Getting a Master’s in Turkey – admission requirements and the best universities

Studying in Turkey has attracted many international students, due to the fact that Turkish universities have diverse and distinguished programs, in addition to being low-cost compared to many other countries.

In this article, we will provide you with all the information about studying a master’s degree in Turkey, admission requirements, and the best universities.

Benefits of studying a master’s degree in Turkey

• Low cost of higher education in Turkey.
• The cost of living in Turkey is lower than in other countries.
• Several scholarships are available for students.
• A golden opportunity for foreign students to learn about European and Asian cultures.
• The possibility of getting a job while studying a master’s degree in Turkey.
• Students can also enjoy the sights of Turkey while studying.

Conditions for studying a master’s degree in Turkish universities

Turkish universities accept thousands of students for master’s degrees from all over the world every year.

The duration of studying a master’s degree in Turkey is two years, and the student must attend 120 hours.

And at the end of the course, master’s students submit a thesis based on their field of study.

Studying a master’s degree in Turkey does not require any age requirements, but if the applicant intends to obtain a scholarship to study a master’s degree in Turkey, he/she must be less than 30 years old.

Many public Turkish universities have admission exams for undergraduate students.

The three most important exams for admission to a master’s degree are:

• ALES Test: This test is taken three times a year and is valid for up to two years.
• GRE Test: This test covers language and math questions and is valid for five years.
• GMAT Test: This test is held for admission to business school programs and is valid for five years.

Another condition for studying a master’s degree in Turkey is the cumulative average requirement, in addition to obtaining a sufficient score in the admission exams.

The minimum required scores in the admission exams are:

• ALES Test: The minimum score required for this test is 50.
• GRE Test: The minimum score required for this test is 690.
• GMAT Test: The minimum score required for this test is 500.

Note that private universities in Turkey do not require any exams to study a master’s degree in any discipline, but their fees are higher compared to Turkish public universities.

The language of studying a master’s degree in Turkey

The language of studying a master’s degree in Turkey is mainly Turkish and English, and some universities offer their courses in German and French, and this varies from one university to another and from one specialty to another.

Students who wish to study a master’s degree in Turkey must obtain a language certificate to study at a Turkish university, or attend language classes for one year.

Master’s Degree Programs in Turkish Universities

Turkish universities offer various disciplines to study a master’s degree in many fields, where students can find the programs they want.

Here are some of the most popular disciplines to study a master’s degree in Turkey:

Master’s in Education: educational policy, applied behavior analysis, special education (disabilities), library and information sciences, English language teaching.

Master’s in Economics: Accounting, Economics and Finance, Capital Markets and Finance, Financial Engineering and Risk Management, Online Commerce, International Trade.

Master’s in International Relations: Advanced European and International Studies, European Integration and Global Studies, International Security.

Master’s in Medical engineering: bioengineering, medical engineering, chemical engineering, biology, molecular biology, genetics.

Master’s in Architectural Engineering: Architecture and Urban Studies, Architectural History, Building Science, Interior Architecture, Building Physics, Building Research and Planning, Landscape Architecture.

Master’s in journalism and media: information systems management, communication and media studies, media design, media and visual studies.

Master’s in Medicine: Anesthesia, Nursing, Nutrition, Clinical Psychology, Operating Room Technician, Physiotherapy.

Master of Engineering majors: Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering Science, Industrial Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Management, Nanotechnology.

Universities that offer master’s programs in Turkey

Turkey has universities with high standards and world rankings, and higher education institutions are making great efforts to facilitate the education and life of international students.

Turkish universities have expert professors working to help all students progress.

Classes welcome open discussion and encourage students to present their projects and work in groups.

As is common around the world, universities in Turkey are divided into public or private universities.

To study a master’s degree in Turkey, students can study at a public or private university.

Tuition fees in public universities are low, while private universities usually charge higher fees.

The best universities in Turkey for a master’s degree

Cankaya University: Ranked 401-500 in THE 2021 rankings.

Koç University: Ranked 501-600 in THE 2021 rankings.

Hacettepe University: Ranked 601-800 in THE 2021 rankings.

Sabancı University: Ranked 501-600 in THE 2021 rankings.

Bilkent University: Ranked 601-800 in the THE 2021 rankings.

Boğaziçi University: Ranked 801-1000 in THE 2021 rankings.

Ozyegin University: Ranked 1001-1200 in THE 2021 rankings.

Working conditions while studying a master’s degree in Turkey

Another advantage of studying a master’s in Turkey is obtaining a work permit in addition to studying.

Under Turkish law, postgraduate students can obtain a work permit after completing the first year of study, but of course postgraduate students are not allowed to work full time and can only work 30 hours per week.

Suitable part-time jobs for masters students in Turkey:

• Librarian.
• Hotel worker.
• Waiter for restaurants and cafes.
• Researcher and assistant professor for university professors.
• Store employee.
• Printing press clerk.

Students can apply for a work permit while studying through the Turkish minister of labor website.

Conditions for a Master’s Degree Scholarship in Turkey

The Turkish government offers a variety of scholarships to international students, and students from developing countries in Africa and Asia take precedence over other countries.

Many universities also offer scholarships to some of their students, and also exempt outstanding students from paying tuition fees.

The scholarship can be determined according to the qualifications and competence of the student or financial needs.

The Turkish government has participated in the Erasmus exchange programs run by the European Commission and has so far attracted more than 5,000 international students.

For more information about opportunities in Turkey and other countries, visit the Erasmus website.

Documents for master’s studies in Turkish universities

• Bachelor’s degree translated and certified.
• Transcript.
• Acceptance letter from the university.
• Proof of financial ability.
• Passport copy.
• Language certificate (if available).
• Admission test result for master’s studies (for public universities).

Frequently asked questions about studying for a master’s degree in Turkey

How much are the Tuition fees of studying a master’s degree in Turkey?

Tuition fees in public universities range between $500 and $100, but tuition fees at private universities are higher and range between $3,000 and $15,000 annually.

What are the languages ​​of study for masters in Turkey?

Most master’s courses are offered in Turkish and English, and some universities offer their courses in French and German.

What are the most important admission exams for master’s studies in Turkey?

ALES, GRE, or GMAT exam.

What are the language tests for admission to postgraduate courses in Turkish universities?

IELTS, TOEFL and Tomer test.

What are the conditions for obtaining a scholarship to study a master’s degree in Turkey?

Get an excellent GPA.

What institutions offer scholarships to study masters in Turkey?

The Turkish government, private and public Turkish universities and cultural exchange programs between Turkey and Europe all offer scholarships to study masters in Turkey.