Global Ranking of Turkish Public Universities 2025-2026

Ranking of Turkish Public Universities Globally

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 University

Istanbul Üniversitesi

Istanbul

Public

628

Bogazici University

Bogaziçi Üniversitesi

Istanbul

Public

601-800

Ankara University

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 University

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).

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