Studying in Turkey for Saudis in Detail for 2026

In this article, find answers to all your questions about studying in Turkey for Saudis in 2026.

Turkey has become a distinguished educational destination for many students from around the world, including Saudi Arabia. Despite Saudi Arabia having prestigious and diverse universities, Turkey and its universities remain the aspiration for many in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

So, what are the reasons that attracted students residing in Saudi Arabia to Turkey? What are the advantages of studying in Turkey for Saudis? What are the best majors for Saudi students to study in Turkey?

Stay with us until the end, as we explain all the details about studying in Turkey for Saudis, along with the many free facilities offered by Directly!

Information about Studying in Turkey for Saudis in 2026 – 2027

Before providing information about studying in Turkey for Saudis, we emphasize that Turkey is an attractive destination for Saudi students due to its high-quality education, cultural diversity, and strong ties between the two countries. It offers a world-class educational environment that combines tradition and modernity, making it an ideal choice for Saudi students looking to expand their academic and cultural horizons.

Duration of Study in Turkey for Saudis

The duration of study in Turkey for Saudis varies according to the program:

• Bachelor’s Programs: Typically take 4 years, but may extend to 5 years for certain fields such as engineering or pharmacy, or even longer for medical studies.
• Master’s Programs: Last between two to two and a half years, depending on the program’s academic and research requirements, as well as whether the program includes a thesis.
• Doctoral Programs: Usually take 3 to 4 years, potentially longer based on the nature and requirements of the research.

Language of Study in Turkey for Saudis

Turkish universities offer programs in both languages, so the language of study in Turkey for Saudis can be either English or Turkish across a wide range of fields, from engineering and medicine to humanities and arts. Most public universities provide education in Turkish, while private universities offer Saudi students the opportunity to study their desired program in English as well as Turkish, enhancing job opportunities and access to diverse educational resources.

Read also: Studying in Turkey for Residents of the Gulf: Turkey Student Visa for Gulf Nationals

Free Scholarships Offered by Turkish Universities for Saudis

Turkish universities and the Turkish government provide scholarships for Saudi students, including:

• Türkiye Scholarship: Covers tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, and a monthly stipend.
• University Scholarships: Offer partial or full coverage of tuition fees, and may include accommodation or health insurance.
• Performance-Based Scholarships: Awarded to students with outstanding academic achievements or special accomplishments.
  For more information, we’ve left the official website for the Turkey Scholarship program below.

Turkish Visa for Saudi Students in 2026 – 2027

Many people wonder how to obtain a Turkish visa for Saudi students, known as the Student Visa. The basic steps for applying for a Turkish visa for Saudi students include:

1. University Acceptance: Obtaining an acceptance letter from a Turkish university.
2. Application: Applying for the visa online via the Turkish consulate’s website or applying in person at the Turkish consulate or embassy.
3. Documents: Submitting the required documents, including a passport, photo, acceptance letter, and proof of financial means.
4. Interview: An interview at the consulate or embassy may be required.

Please note that at Directly, we provide free university admission as well as a free student visa for studying in Turkey. All you need to do is contact one of Directly’s experts on WhatsApp now!

Advantages of Studying in Turkey for Saudi Students

The advantages of studying in Turkey for Saudi students are varied, as Turkey offers a unique educational opportunity that combines academic quality with a rich cultural experience and a focus on practical aspects. Here are the key benefits of studying in Turkey that answer the question: “Why should I study in Turkey as a resident student in Saudi Arabia?

1. Stunning Nature: Turkey provides a study environment surrounded by beautiful landscapes, creating a unique educational and recreational experience.
2. Distinguished Teaching Staff: Turkish universities feature a selection of top academics and educators, enhancing the quality of education.
3. Large Arab Community: Saudi students find a familiar environment due to the large Arab community, which facilitates adaptation.
4. International Recognition of Degrees: Turkish universities have a good reputation and international recognition, opening wide opportunities for graduates.
5. Reasonable Tuition Costs: Compared to universities in other countries, the cost of studying and living in Turkey is moderate and affordable.

