Universities in Turkey 2026 | Rankings, Fees & Admissions

Turkey — officially Türkiye — has one of the largest higher-education systems in Europe and its surrounding region, combining major public universities, private foundation universities, specialist technical institutions, medical schools and research-intensive universities.

In the 2025–2026 academic year, Türkiye has 208 higher-education institutions, 6,301,434 students and 189,868 academic staff, according to the Council of Higher Education, commonly known as YÖK or CoHE.

The official Study in Türkiye platform presents students with approximately 208 universities and nearly 45,000 degree programs, covering study in Turkish, English and other languages.

For international students, Turkey offers a combination of internationally ranked universities, English-taught degrees, public and foundation institutions, government scholarships, medicine and engineering programs, major student cities such as Istanbul and Ankara, and a dedicated international admissions examination known as TR-YÖS.

This University Encyclopedia guide explains the top universities in Turkey in 2026, current global rankings, university admissions, tuition fees, Türkiye Scholarships, TR-YÖS, English-taught programs, degree structure, visas and the most important factors international students should investigate before applying.

Turkey Higher Education at a Glance

Source: Council of Higher Education 2025–2026 statistics.

These figures demonstrate that higher education in Türkiye is not a small specialist system. It is a multi-million-student national university sector.

Top Universities in Turkey 2026

There is no single universal ranking of Turkish universities.

QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education use different methodologies, which means the institution ranked highest in one table may not be highest in another.

That distinction is important.

In the latest QS World University Rankings 2027, Istanbul Technical University is Türkiye’s highest-ranked institution.

In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, Koç University is Türkiye’s highest-ranked university.

University Encyclopedia therefore always identifies the ranking provider and edition when reporting a university’s position.

Top 10 Universities in Turkey — QS World University Rankings 2027

The latest QS global edition was published on 18 June 2026.

Source: QS World University Rankings 2027, Türkiye filter.

These are QS rankings, not University Encyclopedia rankings.

Best Universities in Turkey According to Times Higher Education

Times Higher Education produces a different national order.

THE World University Rankings 2026 places:

THE reports 109 universities from Türkiye in its 2026 World University Rankings.

This is exactly why students should not ask only:

“What is the No. 1 university in Turkey?”

The better question is:

“No. 1 according to which ranking and for which subject?”

What Is the Best University in Turkey?

There is no ranking-independent answer.

Istanbul Technical University is Turkey’s highest-ranked university in QS 2027 at =279 globally.

Koç University is Turkey’s highest-ranked institution in THE 2026, in the 301–350 global band.

Students should also compare subject rankings because the strongest university for engineering may not be the strongest choice for medicine, business, humanities or another field.

1. Istanbul Technical University

Istanbul Technical University — commonly known as ITU or İTÜ — is Türkiye’s highest-ranked institution in QS World University Rankings 2027 at =279 globally.

ITU is particularly important for students interested in engineering, architecture, technology and scientific disciplines.

Its ranking strength makes it one of the first institutions international applicants should investigate when searching for top engineering universities in Turkey.

2. Middle East Technical University

Middle East Technical University — widely known as METU or ODTÜ — ranks 305 globally in QS 2027 and falls within the 351–400 band in THE 2026.

Located in Ankara, METU is especially prominent in engineering, science, architecture, economics and other technical and research-oriented disciplines.

Its extensive use of English as a teaching language also makes it particularly relevant to international applicants.

3. Koç University

Koç University ranks =329 globally in QS 2027 and is Türkiye’s highest-ranked university in THE 2026, where it falls within the 301–350 band.

Koç is a private foundation university located in Istanbul.

It is particularly relevant for students considering research-intensive study, medicine, engineering, social sciences, business and graduate education.

4. Boğaziçi University

Boğaziçi University ranks =345 globally in QS 2027 and within the 401–500 group in THE 2026.

Located in Istanbul, it is one of Türkiye’s most internationally recognised public universities and is particularly known for programs taught in English.

Students interested in engineering, economics, business, sciences, humanities and social sciences frequently include Boğaziçi in their Turkey university comparisons.

5. Sabancı University

Sabancı University ranks =357 globally in QS 2027 and within the 351–400 band in THE 2026.

Located in Istanbul, Sabancı is a foundation university with strong visibility in engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, management and interdisciplinary education.

