Average Interior Architect Salary in Turkey
| Experience Level | Average Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| < 1 year | 35,500 TL (900 USD) |
| 4–6 years | 57,100 TL (1300 USD) |
| 15+ years | 76,400 TL (1800 USD) |
Best Interior Design Company in Turkey
- EAA – Emre Arolat Architecture
- FGA Mimarlık.
- Tabanlıoğlu Architects.
- GAD Architecture.
- NSMH.
- Erginoğlu & Çalışlar Architects.
- Hayri Atak Architecture Design Studio.
- Melike Altınışık Architects.
Interior Architecture Education in Turkey: What to Expect
Interior architecture and environmental design departments in Turkey offer a strong practical education alongside a theoretical background. This means that drawing, model cutting, three-dimensional modeling in the workshop is as much a part of education as dreaming at the desk.
Program Content and Training Duration
Programs usually last 4 years. In the first years, basic art and design courses are taken: drawing techniques, perspective, material knowledge, color theory. In the following years, interior design, environmental factors, ergonomics, digital design programs (AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, etc.) and project-based studio courses gain weight.
Some universities also offer elective courses in areas such as sustainable design, cultural heritage conservation and green building technologies. This gives you the chance to specialize in your area of interest.
Best Architecture Universities in Turkey
When it comes to architecture education in Turkey, the leading universities are: Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Middle East Technical University (METU), Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (MSGSU), Bilkent University, TOBB University of Economics and Technology (TOBB ETU), and Yıldız Technical University (YTU). These universities stand out in terms of both academic quality and industry connections.
- Istanbul Technical University (ITU)
Highlights: Long-established academic tradition, strong research opportunities, high rankings in international listings. - Middle East Technical University (METU)
Highlights: English-medium education, modern studio facilities, international recognition. - Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (MSGSU)
Highlights: Artistic approach, education focused on urban and cultural heritage, prestigious alumni network. - Bilkent University
Highlights: English-medium education, modern studio opportunities, international exchange programs, scholarships and support options. - TOBB University of Economics and Technology (TOBB ETU)
Highlights: Modern and holistic education approach, courses in urban planning and design, interactive studio opportunities. - Yıldız Technical University (YTU)
Highlights: Long academic history, location advantage in Istanbul, strong ties with the industry, and internship opportunities.
State Universities with the Highest Quota for Architecture
| University Name | Number of Places |
|---|---|
| Yildiz Technical University | 139 |
| Istanbul Technical University (ITU) | 108 |
| Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University | 98 |
| Trakya University | 85 |
| Dokuz Eylül University | 82 |
These two universities stand out among public universities in terms of architecture department quotas.
Foundation Universities with the Highest Quota for Architecture
The highest quotas of architecture departments at foundation universities in Turkey as of 2025 are as follows:
University Quotas (with Scholarships/Discounts)
| University | Quota (Scholarship/Discount) |
|---|---|
| TED University (Ankara) | 46 students |
| Çankaya University (Ankara) | 42 students |
| MEF University (Istanbul) | 34 students |
| Istanbul Bilgi University (Istanbul) | 68 students (English, 50% discount) |
Visa and Scholarship Information for Foreign Students
The first step for international students who want to study interior architecture in Turkey is to apply for a student visa. After you receive your acceptance letter, the visa process is usually fast, but it is important that the documents are complete. You can find answers to questions such as which documents are required and how long it takes to obtain a visa in our student visa guide.
As for scholarships, many public and foundation universities in Turkey offer scholarships to international students. GPA, portfolio or aptitude tests can be effective in the scholarship decision. For more details, I recommend you take a look at our article about scholarship education in Turkey.
Job Opportunities and Sector Trends After Graduation
“Where will I work after studying this program?”, you are not alone. The biggest question on most students’ minds. Interior architecture and environmental design is a versatile field with both creative and technical aspects, and the paths after graduation are shaped accordingly.
Work Opportunities in Turkey
If you want to stay in Turkey after graduation, it is possible to find jobs in interior architecture offices, construction firms and design agencies, especially in big cities (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir). In addition, the freelance project-based working model is also quite common. New designers are constantly being sought for restaurants, hotels, shopping malls and residential projects.
In environmental design, potential employers include landscape offices, municipalities and architectural consultancies. If you have a good command of technical programs and sustainability, you can also go into areas such as green building consulting.
International Career Opportunities
Interior architecture speaks a universal language: form, light, material. Therefore, if your portfolio is well-prepared after graduating from Turkey, you can apply for jobs in many countries in Europe, the Middle East or Asia.
Students who graduate from English-majority programs, in particular, start working remotely or face-to-face with companies abroad.
Many students prefer to specialize with a master’s degree after graduation. There are alternatives such as design schools in Italy, environmentally-oriented programs in the Netherlands, and the diploma in Turkey is sufficient for these applications.
Design Your Dream Spaces: Why you should study in Turkey
When I was studying interior architecture, what I needed most was inspiration. Turkey is very generous in this regard. One day you find yourself examining stone structures in Cappadocia, the next day you enter a modern art gallery in Istanbul. In no other country is this diversity so intertwined.
Interior architecture education in Turkey is not only academic; the city you live in, the street you walk on, even the café you sit in nourishes you. Dealing with real projects, meeting local and foreign designers and being immersed in cultural diversity during education enriches the student experience many times over.
