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How do Turkish public universities perform on the global stage, and what makes them increasingly attractive to international students? Over the past two decades, Turkey has invested heavily in education, raising the profile of its universities and strengthening their presence in international rankings. Today, several Turkish public universities are listed among the world’s best, offering high-quality education, strong research, and global recognition.
In this article, we’ll explore the development of Turkish universities, their positions in major global rankings, and what sets them apart—keep reading to discover the full picture!
What Makes Public Universities in Turkey for International Students a Smart Choice?
Public universities in Turkey have gained increasing attention from international students due to their strong academic reputation and strategic advantages. Here’s why they stand out globally:
- Globally recognized degrees meeting international standards
- Affordable tuition fees in comparison to many Western countries
- High-quality education with modern infrastructure and research facilities
- Multicultural and diverse learning environment
- Broad range of programs, including many English-taught options
Read More: Global Ranking of Turkish Public Universities 2025-2026
Development Stages of Turkish Universities Worldwide
Turkish universities have undergone significant development at the local level, which has consequently contributed to their advancement at the global and international levels. The number of universities has increased significantly over the past two decades, and Turkey has opened its doors to the world, attracting students from all countries.
This expansion has led Turkey to allocate substantial budgets for education, resulting in the establishment of numerous universities and various academic disciplines. Additionally, the country has attracted students from diverse nationalities and adhered to high standards of academic competence, making Turkish universities rich in diversity and inclusivity. Moreover, Turkey has recruited some of the best specialists in every field.
The Global Standing of Turkish Public Universities
There are several global university rankings, and the most prominent ones include the QS Times Rankings, a British ranking, as well as the Australian, Spanish, and Chinese rankings. These rankings are based on various factors such as the university’s global reputation, the employability of its graduates, the student-to-faculty ratio, research citation rates, the quality of educational materials, and more. Each of these rankings follows specific criteria, and we will be using the Australian ranking as a reference:
University Name | Name in Turkish | City | Type | Global Ranking |
---|---|---|---|---|
Anadolu University | Anadolu Üniversitesi | Eskisehir | Public | 1401+ |
Istanbul Üniversitesi | Istanbul | Public | 628 | |
Bogazici University | Bogaziçi Üniversitesi | Istanbul | Public | 601-800 |
Ankara Üniversitesi | Ankara | Public | 697 | |
Middle East Technical University | Orta Dogu Teknik Üniversitesi | Ankara | Public | 269 |
Istanbul Technical University | Istanbul Teknik Üniversitesi | Istanbul | Public | 298 |
Hacettepe University | Hacettepe Üniversitesi | Ankara | Public | 751 |
Dokuz Eylul University | Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi | Izmir | Public | 1201-1400 |
Marmara Üniversitesi | Istanbul | Public | 1021 | |
Ataturk University | Atatürk Üniversitesi | Erzurum | Public | 1082 |
Ege University | Ege Üniversitesi | Izmir | Public | 1174 |
Gazi University | Gazi Üniversitesi | Ankara | Public | 1447 |
Selçuk University | Selçuk Üniversitesi | Selçuklu | Public | 1455 |
Sakarya University | Sakarya Üniversitesi | Sakarya | Public | 1641 |
Yildiz Technical University | Yildiz Teknik Üniversitesi | Istanbul | Public | 1673 |
Çukurova University | Çukurova Üniversitesi | Adana | Public | 1742 |
Akdeniz University | Akdeniz Üniversitesi | Antalya | Public | 1762 |
Kocaeli University | Kocaeli Üniversitesi | Kocaeli | Public | 1782 |
Erciyes University | Erciyes Üniversitesi | Kayseri | Public | 1789 |
Uludag University | Uludag Üniversitesi | Bursa | Public | 1810 |
Pamukkale University | Pamukkale Üniversitesi | Denizli | Public | 1882 |
Ondokuz Mayis University | Ondokuz Mayis Üniversitesi | Samsun | Public | 1938 |
Eskisehir Osmangazi University | Eskisehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi | Eskisehir | Public | 2125 |
Firat University | Firat Üniversitesi | Elazig | Public | 2176 |
Süleyman Demirel University | Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi | Isparta | Public | 2198 |
Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University | Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi | Canakkale | Public | 2275 |
Karadeniz Technical University | Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi | Trabzon | Public | 2298 |
Trakya University | Trakya Üniversitesi | Edirne | Public | 2405 |
Gaziantep University | Gaziantep Üniversitesi | Gaziantep | Public | 2435 |
Afyon Kocatepe University | Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi | Afyonkarahisar | Public | 2520 |
Karabük University | Karabük Üniversitesi | Karabük | Public | 2729 |
Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University | Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal Üniversitesi | Bolu | Public | 2734 |
Aydın Adnan Menderes University | Aydin Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi | Aydin | Public | 2791 |
Inönü University | Inönü Üniversitesi | Malatya | Public | 2868 |
