“How much does it cost to study in Turkey?” is the first question almost every student asks us. The honest answer: it depends mostly on your program and your university – an English-taught business degree and an English-taught dentistry degree can differ by tens of thousands of dollars a year.
To give you real numbers instead of guesses, we analysed 1,014 English-taught bachelor’s programs at 51 private universities in Türkiye and North Cyprus, using the fees listed in our admissions portal on 17 October 2026.
In short: half of the English-taught bachelor’s programs priced in US dollars cost $4,750 a year or less. Most programs fall between $3,100 and $8,000, while medicine and dentistry sit at the top of the range.
Tuition by program (English-taught bachelor’s, 2026)
For each program area, the table shows the lowest yearly tuition we found, the typical (median) tuition and how many programs we compared. Only programs priced in US dollars are included here; universities that charge in euros (mostly in North Cyprus) are compared in the next section.
| Program area | Lowest yearly tuition | Typical (median) tuition | Programs compared |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law | $1,970 | $2,600 | 7 |
| Economics & international relations | $1,970 | $4,250 | 93 |
| Architecture & interior design | $1,970 | $4,450 | 43 |
| Business & management | $1,500 | $4,450 | 158 |
| Education & languages | $1,970 | $4,450 | 52 |
| Computer & software engineering | $1,970 | $4,475 | 118 |
| Psychology | $1,500 | $4,500 | 39 |
| Tourism & gastronomy | $1,970 | $4,640 | 20 |
| Other engineering | $1,970 | $4,750 | 163 |
| Nursing & health sciences | $1,500 | $5,000 | 55 |
| Communication, media & design | $1,970 | $6,800 | 61 |
| Aviation | $2,600 | $7,250 | 15 |
| Pharmacy | $2,200 | $9,300 | 24 |
| Dentistry | $4,000 | $17,750 | 22 |
| Medicine | $5,000 | $21,313 | 24 |
Based on 1,014 English-taught bachelor’s programs listed in our admissions portal on 17 October 2026. Discounted fees are used where a university offers one. Fees change, so always check the live price before applying.
Türkiye or North Cyprus?
Universities in North Cyprus are often the most affordable way to study in English, while private universities in Istanbul and Ankara offer the widest choice of programs and city life.
| Country | Universities | Priced in US dollars: lowest / median | Priced in euros: lowest / median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Türkiye (private universities) | 41 | $1,500 / $6,000 (677 programs) | €7,000 / €7,000 (1 programs) |
| North Cyprus | 10 | $1,500 / $4,450 (188 programs) | €2,155 / €2,800 (148 programs) |
What else to budget for
- Deposit. After you receive an offer, most universities ask for a deposit to confirm your place. It is usually deducted from your first-year tuition.
- Preparatory year. If you cannot yet prove your English level, you may need one year of English preparation before your degree starts – check whether it is charged separately.
- Living costs. Rent, food and transport depend heavily on the city and how you live. Istanbul is the most expensive city; Ankara, Izmir and North Cyprus are usually cheaper. Shared flats and dormitories keep costs down.
- Visa and residence permit, health insurance and translation of your documents.
How to lower your costs
- Apply early. Many universities offer bigger discounts at the start of the application season.
- Compare similar universities. The same program can cost very different amounts at two universities in the same city.
- Consider North Cyprus or cities outside Istanbul if budget matters more than location.
- Prove your English before you arrive to skip the preparatory year.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheap to study in Turkey?
Compared with the UK, the US or most of Western Europe, yes – many English-taught bachelor’s programs at private universities cost less than $4,750 a year. Health programs such as medicine and dentistry are the exception.
Can I study in Turkey for free?
Free study is possible through government scholarships such as Türkiye Bursları or at state universities, but places are very competitive. At private universities, tuition discounts are common, while full scholarships are rare.
How much does medicine cost in Turkey?
See our detailed medicine fees guide for every program and university.
Are fees paid per year or per semester?
Fees are quoted per academic year. Many universities let you pay in instalments, for example one payment per semester – ask your advisor for the payment plan of your program.
Next steps
- Find programs within your budget on our program search.
- Compare private universities in Istanbul.
- Get a free consultation – tell us your budget and field, and we will send you options that fit.
