Nursing Study in Turkey: Advantages, Requirements, and Costs

Are you considering studying nursing in Turkey? Wondering about the benefits of pursuing a nursing degree there?

We will provide you with all the essential information to help you understand what Turkish universities can offer in the field of nursing, from admission requirements and study duration to career opportunities after graduation and much more.

We will also review the best universities to study nursing in Turkey, giving an in-depth look at the different specialties you can choose from, along with details about tuition fees and the cost of living in Turkey.

With Directly, we will assist you in simplifying the application process and ensuring you secure a place in one of the best nursing programs. Choosing to study nursing in Turkey is not just an academic decision; it is an investment in your professional future.

Keep reading to discover how this decision can transform your career path

What is Nursing as a Major?

Nursing is defined as a medical field dedicated to caring for individuals, families, and communities in ways that help them attain, maintain, or regain health and quality of life.

Nurses play a critical role in the healthcare system, performing a wide range of tasks from providing urgent treatment and assisting with surgeries to offering psychological support and guidance to patients and their families.

Studying nursing in Turkey stands out for its combination of theoretical learning and practical application. Turkish universities offer educational programs that include hands-on training in affiliated hospitals and healthcare centers.

Given Turkey’s significant progress in the medical field and the growing demand for qualified nurses, students prefer Turkey for obtaining internationally recognized nursing education and a rich learning experience that prepares them to compete in the global job market

Advantages of Studying Nursing in Turkey

Here are the advantages of studying nursing in Turkey:

• Strong Government Support: The Turkish government pays great attention to the nursing field, which reflects the quality of education and training.
• Early Practical Training: Students begin their practical training in the first academic year, enhancing their field experience.
• Advanced Infrastructure: Turkish universities have well-equipped hospitals and medical centers, contributing to the enhancement of practical learning.
• International Recognition: Nursing colleges in Turkey are internationally ranked, which boosts the value of the degree graduates receive.
• Multiple Languages of Study: Turkish universities offer nursing programs in various languages, including English, Turkish, and sometimes Arabic.
• Ease of Admission: The simplified admission procedures for nursing programs make them accessible to a larger number of students.
• Competitive Tuition Fees: The cost of studying nursing in Turkey is significantly lower compared to universities in European and American countries.

Also read: Conditions and Benefits of Student Residency in Turkey: Costs and Steps for 2025

How Many Years Does It Take to Study Nursing in Turkey?

The duration of nursing studies in Turkey is four years. Bachelor’s programs in nursing at Turkish universities offer a mix of theoretical courses and practical training under the supervision of qualified instructors.

The curriculum includes basic subjects such as anatomy, physiology, nursing principles, as well as emergency handling and intensive care skills in the advanced years.

The program also includes practical training during the semester and summer breaks, which enhances students’ practical experience in nursing.

Best Universities for Studying Nursing in Turkey

Here is a list of the best universities for studying nursing in Turkey, known for their quality education and training they provide to their students:

• Medipol University Istanbul: One of the most famous universities in Turkey, offering nursing programs in both English and Turkish. It is known for its advanced medical facilities and international accreditation.
• Istanbul Aydın University: A preferred university for Arab students due to its tourist location and strong cooperation with international students. It offers the nursing program in Turkish.
• Gelişim University: Known for its quality education and reasonable prices, offering nursing programs in both English and Turkish, with a strong infrastructure.
• Yeditepe University: Known for its strong educational programs and modern curricula, it excels in medical specialties and offers the nursing program in English.
• Atılım University Ankara: Recognized for its strong medical specialties and international recognition, offering nursing programs in English.

Contact us now via WhatsApp to help you with enrollment in the best Turkish universities for studying nursing!

What are the Nursing Program Courses in Turkey?

The nursing program courses in Turkey include a wide range of theoretical and practical courses designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to work in the healthcare field.

Here is an overview of some of the core courses offered in the nursing bachelor’s program in Turkish universities:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Fundamentals of Nursing
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Pharmacology
• Community Health Nursing
• Psychiatric Nursing
• Pediatric Nursing
• Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing
• Nursing Management
• Biostatistics and Nursing Ethics

Also read: Best Majors to Study in Turkey: Humanities and Science Majors in Turkey

Requirements for Studying Nursing in Turkey

Studying nursing in Turkey requires meeting a set of criteria for students wishing to enroll in a bachelor’s program in nursing.

