Duration of Studying Medicine in Turkey
Medical education in Turkey lasts 6 years and consists of three main phases: basic sciences, clinical training and internship. In this process, students are prepared for the profession of doctor by combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
Studying medicine in Turkey typically takes six years. The program is structured into three distinct phases:
Program Structure
- First two to three years: These are the pre-clinical years. Students focus on foundational medical and basic sciences, including subjects like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and biochemistry.
- Third to fifth years: These are the clinical years. Students transition from theoretical knowledge to practical application in hospitals and clinics. They gain hands-on experience by rotating through various medical specialties, such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and gynecology.
- Sixth year: This final year is the internship period. Students work as pre-graduate interns in university hospitals, taking on the duties of a regular doctor under supervision. This is the final stage of training before becoming a licensed medical doctor (MD).
For international students, an additional preparatory year may be required if they are not proficient in the language of instruction (either Turkish or English).
Studying Medicine in Turkey Costs
The cost of studying medicine in Turkey varies significantly depending on the type of university, the language of instruction, and other factors. Here’s a general breakdown:
Public Universities
- Cost per year: Generally ranges from $2,000 to $9,000.
- Language: Turkish-taught programs are typically more affordable than English-taught programs.
- Key Advantage: Public universities offer a high-quality education at a much lower cost, making them an attractive option.
Private Universities
- Cost per year: The annual tuition fee can range from $15,000 to over $27,000 on average. Some prestigious universities may have even higher fees.
- Language: Many private universities offer programs in English, which can be more expensive.
- Key Advantage: Private universities often have modern facilities, advanced laboratories, and partnerships with foreign universities.
Additional Costs to Consider:
- Living Expenses: The cost of living is relatively affordable in Turkey compared to many Western countries. This can range from $400 to $650 per month, depending on your lifestyle and location.
- Accommodation: Options include university dormitories, state-run dorms, private dorms, and renting a flat. Costs can vary widely.
- Health Insurance: An annual health insurance fee is usually required.
- Entrance Exams: Some universities may require specific entrance exams.
Scholarships and Discounts:
Many universities, both public and private, offer scholarships and discounts based on academic merit or other criteria. This can significantly reduce the overall cost of the program.
Career Options After Medicine Education
Different career paths are available for students who graduate from medical school:
- Become a specialist doctor: You can specialize in areas such as surgery, cardiology, pediatrics by taking the TUS exam.
- Working as a physician: You can work in state hospitals or private clinics without taking TUS.
- Practicing medicine abroad: You can practice medicine in countries such as the USA, Germany or the UK by taking equivalency exams.
- Academic career: You can become a lecturer or researcher at universities.
Best universities to study medicine in Turkey:
It is possible to study medicine at state and foundation (private) universities in Turkey. Here are some of the best medical schools:
State Universities
- Hacettepe University (Ankara)
- Istanbul University – Çapa and Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculties
- Ankara University Faculty of Medicine
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine
Foundation (Private) Universities
- Koç University School of Medicine
- Acıbadem University Faculty of Medicine
- Bahcesehir University Faculty of Medicine
Some universities also offer English medical programs for foreign students. For example, Koç University and Acıbadem University are among the popular faculties that teach in English.
Medical Faculty Admission Requirements for Foreign Students in Turkey
Medical faculties in Turkey have specific admission criteria for foreign students. Here are the general requirements:
- Exam Score: Most public universities require a TR-YÖS (Turkey’s exam for foreign students) score. Some universities may also accept SAT, ACT, or their own institutional exams.
- High School Diploma: A high school diploma with transcripts and a notarized Turkish translation are required.
- Language Proficiency: A language certificate, either TÖMER for Turkish-taught programs or TOEFL/PTE for English-taught programs, is necessary.
- Other Documents: You will also need to provide a passport copy, biometric photos, and a high school equivalency certificate.
Career Options After Graduation
After graduating, you have various career options both in Turkey and internationally. The most common paths are:
- General Practitioner: Doctors who are not Turkish citizens can generally work in private hospitals. This requires getting an equivalency certificate and a work permit from the Ministry of Health.
- Specialization: You can become a specialist in a field like surgery or internal medicine by taking the TUS (Medical Specialization Examination) and entering a residency program. This is the most common and popular career path.
- Academia and Research: You can pursue a career in medical research or become a faculty member at a university.
- Working Abroad: A Turkish medical diploma is recognized in many countries. However, you will likely need to pass local licensing exams (e.g., USMLE for the U.S. or PLAB for the UK) for the country where you wish to practice.
Does Medical Education in Turkey Make Sense?
International validity – Turkish medical degrees are recognized in many countries.
Economic educational opportunities – More affordable compared to Europe and the US.
Training in modern hospitals – Turkey offers medical students a wide range of opportunities with its advanced health infrastructure.
If you are aiming to become a doctor, we recommend that you start the application process early by researching medical schools in Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Countries with the easiest medical education?
Poland and Hungary. Flexible entry, affordable cost, English programs. Warsaw, Jagiellonian, Debrecen, Szeged universities in the world rankings.
Countries with the most difficult medical education?
Canada, France, UK, USA, Norway. Intensive curriculum, competitive exams (MCAT, PACES, UKCAT, USMLE), long-term training and language barrier.
What is the medical education system in Turkey?
Turkey’s medical education system is a 6-year undergraduate program leading to an M.D. degree. The curriculum is divided into three parts: pre-clinical sciences (years 1-2), clinical rotations (years 3-5), and a final year of internship (year 6) for hands-on practice. Many universities offer programs in both Turkish and English.
How many years is med school in Turkey?
Medical school in Turkey is a 6-year program. If an international student isn’t proficient in the language of instruction (either Turkish or English), they must complete an additional preparatory language year, making the total duration up to 7 years.
Is Turkey a good place to study medicine?
Turkey is a good choice for medical studies. It offers a high-quality, internationally recognized education that is more affordable than in many Western countries. The curriculum is rigorous, with modern facilities and extensive practical training in university hospitals. The country’s rich culture and diverse environment also provide a unique student experience.
How much does it cost to study medicine in Turkey?
Tuition fees vary, but they’re generally much lower than in the U.S. or Europe. At public universities, fees can range from $100 to $4,000 per year, while private universities typically charge between $10,000 and $25,000 annually.