Are you an international student dreaming of a Turkish education but worried about the cost? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! There has been an increasing popularity of Turkish education and a growing demand for budget-friendly options, which led to many universities listening. We want to give you valuable information about affordable private universities in Turkey. So, dive into our guide to uncover the 10 most affordable private universities in Turkey!

Understanding Affordability in Turkish Private Universities:

 

Deciding if a university is affordable or not depends on many factors, including tuition fees, living expenses, scholarships, and financial aid options. However, it’s a well-known fact that Turkey is one of the cheapest studying destinations for international students, whether it’s because of the low cost of tuition fees, or the affordable cost of living. While choosing a university, you have to have individual budgets and priorities to prevent overspending. 

 

The 10 Cheapest Private Universities in Turkey (2024-2025)

 

(Disclaimer: University tuition fees and overall costs can change yearly. It's recommended to contact the universities directly for the latest information)

1. Bahçeşehir University (Istanbul):

Known for its affordable tuition fees and scholarships for international students, Bahçeşehir University is one of the cheap private universities in Istanbul for international students. It’s ranked #5 among Turkish universities according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024. It has well-known programs in engineering (particularly robotics and artificial intelligence), architecture, computer science, economics and finance, and law, and research focuses on robotics, artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, nanotechnology, entrepreneurship, law, and society.

There are seven campuses spread across Istanbul, offering modern classrooms, labs, libraries, sports facilities, and student housing options. The main Besiktas campus has an amazing location on the Bosphorus. You’ll have access to public transportation, buses, and taxis. You’ll enjoy your time on campus because of the vibrant atmosphere! The tuition costs are around $3,800-$9,000, depending on the program. The Bahçeşehir University Merit Scholarships and Türkiye Scholarships are also available if you’re considering a scholarship. 

 

2. İstanbul Okan University (Istanbul):

Second on the list is İstanbul Okan University (Istanbul); it is known for being a cheap private university in Turkey, with programs varying in Architecture, International Relations, and Computer Science. The university is located in Istanbul, Turkey, a vibrant metropolis with a rich history and diverse culture.

For undergraduate programs, the average tuition fee ranges from approximately $4,000 to $8,000 per year, depending on the specific program. The university offers various scholarships for international students, including merit-based scholarships and need-based scholarships. Eligibility criteria vary depending on the scholarship program. Living expenses in Istanbul can vary depending on your lifestyle choices. However, a general estimate for accommodation, food, and transportation would be around $600-$900 per month.

3. Uskudar University (Istanbul):

Uskudar University is another cheap private university in Turkey that international students love. It is found in Istanbul, Turkey, a vibrant city steeped in history and offering a diverse cultural experience, with several popular undergraduate programs, including Psychology, Computer Science, and International Relations.

For undergraduate programs, the average tuition fee ranges from around $3,200 to $10,000 per year, depending on the specific program and whether it's taught in English. Uskudar University offers various scholarships for international students, including merit-based, need-based, and sibling discounts. Eligibility criteria vary depending on the scholarship program. Living expenses in Istanbul can vary depending on your lifestyle choices. However, a general estimate for accommodation, food, and transportation would be around $600-$900 per month.

4. Halıcı University (Istanbul):

Located in Istanbul, Turkey, with campuses in the districts of Beyoğlu, Levent, and Zincirlikuyu, Halıcı University is a great cheap private university for international students. It’s known for the world-renowned programs it offers, including International Relations, Business Administration, and Computer Science. 

The average annual tuition fee for undergraduate programs at Halıcı University varies depending on the specific program:

• Turkish programs: Range from approximately $2,500 to $5,000 per year.

• English-taught programs: Range from approximately $3,000 to $6,000 per year.

Also, the university offers several scholarships for international students, including:

• Merit-based scholarships: Awarded to students with high academic achievement.

• Sibling discounts: Available for siblings of current Halıcı University students.

• Special scholarships: offered for specific programs or nationalities.

• Financial aid: Available for students with demonstrated financial need.

Living expenses in Istanbul can vary depending on your lifestyle choices. However, a general estimate for accommodation, food, and transportation would be around $600-$900 per month.

5. Istanbul Gelisim University (Istanbul):

Considered a cheap private university in Turkey, Istanbul Gelisim University is located in Istanbul, Turkey. It’s a university famous for its programs, including Architecture, International Relations, and Computer Science. 

The average annual tuition fee for undergraduate programs at Istanbul Gelisim University varies depending on the specific program:

• Turkish programs: Range from approximately $2,500 to $5,000 per year.

• English-taught programs: Range from approximately $3,000 to $6,000 per year.