Here is a detailed look at these requirements:

Requirements for Studying Nursing in Public Universities in Turkey

Below are the requirements for studying nursing at public universities in Turkey:

• Educational qualification: The student must have a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 70%.
• Exams: Public universities generally do not require entrance exams, but high school grades must be submitted.
• Required documents: Valid passport and high school transcripts.
• Language: Bachelor’s programs are taught in English or Turkish, and language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL are not required for admission.

Requirements for Studying Nursing in Private Universities in Turkey

Below are the requirements for studying nursing at private universities in Turkey:

• Educational qualification: A high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 50% is required.
• Exams: Private universities do not require entrance exams for nursing students.
• Required documents: Passport and high school transcripts must be submitted.
• Tuition fees: Tuition fees for the nursing bachelor’s program range from $3,206 to $12,200 annually, depending on the university.
• Language: Most programs are taught in English, with some offered in Turkish. Like public universities, language proficiency tests are not required for admission.

Nursing Acceptance Rate in Turkey 2025

The acceptance rate for nursing studies in Turkey for 2025 depends on several factors, including the type of university (public or private) and the desired program (in English or Turkish).

Here are some general details about acceptance rates:

Nursing Acceptance Rate in Public Universities in Turkey:

 Acceptance rates in public universities are generally slightly higher due to the high competition and lower study costs. For students applying to nursing programs in Turkish, the acceptance rate may require a minimum of around 70% in the high school diploma. For programs offered in English, universities may also require similar or slightly higher rates, in addition to proof of English proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS certificates.

Nursing Acceptance Rate in Private Universities in Turkey:

Private universities tend to be more flexible in their admission criteria. Acceptance rates may start from 50% or 60% in high school for nursing programs. For programs offered in English, proof of language proficiency may still be required, but private universities may offer preparatory language courses for students who need to improve their language skills.

Entrance Exams:

Some universities may require specific entrance exams, such as YÖS (Yükseköğretim Kurumları Sınavı) or SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), especially for international students.

Read Also: Best Recognized Turkish Universities in Europe 2025

Nursing Studies in Turkish Cyprus

Turkish Cyprus is considered an attractive location for international students wishing to study nursing, due to its high-quality education and multicultural learning environment.

Here is detailed information about programs, universities, and features:

Universities and Nursing Programs in Turkish Cyprus:

• Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU): One of the top universities in Turkish Cyprus, offering a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing that is internationally recognized.
• Cyprus International University (CIU): Offers a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, focusing on both theoretical and practical skills required for the nursing profession.
• Near East University (NEU): Offers a comprehensive nursing program aimed at training highly qualified nurses who can work in various healthcare environments.

Duration of the Nursing Program in Turkish Cyprus:

Typically, Bachelor’s degree programs in nursing in Turkish Cyprus last four years, including practical training in hospitals and healthcare institutions.

Language of Instruction for Nursing in Turkish Cyprus:

Most nursing programs are taught in English, making it an ideal choice for international students.

Cost of Studying Nursing in Turkish Cyprus:

 The tuition fees in Turkish Cyprus are very competitive compared to universities in Europe, making it an affordable option for many students.

International Recognition of Nursing Degrees in Turkish Cyprus:

 Degrees from Turkish Cypriot universities are widely recognized, allowing graduates to work in various countries around the world.

Admission Requirements for Nursing Studies in Turkish Cyprus:

• High school diploma or its equivalent.
• Proof of English proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS, if the program is taught in English.
• Some universities may require passing entrance exams or interviews.

Read Also: Studying in Turkey for Arabs 2025: Specializations, Universities, and Costs

Studying Nursing in Turkey in English

Studying nursing in English in Turkey is ideal for international students looking for high-quality education in a culturally rich environment. With its unique location between Europe and Asia, Turkey offers nursing programs that combine Western theories with in-depth practical experiences.

Here are the key aspects of these programs:

Top Universities for Studying Nursing in English in Turkey:

• Istanbul Medipol University
• Koç University
• Yeditepe University

Program Components:

• The programs include theoretical education and practical training covering subjects such as anatomy, physiology, medical and surgical nursing, and critical care.
• Students are prepared to work in various healthcare settings through field training in hospitals and clinics.

Focus on Global Competencies:

• The programs are designed to prepare students to become qualified nurses who can work anywhere in the world.
• The programs are taught in English to increase the global competitiveness of graduates.

