Nursing is a health care profession with multiple areas of practice. Students considering nursing study in Turkey can compare programs within a higher education system that has participated in the Bologna Process since 2001.
International students can compare universities in different cities and review each program’s language of instruction, tuition, and admissions requirements. Some bachelor’s nursing programs are completed in four years. For example, Istinye University lists four-year nursing programs taught in Turkish and English.
Afterward, graduates may pursue nursing-related master’s or doctoral programs where these are offered. Further study can help students build expertise in a specialized field. To learn more about the requirements to study nursing in Turkey, this article explains the application process.
Steps on How to Apply for a Nursing Program in Turkey
Step 1. Know the Requirements to Become a Nurse in Turkey
For students beginning university-level nursing study in Turkey, a bachelor’s degree is a common starting point. Applicants generally need to have completed high school. After earning a bachelor’s degree, graduates may continue with a master’s or doctoral program where a suitable option is available. The language of instruction varies by university and program.
For example, Istinye University offers four-year nursing programs in Turkish and English. The university also lists nursing-related graduate options, including master’s programs in Surgical Disease Nursing and Obstetrics and Gynaecologic Nursing, as well as a doctoral program in Obstetrics and Gynaecologic Nursing. Depending on the program, applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction.
Step 2. Know about Several Nursing Schools in Turkey
Many factors should be considered when choosing where to study nursing in Turkey. Make a list of your primary and secondary priorities. Primary factors may include location, tuition, class size, and curriculum. Consider whether you would prefer to live in a large city or a smaller community.
Second, the cost of living and the cost of tuition should be taken into account. Your budget will help determine whether a school is a good fit. It is also important to review the school’s size and nursing curriculum. Consider whether you prefer a larger or smaller class and compare the courses and practical training included in each program.
Secondary considerations may include housing, extracurricular activities, and the surrounding environment. If a school offers on-campus accommodation, review its availability, price, and conditions. Otherwise, research nearby housing options.
Also consider the price and safety of the area. Extracurricular activities can be a useful addition to your university experience. An active campus environment may give you opportunities to develop skills outside the classroom.
Step 3. Get Proficient in Turkish or English
Nursing programs may be taught in Turkish or English, depending on the university and program. Applicants should review the language rules for each program and check whether they can submit an accepted certificate or take the university’s proficiency exam.
For instance, Istinye University lists B2-level Turkish proficiency as the certificate-based exemption standard for undergraduate departments. For exemption from the English proficiency exam, the university accepts several certificates, including a TOEFL iBT score of 75. Applicants who do not meet an exemption condition are required to take the university’s exemption exam.
Step 4. Prepare to Meet the Cost of Tuition
Before applying, prepare a realistic budget for tuition and living costs. Visa documentation can vary by country and by the Turkish mission processing the application, so review the current mission-specific checklist before applying. Maintain copies of any financial documents requested for your case.
Tuition varies by university, program, and academic year. For example, Istinye University lists annual tuition of USD 8,000 for newly registering international students in its Turkish-medium and English-medium nursing programs for the 2026–2027 academic year. Always verify the latest fee on the university’s official page before applying.
Step 5. Get your Application Ready
Once you have prepared your budget and chosen a nursing school, gather the documents required by each university. Prepare clear scans for online applications and keep your originals available for registration. Requirements vary, so review the current checklist on each university’s official admissions page.
For a detailed example, Istinye University’s undergraduate application instructions list: a passport; a high school diploma or an official document confirming that the applicant is in the final year of high school; a high school transcript; a passport-size photograph; a national or international examination result, if available; a language proficiency certificate, if available; and a residence permit, if available. Documents issued in languages other than Turkish or English must be submitted with a Turkish or English translation.
Step 6. Submit Your Application to Study Nursing in Turkey
Application procedures vary by university. For a current example, Istinye University accepts online applications and asks applicants to upload the required documents. The university states that applications and supporting documents are reviewed within a maximum of two business days.
The application process is outlined in Istinye University’s current application instructions. Review the official page before submitting your application because requirements and payment rules can change.
At Istinye University, applicants submit an online application and upload the required documents. If the application is approved, the university issues a conditional acceptance letter. The current instructions state that the applicant must pay 50% of the annual tuition fee as a pre-registration payment. After the payment is verified, the university issues an official acceptance letter that may be used for visa applications and registration procedures.
Step 7. Once You Get Accepted, Apply for Student Visa
After receiving your official acceptance letter, review the instructions to apply for a student visa and check the official Turkish consular portal or the Turkish mission responsible for your place of residence. Visa requirements and submission procedures can vary by mission.
International students enrolled in higher education programs in Turkey must obtain a student residence permit. After registering with your university, complete the student residence permit application through the official e-İkamet system during your lawful stay. The current student residence permit form lists a signed application form, passport and visa copies if applicable, two biometric photographs, proof that the residence permit document fee has been paid, proof of address, valid health insurance or qualifying coverage, and a document showing student status. Additional documents may be requested. If an extension is needed, apply from 60 days before the permit expires and no later than the expiration date.
Once you have completed the required admissions, visa, and residence permit steps, you can begin your nursing studies in Turkey. A four-year program requires planning, but it can also give you opportunities to continue your education and meet students from different backgrounds.
We hope that this article on studying nursing in Turkey was helpful. If you are interested in knowing more information like this, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
