Studying Pharmacy in Turkey: Universities, Costs, and Requirements 2025

Studying Pharmacy in Turkey offers a unique experience by combining academic knowledge with practical training in a diverse environment. The challenge remains in keeping up with advancements in the medical and pharmaceutical fields, which drives both local and international students to choose Turkey.

This guide covers the benefits of studying pharmacy, admission requirements, and costs, along with future opportunities as a graduate. Stay until the end for exclusive offers from Directly.

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What is the Pharmacy Major in Turkey?

The Pharmacy major in Turkey is considered one of the prestigious and in-demand medical fields. Here’s some information about studying Pharmacy in Turkey:

• Specialized Medical Field: Pharmacy is a branch of medical sciences focused on medications and their relation to diseases.
• Interdisciplinary Nature: It is linked to other biological sciences such as medicine and botany, as well as chemistry.
• Rich History: It is one of the ancient sciences developed since the 12th century.
• Reasonable Study Duration: The study period is relatively shorter compared to human medicine.
• High-Quality Education: Turkey offers high-quality educational programs in this field.
• Affordable Costs: Tuition fees in Turkey are lower compared to other European countries.

Advantages of Studying Pharmacy in Turkey

What has driven students to pursue Pharmacy studies in Turkey? Stay with us…

Here are the advantages of studying Pharmacy in Turkey:

• Availability of highly qualified teaching staff and academic experts to enhance both practical and theoretical learning.
• Turkish universities are equipped with modern laboratories and medical facilities using the latest technologies.
• Turkish universities hold advanced scientific rankings, especially the Faculties of Pharmacy.
• They offer options to study Pharmacy in English alongside Turkish.
• Turkey provides affordable education and living costs compared to European countries and the USA.
• Diverse job opportunities after graduation, including research and development centers, hospitals, pharmaceutical factories, or academic careers.

How many years is Pharmacy study in Turkey?

The duration of Pharmacy study is 5 years. During this period, students acquire a wide range of essential knowledge and skills, including:

• Understanding the composition and manufacturing processes of medications.
• Providing prescriptions and medications to patients.
• Communicating and educating patients.
• Monitoring patient cases and reviewing their medical records.

What is the language of instruction for pharmacy studies in Turkey?

The language of Pharmacy studies in Turkey depends on the university chosen by the student.

Some universities primarily offer programs in Turkish, while others provide options to study Pharmacy in English, especially those targeting international students.

For students who are not proficient in English or Turkish, many universities offer a preparatory year to learn the language before starting the major, adding an extra year to the Pharmacy program, making it 6 years with the language course.

Is studying pharmacy in Turkey difficult?

Undoubtedly, studying pharmacy in Turkey is considered a challenge for students due to its nature, which combines precise sciences and medical knowledge, requiring an understanding of chemistry and biology, in addition to the ability to apply this knowledge in medical contexts.

Students must also overcome challenges such as memorizing and understanding drug interactions and mechanisms of action, making the study demanding and intensive.

However, Turkish universities provide excellent educational resources and a supportive environment that help students overcome these challenges and succeed in their field.

The best Turkish universities for studying pharmacy

Here are the best Turkish universities for studying pharmacy:

• Near East University
• Istinye University
• Bahçeşehir University
• Biruni University
• Yeditepe University
• Ankara Medipol University
• Altınbaş University
• Istanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University
• Cyprus International University
• Istanbul Medipol University

We will also detail for you the best private and public Turkish universities for studying pharmacy in Turkey.

The best private universities for studying pharmacy in Turkey

Here are the best private universities for studying pharmacy in Turkey, including:

• Bahçeşehir University: Founded in 1998, located on the European side of Istanbul, offering a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in English.
• Ankara Medipol University: Established in 2018, specializing in medical and health sciences, offering a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in Turkish and English.
• Altınbaş University: Located in Istanbul and founded in 2008, known for its medical programs, offering a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in English.
• Yeditepe University: Founded in 1996 and located in Istanbul, offering pharmacy studies in English.
• Istinye University: Established in 2015 on the European side of Istanbul, known for its distinguished medical programs, offering a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in both Turkish and English.
• Biruni University: Founded in 2014 and located in Istanbul, considered one of the leading universities in medical fields, offering a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in both Turkish and English.

