There are many reasons to consider a country like Turkey beyond its higher education opportunities. The country has well-established universities, a growing international student community, and study programs connected to the European Higher Education Area, along with much more to offer outside the classroom.
Social life in this country, which spans both Europe and Asia, is vibrant and diverse. Many international students choose Turkey for higher education because of its architectural beauty, comfortable student life, cultural heritage, and 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 tea culture and savory and sweet delicacies.
1. Istanbul
- University Student Population (formal programs): about 892,000
- Notable Universities: Istanbul Technical University | Koç University | Boğaziçi University
- Notable Study Areas: Engineering, Business and Management, Arts and Humanities
History buffs might know Istanbul as Constantinople, the former capital of the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire. The city is known for its rich culture and historical significance. Like Rome, Istanbul’s original peninsular city is associated with seven hills, and many of its historic landmarks are found around the old walled city. Popular sites such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Golden Horn reflect the city’s long and layered history.
Compared with many major cities in Western Europe and North America, Istanbul can still be an attractive option for international students, though living costs vary widely by housing type and lifestyle. Students should check current accommodation prices and university guidance before setting a budget. International students may work in Turkey only if they obtain the required work permit; for associate and undergraduate students, this right begins after the first year of study.
2. Ankara
- University Student Population (formal programs): about 335,000
- Notable Universities: Middle East Technical University | İhsan Doğramacı Bilkent University | Hacettepe University
- Notable Study Areas: Medicine, Engineering, International Relations
Not to be overshadowed by the more populous Istanbul, Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, also offers a strong mix of tradition, history, and authenticity. The city has Roman-era remains, Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks, important museums, art galleries, and theaters. If you find yourself in the city, make it a point to try its culinary delights and explore its historic neighborhoods.
Home to some of Turkey’s major universities, including Middle East Technical University, İhsan Doğramacı Bilkent University, and Hacettepe University, Ankara is a strong choice for students who want access to research-focused institutions, government agencies, embassies, and policy-related networks. Its role as the national capital also makes it a practical setting for studies connected to international relations, politics, public administration, history, engineering, and medicine.
3. Izmir
- University Student Population (formal programs): about 188,000
- Notable Universities: Ege University | Dokuz Eylül University | Izmir Institute of Technology
- Notable Study Areas: Business, Medicine, Engineering
Izmir is Turkey’s third-largest city and one of its major Aegean ports. It is also one of the country’s most appealing coastal cities for students who want a blend of modern urban life and ancient history. Historically known as Smyrna, the city has been important in the Mediterranean world for thousands of years, and its layered past is reflected in its archaeological sites, old neighborhoods, and waterfront culture.
Izmir is also an important higher education hub in Turkey. Public institutions such as Ege University, Dokuz Eylül University, and Izmir Institute of Technology are among the notable universities in and around the city. Since Turkish is the primary language in the country, Izmir can also be a helpful place for students who want to improve their Turkish language skills while experiencing a more relaxed coastal lifestyle than Istanbul.
4. Antalya
- University Student Population (formal programs): about 89,000
- Notable Universities: Akdeniz University | Antalya Bilim University | Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University
- Notable Study Areas: Tourism, Agriculture, Business Management
The vibrant city of Antalya combines natural beauty with modern tourist facilities. It is located on Turkey’s southwestern Mediterranean coast, on the Gulf of Antalya. The city’s beaches are popular settings for recreation and relaxation, while nearby natural areas and historic sites give students plenty to explore. Antalya also hosts the International Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, one of the city’s major cultural events.
There is no shortage of recreation in Antalya, and the city also has a growing higher education scene. Its institutions offer programs across a wide range of fields, and the region’s economy and geography make it especially relevant for tourism, business, agriculture, archaeology, environmental studies, and marine-related fields.
5. Bursa
- University Student Population (formal programs): about 80,000
- Notable Universities: Bursa Uludağ University | Bursa Technical University | Mudanya University
- Notable Study Areas: Applied Sciences, Engineering, Medicine
Famed for its landscape and Ottoman heritage, Bursa is a northwestern city in Turkey with a modern and vibrant urban life. It was the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire, and the UNESCO-listed “Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire” property highlights the city’s role in the early Ottoman period. Bursa is also known for historic mosques, thermal springs, mountain scenery, and traditional silk markets.
Bursa is also one of Turkey’s important industrial centers. It is closely associated with the automotive, machinery, and textile sectors, including major manufacturing and supply-chain activity. This gives students opportunities to connect classroom learning with industry exposure. For this reason, the city is a strong option for students interested in engineering, technology, applied sciences, medicine, and business.
In many ways, Turkey is a country that offers the best of multiple worlds. It is strategically located between Europe and Asia, and it has a wide range of architecture, heritage sites, and recreational facilities that can support a fulfilling student life. Studying in a country with a large higher education system and internationally connected universities can be a valuable addition to your academic journey.
We hope that you found this article on the best cities in Turkey for international students informative and helpful. To learn more, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
