Engineering programs in Turkey
- Brief overview of Engineering programs in Turkey
- Features of Engineering programs in Turkey
- Advantages of Engineering programs in Turkey
- Disadvantages of Engineering programs in Turkey
- Turkish universities offering Engineering programs
- Admission requirements for Engineering programs in Turkey
- Documents required for Admission to Engineering programs in Turkey
- Tuition fees for Engineering programs in Turkey
- Scholarships and grants for Engineering programs in Turkey
- Career prospects after Engineering programs in Turkey
- Is it worth studying Engineering programs in Turkey?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Bachelor - Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Istanbul Aydin UniversityElectrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) is a fundamental component of general engineering education. In terms of study subjects, EEE can be divided into two categories:
- High-voltage, energy, and power systems are all covered in Electrical Engineering
- Telecommunications,…
Bachelor - Industrial Engineering
Istanbul Aydin UniversityIndustrial engineers study people, machines, equipment, and other related aspects in both the manufacturing and service sectors. The Department of Industrial Engineering's mission is to train engineers who can prevent and solve issues by establishing systems, models, and methods for planning, organising,…
Master - Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Istanbul Aydin UniversityThis (in English) programme focuses on advanced level education for engineers interested in participating in research and contributing to research and development in the field of electrical and electronics engineering. It encourages research and development in core fields of electrical and electronics…
Bachelor of Arts - Agricultural Machinery and Technologies Engineering
Yasar UniversityA multidisciplinary agronomical programme that incorporates basic, applied, and social sciences provides education in a variety of transdisciplinary biotic, physical, and social system issues. In contrast to traditional agricultural engineering, the education provided includes planting of fodder crops,…
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Engineering
Yasar UniversityOur students are taught as industrial engineers with analytical problem-solving abilities, expertise with information technology in manufacturing processes and the service industry, and understanding of the efficient and effective use of human, technological, and financial resources.
Graduates…
Bachelor of Science - Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Yasar UniversityStudents in Electrical and Electronics Engineering are prepared to be professional engineers with experience in electrical, electronics, monitoring, and communication. The department offers English-medium instruction. The microprocessor and physics laboratories set this programme apart from others…
Bachelor of Science - Energy Systems Engineering
Yasar UniversityEverything in nature, culture, and even the universe is powered by energy. Energy system engineering is a multidisciplinary approach to the development of energy systems, from design to final output. Because of the scarcity of energy resources, the need for energy efficiency management, and the expanding…
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
Yasar UniversityCivil engineering, one of the oldest engineering disciplines, is a moderately important field of engineering in countries that are experiencing economic development and seeing a continual migration to large cities due to high population increase. In our country, where urbanisation has increased much…
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Yasar UniversityMechanical engineering, one of the fundamental engineering areas, has permeated every aspect of our lives today through its applications and systems. Mechanical engineers are critical in satisfying the industry's needs for machinery, manufacturing, and automation. The previous 20 years have seen the…
PhD - Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Yasar UniversityThe Graduate Degree Program in Electrical and Electronics Engineering was founded on the belief that launching novel goods can only be accomplished through specialisation and the combination of creativity and engineering experience. The programme is structured in such a way that students can specialise…
Brief overview of Engineering programs in Turkey
Engineering education in Turkey is becoming increasingly popular among international students due to its combination of high academic standards, wide range of specializations, and affordable tuition fees. Turkish universities offer engineering programs in fields such as:
- Civil Engineering,
- Mechanical Engineering,
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering,
- Computer Engineering,
- Biomedical Engineering,
- Architecture and Urban Planning,
- Aerospace Engineering,
- Chemical Engineering,
- Environmental Engineering.
Programs are available at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Instruction is offered in both Turkish and English, making education accessible to students from around the world.
The Turkish higher education system is actively integrating into the European educational space: universities participate in Erasmus+ programs, take part in international rankings, and develop academic mobility. According to the Turkish Ministry of Education, over 300,000 international students choose to study in Turkish universities annually, with a significant portion enrolling in engineering specialties.
Features of Engineering programs in Turkey
Engineering education in Turkey has several distinctive features that set it apart from programs in other countries:
1. International Accreditation
Many engineering faculties in Turkey are accredited according to ABET (USA) and MÜDEK (national engineering quality assessment system) standards, confirming compliance with international educational program requirements. This is important for future employment abroad.
2. English-Language Instruction
Most leading universities, including Middle East Technical University (METU), Bilkent University, and Koç University, offer complete programs in English. This simplifies the adaptation process and makes education accessible to students who don't speak Turkish.
3. Practice-Oriented Approach
The curriculum actively integrates laboratory work, practical training, project activities, hackathons, and internships at real engineering companies. Students gain practical skills that can be applied immediately after graduation.
4. Diversity of Specializations
In addition to traditional engineering disciplines, students can choose modern and highly specialized fields such as:
- Mechatronics;
- Sustainable Development Engineering;
- Energy Technologies;
- Nanotechnology and Materials Science;
- Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.
5. International Environment
Turkish universities strive for internationalization: students from CIS countries, Asia, Europe, and Africa make up a significant portion of the student body. This allows international students to feel comfortable and integrate into a multicultural environment.
Advantages of Engineering programs in Turkey
Engineering programs in Turkey offer several significant advantages that make them attractive to international students:
1. Affordability of Education
Tuition fees at public universities range from $300 to $1,500 per year, making Turkey one of the most affordable destinations for quality engineering education. Private universities charge higher fees — from $4,000 to $12,000 per year, but these institutions often offer generous academic discounts and grants.
