Master’s degrees in Turkey are advanced education programs that support academic and professional development after undergraduate education. Master’s programs offered at state and foundation universities are divided into two main categories, thesis and non-thesis.
Key Points:
- Application Requirements: For international students, documents such as undergraduate diploma, transcript, language proficiency certificate (TOEFL/IELTS) and letter of intent are generally required. Admission requirements and GPA expectations may vary by university and department.
- Tuition Fees and Scholarships: Tuition fees at public universities ($200 – $700) are lower than private universities. Turkey Scholarships provide international students with university and department placement, tuition fees, monthly scholarships, accommodation and health insurance.
- Language Proficiency: Internationally recognized exam results such as TOEFL or IELTS are usually required for English-language programs. There are many leading public and foundation universities offering programs in English.
- Visa and Residence Permit: You need to apply for a student visa to enter Turkey and a residence permit upon arrival. Residence permit application documents include application form, passport copy, student certificate and biometric photo.
- Living Expenses and Accommodation: Monthly living expenses vary depending on the student’s lifestyle, but can range between 400-600 USD on average for the year 2025. Accommodation is available in state dormitories, foundation/private dormitories and private apartments.
- Post-Graduation Opportunities: Graduates should get detailed information about job search and work permit processes after their studies in Turkey. Turkey offers career opportunities for international students, especially in engineering and social sciences.
Average Tuition Fees for Master’s Programs (2025)
State Universities: Tuition fees for master’s programs are usually quite low and range from 200 – 700 USD per year. For example, at Samsun University, foreign students are charged 40,000 TL for master’s programs. The postgraduate education fee at Bursa Uludağ University is stated as 39,906 TL.
Foundation (Private) Universities: Annual fees can range from 6,000 – 40,000 USD; however, most of these schools offer scholarships based on academic achievement. At some institutes of Istanbul University, graduate fees range from 3,500 – 4,000 USD. At Hacettepe University, fees for some faculties range from 4,000-8,000 USD. Fees denominated in foreign currencies shall be converted into Turkish Lira according to the current exchange rate of the Central Bank.
| University Type | Average Annual Fee (USD) | Sample Universities/Faculties | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| State University | $200 – $700 | Samsun University, Bursa Uludag University | Usually lower cost. |
| Foundation (Private) University | $6,000 – $40,000 | Istanbul University Institutes, Koç University, Hacettepe University | Scholarships of 25%, 50% or 100% may be offered based on academic achievement. |
What is required for a master’s degree in Turkey?
Master’s Degree Without Thesis
- Bachelor’s Degree Diploma or Provisional Graduation Certificate: An official document showing that you have completed your undergraduate studies.
- Transcript (Transcript): Official document showing the courses and grades you have taken during your undergraduate education.
- Document of Military Status: For male candidates, a document showing their military status.
- Photocopy of Identity Document: A photocopy of your identity card or identity card.
- Certificate Photo: Usually 4 copies are requested.
Master’s Degree with Thesis
- Undergraduate Diploma or Temporary Graduation Certificate
- Transcript (Transcript)
- Military Status Certificate
- Photocopy of Identity Document
- Certificate Photo: Usually 4 copies are requested.
- ALES Certificate:At least 55 points must be obtained from the Academic Graduate Education Examination (ALES). However, some universities and departments may require a higher base score.
Doctorate
- Master’s Degree Diploma: (Not required for integrated doctoral applications.)
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree Transcript (Transcript)
- License Transcript (Transcript)
- Military Status Certificate
- Photocopy of Identity Document
- Certificate Photo: Usually 4 copies are requested.
- ALES Certificate: You must have at least 55 points. However, in some departments this score may be higher.
- Foreign Language Certificate:YDS or YÖKDİL with at least 55 points is required. The results of other foreign language exams (e.g. TOEFL) accepted as equivalent by YÖK are also valid.
Important Note: The above documents constitute a general framework. You should check the special conditions of the university and institute you will apply to, the application calendar and the additional documents (such as reference letters, letters of intent, interviews, etc.) on the official website of the relevant institution.
General Application Periods and Important Dates by University
| Institution/University | Application Type | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Türkiye Scholarships | Master’s Degree | January 10, 2025 | February 20, 2025 | Applications are accepted in a single period. |
| Aksaray University | International Student Master’s Program | August 4, 2025 | August 10, 2025 | Online application, final registration in person. |
| Hacı Bayram Veli University | Thesis-Based Master’s Program | July 18, 2025 | July 18, 2025 | Preliminary application period. |
| Hacı Bayram Veli University | Thesis-Based Master’s Program | July 22, 2025 | July 25, 2025 | Announcement of candidates eligible for the entrance exam. |
| Gebze Technical University | Master’s Degree | August 4, 2025 | August 27, 2025 | Application start and end dates. |
| Gebze Technical University | Master’s Degree | September 2, 2025 | September 2, 2025 | English Proficiency Exam. |
| Gebze Technical University | Master’s/PhD Entrance Exams | September 8, 2025 | September 9, 2025 | Master’s/PhD Entrance Examinations. |
What to Consider During the Application Process
- Early Application: It is recommended to apply for exams and programs as early as possible in order to avoid a shortage of places.
- Document Preparation: It is very important to prepare the documents completely and provide correct information. Particular attention should be paid to details such as notarized translations and biometric photographs.
- Official Sources: For up-to-date and accurate information, the official website of Turkey Scholarships and the websites of the universities should be followed. Residence permit appointments are made free of charge at Department of Migration Management, and third institutions that charge fees should not be trusted.
- Contact Information: In the applications, the contact information of the foreigner must be complete and accurate.
- Interview/Exam Preparation: Entrance exams or interviews are conducted for some programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the use of a master’s degree?
A master’s degree allows you to advance in your career by providing academic and professional expertise. It increases salary potential and opens new career doors.
Is a master’s degree paid in the state?
Yes, there is a tuition fee for master’s programs at public universities. However, this fee is much lower than foundation universities.
Can anyone get a master’s degree?
No, not everyone can do it. For master’s degree applications, undergraduate graduation, sufficient grade point average and required exam scores such as ALES, YDS are required.
What exams do you need to take for a master’s degree?
For a master’s degree, it is usually necessary to take ALES (Academic Personnel and Graduate Education Entrance Examination) and, depending on the language of the program, YDS (Foreign Language Proficiency Level Examination) or an equivalent language exam.