Promising Fields: Among the most in-demand and promising engineering fields in Turkey are artificial intelligence, software, electrical-electronics, biomedical and industrial engineering.
Salary Expectation: By 2025, experienced engineers (10+ years) will earn higher salaries than new graduates (0-1 year). The average monthly salary of newly graduated engineers is 27,300 TL (1100 usd), while this figure can increase to 39,900 TL (1600) for experienced engineers. Fields such as aeronautical engineering (average 79,400 TL) (3300 USD) and computer engineering (average 52,700 TL) (2100 USD) offer a higher income potential than other branches of engineering.
Leading Universities: The most prestigious universities for engineering education include ITU, METU, Boğaziçi University, Bilkent University, Sabancı University and Koç University. In particular, ITU ranked first in Turkey and 142nd in the world in the field of “Engineering and Technology” in the QS 2022 ranking.
Application Requirements: International exam results (SAT or TR-YÖS) and English proficiency certificates (TOEFL iBT or IELTS) are usually required for admission to universities in Turkey. Obtaining the “Certificate of Equivalence” in advance, which shows that your high school diploma is equivalent to Turkish high schools, is critical for registration and professional processes.
Scholarship Opportunities: The most comprehensive program for international students is the “Turkey Scholarships“, which offers a one-year compulsory Turkish preparatory course for non-Turkish-speaking applicants, including those enrolled in an English-medium program.
TUBITAK, on the other hand, provides large scholarships to successful international students and researchers, especially at the graduate level.
Engineering Education in Turkey – The Structure of Education
Engineering education in Turkey generally lasts 4 years at undergraduate level. During this time, students study engineering core courses as well as elective courses and applied projects. Engineering programs are usually organized in the following structure:
- Basic Sciences: Courses such as mathematics, physics, chemistry.
- Engineering Basic Courses: Courses specific to fields such as electrical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering.
- Applied Projects: Projects where students can put their theoretical knowledge into practice.
- Internship: Compulsory internship programs that enable students to gain experience in the sector.
This structure aims to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
The Most Popular Engineering Fields: Which Departments Should You Choose?
Popular engineering majors in Turkey include the following:
- Electrical Engineering: Focuses on the generation, distribution and utilization of electrical energy.
- Mechanical Engineering: Deals with the design and analysis of mechanical systems.
- Civil Engineering: Provides training in the design, construction and maintenance of structures.
- Computer Engineering: Focuses on the design and development of software and hardware systems.
- Industrial Engineering: Works on optimizing business processes and increasing productivity.
These departments are in high demand both in Turkey and internationally. It is recommended that students choose one of these departments according to their interests and career goals.
Best Engineering Universities in Turkey
There are many universities in Turkey that provide engineering education. Here are some of these universities:
- Boğaziçi University: Offers high quality education in electrical, mechanical and computer engineering.
- Orta East Technical University (METU): It stands out with its internationally recognized engineering programs.
- Istanbul Technical University (ITU): Offers a wide range of programs in engineering.
- Sabancı University: Draws attention with its innovative education approach and applied projects.
- Yildiz Technical University: It has a strong academic staff in the field of engineering.
These universities provide students with education at international standards and increase the chances of graduates finding a job.
Promising Engineering Fields
Some areas of engineering that are expected to become prominent in the future include:
- Renewable Energy Engineering: Focuses on the use of solar, wind and other renewable energy sources.
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence: Big data analysis and artificial intelligence applications are in great demand in the engineering field.
- Bioengineering: A combination of medicine and engineering, this field focuses on health technologies.
- Autonomous Systems: Autonomous vehicles and robotics are gaining an important place in the field of engineering.
- Sustainable Civil Engineering: Works on the design and construction of environmentally friendly structures.
Advantages of Studying Engineering in Turkey
There are many advantages to studying engineering in Turkey:
- Quality Education: Universities in Turkey provide education at international standards and many programs are accredited.
- Affordable Living Costs: Turkey is more affordable than many western countries in terms of living costs. Students can live on a monthly budget of between 300-600 USD.
- Cultural Richness: Turkey offers students different experiences with its rich history and culture. There are opportunities to attend local festivals, taste traditional Turkish cuisine and visit historical sites.
- International Relations: Turkey is a bridge between Europe and Asia due to its geographical location. This offers a wide social and academic networking opportunity for international students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What documents are required to study engineering in Turkey?
To study engineering in Turkey, a letter of acceptance, passport, photograph, health insurance and proof of financial qualification are usually required.
Is Turkey a good place to study engineering?
Yes, Turkey is a good option for engineering education. The country has many reputable universities ranked in world rankings. It provides comfort to international students as the medium of instruction is usually English.
How much does an engineer earn in Turkey?
Engineer salaries in Turkey vary according to field and experience. A newly graduated engineer can earn between 27,300 TL (1100 USD) and 60,000 TL (1500 USD), while an experienced engineer can earn 100,000 TL (4000 USD) or more.
How to become an engineer in Turkey
To become an engineer in Turkey, one must complete a 4-year undergraduate program at a relevant engineering faculty of a university recognized by YÖK. For international students, exams such as YÖS or SAT may be admission criteria.
What is the highest paying job in Turkey?
The highest salaries in Turkey are usually earned by those working in technology-oriented fields such as software engineering, artificial intelligence engineering, aerospace and defense industries. Professionals with experience in these areas can achieve very high incomes.
The best engineering universities in Turkey
Turkey’s top engineering universities include Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Middle East Technical University (METU) and Boğaziçi University. Foundation universities such as Koç, Sabancı, Bilkent and Bahçeşehir also have strong programs.