Turkey has 208 universities and more than 6 million students, and state universities charge international students – EU citizens included – €250–700 a year for a bachelor's, according to Study in Europe. Private (foundation) universities cost €4,000–20,000 a year, and a student spends around €400–800 a month. Find out how to apply directly to a university and when you can get a work permit.
The most important exam for international applicants is TR-YÖS (the exam for foreign applicants). It is organised by the state assessment centre ÖSYM twice a year, in Turkey and abroad. You can take it in Turkish, English, German, French, Arabic or Russian.
According to Study in Türkiye, state and foundation universities require a TR-YÖS score. In practice each university decides what it accepts. METU, for example, accepts TR-YÖS (a result in the top 5%), the SAT (at least 1200 points) or a school leaving certificate. Exam results are valid there for two years.
Sources: European Commission – Study in Europe (education.ec.europa.eu/study-in-europe), Eurostat, official national study and residence portals and authorities, Eurodesk, enic-naric.net, studentnews.eu. As of September 2026.
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