6. Bilkent University

Bilkent University ranks =454 globally in QS 2027 and within the 601–800 group in THE 2026.

Located in Ankara, Bilkent has a strong international profile and offers extensive English-medium instruction.

It is particularly relevant to applicants researching engineering, computer science, business, economics, humanities and science.

7. Hacettepe University

Hacettepe University ranks =570 globally in QS 2027 and within the 801–1000 group in THE 2026.

Hacettepe is particularly important in searches related to medicine, health sciences and healthcare education in Turkey.

International medical applicants should nevertheless verify the recognition and licensing requirements that apply in the country where they eventually intend to practise.

8. Istanbul University

Istanbul University ranks =629 globally in QS 2027.

It is one of Türkiye’s major comprehensive public universities and offers programs across humanities, sciences, social sciences, professional fields and health-related disciplines.

Students should distinguish Istanbul University from the many other universities located within the city of Istanbul.

9. Yıldız Technical University

Yıldız Technical University ranks =634 globally in QS 2027 and within the 601–800 band in THE 2026.

Its strengths make it particularly relevant to applicants searching for engineering, architecture and technical education in Istanbul.

10. Ankara University

Ankara University ranks within the 731–740 group in QS 2027.

As a major comprehensive public university in the national capital, it offers programs across a wide range of academic and professional disciplines.

Other Major Universities in Turkey

Beyond the Top 10 above, students should investigate institutions according to their subject rather than assuming that only globally top-ranked universities are worth considering.

Important names across the Turkish higher-education system include Ege University, Dokuz Eylül University, Marmara University, Gazi University, Akdeniz University, Çukurova University, Erciyes University, Atatürk University, İzmir Institute of Technology, Gebze Technical University, Özyeğin University, Bahçeşehir University, Kadir Has University, Istanbul Bilgi University and many others.

THE’s inclusion of 109 Turkish institutions in its 2026 world ranking demonstrates the considerable depth of the system.

State Universities vs Foundation Universities in Turkey

Understanding this distinction is essential.

State Universities

State universities are publicly established institutions.

YÖK reports 5,445,808 students studying at state universities in 2025–2026, making them by far the largest component of the Turkish higher-education system.

Examples include Istanbul Technical University, Middle East Technical University, Boğaziçi University, Hacettepe University, Istanbul University and Ankara University.

Foundation Universities

Turkey also has foundation universities, often described in English as private or non-profit private universities.

YÖK reports 838,664 students at foundation universities in 2025–2026.

Prominent examples include Koç University, Sabancı University and Bilkent University.

Foundation universities can have substantially different tuition structures from state universities, so applicants should never assume that one national tuition figure applies across the entire country.

How Many Universities Are There in Turkey?

The official Study in Türkiye portal currently presents 208 universities and nearly 45,000 degree programs.

YÖK’s official 2025–2026 statistical bulletin likewise records 208 higher-education institutions in the system.

This replaces the obsolete Universityi.com directory, which contained a mixture of universities and many entities that were never universities at all.

Degree Structure in Turkey

Türkiye’s higher-education system is compatible with the Bologna three-cycle framework.

Associate Degree

An associate degree normally lasts two years.

The current framework requires at least 120 ECTS credits for graduation.

Bachelor’s Degree

Most bachelor’s degrees normally last four years and require 240 ECTS credits.

Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine

Some professional programs are longer.

Official YÖK guidance states that dentistry, veterinary medicine and pharmacy generally last five years, while medicine normally lasts six years.

Master’s Degree

A master’s degree generally takes around two years. Türkiye has both thesis and non-thesis master’s programs, with non-thesis routes sometimes completed more quickly.

Doctorate / PhD

Doctoral study generally takes around four years, although program requirements and actual completion time vary.

Can International Students Study in English in Turkey?

Yes.

The official Study in Türkiye platform states that university programs are available in Turkish, English and other languages.

English-medium education is particularly prominent at institutions such as METU, Boğaziçi, Bilkent, Koç and Sabancı, although the exact language depends on the individual program.

Students must verify the language of instruction for the specific degree rather than assuming that every course at a university is taught in English.

Do You Need Turkish to Study in Turkey?

Not always.

Students admitted to a fully English-taught program may not need Turkish at the same level as students entering Turkish-medium degrees.

However, universities can establish language requirements for their programs.

The official Study in Türkiye system shows that institutional requirements vary, and individual university profiles specify Turkish or foreign-language proficiency requirements where applicable.

