What is the Department of International Trade and Logistics in Turkey?
As the name suggests, international trade and logistics is a field that covers the management of global trade processes and the movement of goods and services. In other words, you don’t just “sell the product”, you also learn where and how that product comes from, which legal procedures it goes through, which transportation method is more efficient.
In Turkey, this program is usually offered at the four-year undergraduate level. The language of instruction is English in most universities or English can be switched to English with optional preparation. The program includes courses such as economics, foreign trade, logistics management, supply chain, customs legislation and international law.
A personal friend of mine studied this department in Izmir and after graduation he started working for a German logistics company. He said, “It is important to know the sector, not just the course.” In this sense, Turkey provides a good ground for translating theory into practice.
International Trade and Logistics Education in Which Universities?
In Turkey, international trade and logistics programs are widely offered at both public and private universities. However, some universities stand out in this field both in terms of academic staff and sector connections. Here are some things to consider:
Marmara University (Istanbul): One of the most established foreign trade programs in Turkey. It is a great advantage to be in a trade center like Istanbul.
Istanbul University – Cerrahpaşa: It stands out with its broad curriculum and strong cooperation with the sector. Erasmus opportunities are also quite wide.
Ege University (Izmir): It offers content with a focus on logistics. Internship opportunities are high due to its proximity to a major trade point such as Izmir Port.
Yeditepe University: stands out with English education and double major opportunities. Trade-oriented student clubs and seminars are noteworthy.
Istanbul Commerce University: As the name suggests, it is intertwined with the sector. Especially thanks to the protocols with logistics companies, students can go to the field before they graduate.
In addition, if you want to see the details from official sources, you can examine all programs on YÖK Atlas.
Best Logistics and Trade Universities in Turkey
| University | Program Name | Language of Instruction | City | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koç University | International Business and Trade | English | Istanbul | Ranked in global rankings, strong academic staff and alumni network |
| Sabancı University | Management Sciences (trade-oriented with a flexible curriculum) | English | Istanbul (Tuzla) | Starting without choosing a major in the first year, modern campus, entrepreneurship support |
| Boğaziçi University | Business Administration or Economics (trade-related content) | English | Istanbul | Academic excellence, international recognition, Erasmus opportunities |
| Bilkent University | International Trade and Logistics | English | Ankara | Fully funded scholarship options, strong campus life |
| Istanbul Commerce University | International Logistics and Transportation | Turkish / English | Istanbul | Direct industry connections, close ties with the business world |
| Marmara University | International Trade and Finance | Turkish / English | Istanbul | Large student body, well-established public university |
| Ege University | International Trade and Logistics | Turkish | Izmir | Proximity to ports and trade zones, strong internship opportunities |
| Yeditepe University | International Trade and Business Administration | English | Istanbul | Double major opportunities, Erasmus programs, active social life through student clubs |
There are many universities in Turkey offering degrees in international trade and logistics, but some stand out for their English-language programs, industry partnerships, and graduate success. In the table above, we have compiled a list of universities with a strong academic reputation, high student satisfaction and strong connections to the business world. Located in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, these schools offer both theoretical knowledge and field experience. Whether you aim for private universities with scholarships or well-established state schools. When you graduate from these universities, you have a good chance of gaining a solid place in the world of global trade.
Why Turkey’s Location is Important for Global Trade?
Turkey sits at a crossroads, not only physically, but also commercially and logistically. Its location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East makes it a natural transit country. This is a huge advantage for students who want to study international trade and logistics.
1st Intercontinental Bridge
Turkey is a physical bridge between Asia and Europe. The cargoes passing through the Bosphorus Strait constitute a strategic transit point for a container from China to reach Europe. This makes Turkey the center of the “Modern Silk Road” projects.
For example, Turkey is an important logistics hub in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Thanks to Marmaray and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line, cargo can now be transported much faster by land and sea.
2. Developed Port and Transportation Network
Turkey’s ports are used not only for domestic trade but also for transit transportation. Ports in cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, Mersin and Samsun carry millions of tons of cargo every year. At the same time, road, rail and air cargo systems have also received significant investments in recent years.
In particular, Istanbul Airport is rapidly becoming one of the world’s largest air cargo hubs. For international students, this means both internship and post-graduation job opportunities.
3. Regional Base of Logistics Companies
Many global logistics and transportation companies have chosen Turkey as their regional hub. Giants such as DHL, Maersk, DB Schenker are opening offices and managing their operations here. This means that while you are studying in Turkey, you can have the chance to connect directly with these companies.
If you want to take a broader perspective, you can check out World Bank Logistics Performance Index to see how Turkey has improved its logistics efficiency in recent years.
4. Political and Economic Advantages
Turkey’s free trade with EU countries under the Customs Union agreement is also a big plus. Turkey also has FTAs (Free Trade Agreements) with many countries. This enables faster and more cost-effective cross-border trade.
In a nutshell: You are not only learning theoretical knowledge, but you are also training right in the middle of one of the world’s most vibrant trade corridors. An experience that is both close to the field and open to vision awaits you.
Advantages of Studying International Trade and Logistics in Turkey
Studying this department in Turkey does not just mean a four-year university education. In fact, during this time, you gain experience in the middle of the global trade network. There is a training process intertwined with both technical knowledge and international practice. But why Turkey?
1. The Impact of Strategic Location on Education
In the previous section, we discussed Turkey’s geographical importance. This strategic location has a direct impact on university education. Many schools are located close to ports, free zones, and logistics companies. This allows students to learn about working life not only from books but also from the field.
