Searching for the perfect blend of European flair and Asian tradition? Turkey offers a unique crossroads of cultures, providing an enriching and vibrant lifestyle for international students seeking a world-class education.
It is no surprise that Turkey has become a top study abroad destination. Many Turkish universities consistently feature in global academic rankings, offering high-quality education at incredibly competitive tuition and living costs. But just how affordable is it?
Let’s break down the numbers!
1. University tuition fees in Turkey
Tuition fees at public universities
Public universities in Turkey are exceptionally budget-friendly compared to institutions across Europe or the United States. International students typically pay between 100 and 4,000 EUR per academic year, though specialized programs like Medicine or Engineering may carry higher tuition rates.
Tuition fees at private universities
While private universities in Turkey command higher fees, they still offer a wide range of academic programs. While some degrees are accessible at reasonable costs, premium private programs can exceed 20,000 EUR annually.
Both public and private institutions may offer varying tuition rates for students from the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA). We highly recommend checking official university websites directly to get the most accurate information regarding your specific program costs.
Most affordable universities in Turkey
- – Bachelors start at 236 EUR/year
- – Bachelors start at 439 EUR/year
- – Bachelors start at 1,018 EUR/year
- – Masters start at 0 EUR/year
- – Masters start at 1,140 EUR/year
The options are extensive. Beyond our featured list, you will find numerous affordable universities and diverse study programs throughout Turkey, so be sure to explore all your options.
Universities we recommend in Turkey
Check out top-ranked institutions according to global academic rankings.
2. Student living costs in Turkey
International students can comfortably live in Turkey with a monthly budget of 400–650 EUR. This makes Turkey a significantly more affordable destination than many other global study hubs. Your actual expenses will ultimately depend on your personal lifestyle and spending habits.
The national currency in Turkey is the Turkish lira, with 1 EUR currently valued at approximately 9 Turkish lire.
3. Student accommodation costs
From budget-friendly dormitory options to more private, comfortable housing, you will find a variety of accommodation styles in Turkey to suit your specific needs and preferences.
The following are among the most popular and convenient housing solutions for international students in Turkey:
- university dormitories: costs vary depending on the university and facilities
- state dormitories: 24–38 EUR per month
- private dormitories: come with much better facilities but also higher costs
- renting a flat: 68–283 EUR/month depending on the location and size of the apartment
If you choose to rent a private flat, keep in mind that you will need to budget an additional 50–75 EUR per month to cover utility costs.
- Find safe and fully serviced student accommodation in Turkey via University Living. You'll get verified providers, simple booking, and dedicated student support.
4. Food costs in Turkey
Most universities provide affordable cafeteria dining, with nutritious meals available for approximately 0.30–1.15 EUR. For variety, you can also explore the many local restaurants, canteens, and cafés surrounding your campus.
Your monthly grocery bill will largely depend on your lifestyle. Dining out or ordering takeaway frequently will increase costs, whereas cooking at home and taking advantage of local supermarket discounts is a great way to save money.
Here are some of the typical average prices for essential food items in Turkey:
- 1 loaf of bread: 0.30 EUR
- 1 litre of milk: 0.58 EUR
- 12 eggs: 1.23 EUR
- 1 kg of white cheese: 4.48 EUR
- 1 kg of apples: 0.65 EUR
- 1 meal at affordable restaurants: 2.50 EUR
- 1 kebab menu: 2.85–3.40 EUR
Check out other living costs in Turkey.
5. Transportation costs
A monthly public transport pass (for bus and metro) costs approximately 27 EUR. This is an essential investment for students commuting to campus or exploring the city. For occasional travel, you can expect the following single-trip prices:
- taxi: 2.85 EUR for a 5 km trip
- bus/metro: 0.20–0.40 EUR per ticket
6. Extra costs in Turkey
- books and other study materials: 80 EUR
- monthly phone bill: 6.50–11.50 EUR
- entertainment (cinema, concerts, theatre): 10–15 EUR per month
- private medical insurance: starting at 34–57 EUR per year (depending on your personal situation). Learn more about international student insurance for students studying in Turkey.
7. University scholarships and grants
Turkey provides a variety of scholarship and grant opportunities for international students, offered through numerous institutions and government bodies, including:
- the government
- universities and educational institutions
- international organisations
Eligibility criteria and funding amounts vary by program. We recommend starting your search with the Türkiye Scholarships, while continuing to investigate other available financial aid resources.
While exploring your funding options, be sure to apply for our Online Result Scholarship.