2. High Academic Standards
Many engineering faculties are included in QS and Times Higher Education rankings, which testifies to the international recognition of their quality. The teaching staff includes specialists with international work experience and degrees from leading world universities.
3. Modern Infrastructure
Universities invest significant funds in developing laboratories, research centers, and technology parks. For example, Istanbul Technical University has unique research equipment in robotics and aerospace engineering.
4. Wide Range of Scholarships
The availability of state and private support programs allows students to significantly reduce education and living expenses. More details about this are provided in the relevant section below.
5. Academic Mobility Opportunities
Engineering students can participate in Erasmus+, Mevlana, and other exchange programs, gaining study experience in Europe, Asia, or the USA.
Disadvantages of Engineering programs in Turkey
Like any other country, studying in Turkey has its challenges. However, being aware of them in advance allows students to prepare and adapt successfully.
Potential Challenges and Ways to Overcome Them:
| Disadvantage | How to Overcome |
|---|---|
| Language barrier (especially outside university) | Take Turkish language courses at the university, actively practice with native speakers. |
| Sometimes unclear bureaucracy | Use official guides on university websites, contact international offices of universities. |
| High competition for scholarships | Apply to multiple universities and foundations, carefully prepare motivation letters and recommendations. |
| Adaptation to mentality and teaching style | Engage in student life, attend adaptation programs for international students. |
| Limited employment during studies | Plan budget in advance, consider possible internships, paid research projects. |
Turkish universities offering Engineering programs
Below are universities known for their engineering faculties:
| University | City | Language of Instruction | Engineering Fields |
|---|---|---|---|
| METU (Middle East Technical University) | Ankara | English | Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering |
| ITU (Istanbul Technical University) | Istanbul | English / Turkish | Electronics, Aerospace Engineering, Architecture |
| Koç University | Istanbul | English | Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Energy |
| Sabancı University | Istanbul | English | Nanotechnology, Mechatronics, Materials Science |
| Bilkent University | Ankara | English | Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering |
| Yıldız Technical University | Istanbul | English / Turkish | Architecture, Chemical Engineering, Construction |
Admission requirements for Engineering programs in Turkey
Requirements vary depending on the level of study and type of university, but generally include:
For Bachelor's Degree:
- High school diploma (11 years of education or equivalent IB, A-levels, etc.)
- Entrance exam results:
- YÖS (exam for international students)
- SAT (in some universities)
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT, IELTS) or Turkish (TÖMER)
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters (not required by all universities)
For Master's Degree:
- Bachelor's degree in a technical field
- GRE or local entrance exam results
- Language certificates
- Academic portfolio
- CV and motivation letter
Documents required for Admission to Engineering programs in Turkey
Required documents:
- Completed application form (on university website)
- Passport copy
- Diploma/degree certificate + transcript
- Language certificate (TOEFL, IELTS or TÖMER)
- Entrance exam results (SAT, YÖS, GRE)
- Passport-size photo
- Motivation letter
- Recommendation letters (for Master's/PhD)
- Portfolio (for architecture specialties)
Tuition fees for Engineering programs in Turkey
| University Type | Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Public | 300 – 1500 |
| Private | 4000 – 12000 |
Additional Expenses:
- Accommodation (campus/rental): 150–400 USD per month
- Food: 100–200 USD
- Transportation: 20–50 USD
- Health insurance: 50–100 USD per year
- Textbooks and supplies: 100–200 USD per year
Scholarships and grants for Engineering programs in Turkey
1. Türkiye Scholarships (Turkiye Burslari)
- Provided by the Turkish government
- Fully covers tuition, accommodation, insurance, and airfare
- Includes one-year Turkish language course
- Highly competitive, applications accepted annually in January-March
2. University Grants
- Koç University, Sabancı University, Bilkent University, etc.
- Often include 25–100% discounts based on academic achievements
3. Private and International Foundations
- TÜBİTAK (research grants)
- Erasmus+ (exchange and research grants)
Career prospects after Engineering programs in Turkey
After completing an engineering program, graduates can:
- Work at Turkish and international companies (Siemens, Arçelik, Ford Otosan, Aselsan, Roketsan)
- Continue education at Master's or PhD level in Turkey or abroad
- Participate in startup projects and accelerators
- Get a job in their specialty in EU or CIS countries thanks to recognized diplomas
- Complete internships or practical training at research centers
Average salary for engineers in Turkey after graduation ranges from $800 to $2,000 per month, depending on specialization and experience.
Is it worth studying Engineering programs in Turkey?
If you want to get quality engineering education at reasonable cost, develop practical skills, and open international career prospects — Turkey is an excellent choice.
Advantages:
- Modern education
- International accreditation
- Affordable prices
- Opportunity to get scholarships
- Comfortable environment for international students
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which engineering specialties are most popular in Turkey?
The most in-demand fields are computer engineering, electronics, construction, and mechanical engineering.
2. Is YÖS exam required for bachelor's admission?
Not necessarily. Some universities accept SAT, others conduct their own exams. You should check the university website.
3. Is it realistic to get a 100% scholarship?
Yes, especially through Türkiye Scholarships program or at private universities with high GPA and test scores.
4. Is it possible to get an internship during studies?
Yes, many engineering programs include mandatory internships, and campuses cooperate with industry partners.
5. How long does the study program last?
Bachelor's — 4 years, Master's — 2 years, PhD — 3–5 years.