It is also much more cost-effective than Europe. The quality of education is high but the cost of living is lower. This balance makes Turkey ideal for international students.
If you want to design the spaces of your dreams, starting your journey in an inspiring country will give you not only knowledge but also vision. And that country is most likely Turkey.
Interior Architecture or Architecture? The Difference and the Right Choice
Should I study interior architecture or architecture? I asked myself this question at least five times, especially during the preference period. Both are design-oriented fields, but they are actually quite different worlds.
Architecture – The Discipline that Designs the Building
Architecture involves planning the entire physical structure of a building, from the foundation to the roof, and managing the construction process. Technical courses such as statics, building knowledge and material science are predominant. In other words, it is the side that “builds” the building. It usually deals with large-scale projects: apartment buildings, hospitals, cultural centers, etc.
Interior Architecture – The Discipline that Shapes the Living Space
Interior architecture shapes the space inside the building according to people’s needs and emotions. Every detail from room acoustics to lighting, from color selection to material combination is the subject of this discipline. It focuses more on the livability of the interior and the user experience is at the forefront.
In short, you can think of it like this: The architect builds the structure, the interior designer brings it to life.
Although these two fields are intertwined in some projects, their focus is quite different. I suggest you consider your interests and work style when deciding which one is right for you.
Interior Aesthetics in Turkey: From Tradition to Modern
Turkey is a unique blend of architecture. It is possible to see both the splendor of the past and modern lines together. This means a unique observation area for a student studying interior architecture. Especially in cities like Istanbul, seeing Ottoman architecture on one street and a modern minimalist building on the next corner is part of an ordinary day.
Perception of Space from the Ottoman Era to the Present Day
Buildings such as the Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahçe and Selimiye Mosque are not only instructive in terms of architecture, but also in terms of interior aesthetics. Elements such as ceiling decorations, the use of natural light, symmetry and color balance have been carried from centuries ago to today.
The ability to observe them on site means applying theoretical knowledge in the field. Universities use this advantage very well; some courses are taught directly through these structures.
Interior Design in Contemporary Turkey
Modern Turkish architecture is based on functionality and simplicity. Residences, shopping centers and public buildings, especially in big cities, reflect the contemporary design approach. Combinations of glass, steel and wood, the use of sustainable materials and playing with natural light are popular.
Thanks to this diversity, students can get to know both traditional and modern styles and create their own lines between these two worlds. Contemporary interior design in Turkey is also frequently featured on platforms such as ArchDaily, which increases international visibility.
A Day of an Interior Architecture Student: Lectures, Workshops, Inspiration
The life of an interior design student is busier than you think, but also very creative. A typical day might start with a drawing class at 9 am and continue with studio work until late in the evening. “A designer loses sleep but is satisfied.”
Morning – From Theory to Practice
The first lesson of the day is usually technical: building knowledge, material analysis or digital drawing programs. After the lecture, students move to workshops for individual or group projects. Ideas are exchanged and drawings are developed on the project in the company of the instructors.
Afternoon – Project Presentations and Workshop Time
Interior architecture, oral presentations are also very important. You need to be able to explain the project, why you chose that color or form. Part of the day is therefore devoted to presentations. Then, model making, three-dimensional design work on the computer or model cutting is done in the workshop.
Evening – In Pursuit of Inspiration
The designer’s mind doesn’t stop when classes are over. Going to an exhibition, visiting an architectural building or even examining the seating arrangement of a coffee shop can be part of the daily routine. Design education continues not only in the classroom, but also on the street, on the bus, even while sitting at home.
This pace may seem exhausting at first, but for someone with a passion for design, it is extremely nourishing. After days of creativity, your portfolio will be full and your drawings will start talking. Students sometimes have the chance to exhibit their projects at events such as the Istanbul Design Biennial.
Design Your Future: It’s Time to Step into Education in Turkey
If you want to make a space not only beautiful but also livable and meaningful, interior architecture is for you. It not only gives you a sense of aesthetics, but also the ability to solve problems, understand people and transform living spaces.
Now it’s time to make your dream a reality.
Whether you’re looking to apply for a scholarship or can’t decide on a university, Road to Study is here to guide you.
Everything you need to draw the first line on your dream project is just a click away.
Turkey is waiting for you. Are you ready?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which university to go to for interior architecture?
ITU, Mimar Sinan GSU, Bilkent, Özyeğin, Bahçeşehir and TOBB stand out.
Where to study interior architecture?
State: ITU, Mimar Sinan, Gazi;
Foundation: Bilkent, Özyeğin, Bahçeşehir, Istanbul Medipol.
Interior architecture EA or SAY?
Takes students with numerical score type. TYT + AYT Math and Science sections are effective.
Does Turkey have good architecture?
Yes, Turkey has world-renowned architecture blending Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern styles, offering both historic landmarks and innovative new projects.
What is Turkish interior design?
Turkish interior design mixes tradition and modernity with rich textiles, patterned tiles, warm colors, and ornate details that create inviting, cultural spaces.
Is Turkey good for interior design?
Yes, Turkey is a growing hub for interior design, with skilled designers, diverse aesthetics, and rising demand for modern yet culturally rooted spaces.