight buses save a night's accommodation and connect well.
Scholarships & student benefits in Turkey
Student benefits in Turkey can reduce transport, meals, culture and activities if you activate them in week one. Carry proof of enrolment and check youth, university and local discount schemes.
Useful either way
Support and discounts that still matter even if you are not in a strict incoming or outgoing case.
Student transport discounts
Students get a discounted İstanbulkart (and city equivalents elsewhere) cutting metro, bus, tram, and ferry fares significantly.
City transport authorities
Official sourceSubsidised university canteens
University cafeterias (yemekhane) serve cheap subsidised meals, keeping daily food costs very low.
Host universities
Official sourceMuseum Pass & student rates
Students get reduced entry at many state museums and historic sites; the Müzekart and student discounts cut costs further.
Ministry of Culture / museums
Official sourceESN and Erasmus networks
Active ESN sections and university Erasmus offices run trips, events, and buddy programmes for incoming students.
ESN Turkey / university offices
Official sourceTurkey student visa requirements
Difficulty: ModerateFor study abroad in Turkey, separate EU/EEA/Swiss students, short stays and non-EU routes before booking flights. Admission letter, insurance, funds, housing proof and local registration are the paperwork stack to prepare early.
Visa-free entry for short stays + student residence permit (öğrenci ikamet izni) obtained after arrival
EU/EEA and many other nationalities enter Turkey visa-free for short tourist stays. To study for a semester or more you must apply for a student residence permit through the e-İkamet system within the first weeks of arrival, using your acceptance letter, health insurance, proof of funds, and address. Erasmus students very commonly use this route.
Student visa from a Turkish consulate, then student residence permit after arrival
Nationalities that need a visa should obtain a student/education visa from the Turkish consulate in their home country before travel, using the university acceptance letter, then convert it to a student residence permit (e-İkamet) after arrival. Check whether your nationality needs a visa or only the e-Visa/visa-free entry.
Application Checklist
8 steps-
1
Confirm whether your nationality enters visa-free, needs an e-Visa, or needs a full student visa from the consulate.
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2
Get your official acceptance/enrolment letter from the host university before anything else.
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3
If a student visa is required, apply at the Turkish consulate in your home country well before travel.
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4
After arrival, apply for the student residence permit (öğrenci ikamet izni) via the e-İkamet system within the first weeks.
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5
Arrange valid health insurance accepted in Turkey (or SGK enrolment) before the residence-permit appointment.
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6
Prepare proof of sufficient funds and a registered address for the residence-permit application.
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7
Get a foreigner ID number (YKN) once your residence permit is processed — you need it for daily admin.
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8
Keep your acceptance letter, passport, and permit documents together for university and police registration.
Regional Variations
Earthquake-prone regions
Turkey sits on major fault lines; some southern and eastern regions are higher-risk. This is a safety, not an administrative, consideration.
None — but know your building's earthquake basics and your university's emergency guidance.
Standard student health insurance / SGK rules apply nationwide.
Healthcare for international students in Turkey
How It Works
International students in Turkey typically secure health coverage in one of two ways: enrolling in the public SGK (Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu) scheme within their first three months of obtaining a residence permit (a low annual contribution), or buying private health insurance valid in Turkey. Many Erasmus students use private insurance or their EHIC for short stays. Public hospitals and private hospitals both provide good care in major cities, and university campuses usually have a health centre (mediko). Private clinics are affordable by European standards and often have English-speaking staff.
Student Needs
Sort out insurance before your residence-permit appointment — either SGK enrolment (decide within your first 3 months, as the window is limited) or a private policy. Keep your insurance details and a clinic contact handy. EU students can use EHIC for medically necessary care on short stays, but a residence permit usually requires SGK or private cover.
Emergency vs Clinic
Call 112 for emergencies — emergency care is provided to everyone. For non-urgent issues use the campus health centre (mediko) or an affordable private clinic to avoid long public-hospital queues.
Public Coverage Notes
SGK enrolment for students must be done within the first 3 months of residence; after that the option lapses for that permit.
Emergency care is provided regardless of insurance status.
University Plans
Most universities advise students on SGK enrolment or accepted private policies at registration.
Campus health centres (mediko) handle routine consultations for enrolled students.
Private Coverage
Private health insurance valid in Turkey is widely accepted for residence permits and is affordable.
Confirm the policy covers outpatient care, hospitalisation, and the full study period.
Best cities to study in Turkey
Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir are not interchangeable. They offer different budgets, campus scales and social rhythms, so choose by academic fit and housing reality rather than the most famous name.
Istanbul
The city across two continents — Turkey's Erasmus capital, with extraordinary food, history on every corner, low costs for euro-holders, and a…
Open City Guide
Ankara
Turkey's capital — a government and university city built around METU, with serious policy-and-politics energy, lower costs than Istanbul, and an easy,…
Open City Guide
Izmir
Turkey's laid-back Aegean coastal city — a seafront promenade, ancient ruins, and a big student population around Ege and Dokuz Eylül universities,…
Open City Guide