Study Medicine in Turkey
What “Study Medicine in Turkey” Means & What’s on Offer
Study medicine in Turkey = a 6-year, hospital-integrated MD/MBBS-equivalent leading to “Tıp Doktoru (MD)”. International students choose between English-medium or Turkish-medium tracks at medical universities in Turkey for international students. Most programs follow a pre-clinical → clinical → internship arc: foundational sciences first, then patient-facing rotations, and a final intern-doctor year under supervision.
Degree awarded: MD (equivalent to MBBS).
Teaching language: English, Turkish, or mixed (e.g., 30% Eng / 70% Tr).
Clinical immersion: begins in the clinical phase (typically Years 4–5); Year 6 is the internship.
English gap options: If you aim to study in Turkey without IELTS, many universities accept an internal English proficiency exam or offer a 1-year English prep before Year 1.
Duration & Structure: How Many Years & How It Flows
Standard length: 6 years (some students add a prep year for English/science, making it effectively 7).
Years 1–3 (pre-clinical): Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Histology, Microbiology, Pharmacology + early clinical skills & simulations.
Years 4–5 (clinical rotations): Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OB-GYN, Psychiatry, Family Medicine, etc., across university hospitals and affiliates.
Year 6 (internship): Full-time intern doctor rotations with hands-on responsibilities under supervision your transition to practice.
Why Turkey: Top Reasons to Study Medicine in Turkey
Quality + affordability: Compared with the UK/US, study medicine in Turkey fees are generally lower, while facilities (simulation labs, university hospitals) are modern.
English tracks at scale: Many faculties run full English-medium Medicine, ideal for international cohorts; Turkish modules may still be included for patient communication.
Robust clinical exposure: High-volume hospitals in Istanbul and other major cities mean rich case diversity during rotations.
Global pathways: Graduates can pursue licensing routes (subject to each country’s regulations) thanks to international listings/recognition of many programs.
Cost Snapshot: How Much Does It Cost to Study Medicine in Turkey?
Tuition (private English tracks): commonly mid-teens to mid-$40Ks per year, depending on university and language track.
Public universities: much cheaper (often in local currency), but highly competitive and frequently Turkish-medium.
Living costs: vary by city; Istanbul is the most expensive. Budget for accommodation, transport, meals, books/equipment, health insurance, residence permit, and visa fees.
Admissions Overview: Requirements & Pathways (After 12th)
Academic profile: study in Turkey after 12th is possible , submit your high-school diploma & transcripts; strong science grades help.
Entrance tests: Many private universities do not require YÖS/SAT (though scores can aid scholarships); some public faculties expect national/standardized exams.
English proficiency: Provide IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or sit the university’s own English exam / take a prep year → your route to study in Turkey without IELTS.
Supporting docs: passport, motivation/personal statement (often requested for Medicine), recommendation letters (varies), and proof of funds for visa.
Reality Check: Is Studying Medicine in Turkey Hard?
Yes, Medicine is demanding everywhere. Expect heavy content load, OSCE/skills assessments, language demands in clinics (basic Turkish helps), and competitive grading. The payoff is substantial: clinical maturity by graduation, big-city hospital experience, and a cost/value profile that’s attractive to international families.
Here we compare public vs private universities, typical ranges, and your four focus universities.
Public vs Private Universities: General Fee Ranges
Type of University | Language Track (English) | Language Track (Turkish) | Notes on Cost & Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|
Public Universities | Approx USD 2,000–10,000/year depending on university & whether spot is English medium. | Lower still (sometimes around USD 1,500–6,000/year) for Turkish medium. | Public universities often have government subsidies; competition is tight; spots are limited. |
Private/Foundation Universities | Approx USD 10,000–27,500/year in many cases. Some high-end ones are higher. | Mixed Turkish/English tracks may cost less but still significantly more than public. | More flexibility, modern facilities, smaller class sizes; often internal English exam / prep year option. |
Cost of Living & Other Costs
Accommodation, food, transport, books/equipment add additional cost; depending on city (Istanbul highest).
Public universities often have dorms or cheaper housing; private universities may not.
Budget for visa, health insurance, potentially Turkish course or translation of documents.
