There are several key reasons for Turkey’s rapid progress in energy and natural resources. First of all, its role as a bridge for natural gas pipelines, oil routes and electricity trade gives the country a great strategic importance.
The second is increasing energy demand. As industrialization, population and living standards rise, Turkey’s energy needs are also increasing significantly. This means more domestic production, more research and more investment. According to official data from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the hydroelectric potential alone is around 216 billion kWh. Resources such as wind, solar and geothermal complete this picture.
For these reasons, Turkey has become both a dynamic and supportive country for students and academics who want to conduct research in the field of energy.
Support Programs of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources
If you are planning to invest in energy or conduct academic projects in this field, there is a lot of official support waiting for you in Turkey. T.R. Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources offers comprehensive programs to encourage domestic and foreign investors.
Investment Guides and Incentives
The Ministry’s “Electricity and Natural Gas Investment Guides for Foreign Investors” are very instructive for anyone wishing to invest in Turkey’s energy infrastructure. Programs such as the Domestic Component Support also provide cost advantages for technological components to be produced in Turkey. These supports indirectly benefit not only investors but also students who will take part in research projects.
Energy Efficiency Supports
Efficiency is also a priority in Turkey’s energy policy. EVDES (Energy Efficiency Support Program) provides financing for energy-saving projects in industry and public institutions.
If you are a student working on energy efficiency or planning an academic career in this field, taking part in such projects can make a great contribution to your CV. In addition, these projects are a good starting point for future Career Opportunities in the Energy Sector in Turkey.
TUBITAK and Academic Project Supports
If you want to conduct academic research in the field of energy and natural resources in Turkey, TUBITAK can be your strongest supporter. The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey directly funds projects in this field.
Vision 2023 and Energy Panel
The Energy Panel, established as part of the “Vision 2023 Technology Foresight Project” published in 2003, drew Turkey’s road map in this field. Since then, TUBITAK has launched numerous calls on topics such as energy, mining and productivity.
Taking part in projects supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) allows you to improve your research skills and increases your opportunities to work in R&D and Innovation Centers in Turkey after graduation.
Energy and Natural Resources Education in Universities
Turkey’s universities offer both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in energy and natural resources. Under the umbrella of engineering faculties, this discipline is usually offered in departments such as Energy Systems Engineering, Geological Engineering, Oil and Natural Gas Engineering, Renewable Energy Technologies or Environmental Sciences. English programs for international students are also becoming more common.
Strong Universities in Energy and Natural Resources
Turkey has many strong university options for international students interested in studying and researching in energy and natural resources. These universities stand out with not only theoretical education but also laboratory infrastructure, field projects and sectoral collaborations.
Here are some prominent universities in this field and the special programs they offer:
Ege University – Solar Energy Institute (Izmir)
Ege University stands out with both its Department of Energy Technologies and its Institute for Solar Energy. The university conducts research in the fields of solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and hydrogen energy. Thanks to Izmir’s climatic advantage, active field work also has a large place.
Cukurova University
Cukurova University in Adana focuses on agricultural biomass, solar energy and energy efficiency with its Energy Systems Engineering undergraduate program. Thanks to the warm climatic conditions, open-air energy testing areas have been created.
Karadeniz Technical University (KTU)
KTU is leading the energy projects of the Black Sea Region, especially with its academic and field studies on Jeothermal Energy and Hydroelectric Potential. It has specialized staff in energy engineering and natural resources.
Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University – Energy Storage
It stands out with projects on energy storage technologies. Battery systems, electric vehicle infrastructures and smart energy management are among the areas this university focuses on.
Izmir Institute of Technology – Sustainable Energy Applications
The institute works on water and energy saving technologies and is known for its sustainable campus practices. It is one of the rare universities that meets most of its electricity needs through renewable energy production.
Atilim University – Hydrogen and Fuel Cells
Thanks to research on hydrogen energy, electrolysis technology and fuel cells, it contributes academically to the development of this field. Industry partnerships are also available in research projects.
Karabuk University – Clean, Accessible and Safe Energy
It offers a focused research approach on clean energy production, security in energy infrastructure and access to energy in rural areas.
Laboratory and Technological Infrastructure
Infrastructure available to students at these universities includes:
- Solar panel test centers
- Wind turbine simulation laboratories
- Oil reservoir analysis chambers
- Energy storage systems research laboratories
Thanks to this infrastructure, students in the field of energy and natural resources are equipped not only with theoretical knowledge, but also with field applications and real-time data analysis.
Opportunities for International Students
Being a student in Turkey is not just about getting in and out of classes. Especially if you are studying in a globally relevant field such as energy and natural resources, the opportunities you can get in this country bring you one step closer to a career before graduation.
Renewable Energy Projects and Internship Opportunities
From wind power plants to solar farms, many private sector companies offer students internships and project development opportunities through university partnerships. Some companies prefer to work directly with undergraduates because these young minds bring a fresh perspective to the energy and natural resources sector.
Foreign Investors and Sectoral Openness
According to foreign investor guides published by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, international labor force vacancies are increasing rapidly, especially in electricity and natural gas projects. For foreign students, this can make their dream of staying in Turkey after graduation and working in the sector a reality.
Taking Education in Energy in Turkey
Turkey is no longer just an option but a strong starting point for international students interested in a career in energy and natural resources. It is possible to take part in real projects while studying with affordable living costs, quality academic staff and state-funded scholarships.
Reach the Right University and Scholarships with Road to Study
If you are pursuing a career in energy and natural resources, finding the right university and scholarship program is critical. At this point, as the Road to Study team, we provide you with free consultancy. We are with you every step of the way, from program comparisons to application guides and visa processes.
Remember this: The future will be shaped by energy and natural resources. Let there be a place for you in this future.