Studying in Turkey for Arab students: admission, scholarships, housing and residence

Turkey is a favourite study destination for Arab students: well-known universities, relatively reasonable costs and a culturally familiar environment. This guide brings together what a family needs, from admission to housing.

Ways to get admitted

• Some universities’ own exams for international students.
• International certificates such as the SAT, at many universities.
• High-school grade average at some universities and programmes.

Each university sets its own requirements and deadlines, so start early.

The Turkish government scholarship

The Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları) programme covers fees, accommodation, a monthly stipend, health insurance and a language course for those accepted. Competition is stiff, and applications are made online once a year.

Language of study

• Turkish-taught programmes: usually a preparatory language year.
• English-taught programmes: available at several universities, with proof of language level.

Fees

• State universities: fees for international students are usually lower than at private ones.
• Private universities: higher fees, sometimes with partial scholarships.

Student residence permit

After enrolling, the student applies for a student residence permit at the immigration authority (Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı, the Presidency of Migration Management), with the admission letter, proof of enrolment and health insurance. See the health insurance guide for residents.

Universities in Trabzon

• Karadeniz Technical University (KTÜ): one of Turkey’s oldest universities, with a campus in Ortahisar.
• Trabzon University.

See the guide to schools and universities in Trabzon.

Universities in Istanbul

Dozens of state and private universities, with a wide choice of subjects and English-taught programmes.

Housing: dorm or flat?

• University and private dormitories: suitable for the first year.
• Renting: flexible, but the cost repeats year after year.
• A family flat near the university: a choice many make when studies run long or siblings follow one another, and it remains an asset to rent out after graduation. See the guide to living in Ortahisar and the rental yield guide.

In short

Start with the university, the subject and recognition of the degree in your home country, then admission or the scholarship, then the language, then the student residence permit. Housing near the university is a decision worth calculating: buying may work out cheaper than renting for years.

Browse flats in Ortahisar near the university, or contact us.