Fees for Bahçeşehir, Medipol, Uskudar, Biruni & More Universities
Below is a table with approximate fees for Medicine / English track in your priority universities plus some other good choices. Note: always check the official university site for the latest fixed fees.
University | English Track Fee per Year (Medicine) | Notes & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
Istanbul Medipol University | ~$44,000/year for 100% English Medicine track. | High reputation, hospitals, strong clinical exposure. |
Bahçeşehir University (BAU) | ~$28,000/year (English). | Eng track, good facilities. |
Üsküdar University | ~$24,000/year English track. | Also Turkish track cheaper. |
Biruni University | ~$15,000-$25,500/year (English track) depending on intake. | More affordable among private options. |
Koç University | (English MD) fee not always publicly fixed in USD in source, but known to be among premium universities. | Very high standards, also requires Turkish learning by certain years. |
Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University | Private foundation, higher fee; likely in upper private range ~$28,000+ depending on year. | Strong hospital network. |
Altınbaş University | Private, with English Medicine; tuition in private universities range around $10,000-25,000 or more. | Good alternative. |
Istanbul University – Cerrahpaşa | Public; English track fee significantly lower (~40,000 Turkish Lira / yr in some sources) for English instruction. | Very competitive. |
Hacettepe University | Public, English track; fee moderate; older universities with strong reputation. | High academic standard; competition is tough. |
Ankara University | Public, English; similar to Hacettepe in value; moderate fees relative to private. | Good reputation, clinical placements. |
Here are at least 10 universities that are among the best or most popular for international students who want to study medicine in Turkey, especially in English or with English options. After the list, more detail on your focus ones.
University | Public / Private | English Track Available? | Approx. Fee (English Track) | Highlights / What Makes It Good |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Istanbul Medipol University | Private | Yes | ~$44,000/year | Huge clinical exposure, modern hospital network, English track, reputed faculty. |
Bahçeşehir University | Private | Yes | ~$28,000/year | Strong facilities, English medium, good student support. |
Üsküdar University | Private | Yes | ~$24,000/year | Option of cheaper Turkish track; more affordable among Istanbul privates. |
Biruni University | Private | Yes | ~$15,000-$25,500/year | One of more cost-effective private options. |
Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University | Private | Yes | High private range not clearly fixed but premium; likely above $28,000 in many intakes. | Strong hospital backing; research oriented. |
Altınbaş University | Private | Yes | Within the private tuition bands; maybe $15k-$25k depending on year. | Good modern facilities, popularity among internationals. |
Koç University | Private / Foundation | English | Among premium universities. Fee high. | Elite reputation, strong international recognition. |
Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa | Public | English track exists | Much lower fee compared to privates; fee in Turkish Lira modest. | Very old, well known; lots of tradition; strong alumni. |
Hacettepe University | Public | English track | Moderate English track fees; less than private ones; still high competition. | Very strong in research and medical sciences; excellent quality. |
Ankara University | Public | Yes | Similar to Hacettepe; good value; moderate fees. | Being in capital; strong teaching hospitals; recognition. |
Academic Grades & High School Background
Strong high school grades are essential. Many universities request 70% or higher overall or equivalent in your national grading system.
Science subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Math) are advantageous/helpful. When your high school lacks some, prep years or taking extra courses sometimes required.
English Language Requirements / Study in Turkey Without IELTS
If you are applying to an English track, universities usually require proof of English (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE etc.). Some allow internal proficiency exams or prep year (without IELTS).
For Turkish track or mixed track, English requirement may be lower or not required. Turkish ability becomes needed especially by clinical years.
Entrance Exams
Public universities often use YÖS (Foreign Student Exam) or equivalents. Some accept SAT / ACT / IB depending on university.
Private universities may have their own application exam or simply evaluate high school transcripts + English proficiency etc.
Interview / Motivation / Additional Documents
You may need a motivation letter, passport copy, high school transcript with translation, possibly a GPA/grade equivalence. Some schools require letters of recommendation.
Some private universities have interviews or oral tests.
This is the process with actionable steps, matching your keywords: how to study MBBS in Turkey after 12th, applying to study medicine in Turkey etc.
