Study in Türkiye: University Admission for Foreigners
International students, school leavers and their families
Short answer
International students apply to Turkish universities one by one: each university sets its own requirements, and programmes are taught in English or Turkish. After acceptance comes the student visa and the student residence permit.
Türkiye has many state and foundation universities, and Istanbul alone hosts a large number of them. International students are admitted by each university under its own rules, so the first task is a realistic shortlist, not a single national application.
How does university admission work for international students?
Each university runs its own international application. Many accept results such as SAT or ACT, national exams or the high-school grade average, and some use YÖS-type exams. Requirements, quotas and deadlines vary by university and by programme, so we always check the current call on the university's website before you apply.
State or foundation university: what is the difference?
| State university | Foundation (private) university | |
|---|---|---|
| Funding | Public institution | Non-profit foundation, privately run |
| Fees | Typically lower for international students | Typically higher; scholarships are common |
| Competition | Often more selective | Varies by university and programme |
| Language | Mostly Turkish, some English programmes | Many English-taught programmes |
| Campus | Large, often city-centre | Varies, often modern campuses |
Do I need to speak Turkish?
Not always. Many universities offer English-taught programmes, and you may need an English test or the university's own test. For Turkish-taught programmes you usually need a Turkish level certificate, and a preparatory year at a language centre such as TÖMER is a common route when your level is not yet enough.
What is diploma equivalence (denklik)?
If your high-school certificate was issued abroad, the Ministry of National Education may need to confirm its equivalence (denklik) before enrolment. The procedure depends on the country and the certificate, so we confirm the requirement for your case and prepare the file early.
Can I get a scholarship?
Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları) is a government programme for international students with its own annual call and criteria. Many universities also offer merit discounts. Availability and terms change every year, so check the official call, and we help you prepare a complete file.
What happens after acceptance?
- Accept the offer and receive the acceptance letter.
- Apply for a student visa at the Turkish consulate, if your nationality needs one.
- Travel to Türkiye and register at the university.
- Apply for the student residence permit with the migration authority soon after arrival; see our student residence service.
- Open a bank account and arrange housing near campus.
What can slow an application down?
- Documents without the required translation, notarisation or apostille.
- A missing equivalence confirmation for the high-school certificate.
- Choosing programmes whose admission exam or language level you do not meet.
- Missing the university's own application window.
How does DXB.IST help?
We start with a free consultation about your grades, budget and preferred city, then prepare a programme shortlist. We help with applications, document translation and apostille, equivalence, the acceptance letter and the visa file, and then arrange housing and airport pickup in Istanbul. We work with licensed partners and approved translation centres. We are not a university or a government body, admission is decided by the university, and we cannot guarantee acceptance.
Who qualifies
- High-school graduates or current final-year students
- Grades or exam scores that meet the programme's criteria
- English or Turkish language level required by the programme
- Valid passport
- Ability to document tuition and living costs
- Willingness to meet each university's deadlines
Documents you'll need
- Passport and passport photos
- High-school certificate and transcript with translation
- Apostille or legalisation where required
- Equivalence (denklik) confirmation if needed
- SAT, ACT, national exam or YÖS-type result, if the programme asks
- English or Turkish language certificate
- Motivation letter or CV, if requested
- Proof of financial means
How it works, step by step
- 1
Consultation
We review your grades, budget, language level and goals.
- 2
Shortlist
We select state and private programmes that fit your profile.
- 3
Application
We prepare documents, translations and apostille, and submit applications.
- 4
Equivalence
We handle the diploma equivalence file when it is required.
- 5
Acceptance and visa
We follow the acceptance letter and prepare the student visa file.
- 6
Arrival
We arrange airport pickup and housing, then support the student residence permit.
City by city
Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students are admitted by each university under its own rules, and we confirm the current requirements before you apply.
