Studying medicine in Türkiye: what should you compare?

Türkiye has public and private universities offering medicine programmes, including options taught in English and Turkish. The names may look similar, but admission requirements, facilities, teaching language and costs can be very different.

Confirm the teaching language

Start by checking whether the programme is fully taught in English, fully taught in Turkish, or uses both languages during different stages. Even in an English-taught programme, students may need Turkish to communicate with patients during clinical training.

Understand the complete length of study

Medicine programmes in Türkiye are commonly structured as six years, but a language or preparatory year can extend the total time. Ask whether the preparatory year is compulsory, what test can exempt you, and how this affects tuition.

Compare clinical training

Find out where students complete practical and clinical training. Does the university have its own teaching hospital, use affiliated hospitals, or arrange placements across several locations? Ask when clinical exposure begins and what support international students receive.

Review the entry requirements carefully

Requirements vary between universities. Schools may consider your secondary-school subjects, grades, final examination results and language evidence. Some universities may request an entrance examination or additional assessment.

Plan for the full cost

Compare annual tuition across all years and ask whether the quoted amount can change. Your budget should also include accommodation, insurance, residence-permit costs, books, equipment, transport and living expenses.

Check recognition where you plan to practise

A medical degree does not automatically give you the right to practise in every country. Before enrolling, contact the medical or professional authority in the country where you hope to work. Ask about recognition, licensing examinations, internship rules and language requirements.

Questions to ask before applying

• Is the programme taught in English, Turkish or both?
• Is a preparatory language year required?
• Which hospitals are used for clinical training?
• What academic results and documents are required?
• What is the annual tuition, and what other costs should I plan for?
• How will the degree be assessed in the country where I want to practise?