Education in Türkiye: Universities, Student Life and Opportunities for British Students

Türkiye’s higher education sector has expanded and internationalised rapidly over the past decade. With over 200 universities, a growing number of English-language programmes, significantly lower tuition fees than UK institutions, and vibrant student cities in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, Türkiye is an increasingly credible option for British students considering study abroad.

Top Universities

Koç University and Sabancı University — both in Istanbul — are consistently ranked among the top 500 universities globally and offer a broad range of English-language undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Both institutions have strong international student communities and established exchange partnerships with leading European and North American universities.

Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara is Türkiye’s most prestigious technical institution, offering English-language instruction across engineering, science, and social sciences. Bilkent University, also in Ankara, is similarly highly regarded for science, technology, and business programmes.

Istanbul University and Bogazici University — located in the heart of Istanbul — offer a broader range of disciplines and are particularly well-regarded in humanities, social sciences, and the arts.

Tuition Fees and Cost of Living

Tuition fees at Türkiye’s private universities typically range from £2,500–£8,000 per year for English-language programmes — significantly below UK university fees. State universities are considerably cheaper. Istanbul’s cost of living, while rising, remains lower than London, and student accommodation options are varied and affordable compared to UK equivalents.

Scholarships and Funding

The Turkish government’s Türkiye Scholarships programme offers full funding — including tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend — to international students at Turkish universities. Applications are competitive but British students are eligible. Individual universities also offer merit-based scholarships for international applicants.

Student Life in Istanbul and Ankara

Istanbul offers an unmatched student experience: a city of 16 million people spanning two continents, with a vibrant arts and music scene, world-class cuisine, and extraordinary historical heritage. Ankara, as the capital, offers a more compact but culturally rich student environment with strong connections to government, international organisations, and Türkiye’s technology sector.