Don’t Apply to These Turkish Universities

Turkey’s rich history, vibrant culture, and growing international student population make it an exciting place to pursue higher education. But with so many universities to choose from, finding the right fit is difficult especially when you have little to no information about the dynamics in Turkey. As a result, one may get admission and move to Turkey but not enjoy their student life at all.

This post will guide you through some key factors to consider when applying to universities in Turkey as an international student. It will also tell you certain websites to check if a university is standard, accredited, or worth applying to. Lastly, it would mention 2 main unis that I would personally recommend you not to apply to.

Check these first:

• Accreditation and Recognition: Accreditation ensures a university meets established educational standards. Research the accreditation bodies in Turkey, such as the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) Click here, to verify a university’s official recognition. You can also directly ask the international students’ office about their accreditation status, especially for your department.
• International Student Support Services: A strong support system makes a world of difference. Look for universities with dedicated international student offices offering assistance with visas, accommodation, orientation programs, and ongoing student life support. If you message the international student office, and they don’t respond on time or do not respond at all, then avoid that university. Even if you get in with a full scholarship, you may not enjoy your stay.
• Faculty Qualifications and Diversity: Qualified and diverse faculty contribute to a well-rounded educational experience. Explore university websites and research faculty backgrounds to find instructors with expertise in your chosen field. A diverse faculty also fosters a more inclusive learning environment. Try to research the background of your lecturers. If they all studied in Turkey and no one studied abroad, that is a bad sign. Avoid those universities/departments. Most likely, you’d be applying to study in a department with English as the medium of instruction, but if all your lecturers haven’t practiced their English for a long time, they will not be able to explain concepts to you properly. And you’d find it difficult to understand them.

Going Beyond the Surface:

• Review Resources: Don’t underestimate the power of student reviews! Online forums and platforms can offer valuable insights into university culture, student life, and international student experiences. Consider contacting current international students at the university you’re interested in for firsthand perspectives. If you don’t know where to reach them, use facebook or Instagram. On this website, you can also use the forum page to post your questions and someone will respond.

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

During your research, keep an eye out for potential red flags that might indicate a less-than-ideal fit:

• Unresponsive Communication: Universities that take a long time to respond to inquiries or lack clear communication channels might raise concerns about student support after enrollment.
• Visa Rejection Rates: If you are applying with an agent, ask them what the visa acceptance rate for that university is. Researching a university’s visa success rate for international students can be helpful. Look for universities that actively support students throughout the visa application process.
• Limited Support Resources: After arriving in Turkey, you need accommodation. Will the international student office help you? If they can recommend some places, great. If not, who would help you?. You need to think about this too. Universities with limited or non-existent dedicated international student support services might pose challenges for international students adjusting to a new environment.

Finding Your Perfect Match:

Choosing a university is a significant decision. So first, check public Universities. Better still check this website to find the right university for your course. https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/ScholarshipSearch. You can also check here – https://www.studyinturkiye.gov.tr/StudyInTurkey/Universities Any university on this list is well accredited and worth applying to. If you get accepted you can use your acceptance letter to apply and get a visa without many problems.

2 main universities you should be aware of are OSTIM TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY and MEDIPOL UNIVERSITY. It is difficult to get a visa with your admission letter from Ostim. As for MEDIPOL, several African, Arab, and Asian students have complained about teachers continuously failing them in their courses. Hence, you may want to avoid them.

By prioritizing thorough research, contacting universities directly, and making your well-being a top consideration, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect academic environment to achieve your educational goals in Turkey.

Do you have questions about studying in Turkey? Feel free to leave a comment below, contact me directly or use the forum!

Remember, by focusing on helpful information and providing resources for making informed decisions, you can create a valuable resource for international students while maintaining a positive and informative tone.