The best public universities for studying pharmacy in Turkey

Here are the best public universities for studying pharmacy in Turkey, including:

• Ankara University: 
  • Located in the capital, Ankara, and is one of the largest universities.
  • Ranked 801st globally. Offers Bachelor’s programs in pharmacy in both English and Turkish. 
  • Annual tuition fees are approximately 2,491 euros.
• Marmara University: 
  • Located in Istanbul and is considered the second-largest public university in Turkey. 
  • Hosts around 90,000 students. Offers a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in Turkish. 
  • Annual tuition fees are approximately 28,000 Turkish liras.
• Hacettepe University: 
  • Established in Ankara in 1954, it is one of the major universities.
  •  Hosts around 30,000 students. Offers a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in Turkish. 
  • Annual tuition fees are approximately 18,000 Turkish liras.

Studying Pharmacy in Northern Cyprus

And now, what about studying pharmacy in Northern Cyprus?

Here is key information about studying pharmacy in Northern Cyprus:

• Northern Cyprus offers several pharmacy programs, most of which are in internationally recognized universities such as Eastern Mediterranean University and Cyprus International University.
• Pharmacy studies last five years, leading to a Bachelor’s degree. The curriculum includes pharmaceutical, biological, and chemical sciences, as well as humanities.
• The education heavily focuses on practical and applied aspects, with students participating in laboratory and real pharmacy internships to enhance their professional experience.
• Universities offer programs in English, making it an attractive option for international students.
• Tuition fees in Northern Cyprus are more competitive compared to universities in the western part of Turkey, making it an appealing and cost-effective option for many students.
• Near East University in Cyprus is recognized by the American Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), allowing its graduates to study or work in European countries.
• These factors make studying pharmacy in Northern Cyprus uniquely appealing compared to other options in Turkey, highlighting the academic and cultural value it offers.

Ranking of Pharmacy Colleges in Turkey

The ranking of pharmacy colleges in Turkey is based on the research performance of universities in the field of pharmacy, evaluated using 208,000 citations from 15,400 research papers from 65 universities.

Here is the ranking of the best Turkish universities for studying pharmacy:

• Hacettepe University
• Atatürk University
• Middle East Technical University
• Ankara University
• Istanbul Technical University
• Istanbul University
• Anadolu University
• Marmara University
• Gazi University
• Boğaziçi University

Costs of Studying Pharmacy in Turkey at Public and Private Universities

As for the costs of studying pharmacy in Turkey at both public and private universities, Turkish universities offer excellent value for money compared to global universities, thanks to the quality of education and the value they provide to students.

Here are the study costs for some universities:

Studying Pharmacy in Turkey in English

Studying pharmacy in Turkey is distinguished by the availability of programs in English at several universities, making it an attractive destination for international students.

Many prestigious Turkish universities, such as Hacettepe University and Koç University, offer pharmacy programs in English.

When studying English in Turkey, you must pass language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS. However, if you don’t have these certifications, there’s no need to worry; you can enroll in a preparatory year dedicated to language studies before starting your pharmacy degree.

Requirements for Studying Pharmacy in Turkey

Here are the detailed requirements for studying pharmacy in Turkey:

Requirements for Studying Pharmacy at Turkish Public Universities:

• Each public university independently determines its admission criteria.
• Most universities require a high school graduation score exceeding 90%.
• Passing the YÖS (Foreign Student Exam) or SAT is mandatory.
• A TOEFL or IELTS certificate is required for studying in English, or a TOMER certificate for studying in Turkish.

Requirements for Studying Pharmacy at Turkish Private Universities:

• Admission criteria are more flexible compared to public universities.
• A minimum high school graduation score of 65% is required.
• A TOEFL or TOMER certificate is needed based on the language of instruction.

Pharmacy Admission Rate in Turkey 2024

The admission rate for pharmacy in Turkey for 2024 varies between public and private universities.

For public universities, students are required to achieve a score exceeding 90% in their high school graduation to qualify for admission. This reflects the high level of competitiveness and quality demanded by these educational institutions.

