Study Costs in Turkey for Moroccans | Everything You Need to Know

Turkey is becoming increasingly attractive as a global educational destination, particularly for Arab students, including ambitious Moroccan students who seek outstanding educational opportunities in an environment that combines tradition with modernity. Turkish private universities are distinguished by offering diverse, high-quality academic programs, often at reasonable costs compared to universities in Western countries. In addition, the cultural and geographical proximity between Morocco and Turkey helps Moroccan students adapt more easily. In this article, we will delve into the details of study costs in Turkey for Moroccans at private universities, and review all expenses related to tuition fees and living costs to provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you plan your academic future in Turkey.

Average Tuition Fees in Turkish Private Universities

Tuition fees in Turkish private universities vary based on several factors including the university’s reputation, the type of academic program, and the language of instruction. In general, tuition fees in private universities are higher than in public ones, yet they remain competitive at the international level.

Study Costs in Turkey for Moroccans

In the field of engineering, the average annual costs at Turkish private universities range between USD 2,000 and USD 20,000. Undergraduate programs taught in English can start at around USD 2,450 per year, while programs taught in Turkish tend to be less expensive, beginning at around USD 1,800. Some universities offer engineering programs at relatively affordable costs—for example, Istanbul Arel University offers programs in Turkish for about USD 2,600 per year and in English for about USD 3,500 per year. Additionally, Üsküdar University offers engineering programs taught exclusively in English, with annual fees ranging between USD 3,970 and USD 5,095.

Engineering

Annual costs in Turkish private universities for engineering typically range between USD 2,000 and USD 20,000. Undergraduate programs taught in English can start at around USD 2,450 per year, while programs taught in Turkish are often less expensive, starting at around USD 1,800. Some universities offer engineering programs at relatively affordable costs. For example, Istanbul Arel University offers programs in Turkish for about USD 2,600 per year and in English for about USD 3,500 per year. Similarly, Üsküdar University offers engineering programs taught exclusively in English with annual fees ranging from USD 3,970 to USD 5,095.

Medicine

Medicine is considered one of the most expensive disciplines in Turkish private universities, with annual fees ranging between USD 11,000 and USD 38,400. Programs taught in English are generally more expensive than those taught in Turkish. For example, annual fees for studying medicine in English at some universities like Behtçe Şehir University, Medipol Istanbul University, and Yeditepe University can reach around USD 25,000 or more.

Humanities

In the field of humanities, costs are generally lower compared to engineering and medicine, with average annual fees in Turkish private universities ranging between USD 3,500 and USD 20,000. Istanbul Sabahaddin Zaim University offers undergraduate programs with a standard annual fee of USD 7,000, with possibilities of obtaining scholarships to reduce these fees. Meanwhile, Istanbul Rumeli University offers an undergraduate program in International Relations for an annual cost of USD 3,500.

Business Administration

For business studies, the average annual fees in Turkish private universities range between USD 2,000 and USD 18,000. Many universities offer relatively affordable business administration programs, especially those taught in Turkish. For example, Istanbul Okan University offers a Business Administration program in Turkish at an annual cost of about USD 4,140 and in English for about USD 4,560. Nişantaşı University is considered an economical option, offering the program in Turkish for about USD 2,450 and in English for about USD 2,950.

This variation in study costs in Turkey for Moroccans at private universities underscores the importance of thorough research and comparing different programs and universities to find the option that matches each Moroccan student’s financial capabilities and academic goals.

Living Costs in Turkey

In addition to tuition fees, Moroccan students should consider the living costs in Turkey, which can vary significantly depending on the city and lifestyle. The main cities that attract international students include Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.

Istanbul

As a vibrant hub for international students, the average monthly living expenses in Istanbul can range between USD 400 and USD 1,500, including accommodation. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center may cost about USD 500 per month, while rentals outside the center are lower at around USD 350. Some sources indicate that average living costs in Istanbul, excluding rent, may reach about USD 1,700 per month.