In summary, studying in Turkey for Saudi students represents an ideal balance between educational quality, international recognition of its universities, and reasonable costs, making it an attractive option for achieving academic and personal aspirations.

Recognized Turkish Universities in Saudi Arabia

For Saudi students who prefer Turkey as a study destination, carefully choosing recognized Turkish universities in Saudi Arabia is a strategically important step.

This recognition ensures the credibility and broad acceptance of university degrees in the Saudi job market, especially for those wishing to work in their fields after graduation or those who want to use their degrees within Saudi Arabia.

Therefore, knowing the list of recognized Turkish universities in Saudi Arabia is a priority for achieving the desired academic and professional advancement.

Recognized Private Turkish Universities in Saudi Arabia

Recognized private Turkish universities in Saudi Arabia open wide horizons for students wishing to diversify their academic and professional options. Here’s a brief overview of some of the key universities:

1. Okan University: Offers practical education oriented towards industry across various disciplines.
2. Nişantaşı University: Excels in design and arts fields, along with business administration programs.
3. Istinye University: Focuses on innovation in medicine, engineering, and business management.
4. Yeditepe University: Provides a comprehensive educational experience with an emphasis on academic excellence.
5. Koç University: Known for its strong academic programs and advanced research.
6. Sabancı University: Renowned for its unique approach to education and research, focusing on engineering and management sciences.
7. Bahçeşehir University: Highlights an international educational environment and active student exchange.
8. Altınbaş University: Offers diverse programs with a strong focus on health and business management.
9. Istanbul Bilgi University: Known for its modern educational approach and diverse programs.
10. Özyeğin University: Emphasizes innovation and entrepreneurship with excellent infrastructure.
11. Atilim University: Recognized for advanced engineering and technology programs.
12. Başkent University: Provides comprehensive educational programs with a special focus on health sciences.
13. Çankaya University: Noted for its excellence in science and engineering.

Recognized Public Turkish Universities in Saudi Arabia

Here’s a brief overview of some of the most important public Turkish universities recognized in Saudi Arabia:

• 29 Mayıs University: Known for its focus on humanities and Islamic studies.
• Istanbul University: One of the oldest and most famous universities in Turkey, distinguished by its diverse programs.
• Marmara University: Features a variety of educational programs and multiple languages of instruction.
• Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University: Excels in social and cultural sciences.
• Yıldız Technical University: A leading institution in engineering and applied sciences.
• Hacettepe University: Renowned for its excellence in medicine and health sciences.
• Ankara University: Known for strong programs in law, medicine, and sciences.
• Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts: Specializes in arts and design.
• Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University: Offers diverse programs with a focus on innovation.
• Ataturk University: Recognized for its strong programs in agriculture and biological sciences.
• Dicle University: Excels in medicine and agricultural sciences.
• Çukurova University: Known for its strengths in engineering and agricultural sciences.
• Dokuz Eylül University: Provides distinguished education in medicine, engineering, and arts.
• Erciyes University: An advanced research center, especially in medicine and engineering.
• Karadeniz Technical University: Known for its programs in engineering and natural sciences.
• Firat University: Noted for its engineering and medical programs.
• Ege University: Renowned for its strength in biological and medical sciences.
• Gazi University: Excels in technical and vocational education.
• Istanbul Technical University: A leader in engineering and architecture fields.
• Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa: Specialized in medicine and health sciences.
• İzmir Institute of Technology: Focuses on engineering and technological sciences.
• Middle East Technical University: Among the best universities for engineering and sciences.
• Uludağ University: Offers a wide range of academic programs.
• University of Gaziantep: Noted for its fields in engineering and sciences.
• Selçuk University: Known for its diverse programs and strengths in social sciences.
• Kapadokya University: Recognized for its programs in tourism and hotel management.
• Gebze Technical University: Focuses on research and innovation in engineering and sciences.

read also: Turkish Universities Recognized in Saudi Arabia 2026 (Comprehensive Guide)

Admission Requirements for Saudi Students in Turkish Universities

The admission requirements for Saudi students in Turkish universities vary depending on whether the university is public or private. It is essential for Saudi students to be familiar with all the conditions to facilitate the application process. Here are the basic requirements for both private and public universities:

