Medicine

Medical faculties are authorised by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and train students in university hospitals from the clinical years onwards. Many faculties teach the whole program in English; others teach in Turkish after a preparatory year. A Turkish medical degree lets you practise in Turkey once you meet its rules, and abroad once you meet the licensing requirements of that country.

Medicine is a six-year program leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD): three pre-clinical years, two clinical years and a final internship year. State universities admit international students mainly on exam scores (TR-YÖS, their own YÖS or SAT) or recognised national results, with very few places; private universities usually admit on high school grades, with high minimums in science subjects.

Private universities publish fees in US dollars: Üsküdar University lists 18,000 dollars a year in Turkish and 24,000 dollars in English, and Istinye University 23,000 and 29,000 dollars. State medical faculties charge international students much less, set in lira under the 2026-2027 fee decision, but places are scarce and competitive. Budget for living costs on top: about 500 to 1,500 dollars a month depending on the city.

Turkish medical programs are accredited by TEPDAD, an agency recognised by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME); recognition of the agency does not mean every faculty is accredited, so check the faculty's own status. If you plan to practise in the United States, ECFMG certification requires a degree from a school accredited by a WFME-recognised agency. For other countries, check the medical council's rules, and confirm the faculty is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

Graduates work as doctors and go on to specialise, conduct research, or work in public health, in Turkey or abroad after meeting local licensing requirements.