How many years is law school in Turkey?
In Turkey, law school generally lasts four years. This is the standard duration for an undergraduate law degree.
However, the total time can extend to five years if the student needs to complete an extra preparatory year for foreign language proficiency, which is often a requirement for law faculties that teach in a language other than Turkish, such as English or French. After graduating from the four-year program, aspiring lawyers must also complete a mandatory one-year legal internship, bringing the total time to become a licensed lawyer to at least five years.
What are the tuition fees for studying law in Turkey?
Public Universities:
- Turkish-taught programs: $300–$800 USD/year
- English-taught programs: $600–$1,500 USD/year
Private Universities:
- $3,000–$15,000 USD/year
Additional Fees:
- Registration/administrative: $50–$200 USD (one-time)
Best Universities Providing Study Law in Turkey
There are many reputable universities offering study law in Turkey. Here are some of the most popular law schools for international students:
- Istanbul University Faculty of Law – One of the oldest law faculties in Turkey, it stands out with its well-established academic staff.
- Ankara University Faculty of Law – One of the first law faculties in Turkey and known for its wide academic network.
- Galatasaray University Faculty of Law – A distinguished faculty with a French law influence and open to international students.
- Koç University Faculty of Law – It is one of the few law faculties that provides education in English and attracts attention with its international academic staff.
- Bilkent University Faculty of Law – An English-language faculty with strong international connections.
When I saw the historic building of Istanbul University last year, I felt that studying law there would be not only an academic but also a cultural experience.
Language of Education: Turkish or English?
Study Law in Turkey is mostly provided in Turkish. However, some universities also offer English-language law programs. While there are a small number of faculties that offer legal education entirely in English, these programs can be particularly advantageous for students interested in a career in international law.
If you are applying to a Turkish-medium faculty, you may be required to pass the TÖMER Turkish Proficiency Exam. For English-language faculties, a English proficiency certificate may be required through exams such as TOEFL or IELTS.
Some universities offering education in English:
- Koç University Faculty of Law
- Bilkent University Faculty of Law
- Istanbul Bilgi University Faculty of Law
These universities offer English-language education and emphasize subjects such as international law and European Union law.
Departments of Law in Turkey
In Turkey, law faculties are typically divided into two main departments: Private Law and Public Law.
Private Law
- Civil Law
- Law of Obligations
- Commercial Law
- Civil Procedure, Enforcement, and Bankruptcy Law
- Labor and Social Security Law
- International Private Law
Public Law
- Constitutional Law
- Administrative Law
- Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure Law
- General Public Law
- Tax Law
- Public International Law
Application Documents for Studying Law in Turkey
Below are the documents required for admission to law schools in Turkey:
- Completed Application Form
- High School Diploma and Translated Transcripts
- Entrance Exam Scores
- Language Proficiency Certificate
- Passport Copy
- Passport-sized Photos
- Letter of Motivation
- Letters of Recommendation
Is Study Law in Turkey Suitable for You?
If you want to study law in an international environment, receive an affordable and high-quality education, and develop yourself in a legal system that bridges Europe and Asia, Turkey may be a good option for you. However, it is important to research your post-graduation career plan well and pay attention to the language of instruction at your chosen university.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turkey a good place to study law?
The quality of legal education in Turkey varies significantly between universities. While some institutions have long-standing reputations and strong academic staff, the rapidly increasing number of law faculties has led to concerns about declining quality in some programs.
How to become a lawyer in Turkey?
To become a lawyer in Turkey, you must graduate from a four-year law faculty, complete a mandatory one-year legal internship, and register with a bar association.
How much do Turkish lawyers make?
The income of lawyers in Turkey depends on their experience, specialization, and whether they work in the public or private sector. As of 2024, the minimum legal fee schedule varies, but average salaries in the private sector are around ₺41,400.
How much does it cost to study law in Turkey?
The cost of studying law at a state university in Turkey is relatively low. However, tuition fees for private (foundation) universities can start from ₺300,000 and exceed ₺1,000,000 for the 2024-2025 academic year, though scholarship opportunities are available.
Which is the best law school in Turkey?
The “best” law school in Turkey is subjective and depends on individual preference. However, prestigious state universities like Istanbul University and Ankara University, as well as private institutions such as Koç University and Bilkent University, are generally considered to be top-tier choices.