2. English Education and Global Perspective
International trade is already a multilingual and multicultural field. In Turkey, you can study this department in English at many universities. Moreover, your classmates are usually from different countries. In this way, you get used to intercultural communication already at school.
Some universities also require or encourage a second foreign language (such as Spanish, German, French). This is reflected on your CV as a serious plus after graduation.
3. Affordable Cost of Living
If you get the same quality of education in Europe or North America, you face much higher tuition and living expenses. Annual tuition fees at public universities in Turkey are quite low. Private universities also offer a much more accessible education thanks to scholarship opportunities.
In addition, costs such as housing, transportation and food are also very affordable for students. You can get discounts on public transportation with a student card, many university cafeterias offer quality food at very low prices.
4. Erasmus and Exchange Programs
Many universities in Turkey run exchange programs with universities in Europe and Asia. In other words, you can study logistics in Germany for a semester and then return to Turkey. This means both the chance to get to know new cultures and academic diversity.
As Road to Study, we draw attention to these opportunities during the application process because some students want to not only study in Turkey, but also “make Turkey the center and expand to other countries”. This section makes just that possible.
Where Can Graduates Work?
International trade and logistics graduates have a wide range of opportunities in the business world. Because this department touches not just “one sector” but many sectors: maritime transportation, air cargo, foreign trade, e-commerce, production, storage, customs, finance… The list goes on and on. In other words, we are talking about a section that opens not to a single door, but to dozens of doors.
1. Logistics and Transportation Companies
This is the most obvious one. Graduates usually start as logistics planners, warehouse managers, purchasing managers or supply chain specialists. Turkey offices of global companies such as DHL, UPS, DB Schenker, Maersk are very active and open to new graduates.
There are also local giants in Turkey: There are also many positions for graduates in companies such as Ekol Logistics, Netlog, Borusan Logistics.
2. Foreign Trade and Export Departments
Turkey, with its manufacturing and export-oriented economy, is a country that is constantly growing in foreign trade. This means that companies are looking for graduates in positions such as “export specialist”, “customs operations officer”, “foreign trade sales representative”. Students studying in this department make a difference in these fields thanks to their technical knowledge and international communication skills.
3. Ports, Customs and Free Zones
These areas offer serious opportunities, especially for students living in port cities. There are both internship and permanent job opportunities in major centers such as Izmir Alsancak Port, Mersin Port or Istanbul Ambarlı. Customs brokerage companies also frequently recruit new graduates.
4. E-Commerce and Warehouse Management
With the explosion of e-commerce in recent years, the logistics infrastructure has grown tremendously. Companies such as Trendyol, Hepsiburada, Amazon Turkey prefer graduates of this department in many areas from warehouse operations to order management.
There is a serious demand for young professionals who speak foreign languages, especially in “fulfillment centers” in Istanbul.
5. Starting Your Own Business
Some graduates prefer to start their own foreign trade companies or logistics consulting firms. The start-up process in Turkey is very practical and there are many platforms that provide support to new entrepreneurs. If you have a little entrepreneurial spirit, this department will open that door for you.
When planning your career, you can check out job opportunities, internship programs and graduate success stories in Turkey on Road to Study. It is also very useful to examine where graduates are working with keywords such as “International Trade and Logistics Turkey” on LinkedIn.
Application Process and Visa for International Students
Applying to universities in Turkey is not as complicated as you might think, but the different documents and deadlines required by each university can make the process a bit confusing. Steps such as visa application, residence permit and health insurance are a natural part of this process.
Life and Student Experience in Turkey
Studying in Turkey is not just about attending classes on campus. It also means getting to know a completely different culture, meeting different cuisines, making new friends and making memories that will last a lifetime. And let me be honest, Turkey is really generous in this regard.
1. Costs of Living and Accommodation
Turkey is a much more affordable place to live compared to big cities in Europe or North America. Especially basic needs such as food, transportation and accommodation are quite accessible for students.
State dormitories, private dormitories and student apartments are quite common. Although prices are slightly higher in big cities like Istanbul, private universities with scholarships usually provide support for accommodation.
The cities most preferred by students: Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Eskişehir, Bursa and Antalya. These cities have both strong university facilities and a vibrant social life.
2. Campus Life and Social Activities
Universities offer students not only academic but also social development. Campus life is full of student clubs, seminars, entrepreneurship competitions, theater troupes and sports teams.
For example, Sabancı University’s Commerce and Entrepreneurship Club brings names from the business world to campus every year. The International Student Festival, held every summer at METU, allows students from different countries to introduce their cultures. So there are many experiences waiting for you outside the classroom.
3. Food, Culture and Daily Life
Turkish cuisine is truly legendary. With meat dishes, vegetable dishes, desserts, street food, it is not difficult to adapt to the kitchen. Especially if you’ve eaten a kumpir in Istanbul or a crisp in Izmir, you may not easily be satisfied with food from another country.
Transportation in daily life is quite systematic. Public transportation options such as metro, bus, tram are widespread and much more affordable with student cards. It is also possible to sit on the beach with your friends in the evenings, go to the movies or catch a concert.
4. Safety and Student Support
In general, Turkey is a safe country for international students. Most universities have international student offices that help with everything from the visa process to course selection and even health insurance.
Also, since private health insurance is mandatory for students, you don’t have to worry about accessing the hospital in case of an emergency.
What Should You Do Now?
In a globally connected field like International Trade and Logistics, Turkey offers you both quality education and life experiences. And it does so cost-effectively, in a multicultural environment and with a dynamic future.
You can get step-by-step support for university selection, scholarship application, visa process and more, and complete the process effortlessly.