If you are interested in studying abroad, Istanbul offers a distinctive mix of European and Asian cultures. The city spans both continents and has a long multicultural history. Tuition fees in Istanbul vary significantly by university, degree level, and program.
Istanbul has both state and foundation universities. State universities are publicly funded and often charge lower tuition than foundation universities. At state universities, Turkish citizens in regular programs may be exempt from tuition during the expected period of study, while international students generally pay institution-specific fees unless an exemption or scholarship applies.
In the article below, we’ll take a look at the cheapest universities in Istanbul for international students.
Affordable Universities in Istanbul for International Students
1. Boğaziçi University
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: $4,000-$5,000/semester (international undergraduate) | $300/semester (international master’s and Ph.D.) | $5,000/semester (preparatory school)
Boğaziçi University currently has seven faculties, one school, and eight institutes. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs across fields such as education, science, engineering, law, economics and administrative sciences, and the humanities and social sciences.
The university traces its origins to Robert College, which was established in Istanbul in 1863 by educator Cyrus Hamlin and New York philanthropist Christopher Rhinelander Robert. Robert College was the first American college established outside the United States.
Boğaziçi University also reports seven main campuses, 44 student clubs, and residential facilities for students.
Turkish citizens studying in regular programs within the expected period of study are generally exempt from tuition. International students pay the university’s published tuition unless they qualify for a specific exemption.
2. Üsküdar University
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: $2,800/year (vocational programs) | $4,200-$5,600/year (most listed bachelor’s programs) | $18,000-$24,000/year (medicine)
Our third recommendation is a relatively young university that was established in 2011. Üsküdar University has a thematic focus on behavioral and health sciences, including multidisciplinary research in psychology, psychiatry, neurology, and brain science.
The university offers more than 40 bachelor’s degree programs, with fields including communication, humanities and social sciences, engineering and natural sciences, health sciences, medicine, and dentistry. It also offers associate degree programs through its Vocational School of Health Sciences.
To apply, review the university’s admission criteria to determine whether you are eligible. For 2026-2027, annual medicine tuition is $18,000 for the Turkish-medium program and $24,000 for the English-medium program. Most listed bachelor’s programs charge between $4,200 and $5,600 per year.
3. Bahçesehir University
- Tuition Fees
- Tuition Fees: $8,500-$28,000/year (bachelor’s; pilotage also charges €22,000/year) | $7,000-$18,000/whole program (master’s) | $40,000/whole program (Ph.D.)
Bahçeşehir University’s slogan is “A World University in the Heart of Istanbul.” Its campuses include a location on the Bosphorus. The university reports more than 8,000 international students from 127 countries and partnerships with more than 300 universities.
Prospective undergraduate students can choose from programs in fields such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, law, economics, architecture and design, engineering, communication, education, health sciences, and the social sciences. Graduate options include thesis, non-thesis, online, and doctoral programs.
FAQs: Studying in Istanbul
How Much Does it Cost to Study in Istanbul for International Students?
Tuition costs vary widely by university and program. Among the universities in this article, published rates range from $2,800 per year for vocational programs at Üsküdar University to $28,000 per year for medicine at Bahçeşehir University. Boğaziçi University charges international undergraduate students between $4,000 and $5,000 per semester. Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, pilotage, and other specialized programs may cost considerably more or include additional fees.
For the cost of living, current university estimates vary considerably according to housing and lifestyle. Üsküdar University estimates approximately €580 to €1,100 per month, while Bahçeşehir University estimates approximately $830 to $1,470 per month, depending largely on the type of accommodation.
Is there an Option for International Students to Study in Istanbul for Free?
Yes. International students may be able to study in Istanbul without paying tuition through a fully funded scholarship or a university tuition waiver, although free tuition is not automatic. Türkiye Scholarships covers university tuition for selected recipients and also provides a monthly stipend, accommodation support, health insurance, a one-year Turkish language course, and flight support.
Individual universities may also offer merit-based, need-based, or program-specific scholarships. Applicants should review each scholarship’s eligibility requirements, coverage, and application deadline carefully.
Studying in Istanbul gives students the opportunity to experience a multicultural metropolis. However, students should prepare a realistic budget because accommodation can substantially affect monthly living expenses.
We hope you make use of this article when planning to apply to one of Istanbul’s universities. If you are unsure which program to choose, here is a list of Available Programs for International Students!