On the other hand, private universities offer greater flexibility in admission criteria, allowing students to enroll if they achieve a score of 65% or higher in high school, providing more opportunities for students to enter the field of pharmacy.

We at Directlyeducation help you secure free university admission! Save yourself the hassle and book a free consultation directly.

Read also: Studying Health Management in Turkey: Costs, Universities, and Subjects

Study Subjects in Pharmacy Colleges at Turkish Universities

The study subjects in pharmacy colleges at Turkish universities vary, encompassing a range of scientific disciplines related to pharmacy. Below is a brief overview of the main subjects:

• Clinical Biochemistry: Study of chemical processes within the body.
• Analytical Chemistry: Techniques for determining the composition of substances.
• Organic Chemistry: Structure and properties of organic compounds.
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Design and synthesis of medications.
• Chemistry of Natural Products and Medicinal Herbs: Study of natural substances and herbs.
• General Biology: Study of cells and biodiversity.
• Microbiology and Viruses: Study of microorganisms and viruses.
• Physiology: Functions of body organs.
• Pathology: Study of diseases and their causes.
• Immunology: Biological defenses and immune responses.

Master’s Degree in Pharmacy in Turkey

The duration of the Master’s degree in Pharmacy in Turkey ranges from one and a half to three years, depending on the program and whether it includes a thesis.

Here’s a brief overview of each specialization for studying a Master’s in Pharmacy in Turkey:

• Health Management and Pharmacy Management: Organizing the pharmacy sector.
• Pharmaceutical Economics: Analyzing the costs of medications.
• Drug Development: Innovating and improving pharmaceuticals.
• Pharmaceutical Sciences and Toxicology: Studying drugs and toxicity.
• Biotechnology: Biological applications in pharmacy.
• Pharmacokinetics: The dynamics of drugs in the body.
• Occupational Health and Safety: Promoting a safe work environment.
• Clinical Pharmacy: Clinical application of medications.
• Industrial Pharmacy: Industrial production of drugs.
• Cosmetic Sciences: Pharmacy of cosmetic products.
• Forensic Sciences: Analyses in forensic medicine.
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Chemical composition of drugs.
• Pharmacognosy: Research and classification of natural products.

Ph.D. in Pharmacy in Turkey

After obtaining a master’s degree, students can continue toward a Ph.D. in Pharmacy in Turkey, which is an advanced academic degree awarded after conducting in-depth research that contributes to the development of knowledge in the field of pharmacy.

It is important to note that students wishing to pursue higher specialization after their bachelor’s degree can obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree.

This degree requires the completion of five years of study, which is the bachelor’s degree, followed by one year of practical study or internship in hospitals and training centers.

Fields of Work in Pharmacy Specialization

Here are the most prominent fields of work in the pharmacy specialization:

• Hospital Pharmacist: Managing and adjusting medication dosages for patients.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Developing and producing medications.
• Selling and Distributing Medications: Working in community pharmacies or as distributors.
• Pharmacy Management: Managing pharmacies or pharmaceutical distribution companies.
• Scientific and Academic Research: Participating in research and university teaching.
• Pharmaceutical Consulting: Providing advice and guidance to patients and healthcare professionals.
• Veterinary and Nuclear Pharmacy: Healthcare for animals or using radioactive materials.
• Military Pharmacy and Informatics: Working in the armed forces or developing health information systems.
• Advanced Research Institutes: Innovating new therapeutic formulations and vaccines, particularly in combating viral diseases.

How Directlyeducation Helps You Study Pharmacy in Turkey?

Directlyeducation assists you in studying pharmacy in Turkey by providing you with free admission and a range of services, such as help in obtaining a visa, airport pickup, opening a bank account, and guiding you to the best accommodation options near your educational institution.

We hope this guide has provided you with the necessary information about studying pharmacy in Turkey in 2024, and we wish you the best in achieving your dream of studying pharmacy in Turkey.

If you have any further questions about studying pharmacy in Turkey, save yourself time, effort, and money!

We are here to assist you with everything you need as the authorized agent for over 45 universities in Turkey.

We wish you success in your journey!