Directing a movie, writing a screenplay or being a producer who makes a mark in television… Are film and television a passion for you? From Netflix series to award-winning films, Turkey is a rising star in the world of cinema. So, what are the best educational opportunities in Turkey for a career in this sector? In this guide, I share the top 5 universities and everything you need to know. Let’s turn on the lights, the stage is yours!
1. Istanbul Bilgi University Film and Television
Istanbul Bilgi University is one of the first private universities that comes to mind when it comes to film and television education in Turkey. It stands out with its English course options for international students, strong academic staff, and practical education opportunities.
Why Istanbul Bilgi University?
- English programs: There are suitable course options for foreign students.
- International internship opportunities: There are collaborations with various media organizations in Europe.
- Advanced technical infrastructure: We offer studios equipped with extensive camera, sound and editing equipment.
- Cultural diversity: Bilgi University welcomes students from all over the world, which offers the opportunity to study in a multicultural environment.
After studying at Bilgi University, you can pursue a career in different fields such as film directing, screenwriting or television production.
Application and Admission Process
- Language proficiency requirement: TOEFL or IELTS score required for English programs.
- Scholarship Options: Scholarships are offered based on academic achievement.
For more information, please visit Bilgi University’s official website.
2.Kadir Has University Film and Television
Kadir Has University is a great option for international students with its strong academic staff and hands-on training in filmmaking and media production.
Highlights:
- English Assisted Education: Some of the courses are offered in English, which is a great advantage for international students.
- Applied Education: The university has advanced media labs and film studios.
- Erasmus+ and Overseas Exchange Programs: Offers student exchange opportunities with prestigious film schools in Europe.
- Strong Industry Connections: In collaboration with the media and film industry.
Application Requirements and Fees
- TOEFL or IELTS score (for English programs).
- Scholarship Opportunities: Scholarships ranging from 25% to 100% are available to successful international students.
For detailed information, you can visit Kadir Has University official website.
3. Istanbul University Film and Television
Istanbul University, one of the oldest public universities in Turkey, is frequently preferred by international students because it offers affordable quality education.
Why Istanbul University?
- Since it is a public university, it offers low tuition fees.
- The balance of theoretical and practical training allows you to take both academic and practical courses.
- Offers you the opportunity to study in Istanbul, one of Turkey’s largest media cities.
- Turkish language courses and cultural adaptation programs for international students.
Tuition Fee and Application Requirements
- TÖMER certificate is required for Turkish programs.
- Istanbul University Foreign Student Examination (IÜYÖS) may be required for international student admission.
Istanbul University’s information for international students can be found here.
4. Bahçeşehir University Film and Television
Bahçeşehir University offers its students the opportunity to study globally thanks to its cooperation with New York Film Academy (NYFA). If you are aiming for an international career, this university could be for you.
One of the Main Advantages:
- An education model intertwined with the industry: Close relations with the television, cinema and advertising industries.
- Student exchange programs between Turkey and the USA: Offers the opportunity to study especially in New York.
- Possibility to participate in international film festivals: Students can exhibit their projects at festivals such as Cannes and Berlinale.
- English Assisted Education: The film and television department is partially offered in English.
Application Conditions
- English proficiency certificate (TOEFL / IELTS) is required.
- Special scholarships are offered to foreign students.
You can review the programs offered by Bahçeşehir University to international students here.
5. Dokuz Eylül University Film and Television
Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Fine Arts is one of the best options for international students, especially those who want to specialize in film design and management.
Advantages:
- It is one of the oldest art faculties in Turkey with a strong academic staff.
- Students can participate in film festivals with their projects.
- Since it is a state university, tuition fees are affordable.
- Living in Izmir offers lower living costs compared to Istanbul.
Application Process
- TÖMER certificate (for Turkish programs) is required.
- YÖS (Foreign Student Examination) may be required for international student admission.
Click here for more information about Dokuz Eylul University.
Advantages of Studying Film and Television in Turkey
Turkey has a dynamic film and television industry that combines both traditional and modern techniques. Thanks to its cultural diversity, historical sites and thriving media sector, Turkey has become a very attractive center for film education. Here are the biggest advantages of studying film and television in Turkey:
1. Affordable Education
Turkey offers a more affordable education than many European and North American countries. Scholarship opportunities are common at private universities, while annual tuition fees at public universities are quite reasonable for international students.
- State Universities: Annual tuition fees usually range between 300-800 USD.
- Foundation Universities: Fees range from 5,000-20,000 USD, but scholarship opportunities are extensive.
- Cost of Living: Living as a student in Turkey is more affordable than in Europe. In terms of accommodation, transportation and daily expenses, suitable options can be found even in big cities.
In addition, the Turkish government and universities offer many scholarship programs for international students. Programs such as Turkey Scholarships provide free education and monthly scholarships to successful students.
2. Practical Oriented Programs
Turkey’s film and television universities attach great importance to practical training as well as theoretical courses.
- Film Set Experience: Students have the opportunity to work on real sets in their school projects. Students are offered internships and co-production roles in national and international projects shot in cities such as Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya.
- Workshops and Practical Classes: Topics such as script writing, editing techniques, camera use, lighting and production constitute a large part of the courses.
- Technological Infrastructure: Private universities have state-of-the-art equipment, greenbox studios and post-production laboratories.
Students get the chance to shoot their own short films, make documentaries and prepare television programs before they graduate. Thus, they step into the sector not with theoretical knowledge but with practical experience.
3. International Career Opportunities
Turkey’s film industry has gained momentum on international platforms in recent years. Global digital platforms such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime are investing in Turkey and Turkish TV series are reaching millions of viewers worldwide.
- Netflix Turkey: In recent years, Netflix has invested in many TV series and movie projects in Turkey and opened the door to young talents. Students studying at universities have the chance to intern at Netflix projects.
- International Film Festivals: At events such as the Istanbul Film Festival, Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, Adana Golden Boll Film Festival, students can promote their projects and meet industry professionals.
- Cultural Diversity: The coming together of different cultures in Turkey provides a great advantage for producing original stories for cinema. Studying at a point where East and West meet gives students a universal perspective.
Students who study in Turkey have the chance to work in both local projects and international productions after graduation.
4. Career and Internship Opportunities
One of the biggest advantages for students studying film and television in Turkey is the wide range of opportunities for finding a job after graduation. Especially since Istanbul is the media center of Turkey, students who study here can easily find a job in the sector.
- Television Channels: Turkey is a highly developed country in terms of live television broadcasting and series industry. Major channels such as TRT, Kanal D, ATV and Show TV offer job and internship opportunities to graduates who want to pursue a career in the sector.
- Series and Movie Production Companies: Major production companies such as Ay Yapım, Medyapım, BKM Film cooperate with universities to discover young talents.
- Advertising and Digital Media: Apart from television, advertising and digital media is also a great career field. Many agencies and media companies that produce content for platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and TikTok offer job opportunities for young filmmakers.
Internships, especially during student years, provide the opportunity to enter the sector faster after graduation. Most universities offer compulsory internship programs for their students, helping them to get a job directly after graduation.
Is Film and Television Education in Turkey According to You?
If you want to pursue a creative career, work in the world of film and television and gain practical skills, studying film and television in Turkey can be a great option. In particular, the universities mentioned above can offer you strong educational and career opportunities.
Applications, scholarships and details can be found at roadtostudy.com.