Ankara

In Turkey’s capital, living costs can be relatively lower compared to Istanbul. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center is estimated to cost around USD 579 per month, while outside the center it is about USD 401. Many Turkish students in Ankara live on approximately USD 270 to USD 380 per month, including university dormitory housing.

Izmir

In the beautiful coastal city of Izmir, living costs are similar to those in Ankara. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around USD 608 per month, while outside the center it costs approximately USD 411.

Monthly living expenses typically include food costs, with a meal in a simple local restaurant costing between USD 5 and USD 10. Students can save money by buying groceries from local markets and cooking at home. Many universities also offer subsidized meals in their cafeterias at reasonable prices. Regarding transportation, Turkish cities provide efficient public transport networks at affordable rates, such as buses and subways. Students can obtain monthly transit passes at discounted rates, with an Istanbul pass costing around USD 37 per month, or about USD 6.25 per month with a student discount. As for recreational activities, Turkey offers various options at different price points, and students can benefit from student discounts at cinemas, theaters, and museums.

Additional Expenses to Budget For

In addition to tuition fees and living costs, there are extra fees that a Moroccan student might incur while studying in Turkey. Some universities may charge a one-time registration fee ranging between USD 100 and USD 300 per year. Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Turkey, and its cost depends on the type of insurance (public or private) and the provider. Basic health insurance may cost between USD 10 and USD 30 per year, while comprehensive private health insurance may cost up to around USD 80 per month. Students should also allocate a budget for books and study materials, which can range between USD 50 and USD 500 per year depending on the major and required materials.

Visa Requirements and Associated Costs

To obtain a study visa in Turkey, Moroccan students must first secure an admission offer from a recognized Turkish private university. After receiving the acceptance letter, they must apply for a student visa at the Turkish embassy or consulate in Morocco. The required documents usually include a valid passport, passport-sized photos, an acceptance letter from the university, proof of tuition fee payment (if applicable), a bank statement showing the financial ability to cover tuition and living costs, health insurance, a high school diploma, and translated and certified transcripts.

It is important to note that some sources indicate that Moroccan citizens might be exempt from a short-term entry visa for Turkey; however, it is necessary to verify the latest regulations regarding student visas for long-term study from official sources. The cost of a Turkish student visa for Moroccan students typically ranges between 90 and 185 euros for the basic fee, with possible additional fees for services. Students should also consider costs related to translating and certifying the required documents.

Tips for Managing Your Budget as a Student

To manage your budget and reduce study and living costs in Turkey, Moroccan students can follow some practical tips:

Create a Detailed Budget: Establish a detailed budget and track expenses regularly using apps or spreadsheets.

Utilize Student Discounts: Take advantage of student discounts available for public transportation, museums, cultural events, and retail stores.

Shared Accommodation: Reduce housing costs by opting for shared accommodation with other students.

Home Cooking: Prefer cooking at home instead of frequently eating out, and take advantage of affordable university cafeterias and local markets.

Use Public Transportation: Rely on public transportation rather than taxis or private cars.

Part-time Work: Look for part-time job opportunities if permitted by visa regulations.

Local Banking: Open a local bank account to facilitate financial transactions and get better exchange rates.

In conclusion, study costs in Turkey for Moroccans at private universities are considered a worthwhile investment given the quality of education and academic opportunities available, in addition to relatively reasonable living costs compared to many other countries. Through careful financial planning, researching scholarship opportunities, and taking advantage of practical tips to lower expenses, Moroccan students can achieve their dream of studying in Turkey and enjoy a rich and rewarding educational and cultural experience. Turkey offers a unique combination of excellent education, a supportive environment, and affordable costs, making it an ideal destination for ambitious Moroccan students seeking to build a successful academic and professional future.

If you are interested in traveling and studying at Turkish private universities, you can contact us now via the Safa platform to receive full assistance, including preparing the required documents and even securing admission to the best Turkish private universities to study your dream major.