Choosing Your Language of Instruction in Turkey: Turkish vs. English?

What is the Language of Instruction in Turkey and Why Is It So Important?

What is the official language of instruction in Turkey?

The official language of instruction at universities in Turkey is generally Turkish. Especially at public universities, the vast majority of undergraduate programs are conducted in Turkish. However, universities that want to reach more international students and be competitive in the academic field also offer programs in English. Some universities also have special programs taught in other languages like German or French, but these are quite limited.

Why is the choice of instruction language critical for international students?

The language of instruction determines from the very beginning how you will experience your university life in Turkey. It’s essential that your language level is sufficient to understand lectures, pass exams, and achieve academic success. But this doesn’t just affect your academic life; it also impacts your social life. Fully adapting to a Turkish university without learning Turkish can be really difficult. Likewise, if your English level is low, you might struggle in English-taught programs.

For example, when I first came to Turkey, I only knew a few words of Turkish. If I had chosen a Turkish-taught program, I probably would have been completely lost in the first semester. That’s why I’d say the choice of instruction language isn’t just a formality—it’s the cornerstone of your university life.

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Have English Classes Been Canceled in Turkey? Is English-Taught Education Still Available?

Are there English classes in Turkey, and are they mandatory?

English is still actively taught at universities and is offered as a core course in many programs. Additionally, prep schools are also still active.

Many universities in Turkey conduct their own proficiency exams to measure students’ English skills or accept scores from tests like TOEFL or IELTS. If you can’t demonstrate proficiency, you may need to attend a one-year prep school.

Are English programs still available, and in which fields are they common?

Yes, English-taught undergraduate and graduate programs are still quite common in Turkey. There are many universities where you can study in English, especially in fields like medicine, engineering, business administration, international relations, and computer engineering. Schools like Boğaziçi Üniversitesi, Koç Üniversitesi, and Sabancı Üniversitesi offer education almost entirely in English.

But be careful: when applying to English-taught programs, submitting a language proficiency certificate is almost always a requirement. Some students apply but then fail the prep school exam and end up losing a year.

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Turkish or English? Choosing a Program Based on the Language of Instruction

Is studying at a university in English difficult?

Let’s be real: studying at a university in English sounds cool, but it’s not easy at all. Especially in a non-native English-speaking country, understanding technical terms, reading academic texts, and giving presentations can be daunting at first. In the first semester, many international students feel like, “What am I doing here?” But over time, your language skills improve, and your brain adapts.

I had a friend who started an English-taught business program, but his TOEFL score had barely been high enough. He struggled a lot in his first year and sometimes felt like crying in certain classes. But after the second year, his grades improved, and now he’s preparing for his master’s degree. So, it’s difficult, but not impossible.

Why might Turkish programs be a better fit?

If your Turkish level is good or you’re willing to improve it, Turkish-taught programs can be much more affordable and accessible. At public universities, Turkish departments have more spots available, tuition fees are lower, and application requirements are more flexible. Plus, learning Turkish is a huge advantage for integrating into social life in Turkey.

Can you study in an English department without knowing English?

The short answer: No. If you want to study in an English department, you must either have a good level of English or be prepared to learn the language seriously in a one-year prep school. Most students who start with a “I’ll get by somehow” mentality either get stuck in the prep year or struggle to understand their major courses.

However, the prep year really works. At most universities, these classes are intensive and high-quality. I’ve seen many students achieve fluency in English after a year of disciplined study.

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Should There Be Foreign Language Education in Turkey? Pros and Cons

The international recognition of English-taught education

English-taught programs provide a major advantage, especially for students aiming for a global career. If you want to pursue a master’s degree abroad or work for a multinational company after graduation, an English-taught education puts you one step ahead. Many universities in Turkey offer programs compliant with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), and their diplomas are recognized in the international arena.

Beyond that, English is a significant advantage for accessing academic publications, conducting literature reviews, and doing research. Since most resources are in English, students studying in Turkish can fall a bit behind in this regard. In fact, in some fields like psychology or international relations, not knowing English almost means being left out of the profession.

The impact of Turkish-taught education on social adaptation

On the other hand, studying in Turkish can be a very valuable experience for foreign students. You’ll integrate more easily into daily life, it will be easier to make friends, and your chances of finding a job in Turkey may even increase. Especially if you plan to stay here long-term, investing in learning Turkish is a very smart move.

I knew a student from Indonesia who chose a Turkish-taught program. He struggled a lot at first, but within two years, he was speaking Turkish almost without an accent. After graduating, he got a job at a company in Turkey and is living here now. Learning a language isn’t just about classes; it’s life itself.

So, while it all sounds great, the reality is that what you gain from studying in English or Turkish is directly linked to your career goals. That’s why it’s essential to use logic as much as emotion when making your decision.

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Prep Schools, Proficiency Exams, and Language Courses

English Prep School or TÖMER? Which is tougher?

Both English and Turkish prep schools are available in Turkey. For students enrolling in English-taught programs, there is generally a mandatory one-year English preparatory education. Similarly, for foreign students who apply to Turkish-taught programs but don’t have sufficient Turkish skills, universities require them to attend TÖMER (Turkish Language Teaching Center) programs.

Be sure to check out our article on TÖMER in Turkey: What You Need to Know About Turkish Language Teaching Centers; it covers which TÖMER centers are in which cities, how the application processes work, and all the details.

So which one is harder? It actually depends entirely on your current level. If your English is at a B1-B2 level, you won’t struggle much in the prep year. But if you’re starting from scratch, that year will be incredibly intensive. The same goes for TÖMER. If you know a little conversational Turkish, you’ll improve quickly, but if you have no knowledge of the language, you might feel like a “talking robot” for the first few months.

My observation is this: English prep school is generally academically focused and more disciplined. TÖMER, on the other hand, offers a more practice-oriented system focused on conversation and daily communication.

What are the universities’ language proficiency requirements?

Each university has its own language proficiency rules. Some accept international exams like TOEFL or IELTS, while others conduct their own prep exams. For Turkish, a TÖMER certificate is usually sufficient. For example, with a B2 level TÖMER certificate, you can easily enroll in most universities’ Turkish-taught programs.

But be careful! Before applying with a certificate, always get detailed information from the university’s website or from RoadToStudy‘s consultancy service. Because sometimes a school might say, “The certificate isn’t enough; you also need to take our exam.”

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Which Language of Instruction Will Shape Your Future?

There are hundreds of programs waiting for you in Turkey—find the right one

Choosing your language of instruction isn’t just the gateway to university; it’s what sets the atmosphere for your entire university experience. Academic success, your social circle, and career plans are all shaped around this decision. Every year, thousands of international students enroll in English or Turkish-taught programs in Turkey. What about you?

Ask yourself this question: Which language will offer me the best learning experience?

Let’s find the best university for you together with RoadToStudy

Now is the time to take action. Your language of instruction will determine not just your present, but your future as well.