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Located across several continents, including Eurasia, the Middle East, Western Asia, the Balkan Peninsula and Southeast Europe, Turkey is home to over 80.8 million people. It shares land borders with 8 countries: Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Nakhchivan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. It also sits on three different seas, the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Turkey has a long and complicated history, with many invasions and occupations over the years. Turkey continues to experience turbulence in the political world but is still a great choice for any student. The culture is especially diverse, with the country opening to the western world, but maintaining its traditional values. You will also see influences from the Anatolian and Ottoman cultures in Turkey showing its ancient history.
The official language of Turkey is Turkish. There are several other languages that you will hear spoken throughout the country: Kurmanji, Arabic, Zaza, Kabardian, among others.
Degrees in Turkey are offered in both Turkish and English. If you choose to study in a non-native language, you will be required to provide evidence of your proficiency. If you do not meet the required standards, you may be able to take a language course to help you improve.
Even if you can study in English, you should try to learn as much Turkish as possible. Communicating with locals and other students is the perfect way to practice. This skill will not only make your everyday life easier, but it will also look great on your CV/resume!
Already a popular tourist destination, the rapid improvement in higher education quality is establishing Turkey as the perfect place for international students. The country has numerous international links, and its location makes it a great connection for Asia and Europe.
More than 125,000 international students chose to study in Turkey in the 2017/18 academic year. The Turkish government is keen to increase this number, aiming to attract 350,000 international students over the next few years. Turkish universities offer students the chance to gain a unique higher education experience. There are 183 higher education institutions in Turkey, 109 of which are state universities, with the remaining 74 being private non-profit institutions. You can gain a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctoral degree in Turkey.
Despite the Turkish higher education system being one of the youngest in the world, it is already garnering a good reputation worldwide. There are 2 of Turkey’s universities in the 2019 QS World University Rankings top 500. The highest ranked is Koç University, which is placed at 448th. The next highest ranked is Bilkent University, which is placed at 456th. There are a further 8 Turkish universities in the top 1000.
Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY) as its currency.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on where you choose to study, and in what language. Degree programs offered in Turkish tend to be cheaper than those offered in English. Private universities will also be more expensive than public universities. On average, you should expect to pay between TRY 1,600 and TRY 9,000 per year for a degree at a public institution. Private universities are permitted to set their own fees, and on average charge up to TRY 110,000 per year. There are several scholarships available for international students, some of which include tuition fee waivers, monthly allowances, and health insurance coverage.
Your cost of living will depend on where you choose to live. The bigger cities will be more expensive than the smaller cities and towns. On average, you should budget for between TRY 2,000 and TRY 2,700 per month. This accounts for your accommodation, groceries, and travel. On top of your living costs, you should also budget for between TRY 500 and TRY 800 per semester for books and potential administrative fees. Another cost that students need to consider is health insurance. You should either register with the Turkish Social Security Institution (SGK) or ensure that you have a valid health insurance policy for the duration of your studies. For guidance, contact your institution.
If you wish to study in Turkey, you will need to obtain a student visa. This process can be done at the Turkish consulate or embassy in your home country before arriving in Turkey. When you have been granted a visa, you will be able to register as a student, as well as being able to receive a residency permit. Your application for a residency permit needs to be done within one month of your arrival in the country and can be completed at the local police headquarters. To do this, you will need to provide evidence of your enrollment in a Turkish university, you will also need to provide:
♦ Passport
♦ Turkish student visa
♦ Passport size photographs
Each person has a different case; therefore, requirements and processes vary for everyone. You are recommended to visit our office for more information or write to us at inquiry@gminternational.com.pk