Master’s studies in Turkey

Master’s studies in Turkey are one of the steps most students aim to achieve after completing their undergraduate studies. Whether the student has completed their bachelor’s degree at a Turkish university or obtained their university degree from another country, Turkey remains the most sought-after and popular educational destination among international students for pursuing postgraduate studies. Therefore, this article will provide a comprehensive guide on master’s degrees in Turkey, their branches, and how to apply for them. Let’s get started.

Benefits of studying for a master’s degree in Turkey:

Studying for a master’s in Turkey is one of the most important educational opportunities for international students who wish to pursue higher studies after graduation in a prestigious and internationally recognized country. This ensures the accreditation and recognition of their degrees worldwide. The reasons why students choose Turkey for their master’s studies are as follows:

1. Turkey has 209 universities and academic institutions, including more than 80 private universities that offer master’s programs, providing an opportunity to choose a suitable university.
2. master’s studies in Turkey in Turkey opens up broad career prospects for students, as they can work part-time during their studies.
3. Studying in Turkey is available for foreign students in both Turkish and English languages, providing flexibility for students to choose their preferred language. Additionally, Turkish universities offer a language preparatory year that students can attend before starting their academic program.
4. Turkey has top private and public universities that provide high-quality education, advanced infrastructure, and the best facilities, including training halls, laboratories, and research centers, ensuring the quality of the educational process.
5. The accreditation of Turkish universities makes the degrees obtained by students recognized in their home countries and enables them to work with those degrees in various Arab and Western countries.
6. The diversity of study programs allows students to choose their desired program flexibly. They can select from the available programs and choose the program that aligns with their academic interests.
7. Living in Turkey is an opportunity sought by many students. Therefore, when studying for a master’s degree, there is a chance to reside in Turkey for a period ranging from two to three years, allowing students to experience living in a cultural and touristy country like Turkey and to get acquainted with its culture and people.

 Duration of Master’s studies in Turkey:

International students can complete their master’s degree in Turkey in various fields, including medicine, engineering, sciences, and arts. The duration of master’s studies varies depending on the program and specialization chosen by the student, but it usually takes two years, divided into four academic semesters.

Master’s studies in Turkey begin after the student obtains a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, and this degree must be recognized and evaluated by the relevant authorities in Turkey. Before applying, the student must obtain acceptance from the Turkish university in which they wish to study.

Master’s studies in Turkey usually consist of two main stages:

The first stage is the academic phase, where the student completes the requirements of the academic program and the required courses. It includes theoretical and practical lessons and research. The number and type of courses vary depending on the master’s program and the student’s specialization.

After completing the academic stage, the student moves on to the second stage, which involves preparing a master’s thesis. The student is required to conduct independent research, analyze data, and write a master’s thesis that presents the results and conclusions. The thesis is then defended before a committee of supervising professors.

Types of master’s degrees in Turkey:

Master’s studies in Turkey are divided into two types:

1. Master’s degree with a thesis (scientific thesis):

This type of master’s study in Turkey requires the student to conduct scientific research at the end of the theoretical study and write a scientific thesis. The duration of this type of program is usually two years, divided into four semesters: two for theoretical study and two for writing scientific research under the supervision of an academic advisor. Most Turkish universities allow students to extend the study period by two additional semesters.

2. Master’s degree without a scientific thesis:

The other type of master’s studies in Turkey is without a thesis or scientific research. This type aims to provide the student with comprehensive knowledge and scientific skills in the field of specialization through theoretical study. The duration of this non-thesis master’s program is usually one year, with an average of three semesters. The student is not required to write a scientific thesis.

Requirements for master’s studies in Turkey:

The procedures for master’s studies in Turkey vary from one university to another, but each university sets specific requirements for the selection of applicants. However, there are general conditions that do not differ from one university to another, including:

• The student must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an internationally recognized university, and the university degree should be relevant to the desired master’s degree.
• The student may be required to submit a cumulative grade point average or other academic qualifications. Some universities may have specific requirements for certain programs, such as proficiency in a foreign language or relevant work experience.
• Universities may require proof of English language proficiency through internationally recognized exams such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for students who wish to study for a master’s degree in Turkey in English.
• The student must submit all the required documents, including a copy of the bachelor’s degree certificate and recommendation letters. Some universities may also require a personal interview.

Registration deadlines for master’s studies in Turkey:

The registration for obtaining a master’s degree in Turkish universities opens twice during the academic year. The first registration period begins in June and August before the start of the first semester. The second registration period is in November and December before the start of the second semester. However, the final registration deadlines vary from one university to another, so they can be checked on the official website of the university.

Master’s studies in private Turkish universities

Master’s studies in Turkey in private universities represent a unique opportunity for international students who wish to continue their higher education, especially postgraduate studies, in prestigious and internationally accredited universities. Private universities provide their students with academic opportunities that cannot be obtained through other universities. They are known for having the best universities with advanced infrastructure and facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, research centers, laboratories, and libraries. These facilities undoubtedly assist students during their studies. Additionally, there is a wide range of specializations available, allowing students flexibility in choosing their preferred field of study.

Important private universities for master’s studies:

1. Sabancı University
2. Bilkent University
3. Istanbul Bilgi University
4. İzmir University
5. Başkent University
6. Arel University
7. Düzce University
8. Lukman University
9. Istanbul Esenyurt University
10. Altınbaş University

Master’s studies in Turkey in Arabic language:

Several departments have been opened within some private Turkish universities, including Aydın University and Sabahattin Zaim University, where students can study for a master’s degree in Arabic language. These departments include:

• International Relations
• Arabic Language Education
• Islamic Studies

   Admission Requirements for registration in private universities in Türkiye:

• Payment of the university application fee.
• Proficiency certificate in the language.
•  In the case of studying in English, passing the TOEFL or IELTS language test with a score determined by the university is required.
• In the case of studying in Turkish, passing the TOMER Turkish language test or attending a preparatory year is required.

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Required Documents:

To register for master’s studies in Turkey, there are several documents required, and the student must submit these files and documents before sending the university application. It is sufficient to send them in PDF or JPG format during the initial registration stage for the student to obtain provisional acceptance at the university. These documents may vary depending on the undergraduate or graduate level, but some documents are common to both stages. The following are the necessary documents for the application:

For undergraduate and institute students:

• Valid passport.
• Recent passport-sized photo (white background).
• Copy of high school diploma.
• Student’s email address.

For graduate students:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate for graduate students.
• Translated copy of the transcript in English or Turkish.
• Receipt of payment for the application fee.
• Recommendation letters (Master’s, Ph.D.).

In conclusion, we hope that we have provided all the necessary information related to master’s studies in Turkey to assist students in taking their first steps toward realizing their dream of studying in Turkey. You can also contact the Sefa team if you have any inquiries or need recommendations to help you complete the travel procedures to Turkey.