Requirements for Saudi Students in Private Turkish Universities

The admission requirements for Saudi students in private universities are generally easier compared to public universities. Here are the requirements:

• High School Diploma: Must possess a secondary school certificate.
• No Need for YÖS or SAT: Passing the YÖS (Foreign Student Exam) or SAT is not a requirement.
• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or Turkish, depending on the language of the study program.
• Initial Tuition Payment: Commitment to pay the first installment of tuition fees to secure admission.
• Important Note: If you are not proficient in either language and do not hold a language proficiency certificate, there is a preparatory year available in the language before entering your specialization, so there’s no need to worry!

Requirements for Saudi Students in Public Turkish Universities

The admission requirements for Saudi students in public universities are slightly stricter due to the high competitiveness of these institutions. Here are the conditions:

• YÖS or SAT: Saudi students must possess a YÖS or SAT certificate or be prepared to take a specific evaluation exam set by the university to demonstrate their language proficiency and skills.
• High School GPA Requirements: The required percentage from the high school diploma varies according to the chosen study program, and it is generally higher for disciplines such as medicine, pharmacy, and engineering.

Can Saudi Students Continue Their Studies in Turkey?

Yes, Saudi students can continue their studies in Turkey under specific conditions, making this opportunity an important part of Turkish universities’ regulations, especially for those looking to resume their academic education.

Conditions for Continuing Studies in Turkey for Saudi Students

Here are the necessary conditions for Saudi students wishing to continue their studies in Turkey:

• Valid Passport or Turkish Residence Permit: To confirm identity and nationality.
• Official Grade Transcript: Including all courses studied and grades obtained at the original university.
• High School Certificate: Certified by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serving as proof of meeting secondary education requirements.

These conditions facilitate the process for Saudi students to transition and continue their educational journey in Turkey in a structured and legally recognized manner. If you have any questions about the requirements, save time and contact us here!

Best Specializations for Saudi Students to Study in Turkey

Turkish universities are distinguished by offering a variety of educational programs that are internationally recognized, making them a preferred destination for Saudi students. Here are the best specializations for Saudi students to study in Turkey:

• Information Systems Engineering: Combines computer science and management theories to improve the use of technological systems.
• International Trade: Studies global markets and cross-border trade strategies.
• Business Administration: Covers the fundamentals of project management, marketing, and human resources.
• Biomedical Engineering: Applies engineering principles to solve medical and biological problems.
• Medicine: Comprehensive study aimed at training doctors to provide healthcare.
• Chemical Engineering: Studies the conversion of raw materials into useful products through chemical processes.
• Logistics Management: Focuses on organizing supply chains and efficiently managing logistics operations.
• Pharmacy: Focuses on studying the effects of medications and their use in treating diseases.
• Software Engineering: Specializes in the systematic and engineering methods for developing and maintaining software.
• Public Relations: Concentrates on building and maintaining relationships between organizations and their audiences.
• Artificial Intelligence: Develops systems capable of performing tasks that require human intelligence.

Studying Medicine in Turkey and Its Costs for Saudi Students

Studying medicine in Turkey is considered one of the preferred options for Saudi students due to the quality of education and international recognition of degrees. Here’s a brief and useful overview of studying medicine in Turkey and its costs for Saudi students:

• Duration of Study: 6 years, which may extend to 7 years with a preparatory language year.
• Acceptance Rate: 90% in public universities and 70% in private universities.
• Tuition Costs: Approximately $3,000 per year in public universities and about $20,000 in private universities.

We also recommend reading: Costs of Studying Medicine in Turkey: Benefits, Requirements, and How to Apply

Studying pharmacy in Turkey and its costs for Saudis

The level of interest in studying pharmacy in Turkey for Saudis matches their interest in studying medicine, due to the distinction of universities there in the medical field and its overall excellence.

Here’s a brief and useful overview of studying pharmacy in Turkey and its costs for Saudis:

• Duration of study: 5 years, which may extend to 6 years with a preparatory year for the language.
• Acceptance rate: Ranges between 70% for private universities and 90% for public universities.
• Study costs: Approximately $3,000 in public universities, and up to $15,000 in private universities.

