PhD in Turkey
Turkey is a popular destination for international PhD students, offering high-quality education, affordable tuition, and scholarship opportunities. Its Bologna Process-compliant system allows studies in English or Turkish.
- Tuition: Public universities: €500–€1,000/year | Private universities: €5,250–€17,500/year
- Scholarships: Turkey Scholarships, TÜBİTAK, Erasmus, and more
- Top Universities: Koç University, Sabancı University, METU, Bilkent University
If you are looking to migrate to Turkey through PhD studies and want to start your journey with complete and accurate information, contact Malekpour Institute for a free initial consultation. You can also ask your questions in the comments section and receive answers shortly.
Conditions for PhD Studies in Turkey
Considering Turkey’s efforts to join the European Union, the structure of the PhD program in this country is designed according to the principles of the Bologna Process and is similar to the structure of the best universities in Europe. Therefore, PhD studies in Turkey have similar conditions to those in European countries. The conditions for pursuing a PhD in Turkey include:
- Participating in educational courses, seminars, and research projects.
- Successfully completing a minimum of 240 ECTS credits.
- Defending their doctoral thesis.
- To be accepted into this program, the following are essential:
- A strong academic resume
- A valid language certificate (English or Turkish depending on the language of the program)
- International publications
- In some cases, GRE or ALES exam scores
Also, some universities may allow candidates with an outstanding academic and research background to enter without an examination.
Entrance Exams for PhD Programs in Turkey
To enter a PhD program in Turkey, it is necessary to take certain exams:
If the language of instruction is Turkish:
- ALES exam: to assess language and computational skills in Turkish.
If the language of instruction is English:
- GRE exam: to measure the applicant’s academic abilities.
- A valid language certificate (TOEFL / IELTS)
Required minimum TOEFL scores for some Turkish universities:
| University Name | Required TOEFL Score |
|---|---|
| Koç University | 80–100 |
| Sabancı University | 87+ |
| Middle East Technical University (METU) | 86+ |
| Bilkent University | 87–100 |
| Boğaziçi University | 79–100 |
| Istanbul Technical University | 80+ |
Steps to Apply for PhD in Turkey
The general stages of applying for a PhD in Turkish universities are as follows:
- Choosing a field and university: Determining the educational path and selecting the desired university.
- Reviewing admission requirements: Ensuring eligibility with the selected university and program.
- Preparing necessary documents: Including language documents, test scores, resume, motivation letter, etc.
- Submitting application to the university: Uploading documents and completing application forms on the university website.
- University review and announcement of results: Final decision made by the admission committee.
- Receiving admission and applying for a student visa: Beginning the visa application process after receiving formal admission.
Dependent Student Visa in Turkey for PhD Studies
One of the key benefits of studying in Turkey is the ability to obtain a dependent visa for family members of the student. This visa includes:
- Student’s spouse
- Children under 18
This benefit is especially important for multi-year doctoral programs (4 years or more).
Best Universities in Turkey for PhD Studies
Pursuing a PhD in Turkey is only possible at the reputable universities of the country. The table below introduces some of the best universities in Turkey for PhD studies:
| University Name | QS Ranking |
|---|---|
| Middle East Technical University | 336 |
| Istanbul Technical University | 404 |
| Koç University | 431 |
| Bilkent University | 502 |
| Boğaziçi University | 514 |
| Sabancı University | 526 |
| Istanbul University | 711–720 |
| Hacettepe University | 761–770 |
| Ankara University | 901–950 |
| Yıldız Technical University | 951–1000 |
Required Documents for PhD in Turkey
To apply for a PhD program, applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Previous educational documents + transcripts
- Updated resume (CV)
- Copy of passport
- Motivation letter (SOP)
- Recommendation letters from professors
- Language documents (English or Turkish)
- Description of master’s project or thesis
Cost of PhD Studies in Turkey
The tuition for PhD studies in Turkey depends on two main factors; the type of university (public or private) and the language of instruction. In many cases, there are opportunities for full or partial scholarships to eliminate tuition fees and even receive living allowances.
