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Study Medicine in Turkey

Turkey is one of the leading destinations for international students who want to study medicine. Turkish universities attract students from all over the world thanks to their strong academic programmes and reasonable tuition costs. This comprehensive guide covers every aspect of studying medicine in Turkey, from tuition fees to the best universities and the specialisations available.

The cost of studying medicine in Turkey

Turkish universities combine high-quality teaching with affordable tuition. At public universities, annual costs range from USD 2,500 to USD 10,000. At private universities they range from USD 12,000 to USD 40,000, depending on the university and the language of instruction.

Advantages of studying medicine in Turkey

Modern technology: the latest technology used throughout medical teaching

European curricula: Turkey has followed the Bologna Process since 2001

Advanced infrastructure: fully equipped laboratories for hands-on training

Modern teaching methods: active participation in classroom discussion

Clinical placement opportunities in university hospitals

Advanced research centres with state-of-the-art equipment

Medical programmes taught in both English and Turkish

Reasonable tuition compared with European universities

Broad clinical experience with a high patient volume

Student exchange programmes with international universities

Disadvantages of studying medicine in Turkey

A decentralised admissions system: you apply to each university separately

Some visa applications are refused without a clear reason

Medicine costs more than most other fields of study

Most public-university programmes are taught in Turkish, and competition for the English-taught places is intense

Communication is difficult at first without good Turkish

Places at public universities are hard to win because demand is very high

Heavy traffic in large cities such as Istanbul and Ankara

High living and housing costs in Istanbul, especially over the summer

Public universities require the YOS or SAT exam

Places on the most sought-after programmes fill up quickly

Studying Medicine at Turkish Public Universities

Studying medicine at a Turkish public university offers international students excellent opportunities, with modern curricula, up-to-date medical facilities and programmes in both English and Turkish.

Istanbul Medipol University

One of the most prominent universities in Turkey and Europe, with its own teaching hospitals for medicine and dentistry. It sits where Asia meets Europe and has three campuses, in Kavacik and Halic.

Tuition: USD 35,999 per year (discounts available)

Ranking: Among the leading private universities in Turkey

Hacettepe University

One of the best universities in Turkey, ranked third nationally and 651st worldwide. It offers medicine in English.

Tuition: USD 8,320 per year (medicine in English); USD 6,000 (dentistry in Turkish)

Ranking: 3rd in Turkey, 651st worldwide

Ankara University

A well-regarded public university, ranked sixth nationally and 752nd worldwide. It takes a multilingual approach to teaching, in Turkish, English, Arabic and German.

Tuition: Varies by programme

Ranking: 6th in Turkey, 752nd worldwide

Best Private Universities in Turkey for Medicine

Koc University

Founded in Istanbul in 1993 and one of the country's most distinguished universities. It offers strong medical programmes in English, training doctors equipped for modern healthcare challenges.

Tuition: USD 26,500 per year

Yeditepe University

Founded in 1996 on the Asian side of Istanbul. It is known for the breadth of its programmes and a highly experienced teaching faculty.

Tuition: USD 29,700 per year (English)

Medipol University

Topped the Turkish rankings for medicine in 2019. It is notable for its large network of leading hospitals and strong international recognition.

Tuition: USD 28,000 per year (USD 25,200 if paid up front)

Istinye University

A leader in medicine, home to Istinye Medical Park, one of Istanbul's largest hospitals. It provides comprehensive clinical training from the fourth year onwards.

Tuition: USD 21,600 per year (English)

Dentistry in Turkey

Dentistry in Turkey is among the best in the world. Universities offer high-quality teaching and advanced training programmes in modern, well-equipped facilities.