Read also: Studying Pharmacy in Turkey: Universities, Costs, and Requirements 2026

Types of Master’s and Graduate Studies for Saudi Students in Turkey

The types of Master’s and graduate studies for Saudi students in Turkey who are interested in continuing their higher education are divided into two main categories:

• Master’s without a thesis (Tezsiz).
• Master’s with a thesis (Tezli).

Here are the details…

Each of these programs offers unique opportunities for Saudi students to achieve their academic and professional goals, taking into account their personal preferences between scientific research and practical application.

Studying Master’s for Saudi Students in Turkey Without a Thesis (Tezsiz)

• Duration: 3 semesters.
• Focus: Emphasizes the advancement of practical experiences and enhancing cognitive skills in the field of specialization, without the need to prepare a final thesis.
• Goal: Suitable for students wishing to develop their practical and cognitive skills for professional purposes.

Studying Master’s for Saudi Students in Turkey With a Thesis (Tezli)

• Duration: Usually two academic years, with the possibility of extension for two additional semesters.
• Thesis: The student is required to prepare and present a scientific thesis that reflects the research and knowledge acquired during the program.
• Goal: An ideal option for students seeking to delve into academic research and contribute to their field of study.

Read also: Master’s at Istinye University: types and detailed costs

Costs of Study and Living in Turkey for Saudi Students

The costs of study and living in Turkey for Saudi students vary depending on the type of university, whether public or private.

• Costs of study at public universities in Turkey: Tuition fees range from $2,000 to $5,000 per year, making them an acceptable option for many students seeking high-quality education at a reasonable cost.
• Costs of study at private universities in Turkey: Higher fees are imposed, ranging between $3,000 and $20,000 annually, depending on the specialization and the university’s prestige.

In addition to tuition fees, the cost of living in Turkey for Saudi students is reasonable and affordable, and students should budget for living expenses ranging between $250 and $500 per month, excluding housing costs.

Directly: The Best Student Services Company in Turkey for Saudis

Directly helps you as the best student services company in Turkey for Saudis by providing many of its services for free and offering technical support and guidance to students for the right academic path through our experts.

But, how can Directly assist you in registering for the specialization you aspire to?

Continue…

How can Directly help you register for the specialization you desire?

Directly assists you by following these steps and points that we will mention; we work to facilitate your path to your dream specialization, believing that students excel when they study what they love!

To achieve your dream of joining your university specialization, here are the points that Directly supports you with:

• Contact us now from here!
• Free university acceptance: Ensure that you meet all university admission requirements.
• Free airport pickup: Arrangements will be made for your pickup upon arrival in Turkey to facilitate the beginning of your academic journey.
• Free bank account opening: This will help you manage your personal and study expenses easily.
• Free transportation card issuance: To facilitate your daily commuting between the university and your residence.
• Assistance in securing accommodation: We will provide you with the necessary help to find suitable housing.
• Assistance in preparing the residence file: To ensure legal residency during your study period in Turkey.
• Free enrollment confirmation: A crucial step to guarantee your place at the university.
• Providing and booking an appointment for credential equivalency for free: To ensure the university recognizes your previous qualifications.
• Obtaining a Turkish visa invitation for free: We will help you get an invitation to facilitate your study visa procedures.
• Completing all university enrollment procedures for free: We will guide you through all necessary procedures to start your studies.

Follow these steps to facilitate your journey toward achieving your academic goals in Turkey with Directly; contact us now from here!

In conclusion of our detailed article on studying in Turkey for Saudis in 2026 from Directly, we summarize the importance and attractiveness of Turkey as an educational destination for Saudi students.

We highlighted the academic and cultural diversity that Turkish universities offer, as well as clarifying how the Directly platform can facilitate the search and application process for different specializations for students.

We hope this guide has provided you with everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your academic future in Turkey.

We wish a successful and fruitful educational journey for all Saudi students aspiring to study in this wonderful country.

If you still have any questions about studying in Turkey for Saudis, don’t hesitate to contact us on WhatsApp from here! We wish you a successful academic journey!