Finish high school (12th or equivalent) with strong grades—especially in sciences.
Decide on language track (English / mixed / Turkish) and universities of interest (e.g., Bahçeşehir, Medipol, Uskudar, Biruni + others).
Check English proficiency requirements; either plan to take IELTS/TOEFL or prepare for internal proficiency test or prep year.
Take entrance exam if required (YÖS / or SAT/ACT etc) — for universities and track that require it.
Prepare documents: passport, high school diploma & transcripts (translated if needed), motivation letter, any exam scores, proof of English.
Submit application before deadlines (often by mid-year for fall intake). Private universities have their own admissions windows; public ones may have national timelines.
Accept offer & pay deposit / tuition; many private universities accept payments in installments; some have advance-payment discounts or scholarships.
Arrange visa & housing after official acceptance.
Let’s examine them in more detail: cost, strengths, what you need, how “easy/hard” they are comparatively.
University | Duration | Language Tracks | Fee (English) | What Sets It Apart | Entry Competitiveness / “Easiest University to Study Medicine in Turkey” Among These |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Istanbul Medipol University | 6 years | English (100%), English/Turkish mixed | ~$44,000/year (English) | Very large hospital network; strong facilities; reputation among international students; transparent fee schedule. | One of more expensive options; entry is competitive, especially for English track. |
Bahçeşehir University (BAU) | 6 years | English MD track | ~$28,000/year | Good support, modern campuses, fairly strong international recognition; somewhat more affordable among English private tracks. | Easier than top premium ones like Koç, but still demanding. |
Üsküdar University | 6 years | English & Turkish tracks | ~$24,000/year English | Offers both tracks; comparatively moderate tuition; somewhat more accessible. | Among these four, may be a “less hard” private choice if grades are good. |
Biruni University | 6 years | English & Turkish | ~$15,000-$25,500/year for English depending on intake | Lower cost among privates; decent facilities; growing visibility. | Possibly one of the more “attainable” among private English-track universities. |
Affordable public university options: Some public universities’ English-medium medicine costs are low (fees in Lira or conserved USD equivalent) compared to private universities. These are attractive to high-achieving students.
“Cheapest university” will depend on exchange rate, whether you need prep year, whether you need an English proficiency exam, living costs. Among private universities, Biruni, certain smaller foundation universities offer lower English track fees. Among publics, some state universities with English tracks are cheapest.
Even private ones though at “cheapest” levels are still significantly more expensive than Turkish / public medium tracks.
Question | Answer |
|---|---|
How many years to study medicine in Turkey? | 6 years standard; possibly 7 if including preparatory year. |
Requirements to study medicine in Turkey? | High school diploma, strong in science; English proficiency (or internal proficiency/prep year); sometimes entrance exams (YÖS, SAT etc). |
How to study in Turkey without IELTS? | Use university’s internal English test or take the English preparatory year if offered. |
How much does it cost to study medicine in Turkey? | Public: ~$1,500-$10,000/year; Private/English: approx $10,000-$27,500/year for many universities. |
Best university to study medicine in Turkey? | Depends on budget, language, location. Among top: Koç, Medipol; among cost-value: Biruni, Üsküdar. |
Cheapest university in Turkey to study medicine for international students? | Likely some smaller foundation private universities or public universities with English tracks; among your four, Biruni is among cheaper. |
Is studying medicine in Turkey hard? | Yes , academically rigorous, competitive entry, clinical requirements, language demands. |
Studying medicine in Turkey is a powerful path: international recognition, a 6-year curriculum with substantive clinical exposure, possibly lower cost (especially in public or more affordable private universities). You do need high grades, planning around English proficiency (or prep/exam), and choosing the right university based on cost, language track, location, and your own strength.
Among your four priority universities:
Medipol: premium choice, high cost, strong facilities.
BAU: moderate among privileges, good reputation.
Üsküdar: fairly good balance between cost & English track.
Biruni: more affordable, still good value.
Also many other universities (Koç, Altınbaş, Acıbadem, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Hacettepe, Ankara University) provide excellent options, especially if you’re aiming for quality and recognition.