5 years

Study Duration

6 years with the preparatory year

With Prep Year

Oral and maxillofacial surgery

Orthodontics

Conservative dentistry

Paediatric dentistry

Restorative dentistry

Prosthodontics

Oral and dental radiology

Human Medicine Subjects

Anatomy

The structure and function of the human body in fine detail

Histology

Human tissues and cells studied under the microscope

Physiology

How the body's various systems work

Biochemistry

Chemical reactions inside the body and their effect on vital processes

Organic chemistry

Organic compounds and their reactions

Medical biology

The biological fundamentals that shape health and disease

Biophysics

Physical interactions within living organisms

Medical statistics

Analysing and interpreting medical data

Genetics

Genes, human heredity and the transmission of genetic disease

Medical ethics

Ethical principles in medical practice

Embryology

Development of the embryo from fertilisation to birth

Principles of pathology

Diseases, their causes and their effects

Introduction to pharmacology

Drugs, their effects and their uses

Microbiology

Bacteria, viruses and fungi, and their role in disease

Public health

Community health and disease prevention

Diagnostic radiology

Medical imaging techniques used to diagnose disease

General surgery

The theoretical and practical foundations of surgery

Internal medicine

Diagnosis and treatment of common internal conditions

Paediatrics

Healthcare for children from birth through adolescence

Obstetrics and gynaecology

Women's health, pregnancy and childbirth

Psychiatry

Diagnosis and treatment of psychological and mental disorders

Immunology

The body's immune system and how it defends against disease

Neurology

The central and peripheral nervous systems

Emergency medicine

Urgent medical intervention in emergency situations

Clinical training

Hands-on hospital training under the supervision of practising doctors

Medical Specializations in Turkey

Medicine: advanced curricula following European and American models

Pharmacy: theoretical teaching and practical training delivered by qualified staff

Nursing: nurses prepared to a high standard of practical and professional training

Dentistry: comprehensive teaching with advanced laboratories and affiliated hospitals

Veterinary medicine: advanced study in both English and Turkish

Years of Medical Study in Turkey

Studying medicine in Turkey takes six years: five years of theoretical and practical teaching followed by one compulsory year of training in university hospitals. Students who need to learn Turkish first add an extra preparatory year.

6 years

Total Years

5 years

Theory + Practice

One year

Mandatory Training

Doctor Salary in Turkey

TRY 91,000 per month (2024)

Pay varies with specialisation, experience and location, and is higher in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. Doctors have significant scope to increase their earnings.

Medicine Admission Requirements in Turkey

Public Universities

A high-school average of at least 90%

A YOS score of 95% or above, or an SAT score of 1400 out of 1600

A TOMER certificate at B2 level to study in Turkish

An IELTS certificate to study in English (the required score varies by university)

Private Universities

A high-school average of roughly 70-75%, depending on the university

No YOS or SAT requirement

No language certificate required: you can sit a test at the university or enrol in the preparatory year

Studying Medicine in Arabic

Studying medicine in Turkey in Arabic is not possible. No Turkish university offers a medical programme in Arabic. Medicine is taught only in Turkish and English.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to study medicine in Turkey?

At public universities, USD 2,500 to USD 10,000 per year. At private universities, USD 12,000 to USD 40,000, depending on the university and the language of instruction.

Can I study medicine in English?

Yes. Many Turkish universities offer medical programmes in English, including Koc University, Yeditepe University and Medipol University.

How long does a medical degree take?

Six years: five years of theory and practice plus one compulsory training year. A preparatory language year may be added.

Is studying medicine in Turkey difficult?

There are real challenges, especially in the first years, but they are manageable with good planning and persistence. Turkish universities provide a supportive learning environment.

How much do doctors earn in Turkey?

The average doctor's salary in Turkey was around TRY 91,000 per month in 2024, varying with specialisation and experience.

Can I study medicine in Arabic?

No. There are no Arabic-language medical programmes in Turkey. Teaching is in Turkish or English only.

What career options are there after graduating?

Graduates can work as doctors in public or private hospitals, go into private practice, or continue into specialist training in Turkey or abroad.

Do Arab countries recognise a Turkish medical degree?

Yes. Many Arab countries recognise medical degrees from accredited Turkish universities, though some require an equivalency examination.

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