Even for students studying entirely in English, learning Turkish can be valuable for daily life, clinical placements, internships and employment.

How International Students Apply to Universities in Turkey

Turkey does not operate one identical international admission formula for every university.

YÖK’s official Study in Türkiye portal explains that universities determine their own international student admission conditions. Applicants may need examination scores, language evidence or other qualifications depending on the university and program.

The broad process is:

Choose university and program → investigate scholarships → prepare application documents → check examination requirements → apply for the required student visa.

What Is TR-YÖS?

TR-YÖS is the Türkiye Exam for Foreign Students for Higher Education administered by ÖSYM.

Universities may use TR-YÖS results as part of international admissions under their applicable rules. Other accepted qualifications can vary by institution.

TR-YÖS 2026

The first 2026 TR-YÖS examination has already taken place and results were announced on 27 April 2026.

The second examination, 2026-TR-YÖS/2, is scheduled for 11 October 2026.

Importantly for applicants reading this page on 11 August 2026, ÖSYM extended the application and examination-fee deadline to 11 August 2026.

Because examination dates change each year, students reading this guide later should always confirm the newest ÖSYM calendar.

Is TR-YÖS Required by Every University?

No universal statement should be made that every foreign applicant to every Turkish university must take TR-YÖS.

The official Study in Türkiye guidance explicitly notes that universities determine their own international admission requirements and may consider recognised examinations, national examinations or other institution-specific criteria.

Applicants must check the admission page of the exact university and program.

Common Application Documents

Requirements vary, but international applicants commonly need documentation relating to their identity, secondary-school or previous university education, academic results and any examinations or language qualifications required by the institution.

Because universities establish their own conditions, the university’s current international admissions instructions are the controlling source for the application.

Applicants should never rely on a generic third-party checklist when preparing a final application.

Tuition Fees in Turkey

There is no single tuition fee for universities in Turkey.

The official Study in Türkiye guidance states that tuition varies according to the type of institution and that universities determine their applicable amounts within the relevant framework.

Costs can vary according to:

state or foundation university, program, degree level, language of instruction, citizenship and scholarship status.

Foundation-university tuition can be substantially higher than the fees charged by many state universities.

Applicants should therefore check the current annual program fee directly on the university’s official admissions page before applying or paying.

Scholarships in Turkey

International students can investigate several funding sources, including university scholarships and the major government-backed Türkiye Scholarships program.

Scholarship benefits and eligibility vary by program and provider.

Türkiye Scholarships 2026

Türkiye Scholarships is a government-funded competitive scholarship program for international students.

For the 2026 application cycle, applications were accepted from 10 January to 20 February 2026 for international applicants from all countries.

The program covers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral study.

The official scholarship program states that its support can include:

university placement, tuition support, accommodation, health insurance and financial support, alongside academic, social and cultural opportunities.

Admission is competitive.

Students should not interpret the existence of Türkiye Scholarships as an automatic entitlement to free study.

University Scholarships

Individual universities can also provide:

merit scholarships, tuition discounts, full or partial fee waivers and other funding.

The exact scholarship structure differs by institution, and applicants should check the current scholarship page of their selected university. The official Study in Türkiye portal explicitly advises students to investigate scholarship options directly through their chosen institutions.

Best Universities in Turkey for Engineering

Turkey has several internationally visible technical and engineering universities.

Students researching engineering should particularly investigate:

Istanbul Technical University

Middle East Technical University

Boğaziçi University

Yıldız Technical University

Bilkent University

Sabancı University

Koç University

İzmir Institute of Technology

Gebze Technical University

Overall rankings should be supplemented with engineering-specific rankings and program-level evidence.

Best Universities in Turkey for Computer Science and AI

Students interested in computer science, artificial intelligence, software engineering and related technology fields may want to compare institutions including METU, ITU, Boğaziçi, Bilkent, Koç and Sabancı.

For these fields, students should investigate not just overall ranking but also curriculum, laboratories, research groups, faculty, industry partnerships and English-language availability.

Best Universities in Turkey for Medicine

Major institutions students commonly investigate for medical and health education include Hacettepe University, Istanbul University, Ankara University and a number of foundation universities with medical faculties.

However, international medical students need to perform additional verification.

Before enrolling, check:

university recognition, medical-program accreditation, clinical training, teaching language, degree recognition in your home country and professional licensing requirements.