Admission Requirements:

• Universities generally require a high school diploma, along with proof of English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
• Some universities may also have skill tests or interviews as part of the admission process.

Nursing Study Costs in Turkey:

The low cost of education in Turkey is an attractive factor for international students, as Turkey offers high-quality education at competitive prices compared to European and American universities.

For nursing studies, tuition fees in Turkish private universities range from $2,250 to $7,000 per year, whether for undergraduate or graduate programs.

Please note that the fees mentioned above are subject to change, so we recommend visiting the university’s website to verify the tuition costs and available discounts through Directly.

Nursing Jobs in Turkey

Turkey offers a wide range of job opportunities in nursing, driven by the continuous expansion of the healthcare sector and both government and private investments in medical infrastructure.

Here are the details about nursing jobs and salaries in Turkey:

• Registered Nurse
• Community Nurse
• Intensive Care Nurse
• Pediatric and Obstetric Nurse
• Surgical Nurse

Nursing Salaries in Turkey

Nursing salaries in Turkey vary depending on experience, location, and the type of healthcare institution.

Here are the salary details based on available data:

• Average base salary for a registered nurse: Approximately 390,559 Turkish Lira per year.
• Hourly wage rate: Approximately 188 Turkish Lira.
• Average annual bonuses: Around 6,405 Turkish Lira.

Based on experience:

• Entry-level (1-3 years of experience): They earn an average of about 280,828 Turkish Lira annually.
• Senior-level (more than 8 years of experience): The salary can reach approximately 490,341 Turkish Lira per year.

Graduate Studies in Nursing in Turkey

Turkish universities place a strong emphasis on offering advanced nursing programs to meet the growing need for specialized fields and technical skills in this vital area, through a wide range of master’s and doctoral programs.

Graduate Specializations in Nursing

• Surgical Nursing
• Oncology and Internal Care Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing
• Intensive Care Nursing
• Community Health Nursing

Conditions and Requirements:

• Academic Qualifications: To apply for master’s and doctoral programs in nursing, a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field is required.
• Proof of language proficiency: For programs taught in English, students are required to demonstrate English proficiency through tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Turkish Universities Offering Graduate Nursing Programs

Several prestigious Turkish universities offer advanced programs in nursing, including:

• Hacettepe University
• Istanbul University
• Kocaeli University

Master’s in Nursing in Turkey

Master’s programs in nursing aim to expand nurses’ theoretical and practical knowledge, enabling them to specialize in specific fields such as:

• Intensive Care Nursing
• Public Health Nursing

Doctoral Nursing Programs in Turkey

Doctoral programs in nursing prepare students to become leaders and innovators in healthcare and scientific research. These programs include:

• Advanced scientific research: Focused on developing new theories and practices in nursing.
• Healthcare management: Teaching students how to manage teams and improve healthcare policies.

How Directly Helps You Study Nursing in Turkey

Directly helps you secure acceptance to study nursing in Turkey by providing comprehensive services that include:

• Initial Consultation: Everything starts with a consultation session conducted by Directly’s experts to understand your academic and professional goals and discuss your university options in Turkey.
• Document Preparation: Directly assists you in preparing and organizing all necessary documents for admission applications, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and CVs.
• University Applications: Directly manages the application process on your behalf to ensure that your applications are submitted correctly and on time.
• Communication with Universities: Directly communicates directly with universities to follow up on the status of your applications and negotiate any special conditions that may be necessary.
• Tuition Fee Discounts: Thanks to its partnerships with over 45 universities in Turkey, Directly enables students to receive discounts on tuition fees.
• Accommodation Assistance: In addition to helping with university admission, Directly assists in securing student accommodation in Turkey, making the transition to Turkey smooth for international students.

Read Also: Renewing Student Residence in Turkey for Students: Requirements and Documents 2025

At the end of this comprehensive article about studying nursing in Turkey, we have reviewed many aspects related to studying in this important field. From introducing the nursing profession and its importance, to detailing the universities offering this program, admission requirements, duration of studies, and expected salaries and job opportunities after graduation.

We also touched on how educational platforms like Directly can facilitate international students’ journey to study in Turkey by providing support in obtaining university acceptances and securing accommodation.

It’s important to note that good preparation and prior planning for studying in Turkey is key to a successful and rewarding educational experience.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information and support via WhatsApp! We are here to assist you every step of the way toward achieving your academic and professional goals in Turkey.

We wish you all the best in your academic journey to study nursing in Turkey!