Turkey is one of the most popular countries to study medicine abroad. Many students choose to study medicine in Turkey every year, with world renowned universities, low tuition fees, training of modern healthcare and programs with international accreditations.
Turkey’s medical universities provide quality medical education with cutting-edge laboratories, proficient teachers and hands-on clinical training in well-equipped hospitals. Moreover, Turkey offers an enriching cultural experience and relatively low living costs for students, which makes it an attractive destination for international study.
This guide provides you with all the information you need to know about studying medicine in Turkey, such as how to apply for admission, payment of tuition fees, eligibility, and the best universities for medicine studies.
Why Study Medicine in Turkey?
The country of Turkey has become famous for its medical education for its strong academic system and modern health care system.
Some of the benefits include:
- Internationally recognized medical degrees
- Affordable tuition fees
- English-taught medical programs
- Hospitals and clinical training at an advanced level
- State-of-the-art campuses and laboratories.State-of-the-art campuses and labs.
- Cultural diversity and Student friendly environment
- Affordable Living Costs relative to Europe
Many of the Turkish medical universities are ranked in the world ranking list and the graduates of these universities are eligible to take medical licensure exams in several countries, for example, in the USA, the UK, France, the Netherlands, Spain, etc.
Duration of Medical Studies in Turkey
The duration of medicine studies is 6 years in Turkey.
Typically consists of:
First 3 Years
- Basic medical sciences
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Laboratory training
Final 3 Years
- Clinical training
- Hospital rotations
- Practical patient care
- Internship year
The final year is usually spent in clinical internships where students acquire practical experience in affiliated hospitals.
Requirements to Study Medicine in Turkey
Admission requirements vary slightly between universities, but most institutions ask for the following:
1. Academic Qualifications
Students usually need:
- HSC Certificate from Higher Secondary Education Board or any equivalent exam.
- Good grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics
- Overall good academic achievement
Most universities would like applicants who have good grades in science-related subjects and have a science background.
2. English Language Proficiency
For English-taught programmes, universities can require the following:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- The English Proficiency Test of the University.
If students do not have the required language proficiency, some universities also provide preparatory English language programs.
3. Entrance Exams
Some universities in Turkey may require extra entrance exams which are as follows:
- SAT
- YÖS Foreign Student Exam
But, many private universities provide direct admission for international students without taking the entrance exams.
4. Required Documents
Applicants generally need:
- Academic transcripts
- Passport copy
- Passport-size photographs
- Motivation letter
- Language proficiency certificate
- Recommendation letters (sometimes)
Be sure to read university admission requirements before applying.
Tuition Fees for Medicine in Turkey
The tuition fees for studying medicine will vary depending on the type of university or if it is a public or a private institution.
Public Universities
- Approximately $1,000–$5,000 per year
- Competitive but more affordable
- Numerous courses are offered in Turkish.
Private Universities
- Approximately $12,000–$30,000 per year
- More English-taught programs
- Facilities for international students to enter the campus with ease.Convenience in getting entry to the campus for international students.
Living Costs in Turkey
Turkey is considered relatively affordable for international students.
Average monthly expenses include:
Expense | Estimated Cost |
Accommodation | $150–$500 |
Food | $100–$250 |
Transportation | $30–$70 |
Miscellaneous | $100–$200 |
The total monthly living cost usually ranges between $400 and $1,000 depending on the city and lifestyle.
Cities like Istanbul are more expensive, while Ankara and smaller cities are generally more affordable.
Top Universities to Study Medicine in Turkey
The most prestigious universities in Turkey to study medicine are as follows.
Koç University
Koç University is one of the most prestigious private universities in Turkey, which features high-level medical research and modern facilities. It is the home of medical school programmes recognised internationally in the English language.
Hacettepe University
Hacettepe University is one of the best research-oriented public medical universities in Turkey that provides excellent training in hospitals.
Istanbul University
One of the oldest universities in Turkey, Istanbul University has a respected medical faculty with a long academic tradition.
Medipol University
The medical programs conducted in the English language and the advanced teaching hospitals of Medipol University make it so popular among international students.
Ankara University
Ankara University provides high quality medical education at an affordable tuition fee and provides a lot of clinical experience.
Is Turkish Medical Degree Recognized Internationally?
Numerous Turkish medical universities are renowned in their countries and internationally and featured in international directories like:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)
Graduates of a recognized Turkish university may take the licensing exam(s) under consideration:
- USMLE (USA)
- PLAB (UK)
- AMC (Australia)
Students should check for country and university accreditation prior to application.
Scholarships for International Students
Turkey offers several scholarship opportunities for international students.
Türkiye Scholarships
This scholarship, established by the government, can be awarded for:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Monthly stipend
- Health insurance
- Flight tickets
Partial or full academic merit-based scholarships are offered by some universities as well.
Final Thoughts
International students find studying medicine in Turkey a great opportunity to gain quality medical education at a lesser extent. Turkey still continues to serve as an educational destination for young doctors from all over the globe with globally recognized universities, modern healthcare training and diverse cultural experiences.
Either a public or private university; careful research and preparation before applying is key. A grasp of the requirements for admission, tuition costs and university recognition will help you make the best decision for your medical career.
Turkey is one of today’s top study abroad locations for international medical studies due to its academic excellence, hands-on experience, and low educational costs.