If you want to study in Turkey and you have financial support from your family, planning is essential. This is where “family-supported financing” comes in, because this is a long-term commitment for both you and your family. One of the biggest items is tuition fees, but of course it is not limited to that.
University Tuition and Education Expenses
At public universities, annual tuition fees for foreign students typically range from $300 to $1,000. At foundation (private) universities this amount can be much higher, up to $8,000 – $15,000 at some prestigious institutions.
| Type of University | Annual Tuition (USD) |
|---|---|
| State University | $300 – $1,000 |
| Foundation University | $8,000 – $15,000 |
It’s important to consider these fees for the entire duration of your studies, not just the first year, when making your family-supported financing plan.
Daily Living and Food Expenses: How Much Does It Cost?
The average monthly living expense for a student is between $300 – $500. This depends on the city you live in and your lifestyle. For example, while eating out in Istanbul can be expensive, it can be much more affordable in cities like Gaziantep.
Average Monthly Expense List:
- Rent: $150 – $1000
- Food: $100 – $650
- Transportation: $20 – $100
- Internet, Telephone: $15 – $200
- Personal Expenses: $50 – $300
City by City Accommodation Prices and Transportation Costs
Which city you live in also makes a big difference when financing a family-supported mortgage. While it costs around $500-1500 to rent an apartment in the center of Istanbul, the same opportunities in Erzurum can be reduced to around $300-1000.
Comparison of Scholarship and Loan Systems in Turkey
Scholarships and loans are a great opportunity for foreign students studying in Turkey. But these opportunities can be lost if you don’t apply correctly or if you miss the requirements. When planning family-supported finances, scholarships, as non-repayable resources, can significantly ease the budget.
Types of Scholarships and Family Supported Financing Compatible
There are several main types of scholarships you can apply for in Turkey:
- Turkey Scholarships: Full scholarship awarded by the state. It covers tuition, accommodation and living expenses.
- In-college scholarships: Based on GPA or merit.
- Foundation and private organization scholarships: The criteria can be very diverse.
These scholarships often come as a supplement to the family-supported financing structure and, in some cases, can take the burden off the family altogether.
Scholarship Renewal Conditions and Cancellations
The continuity of many scholarships depends on academic achievement. In other words, low grades can cause you to lose not only school, but also scholarship support.
- If the grade point average falls below 2.00/4.00, the scholarship is usually withdrawn
- Disciplinary action, absenteeism can also lead to scholarship cancellation
- Scholarship renewal usually requires application at the beginning of each academic year
If your scholarship is canceled, it is important to include this possibility in your planning, as it will put more strain on your family’s finances. For more detailed information, you can also check Scholarship Renewal Conditions and Cancellations.
Is it possible to benefit from more than one scholarship in Turkey?
We get this question a lot: Can you get two scholarships at the same time? The answer is “Yes, depending on the situation.” But there are some rules you should pay attention to.
Official Restrictions and Rules
Some large scholarships, such as the Turkey Scholarships, cannot be used concurrently with another source of funding. However, an intra-university merit scholarship and a private foundation scholarship usually do not overlap. Before applying, it is necessary to carefully read the requirements of the scholarship providers.
General rule:
Scholarships in the same category (e.g. two full scholarships) cannot be taken, but it may be possible if one is for accommodation and the other for living expenses.
Application Strategies and Family Planning Recommendations
When planning for family-supported financing, scholarships should be seen as a “burden reducer”, not just “additional income”. A good strategy is to keep the family’s budget stable and gradually ease the burden with scholarships. This makes it easier for the family to step in in an emergency.
Accommodation Guide for Students in Turkey
Housing is one of the biggest components of a family-supported financing plan. Choosing the right neighborhood, especially for long-term rentals, makes a big difference in terms of both cost and security.
Shared Houses and Ways to Find a Roommate
Housemateship is the easiest way to ease the burden of a family-supported financing plan. Shared housing can cut rent by half or even a third. Facebook groups, university bulletin boards or dormitory circles are very useful. Still, watch out for safety!
Shared house advantages:
- Lower rent and bills
- Ease of social networking
- Sharing tasks such as cleaning and kitchen
Contract Signing, Deposit Refund and Legal Details
When renting a house, it is very important to read the contract in detail before signing it. In Turkey, the tenant’s deposit is usually 1 to 2 rental fees and is returned if the house is undamaged on departure. For the family-supported financing model, this is a one-time but large expense.
What to Watch Out For:
- Put the lease in writing
- Be sure to get the deposit receipt
- Learn the annual limits of the rent increase rate (usually not exceeding 25%)
Money Sending, Banking and Budget Tracking
If your family lives abroad, regular money transfers to Turkey are one of the most critical issues. For a family-supported financing scheme to be sustainable, these transactions must be fast and low-cost.
Methods to Send Money from Family to Turkey
Western Union, Wise, Revolut and SWIFT are some of the ways to send USD to Turkey. However, transaction fees and exchange rates vary.
Most used ways to send money:
| Method | Average Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Western Union | 10 min – 1 hour |
| Wise | 1 – 2 business days |
| SWIFT (Banks) | 2 – 5 business days |
Platforms like Wise generally offer lower commissions and the advantage of fixed transactions in USD.
Tracking Student Accounts and Exchange Rates
Most banks in Turkey open accounts for foreign students. Large banks such as Ziraat Bank and Garanti BBVA can also offer English service support. Opening a USD account makes it easier to use family support without exchanging foreign currency.
Tip:
You can use your family-supported financing budget more wisely by setting up exchange rate alerts on mobile applications.
Digital Tools for Family Supported Financing
When planning, using apps like Google Sheets, Notion, or YNAB (You Need A Budget) can make it much easier. You can stay in balance by listing items such as income (family support), expenses, rent, food, etc.
City by City Student Friendly Neighborhoods and Living Guide
Choosing which city to study in Turkey is not only about the quality of the university, but also about daily living conditions and costs. These differences are very important when planning family-supported financing, because life in some cities can be much more affordable than in others.
Social Life, Safety and Transportation Criteria
The place to live should not only be cheap; it should be preferred where social life is active and transportation is easy.
Points to Consider:
- 7/24 open public transportation (Istanbul, Ankara advantageous)
- Proximity to university (reduces daily transportation cost)
- Lighting and street safety
Seasonal and Short-Term Accommodation Alternatives
Some students only come to Turkey for a semester or summer school with family support. In this case, short-term Airbnb apartments, summer student dormitory options or seasonal hostels may make sense.
Planning short stays with family-supported financing is more flexible, but advance booking is essential as prices can increase periodically.
Education in Turkey with Family Supported Finance
If your family supports you, this is a great opportunity for you. But if you don’t manage this opportunity correctly, you can quickly exhaust your budget and increase the burden on your family. It is at this point that family-supported financial planning establishes not only an economic but also an emotional balance.
To-Do List:
- Net fixed costs such as fees, rent, transportation
- Determine the net monthly support amount with your family
- Consider scholarships and additional financing options
- If you need a loan, plan repayment in advance
- Allocate 10-15% flexible budget for unexpected expenses
Studying in Turkey is an exciting, transformative and career-shaping journey. And in this journey, the support of your family can make you more confident and take more solid steps.