Computer science and software engineering is one of the most popular and lucrative professions today. With the rapid development of technology, the need for software specialists is increasing day by day. Turkey offers economic education, scholarship opportunities and a strong technology ecosystem for international students interested in studying computer science.
What are the advantages of studying computer science in Turkey? Here are 5 great opportunities to study computer science and software in Turkey!
1. Affordable and Quality Education
Computer science education in Turkey offers a world-class education and is much more affordable than universities in Europe and America. For example:
- While computer engineering education in the US and Europe ranges between 20,000 – 50,000 USD per year,
- Turkey’s tuition fees at private universities are around 4,000 – 15,000 USD as of 2025, and at public universities around 500 – 3,000 USD for international students.
Moreover, many universities in Turkey offer English computer engineering and software engineering programs.
Some of the best universities in Turkey in this field:
1. Boğaziçi University
📍 Location: Istanbul
🌍 Language: 100% English
Boğaziçi University is one of Turkey’s most prestigious universities for computer science and software engineering. This fully English-medium university is noted for its strong academic staff and globally recognized alumni.
Featured:
✔One of the top Turkish universities in the QS World University Rankings
✔ A strong career network that sends graduates to companies like Google, Microsoft and Amazon
✔ internship and job opportunities offered to students, connections with major technology companies
Studying computer science at Bogazici University is a great opportunity to compete in the global business world.
2. Middle East Technical University (METU)
📍 Location: Ankara
🌍 Language: 100% English
ODTÜ consistently ranks high in international rankings in computer engineering. As one of the oldest technical universities in Turkey, METU offers its students a strong theoretical and practical education.
Featured:
✔ A globally recognized engineering program thanks to ABET accreditation
✔ A wide network of graduates to technology companies in Silicon Valley and Europe
✔Joint projects and job opportunities with companies such as IBM, Google, SAP and Microsoft
Students have the chance to do internships at big companies during their studies. METU graduates in the field of software engineering usually work in international companies with high salaries.
3. Istanbul Technical University (ITU)
📍 Location: Istanbul
🌍 Language: Turkish and 30% English / 100% English options
Istanbul Technical University is one of Turkey’s oldest technical universities and an institution that offers international level education in computer engineering. It is one of the strongest universities in Turkey, especially in the field of engineering.
Featured:
✔ Istanbul’s proximity to the technology ecosystem is a great advantage in terms of internship and job opportunities
✔ Chance to participate in research projects with TÜBİTAK and industry collaborations
✔ Opportunities to specialize in game development, artificial intelligence and data science
ITU offers computer science and software engineering programs in both Turkish and English. ITU is a great option especially for students who want to be close to the technology start-up ecosystem in Istanbul!
Located in Ankara, Hacettepe University has one of the best engineering faculties in Turkey. The Computer Engineering Department offers students in-depth training in artificial intelligence, data science and software development.
Featured:
✔ One of the computer engineering departments with the highest base points in Turkey
✔ Opportunity to participate in R&D projects and TÜBİTAK-supported studies
✔ Strong connections with government agencies and the private sector
Particularly for students who want to specialize in artificial intelligence and data analytics, Hacettepe University is a very good choice.
5. Koç University
📍 Location: Istanbul
🌍 Language: 100% English
Koç University is one of the most prestigious private universities in Turkey. The department of computer science and software engineering offers education of international standards and provides its students with the opportunity to find jobs in global technology companies.
Featured:
✔ Full scholarship and partial scholarship education options
✔ Opportunity to learn from world-class academics
✔ Career programs linked to companies such as Google, Amazon, Facebook
Particularly for students looking for the quality of a private university, Koç University is one of the best schools to study computer science in Turkey.
2. Broad Scholarship and Funding Opportunities
Turkey offers many scholarship opportunities for international students. The most important of these is the Turkey Scholarships program.
- Turkey Scholarships: It provides full scholarship, accommodation, health insurance and monthly allowance support. You can check the details on Official website.
- University Scholarships: Schools such as METU, Boğaziçi, ITU and Koç University offer partial or full scholarships to successful students.
- Private Company Scholarships: Technology giants provide financial support to especially successful software students.
If you want to get a scholarship, you should apply early and keep your academic performance high!
After graduating in Turkey, you have a good chance of finding a job as a software engineer, data analyst, artificial intelligence expert or game developer. For example:
- Peak Games and Gram Games have gone global as multi-million dollar gaming companies.
- Big companies like Turkcell, Turk Telekom and Vestel offer great career opportunities for software engineers.
- Tech giants such as Google, Microsoft and Amazon have offices in Turkey.
Universities also help students connect with the business world. For example, Boğaziçi University and METU organize large career fairs every year, bringing students together with the industry.
Visit roadtostudy.com to learn more about career opportunities in Turkey!
4. The Gateway to the European and Middle Eastern Market
Turkey is a strategic bridge between Europe and the Middle East. While studying in Turkey, you can also gain access to these large markets after graduation.
- You can connect with technology companies in Europe. Many software developers from Turkey find jobs in Germany, the Netherlands and the UK.
- You can work in Turkey after graduation. Foreign students studying in Turkey can continue their careers here after graduation by obtaining a work permit.
- You can gain European experience through Erasmus and exchange programs.
While studying in Turkey, you also have the chance to spend a semester in Europe through Erasmus or Mevlana programs.
5. Quality of Life and Cultural Wealth
Turkey offers students high quality of life and affordable living.
- Suitable Accommodation and Transportation: Accommodation and daily living costs in Turkey are considerably lower than in Europe and the US. Average monthly expenses range from 400 to 800 dollars.
- Historical and Cultural Richness: You have the opportunity to explore historical sites such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale.
- Mix of Traditional and Modern Life: Turkey offers both modern city life and traditional culture at the same time.
As a student, you can get special discounts on everything from museums to transportation!
Turkey, A Great Choice for Computer Science!
Turkey is the perfect country to study computer science with quality and affordable education, ample scholarship opportunities, a thriving technology sector and cultural diversity!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Turkey a good place for computer science?
Yes, Turkey offers a strong academic infrastructure, particularly in major cities, thanks to its well-established state and leading foundation universities, and has a rapidly growing technology/software sector.
How much does it cost to study computer science in Turkey?
Annual fees are low for state universities. At foundation (private) universities, annual fees for non-scholarship programs can range from 7000 usd to 9000 usd for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Which is the best university for software engineering in Turkey?
Although rankings vary in Turkey, established institutions such as Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ), Bogazici University, and Istanbul Technical University (ITU) are considered among the best based on employer preferences and academic success.