A high global university ranking does not automatically guarantee medical licensing eligibility in another country.

Best Universities in Turkey for Business and Economics

Students interested in business, economics and management may investigate universities such as Koç, Sabancı, Bilkent, Boğaziçi and METU alongside other institutions.

The quality and reputation of an individual business school or economics department can differ from the university’s overall global ranking.

Best Universities in Turkey for Architecture

Turkey has several institutions with established architecture and design traditions.

Applicants may investigate ITU, METU, Yıldız Technical University and Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, among others.

Architecture students should compare portfolios, studio structure, accreditation and teaching language as well as rankings.

Best Student Cities in Turkey

Istanbul

Istanbul contains the largest concentration of Turkey’s globally visible universities.

Major institutions include:

Istanbul Technical University, Koç University, Boğaziçi University, Sabancı University, Istanbul University and Yıldız Technical University.

Six of the current QS 2027 Turkish Top 10 are located in Istanbul.

Istanbul offers the broadest university choice, but students should carefully calculate accommodation and transportation costs before deciding.

Ankara

Türkiye’s capital is another major higher-education centre.

Leading institutions include:

Middle East Technical University, Bilkent University, Hacettepe University and Ankara University.

Four of those appear within Türkiye’s current QS Top 10.

Ankara is especially strong in engineering, medicine, public administration, political science, science and research.

Izmir

Izmir offers major public and private university options including Ege University, Dokuz Eylül University, İzmir Institute of Technology and İzmir University of Economics.

It provides an important alternative for students who do not want to study in Istanbul or Ankara.

Other University Cities

Turkey’s higher-education system extends throughout the country, with major institutions in cities including Antalya, Bursa, Eskişehir, Konya, Kayseri, Adana, Trabzon, Erzurum, Gaziantep and others.

THE’s 2026 ranking includes Turkish institutions from numerous cities beyond Istanbul and Ankara.

Student Visa for Turkey

The official Study in Türkiye process states that international students who need a visa should obtain a student visa from the appropriate Turkish diplomatic or consular mission before coming to study, according to the rules applicable to their nationality and circumstances.

Visa requirements should always be checked from current official Turkish government sources because requirements can change.

Student Residence Permit

International students enrolled in Turkish higher-education programs are generally required to obtain a student residence permit under the applicable immigration rules. Turkey’s Presidency of Migration Management provides dedicated documentation and procedures for student residence permits.

For 2026, the official residence-permit document fee is 964 Turkish lira, although other residence-permit fees can depend on nationality and circumstances.

Students should verify the latest fee and procedure at the time of application rather than relying permanently on the 2026 amount.

Is Turkey Affordable for International Students?

Turkey can offer relatively competitive education costs compared with some major study destinations, but there is no reliable universal student budget.

Costs vary greatly by:

city, university, accommodation type, exchange rates and lifestyle.

The official Study in Türkiye portal confirms that tuition varies substantially between state and foundation institutions.

Older fixed Turkish-lira cost tables should be treated cautiously because inflation and changing prices can make them obsolete quickly.

For 2026 planning, students should obtain current figures directly for:

tuition + housing + food + transport + insurance + residence procedures + books + personal costs.

Recognition and Accreditation

International students should distinguish three different questions:

Does the university legally exist?

Is the program properly recognised or accredited where required?

Will the qualification be recognised in the country where the student wants to work?

These questions are not identical.

Professional recognition is particularly important for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, engineering, architecture, teaching and other regulated professions.

Why the Old Turkey University List Should Be Removed

The previous Universityi.com Turkey page cannot simply be updated by changing the year.

It mixed genuine universities with:

• university departments
• faculties
• laboratories
• high schools
• research centres
• professional societies
• government agencies
• international organisations
• university hospitals
• duplicate institutions
• institutions that later closed or changed names

and presented the mixture as a university directory.

For example, the old page separately listed Boğaziçi University and several individual Boğaziçi departments, while also separately listing Koç University more than once.

It also contained organisations such as TÜBİTAK, the Turkish Mathematical Society, the Turkish Astronomical Society and other entities that are not universities.

A modern higher-education guide must separate universities from research bodies, associations, individual departments and other organisations.

Closed and Renamed Universities: Another Problem with Old Lists

Historic Turkey university lists can become inaccurate very quickly because institutions may close, merge, reorganise or change names.

