Turkey hosts a large and growing international student community, with about 340,000 foreign students enrolled in Turkish universities. As a major OECD and G20 economy located between Europe and Asia, Turkey offers a wide range of academic options as well as fascinating attractions, cuisine, traditions, and culture. Its geographic position also gives students an opportunity to experience both Eastern and Western influences.
Turkey is known for offering programs in many different fields. With several choices available, it is important for students who want to pursue a degree abroad to identify the subjects that fit their interests and goals. Listed below are some of the best subjects to study in Turkey, along with universities offering relevant programs.
Learn More About: The Cost of Studying and Living in Turkey
Top Courses to Study in Turkey
1. Fashion and Textile Design
- Universities to Consider: Başkent University, Istanbul Aydın University, Yeditepe University
Throughout the country’s history, the textile and clothing industry has played a significant role in the Turkish economy. Turkey remains an important apparel and textile exporter, and the sector continues to support design, manufacturing, and trade. In 2024, the Turkish apparel and textile industry accounted for $27.4 billion in exports and about 1 million industrial jobs, according to industry export data. That is why fashion and textile design can be a strong subject to study in Turkey.
Turkish textiles are known for their rich colors, decorative patterns, and long design traditions. Universities in the country approach fashion and textile design through basic concepts, art and design history, materials, production methods, and contemporary design technologies. Through workshops, company visits, studio work, and internships, students can develop creative, critical, and practical skills for the design and textile industries.
Some universities that offer fashion, textile, or fashion design-related programs in Turkey include Başkent University, Istanbul Aydın University, Yeditepe University, Istanbul Bilgi University, and Marmara University. Students should confirm the exact program level, language of instruction, and admission status on each university’s official page before applying.
2. Architecture
- Universities to Consider: Middle East Technical University, Istanbul Technical University, Yildiz Technical University
Having a rich history in architecture, Turkey is full of magnificent structures, mosques, castles, historical sites, and ancient ruins that reflect influences from early civilizations as well as Byzantine, Islamic, Ottoman, and regional architectural traditions. This makes the country an interesting place for international students to study architecture and the built environment.
Architecture programs in Turkey generally aim to give students a strong understanding of the theoretical, aesthetic, ethical, technical, and design-based aspects of architecture. Many programs also cover social, economic, and environmental sustainability so that students can learn how to design structures that are safe, functional, visually thoughtful, and responsive to their surroundings. Students may also find opportunities for international exposure through exchange programs, field trips, studios, and workshops.
Some of Turkey’s universities that offer architecture programs include Middle East Technical University, Istanbul Technical University, Yildiz Technical University, and Bilkent University. Students should check each university’s official admissions page for current program language, curriculum, and application requirements.
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3. Computer Science
- Universities to Consider: Boğaziçi University, Koç University, Sabancı University
Turkey has a developing technology ecosystem, which is why computer science, computer engineering, and software-related fields are practical subjects to study in the country. Students may find opportunities connected to software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, gaming, e-commerce, defense, and aviation-related technology.
Students taking computer science degrees in Turkey typically study areas such as programming, mathematics, engineering, data analysis, algorithms, computer systems, software development, and hardware or systems design. They may also complete laboratory work, data projects, software projects, and research or industry-linked activities depending on the university and program.
Among the universities that offer computer science or computer engineering-related programs in Turkey are Boğaziçi University, Hacettepe University, Erciyes University, Koç University, and Sabancı University.
4. Business
- Universities to Consider: Istanbul University School of Business, Sabancı Business School, Bilkent University Faculty of Business Administration
As one of the world’s major economies and a country located between Europe and Asia, Turkey can be an interesting place to study business. Its location in the Eurasian region gives it access to regional and international markets, while investment incentives may support areas such as manufacturing, trade, technology, and services.
Turkish business schools aim to meet international standards in business education and research. Several business schools in the country have received international accreditations, and many maintain partnerships with universities, companies, and organizations in other countries for exchange programs, internships, and research collaboration.
Some of Turkey’s universities and business schools include Istanbul University School of Business, Sabancı Business School, Bilkent University Faculty of Business Administration, Galatasaray University Department of Business Administration, and Koç University Graduate School of Business.
Check Also: The Best Universities for Engineering in Turkey
5. Automotive Engineering
- Universities to Consider: Kocaeli University, Gazi University, Istanbul Technical University
The automotive industry is a major part of Turkey’s manufacturing and export economy. Official investment data show that Turkey produced almost 1.4 million passenger and commercial vehicles in 2024, ranked as the 12th-largest automotive manufacturer worldwide and 4th in Europe by the end of 2024, and had 167 automotive research and development or design centers as of July 2025. The sector also works with around 1,100 component suppliers, creating training and employment pathways for engineering graduates.
Automotive engineering is among the best subjects to study in Turkey for students interested in vehicle design, production, maintenance, safety, and development. Universities may maintain ties with automotive companies and suppliers, giving students opportunities to gain hands-on experience through workshops, projects, internships, and practical activities.
Some universities in Turkey with automotive engineering or automotive-related engineering programs include Kocaeli University, Gazi University, Istanbul Technical University, and Sakarya University. Students should confirm whether each option is offered at the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level before applying.
Click Here to See: The Best Universities for Engineering in Turkey
FAQs: Studying in Turkey
Which Career is Best in Turkey?
There is no single best career in Turkey for every student because job prospects depend on your degree, language skills, work authorization, experience, and the city or sector where you plan to work. Instead of relying only on general salary lists, students should compare current job openings through official employment resources, university career centers, and employer websites. Fields that may be useful for international graduates include software and IT, engineering, health sciences, finance, logistics, tourism and hospitality, and business-related roles.
See Also: Best Universities in Turkey for International Students
How Much Money do I Need to Study in Turkey?
Before deciding to study in Turkey, you need to understand that tuition varies by university, program, degree level, language of instruction, and academic year. Public universities are often more affordable than foundation or private universities, but students should always check the official tuition page for the latest fee schedule. Some universities list fees in Turkish lira, while many private or international programs list fees in U.S. dollars. In addition to tuition, remember to factor in application or registration fees, living costs, housing, insurance, books, and residence permit expenses. Fortunately, students can apply for private scholarships and Government of Turkey scholarships, including Türkiye Scholarships, which can cover benefits such as university placement, tuition, accommodation, health insurance, a Turkish language course, a monthly stipend, and travel support for selected candidates.
Turkey can be a strong destination for students looking for quality education and a culturally rich study experience. Whether you want to study Computer Science, Architecture, Business, Fashion and Textile Design, or Automotive Engineering, you can find universities with relevant programs and academic resources. Additionally, you can check out resources on our page to learn more about studying in Turkey for free.
We hope you found this article on the best subjects to study in Turkey informative and helpful. To find more information on studying abroad, check out the Study in Turkey and Available Programs for International Students pages.
