Studying and living in Turkey is quite affordable compared to many European countries. The expenses from tuition fees to daily expenditures vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences. But it is safe to say that Turkey is uniquely budget-friendly for international students.
Tuition Fees For Studying in Turkey
Turkey offers high quality for very low tuition fees when it comes to higher education. The amount of payments to be received from international students are determined by the government and net amounts are left to the initiative of universities. For this reason, the fees for studying in Turkey vary according to the type of university (state or foundation), the level of the program (undergraduate or graduate), faculty (medicine, dentistry, engineering, law etc.) and the duration of education.
Tuition fees are paid before course registrations at the beginning of each semester. Each academic year consists of two semesters, unless you enroll for summer courses. Depending on your academic achievement situation, you can receive discounts or full exemptions at various rates, especially in private institutions.
Accommodation While Studying in Turkey
Monthly budget you need to reserve for accommodation varies depending on your choices. State dormitories, university dormitories, private dormitories and rental flats are the available options. Usually, the payment for both flats and dormitories are collected monthly. You do not need to pay in the summer when you are not staying in the dorm. However, you will have to pay the house rent since the legal contracts are signed in 12 month intervals.
Both for dormitories and apartments, a certain amount of deposit is expected to be paid upon first entry. The amount varies, but is usually the equivalent of the monthly rent.
Insurance and Health Expenditures While Studying in Turkey
Health insurance for international students varies between 300-500 TL per year in private policies. These private insurers allow you to receive free health services in contracted hospitals within the limits specified in the policy. Also The Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services and the Ministry of Health are the two bodies responsible for general health insurance in Turkey. With this insurance you can get free health services in all state hospitals. In private hospitals you will need to pay varying amounts of contribution.
Daily Expenditures
For foreigners coming from Europe or America, the currency rate of Turkish Lira is a great advantage. In the last year, house sales surged in Turkey due to the fall of the currency rate, sales to foreign nationals climbed significantly over the past several years.
The average cost of living in Turkey for a student is about $600 per month. If you’re living on campus, these costs are usually handled for you.
Student discounts are offered at Cinema, theater, museum, public transport, some book houses and restaurants.