The legacy page contains several historic names that should not be reproduced as current institutions without verification.

That is why University Encyclopedia now prioritises current official YÖK and university information instead of preserving obsolete alphabetical directories.

Is Turkey Good for International Students?

Turkey offers a significant combination of advantages:

208 higher-education institutions, nearly 45,000 programs, globally ranked universities, Turkish- and English-medium education, government scholarships, technical universities, medical education and a large nationwide university network.

But whether it is the right destination depends on the individual student.

Applicants should compare:

academic quality, recognition, language, tuition, scholarship opportunities, visa rules, city, living costs and career goals.

How to Choose the Best University in Turkey

Do not choose solely by overall rank.

Compare:

Frequently Asked Questions

How many universities are there in Turkey?

The official Study in Türkiye portal currently presents 208 universities and nearly 45,000 degree programs. YÖK’s 2025–2026 statistics likewise record 208 higher-education institutions.

What is the best university in Turkey?

It depends on the ranking.

Istanbul Technical University is No. 1 in Türkiye in QS World University Rankings 2027, at =279 globally.

Koç University is No. 1 in Türkiye in THE World University Rankings 2026, in the 301–350 global band.

What are the top universities in Turkey?

Current internationally prominent institutions include Istanbul Technical University, Middle East Technical University, Koç University, Boğaziçi University, Sabancı University, Bilkent University, Hacettepe University, Istanbul University and Yıldız Technical University.

Can international students study in English in Turkey?

Yes. The official Study in Türkiye portal states that programs are available in Turkish, English and other languages.

Is TR-YÖS compulsory?

Not universally for every university and every international applicant. Universities determine their own admission criteria and can require different examination or qualification evidence.

When is TR-YÖS/2 in 2026?

The 2026-TR-YÖS/2 examination is scheduled for 11 October 2026. The application deadline was extended to 11 August 2026.

How long is a bachelor’s degree in Turkey?

Most bachelor’s programs take four years and 240 ECTS credits. Medicine generally takes six years, while dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine normally take five years.

How much does university cost in Turkey?

There is no single national tuition figure. Fees vary by state or foundation status, university, program and student category. Applicants should verify current fees directly with the institution.

Are scholarships available for international students?

Yes. Students can investigate university scholarships and the competitive government-funded Türkiye Scholarships program.

What does Türkiye Scholarships cover?

The official program states that support includes university placement and can include financial support, tuition, accommodation and health insurance.

Is Turkey good for engineering?

Turkey has several internationally visible technical universities, including Istanbul Technical University and Middle East Technical University, which are currently the two highest Turkish institutions in QS 2027.

Is Turkey good for medicine?

Turkey has major medical faculties and health-sciences universities, but international students should verify professional recognition and licensing rules in the country where they plan to practise.

University Encyclopedia Ranking Standard

University Encyclopedia does not describe a university simply as:

“Turkey’s No. 1 university”

without identifying the ranking provider.

Use:

Istanbul Technical University — =279 globally, QS World University Rankings 2027

or:

Koç University — Turkey No. 1, THE World University Rankings 2026

rather than making an unsupported universal claim.

Different rankings measure universities differently.

Any future proprietary University Encyclopedia ranking will be identified separately with its own methodology.

Final Guide to Studying in Turkey

Turkey’s university system in 2026 is far more substantial than the old internet directories suggest.

It includes 208 higher-education institutions, more than 6.3 million students and nearly 45,000 programs, alongside universities appearing across major international ranking systems.

For international students, the country offers multiple pathways:

public state universities,

foundation universities,

English-taught programs,

technical education,

medicine,

graduate research,

TR-YÖS admissions,

university scholarships,

and the government-funded Türkiye Scholarships program.

The smartest approach is therefore not simply to search:

“What are the top universities in Turkey?”

Ask:

Which university is strongest for my subject?

Is the program recognised?

Do I need TR-YÖS?

Is the course taught in English or Turkish?

What tuition applies specifically to me?

Can I obtain a scholarship?

What will living in Istanbul, Ankara or another city cost?

Will the degree be recognised for my intended profession?

Start with rankings.

Then compare programs.

Verify admissions.

Calculate the real cost.

Check scholarships.

Confirm recognition.

That is how a university ranking becomes a useful education decision rather than simply another number.

Knowledge is power. Education for everyone. Wisdom for all.