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Top 10 Public Universities in Türkiye for International Students
Diverse international students walking on a vibrant public university campus in Türkiye with historic buildings.
Türkiye has firmly established itself as a global education hub, uniquely straddling Europe and Asia. With over 200 universities welcoming more than 250,000 international students annually, the country offers an unparalleled blend of deep academic heritage, cutting-edge research, and exceptional value . Its public universities, in particular, are renowned for their high academic standards, extensive research infrastructure, and affordable tuition fees, making them a strategic choice for students seeking a world-class education without the prohibitive costs of North America or Western Europe . This guide provides a detailed analysis of the top public institutions for 2025, evaluating them based on global rankings, international student support, program strength, and research output.
Key Advantages:
- Exceptional Value: Public university tuition ranges from $300-$1,500 annually (medical programs: $4,000-$8,000)
- Global Recognition: Full Bologna Process integration ensures European degree recognition
- Language Options: Many programs offered in English, particularly in STEM and business
- International Environment: Top 10 globally for international student enrollment
Top 10 Public Universities in Türkiye
1. Middle East Technical University (METU)
Global Ranking: #1 in Türkiye (THE World University Rankings 2025)
Language: English
International Students: 1,700+ from nearly 100 countries
METU stands as Türkiye’s leading technical university with the highest research output. Home to METU Technopolis, Türkiye’s premier science park, it offers unparalleled industry connections and startup opportunities.
Top Programs: Engineering (Renewable Energy), Computer Science (AI, Cybersecurity), Natural Sciences, Economics, International Relations
Website: www.metu.edu.tr
2. Boğaziçi University
Global Ranking: Top 5 in Türkiye (THE 601-800 band)
Language: English
Founded: 1863
With its stunning Bosphorus campus and American liberal arts tradition, Boğaziçi maintains strong partnerships with MIT and Stanford. The university features highly internationalized faculty and rigorous academics.
Top Programs: Computer Engineering, Business Administration, Psychology, International Relations, Political Science
Website: www.boun.edu.tr
3. Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ)
Global Ranking: #4 in Türkiye, 95th globally for Engineering & Technology
Founded: 1773
Partnerships: 900+ Erasmus+ partnerships
One of the world’s oldest technical universities, İTÜ perfectly balances 250 years of legacy with cutting-edge research. It operates 360 laboratories and 13 research centers.
Top Programs: Civil Engineering (158th globally), Architecture (209th globally), AI (166th globally), Marine Sciences
Website: www.itu.edu.tr
4. Hacettepe University
Global Ranking: #3 in Türkiye (URAP), appears in 23 subject rankings globally
Languages: Turkish, English, German, French
A health sciences powerhouse operating five university hospitals, Hacettepe provides unmatched practical experience for medical students and strong international collaborations.
Top Programs: Medicine & Dentistry (111th globally), Pediatrics (141st globally), Pharmacy, Health Management
Website: www.hacettepe.edu.tr
5. Ankara University
Global Ranking: #6 in Türkiye (URAP), appears in 16 global subject fields
Special Feature: Home to TÖMER language center
Founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, this prestigious institution excels in social sciences and humanities while offering comprehensive research opportunities.
Top Programs: Dentistry (100th globally), Political Science, Law, Veterinary Medicine
Website: www.ankara.edu.tr
6. Istanbul University
Global Ranking: #4 in Türkiye (URAP), appears in 13 global subject rankings
Student Body: 70,000+ students
One of Türkiye’s oldest and largest universities, offering massive academic resources and maintaining a large international community with global degree recognition.
Top Programs: Medicine & Pediatrics (200th globally), Dentistry (214th globally), Law, Business Administration
Website: www.istanbul.edu.tr
7. Ege University
Global Ranking: #11 in Türkiye (URAP)
Location: Aegean coast
Known for its beautiful campus and research focus, Ege University offers high quality of life in İzmir while maintaining active international exchange programs.
Top Programs: Medicine, Agricultural Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Engineering
Website: www.ege.edu.tr
8. Dokuz Eylül University
Global Ranking: #13 in Türkiye (URAP)
Languages: Turkish and English programs
Features a double major system and strong European partnerships, attracting a growing international student community to its coastal location.
Top Programs: Maritime Transportation, Engineering, Medicine, Architecture, Business
Website: www.deu.edu.tr
9. Gazi University
Global Ranking: #9 in Türkiye (URAP), appears in 15 global subject fields
Renowned for teacher education and medical programs, Gazi features a dedicated foreign language school and excellent international student support services.
Top Programs: Teacher Education, Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy, Architecture
Website: www.gazi.edu.tr
10. Çukurova University
Global Ranking: #15 in Türkiye (URAP)
Advantage: Lower cost of living
Excelling in agricultural research and engineering, Çukurova offers modern facilities and affordable living costs in southern Türkiye’s fertile region.
Top Programs: Agricultural Sciences, Medicine, Engineering, Veterinary Medicine
Website: www.cu.edu.tr
Admission Requirements and Process
Most Turkish public universities require:
- Undergraduate: YÖS exam, SAT, or A-Level results
- Graduate: Bachelor’s degree + GRE/GMAT (program-specific)
- Language: TOEFL/IELTS for English programs
Application Timeline: February-July applications, September academic year start.
Monthly Living Costs:
- Istanbul: $400-600
- Ankara: $300-500
- İzmir: $300-450
- Other cities: $250-400
Career Prospects
Turkish university graduates enjoy excellent career opportunities through:
- Growing tech sector in major cities
- Strong alumni networks globally
- EU mobility through Bologna Process recognition
- International company partnerships
Key Takeaways
Choose Based on Specialization: Don’t select universities by overall rank alone. Hacettepe excels in medicine, while İTÜ and METU lead in engineering. Research specific subject rankings and faculty expertise.
Plan Early: Start preparing at least one year in advance. Admission requirements vary significantly between universities, and top institutions may require international test scores.
Consider Language Carefully: If not proficient in Turkish, prioritize universities with full English instruction (METU, Boğaziçi). This impacts both academic success and social integration.
Factor Total Costs: While tuition is affordable, living costs vary greatly between cities. Istanbul offers vibrancy but higher expenses, while cities like İzmir and Adana provide excellent quality of life at lower costs.
Leverage Networks: Prioritize institutions with strong Erasmus+ partnerships, dual-degree programs, and active tech parks. These connections provide invaluable internship, research, and employment opportunities extending far beyond graduation.
Türkiye’s public universities offer an unbeatable combination of academic excellence, cultural immersion, and financial accessibility. By aligning your goals with institutional strengths and preparing thoroughly, you can leverage a Turkish education as a powerful launchpad for a truly global career.
Ready to start your journey? Visit our website to explore universities, study programs, tuition fees, available scholarships, application process and visa requirements.
Sources:
Study in Turkey Official Portal
Times Higher Education World University Rankings
