Student Budget 2025: Cost of Studying in Turkey

İçindekiler gizle

1. What is the Average Cost of Living in Turkey for Students?

2. Public vs. Private University Fees in Turkey

3. Monthly budget breakdown: housing, food, transport, Educational Materials

4. Tips to reduce monthly expenses while studying in Turkey

5. Plan Your Student Budget Now and Take Control

What is the Average Cost of Living in Turkey for Students?

The monthly cost of living for a student in Turkey ranges from a minimum of 250 USD to an average of 400 USD to 650 USD by 2025.

Compare monthly costs for students in Istanbul vs smaller cities

The cost of living in Turkey can vary significantly depending on the city you are in and the lifestyle you prefer. In particular, living in big cities and living in Anatolian cities can vary widely in terms of cost.

For example, a student’s life in Istanbul can cost 25-40% more than in Ankara or Izmir.

You can join our Reddit Community about Student Budget in Turkey and start a discussion topic to talk about your experiences or the topics you are curious about.

Public vs. Private University Fees in Turkey

In Turkey, public universities are largely supported by the government, which makes them much more affordable compared to private institutions. Below is an overview of the typical annual tuition fees for both types of universities:

University Type	Undergraduate Tuition (per year)	Master’s Tuition (per year)
Public University	$150 – $750	$300 – $900
Private University	$3,000 – $15,000+	$4,000 – $20,000+

Overall, studying at a public university in Turkey is a cost-effective option, especially for international students seeking high-quality education at a lower cost. On the other hand, private universities tend to charge higher tuition fees but may offer more diverse programs in English, modern campuses, and stronger international partnerships.

Monthly budget breakdown: housing, food, transport, Educational Materials

Housing Costs

While public dormitories offer a cost-effective option for students, private dormitories and rental apartments are generally more expensive.

For example, a student staying in public dormitories can cost between 30-60 USD per month, while private dormitories can cost up to 125-375 USD. In big cities like Istanbul, apartment rents can reach up to 250-800 USD.

Students Staying in Private Dormitories: The monthly cost of living reached 600 USD.

Students Living in Three-Person Houses: Monthly cost increased to 500 USD.

If you plan to stay for a longer period of time, renting a private apartment or condominium is another option. However, the cost of this type of accommodation will usually be higher. Especially in big cities, it may be more advantageous in some cases to create your own living space by evaluating the rent a flat option.

Food Costs in Turkey for Students

In Turkey, a meal at university canteens usually costs between 2-5 USD, which is quite affordable, while the monthly food cost for a student cooking at home ranges between 75-125 USD.

Transportation Costs in Turkey for Students

With transportation cards designed for students, you have the opportunity to commute at an affordable price of 15-25 USD per month.

For example, the average monthly transportation cost for a student in Istanbul is between 15-22 USD. In Ankara, this cost will be slightly lower; the monthly transportation cost for a student here can be around 10-15 USD.

Educational Materials and Other Expenses

Expenses for Training materials are also an important part of your budget. It is reasonable to budget between 10-25 USD per month for books, stationery and digital resources. Taking advantage of the facilities provided by universities, especially in terms of digital resource access, can significantly reduce these costs. Some universities provide students with free access to digital libraries, removing the difficulty of accessing such resources. Technological equipment is also an important part of student life today.

Tips to reduce monthly expenses while studying in Turkey

Studying in Turkey can be affordable if you make a few smart choices.
Here are some simple ways to save money every month:

Stay in university dorms or shared flats instead of renting alone.
Cook at home and buy fresh food from local markets (pazar).
Use student transportation cards to get big discounts on buses and metro.
Share Wi-Fi and utilities with roommates to lower bills.
Shop from second-hand stores or apps like Dolap for clothes and books.
Always ask for student discounts at cafes, museums, and stores.
Keep track of your spending with a budget app.
Look for part-time jobs or scholarships to earn extra income.

Living smart doesn’t mean missing out it just helps you enjoy your student life in Turkey without stress.

Plan Your Student Budget Now and Take Control

If you are thinking of studying at a university in Turkey, you need to plan your budget well and evaluate the living conditions of the city correctly. Considering housing, food, transportation and personal expenses can make your education life more comfortable. By making choices that suit your lifestyle, you can keep your spending under control and expand your social circle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are monthly student scholarships in Turkey?

In 2025, the amount of scholarships and loans given to undergraduate students by the Credit and Dormitories Institution (KYK) is around 50-75 USD per month. This amount is higher for master’s and doctoral students.

What expenses are covered by student discounts?

Students can benefit from student discounts on public transportation, some food and beverage services, and cultural and artistic events. These discounts help reduce students’ daily expenses.

How much is the cost of food and accommodation in state dormitories per month?

State dormitories charge between 30-60 USD per month for accommodation. In addition, breakfast and dinner are usually charged separately.

How to apply for a scholarship in Turkey

Scholarship applications are usually submitted to the scholarship commission of the university where students are enrolled. For detailed information on the application process and required documents, it is recommended that you visit your university’s official website.

What is a financial qualification letter?

A letter of financial qualification is an official document showing that foreign students have sufficient financial resources to study in Turkey. This document is specifically requested when applying for a visa.