There are many reasons to consider a country like Turkey beyond its high-quality education. Indeed, the educational standards, modern institutions, and internationally recognized study programs are prominent features of the country’s educational landscape, but Turkey has infinitely more to offer.
The social life in the partly-Asian, partly-European country is vibrant and diverse. Hosts of international students migrate to Turkey for higher education, enticed and enamored by the country’s architectural beauty, comfortable student life, cultural heritage, and, not to forget, delicious cuisine. Join us as we explore some of the best cities in Turkey for higher education.
Top Cities to Study in Turkey for International Students
Here are some of the best cities for students to pursue higher education, each enriched by the country’s signature tea blends and savory and sweet delicacies.
1. Istanbul
- Student Population: 56,000+
- Best Schools: Istanbul Technical University | Koç University | Boğaziçi Üniversitesi
- Top-Rated Programs: Engineering, Management, Arts
History buffs might know of Istanbulas Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. The city of Istanbul is known for its rich culture and historical significance. Just like Rome, Istanbul is located in a picturesque setting surrounded by seven hills and the mighty walls of Constantinople that stand to this day. Within the city are popular tourist sites like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Golden Horn, which reflect the country’s rich history and culture.
Compared to cities in the West, Istanbul is a popular pick for international students as it is relatively affordable. With a monthly budget of around $1,500, students in Istanbul can manage their expenses including rent. Since Turkey allows international students to work part-time while being enrolled in a program at any of its universities, expenses while living in the city won’t feel heavy on the wallet.
2. Ankara
- Student Population: 12,000+
- Best Schools: Middle East Technical University | Bilkent University | Hacettepe University
- Top-Rated Programs: Medicine, Engineering, International Relations
Not to be overshadowed by the more popular Istanbul, Ankara, the capital city of Turkey boasts an amalgamation of tradition, history, and authenticity too. Not only does the capital city hold some of the cultural sites like popular museums, art galleries, and theaters, but the city is a memento of ancient civilizations like the Anatolian Civilization and even has elements of ancient Rome. Ankara’s people are known for being welcoming. If ever you find yourself in the city, make it a point to try out the city’s culinary delights and explore the city.
Home to some of Turkey’s top universities like the Middle East Technical University, most of Ankara’s educational institutions are held in high regard worldwide. Turkey’s partly-Asian partly-European dynamic is prominently visible in the city of Ankara, making it an excellent spot for studies that require international exposure like international relations, politics, and history. Other recognized programs at the city’s best institutions come with an added emphasis on research.
3. Izmir
- Student Population: 3,000+
- Best Schools: Ege University | Dokuz Eylul Universitesi | Izmir Institute of Technology
- Top-Rated Programs: Business, Medicine, Engineering
Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey and is one of the cities in the country specifically known for its natural beauty. It’s both a great place to visit and a dreamy place to live in because of its perfect blend of modern and ancient attractions that perfectly accent the city’s history and culture. Historically known as Smyrna, it has been a city populated by a variety of people including the Armenians, Jews, Turks, and Greeks, which is evident by the city’s popular sites.
Izmir holds great significance within Turkey for being an educational hub. Popular universities in Izmir, like Ege University, have English-taught programs that are globally recognized. These programs manage to attract both local and international students alike. Turkish being the primary language in the country, this city is a great pick if you are planning to improve your Turkish language skills. Living in the city not only provides the added perk of experiencing its beauty and culture, but it is also relatively affordable.
4. Antalya
- Student Population: 21,000+
- Best Schools: Akdeniz Üniversitesi | Antalya Bilim University | Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University
- Top-Rated Programs: Agriculture, Tourism, Business Management
The vibrant city of Antalya hosts multiple features of natural beauty and modern tourist facilities. The city is located on the southwestern coast of Turkey facing the Mediterranean. The popular beaches in the city are perfect settings for recreation and relaxation. Antalya’s mountainous areas like the Taurus Mountains and Düden Waterfalls are famed for another host of activities like rafting, hiking, golfing, and more. The city also hosts some of the popular cultural festivals throughout the year like the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival.
There’s no limit to fun and recreation in the city of Antalya. On the educational front too, Antalya has procured for itself a reputation. Its esteemed institutions provide a diverse range of academic programs. The city’s diverse terrains allow for a wide range of programs like tourism, marine biology, archaeology, environmental sciences, and much more.
5. Bursa
- Student Population: 5,000+
- Best Schools: Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi | Bursa Technical University | Bursa Orhangazi University
- Top-Rated Programs: Applied Sciences, Engineering, Medicine
Famed for its stunning landscape, Bursa is a northwestern city in Turkey with a modern vibrant life. Historically, it was one of the first major capitals of the Ottoman Empire, and therefore, holds some of the Islamic heritage. It’s home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Green Mosque, surrounded by lush mountains, thermal springs, and silk markets.
Bursa is an economic powerhouse in Turkey. It is a center for the automotive and textile industries of Turkey, hosting several manufacturing centers, textile factories, and other popular automotive companies. This allows ample opportunities for students to seek exposure to an industry of their liking and enhance their knowledge. For this reason, the city’s programs in engineering, technology, and business are held in high regard.
In many ways, Turkey is a country that gives the best of multiple worlds. For once, it’s strategically located between Europe and Asia and the Eastern and the Western world. It also has a variety of architecture, heritage sites, and recreational facilities ideal for a fulfilling student life. Studying in a country like Turkey that provides high-quality education is surely a plus point to your CV.
We hope that you found this article on the best cities in Turkey for international students informative and helpful. To know more information like this, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