Below you can see the average cost of PhD studies in Turkey.
| University Type | Language of Instruction | Annual Tuition Range |
|---|---|---|
| Public | English | €500–€1,000 ($540–$1,080) |
| Private | English | €5,250–€17,500 ($5,670–$18,900) |
Tuition Fees for Some PhD Universities in Turkey
Below is a list of tuition fees for universities in Turkey for PhD programs:
| University Name | Website | PhD Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Koç University | ku.edu.tr | Free (except Health Sciences Faculty: $18,000) |
| Sabancı University | sabanciuniv.edu | $21,500 |
| Bilkent University | bilkent.edu.tr | $16,200 |
| Middle East Technical University (METU) | metu.edu.tr | $1,500 |
Types of PhD Scholarships in Turkey
There are opportunities to obtain PhD scholarships in Turkey for students with outstanding academic backgrounds. By obtaining these scholarships, the cost of PhD studies in Turkey can be significantly reduced. Turkey offers several opportunities for scholarships at the PhD level:
1. Turkish Government Scholarship (Turkey Bursları)
- Covers full tuition
- Monthly living allowance
- Round-trip airfare
- Health insurance and free accommodation
2. TUBITAK Research Scholarship
- Dependent on research projects
- Providing scholarships to researchers with strong resumes
- No general application; only through projects
3. Erasmus+ Exchange Program
- Opportunity to study at one of the European universities for one or two semesters
- Enhancing the international credibility of the academic resume
4. Mawlana Exchange Program
- Exchange of faculty and students between Turkish universities and other countries
- Available to students of universities such as Tabriz and Urmia
- Exchange duration: at least 1 semester, maximum 2 semesters
Student Work After PhD Studies in Turkey
Conditions for working while studying in Turkey are as follows:
- Allowed for master’s and doctoral students with official work permits
- Maximum of 20 hours per week
- Proficiency in Turkish is a significant advantage for finding part-time jobs
- First-year associate and undergraduate students are not permitted to work
- The minimum wage set for 2025 is 17,002 Turkish Lira (approximately $528) per month
Residency After Completing PhD in Turkey
If you intend to obtain residency in Turkey after completing your PhD studies:
- You must leave the country within 10 days or apply for a short-term residence permit
- Short-term residence: Up to 1 year to find a job
- If you receive a job offer, you can obtain a work permit
- If you violate the legal deadline, you may face fines or a ban on re-entry
Advantages of Studying PhD in Turkey
Studying in Turkey offers significant advantages:
Affordable Tuition: Public universities charge €500–€1,000 per year, while private universities range €5,250–€17,500.
- Scholarship Opportunities: Access to Turkey Scholarships, TÜBİTAK, Erasmus, and other funding programs.
- High-Quality Education: Universities follow the Bologna Process, ensuring internationally recognized degrees.
- Programs in English and Turkish: Flexible language options for international students.
- Cultural and Geographic Benefits: Turkey’s location offers easy travel to Europe and cultural familiarity for students from neighboring countries.
- Research Opportunities: Strong focus on research in top universities like Koç University, Sabancı University, METU, and Bilkent University.
- Pathway to International Careers: PhD graduates can work in Turkey, Europe, and other countries with recognized qualifications.
Frequently Asked Questions about PhD in Turkey
- Is it possible to study for a PhD in Turkey in English?
Yes, many reputable universities in Turkey offer PhD programs in English. However, it is necessary to provide a language certificate such as TOEFL or IELTS.
- Is it required to take an entrance exam for PhD admission in Turkey?
Yes. For Turkish programs, taking the ALES exam is essential. For English language programs, presenting GRE test scores and a language certificate is usually mandatory.
- What is the tuition for PhD studies in Turkey?
Tuition at public universities generally ranges from 500 to 1,000 Euros per year. However, private universities have higher costs that may vary from 5,250 to 17,500 Euros.
- Are there scholarships available for PhD studies in Turkey?
Yes. There are various scholarships such as Turkey Bursları, TUBITAK, Erasmus, and Mawlana Program available to PhD students which can cover all or part of the costs.
Conclusion:
Studying for a PhD in Turkey is an excellent opportunity for international students. Cultural and geographical proximity, high standards of universities, the ability to study in English, access to various scholarships, and even the option to work during or after studies make this path even more appealing.
If you wish to plan carefully and take advantage of the best opportunities available, we recommend contacting the specialized consultants at MIE Migration Institute (Malekpour) to confidently begin your educational journey.