Mersin University | Mersin Üniversitesi | Yenisehir | Public | 2937 |
Sivas Cumhuriyet University | Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi | Sivas | Public | 2949 |
Izmir Institute of Technology | Izmir Yüksek Teknoloji Enstitüsü | Izmir | Public | 3027 |
Manisa Celal Bayar University | Manisa Celal Bayar Üniversitesi | Manisa | Public | 3044 |
Harran University | Harran Üniversitesi | Sanliurfa | Public | 3065 |
Balikesir University | Balikesir Üniversitesi | Balikesir | Public | 3077 |
Read More: Medical School Admission Requirements in Turkey: A Guide for Private and Public Universities
Public Universities in Turkey That Teach in English
International students benefit from several Turkish public universities offering English-medium instruction, combining academic excellence with accessibility:
- Boğaziçi University
- Middle East Technical University (METU)
- Osmaniye Institute of Technology (İzmir İYTE) (İzmir Institute of Technology)
- Hacettepe University
- Marmara University
- Ankara University
- Gaziantep University
Comparing Public and Private Universities in Turkey
While both sectors offer quality education, they contrast in key areas:
- Public universities generally charge lower tuition (but competition and admission requirements are stricter)
- Private universities often provide more flexible admission, modern campuses, but higher costs
- Public institutions are well-ranked globally and offer more recognized research programs
- Private institutions may offer more personalized services and industry connections
Read More: Difference Between Private and Public Universities in Turkey (2025 Guide)
Scholarships at Public Universities
nternational students in Turkey can benefit from several scholarship opportunities that ease the financial burden of studying at public universities:
- Türkiye Scholarships: full funding that covers tuition, accommodation, health insurance, monthly stipend, and a Turkish language prep course.
- TÜBİTAK Scholarships: research-focused support for master’s and PhD students in science and technology fields.
- University Scholarships: partial tuition waivers or discounts offered by some public universities to high-achieving international students.
- Exchange Programs (Erasmus+, Mevlana, Farabi): mobility programs allowing students to study for a semester or year in Turkey or abroad with financial support.
Read More: Guide to Master’s Discounts and Scholarships in Turkey for 2025
Turkey Public Universities Application Conditions
Admission to public universities typically requires:
- A secondary-school diploma recognized as equivalent to Turkish high school
- Passing an entrance exam such as YÖS, or SAT scores accepted by some universities
- For postgraduate programs, verification of prior degree equivalency and language proficiency tests may be required
Tuition Fees in Turkish Public Universities
Costs vary by program, level, and language of instruction:
- Undergraduate (English-taught): approximately $450 – $1,500 per year
- Graduate (Master’s): around $300 – $900 per year
- PhD programs: typically $500 – $1,500 per year
Read More: Turkish universities recognized in Arab countries 2025: private and public
How Can Directly Help You Study in Turkey?
Choosing the right university and navigating the admission process can feel overwhelming, especially for international students. Directly makes this journey easier by providing free, reliable, and step-by-step support to ensure you start your studies in Turkey with confidence:
- Admission to public and private Turkish universities
- Guidance in selecting the right major and program
- Free registration for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs
- Assistance with scholarships and tuition discounts
- Housing options and student accommodation support
- Ongoing advice before and after arrival in Turkey
The rise of Turkish public universities in global rankings reflects Turkey’s commitment to quality education, research, and international recognition. For students, this progress means access to world-class programs at institutions that continue to grow in reputation and influence.
If you are considering studying at a Turkish public university and need expert guidance, contact Directly today via WhatsApp—we are here to support you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to study in Turkey without a high school diploma?
No. Public universities in Turkey are not free. However, tuition fees are much lower compared to many countries:
- Turkish-taught programs: $300 – $1,500 per year
- English-taught programs: $450 – $1,500 per year
Scholarships such as Türkiye Scholarships can make study effectively free by covering tuition, housing, and living costs.
How many public universities are there in Turkey?
As of 2025, Turkey has 129 public universities (according to YÖK – Council of Higher Education).
Are there English-speaking universities in Turkey?
Yes. Several public universities in Turkey offer programs fully or partly in English, especially in majors like engineering, medicine, and international relations. Examples include:
- Boğaziçi University
- Middle East Technical University (METU)
- Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ)
- Hacettepe University
- Marmara University
- Ankara University
What is No. 1 university in Turkey?
According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, the No. 1 university in Turkey is Middle East Technical University (METU), ranked around #269 globally.
Other top contenders include Istanbul Technical University (298) and Istanbul University (628).