Istanbul Gelisim University offers various scholarships for international students, including:

• Merit-based scholarships: Awarded to students with high academic achievement.

• Sibling discounts: Available for siblings of current Istanbul Gelisim University students.

• Special scholarships: Offered for specific programs or nationalities.

• Financial aid: Available for students with demonstrated financial need.

A general estimate for accommodation, food, and transportation would be around $600-$900 per month.

6. Istanbul Bilgi University (Istanbul):

Another one of the most important cheap private universities in Istanbul for international students is Istanbul Bilgi University. It is another favorite for international students who want to study in Turkey because of its high ranking among private universities. The university has renowned programs in Media and Communication Studies, Visual Arts and Design, Cinema and Television, Law, Political Science, and International Relations, and a research focus in media and communication studies, visual arts, social sciences, law, and human rights. 

The university has three campuses scattered across the European side of Istanbul, which are as follows:

• Santral Istanbul

• Dolapdere

• Kuştepe

All campuses are well-connected by public transportation, and they all have a vibrant, artistic, and quiet atmosphere. As an international student, you’ll be paying around $4,700-$9,300 a year. You can always apply for the available scholarships, including the Bilgi University Merit Scholarships and the Türkiye Scholarships.

7. Ankara Medipol University (Ankara):

Ankara Medipol University is a well-known, respected university that’s highly-ranked among the cheap private universities in Turkey. The university has a wide range of world-renowned programs, including Medicine, Dentistry, and Psychology.

The average annual tuition fee for undergraduate programs at Ankara Medipol University varies depending on the specific program:

• Turkish programs: Range from approximately $2,500 to $5,000 per year.

• English-taught programs: Range from approximately $3,000 to $6,000 per year.

Ankara Medipol University offers several scholarships for international students, including:

• Merit-based scholarships: Awarded to students with high academic achievement.

• Sibling discounts: Available for siblings of current Ankara Medipol University students.

• Special scholarships: Offered for specific programs or nationalities.

• Financial aid: Available for students with demonstrated financial need.

8. Altınbaş University (Istanbul):

Altınbaş University is a cheap private university that is located in Istanbul. The university offers a variety of programs that it excels in, including Architecture, International Relations, and Computer Science. Some programs are offered in both Turkish and English, while others are available only in one language. 

For undergraduate programs, the average tuition fee ranges from around $4,000 to $9,000 per year, depending on the specific program and whether it's taught in English. Altınbaş University offers various scholarships for international students, including:

• Merit-based scholarships: Awarded to students with high academic achievement.

• Sibling discounts: Available for siblings of current Altınbaş University students.

• Special scholarships: Offered for specific programs, nationalities, or socio-economic backgrounds.

• Financial aid: Available for students with demonstrated financial need.

9. Işık University (Istanbul):

Considered one of the best and cheapest private universities in Istanbul, Işık University is a respected university. It has a wide range of renowned programs, including law, architecture, political science and international relations, economics, and communication studies, with a research focus on law and society, human rights, sustainable development, urban design, and political communication.

There are two campuses in Istanbul:

• Şirintepe Campus: The main campus has modern classrooms, labs, libraries, sports facilities, and student housing options.

• Sarıyer Campus: A smaller campus focused on law and social sciences programs.

You’ll be paying around $4,500-$7,100 per year, depending on the program. You can also apply for the Işık University Merit Scholarships or the Türkiye Scholarships.

10. Yeditepe University (Istanbul):

Finally, Yeditepe University is a well-known, respected university that’s ranked #801 in the world according to QS World University Rankings 2024. It offers an abundance of programs, including dentistry, architecture, law, engineering (particularly software engineering and biomedical engineering), fine arts, and design. The university has a strong research focus on dentistry, oral health, sustainable architecture, legal theory, software development, and digital art.

The campus is in Istanbul's Kayışdağı district, with modern classrooms, labs, libraries, sports facilities, student housing options, and several public transportation methods (Metrobus, metro, buses). You’ll be paying around $5,500-$11,000 depending on the program and your nationality. The university offers two scholarships: the Yeditepe University Merit Scholarships and the Türkiye Scholarships.

 

Before You Choose

 

There are a few important steps you have to take before choosing a university. First of all, it’s important to thoroughly research each university's programs, scholarship opportunities, and specific costs before making a decision. Also, you have to check the university’s ranking through trusted websites, including the QS World University Rankings. If you’re looking for universities and you’re on a budget, it’s important to look for alternative options like public universities and government scholarships for even lower costs.

 

Conclusion:

 

In conclusion, studying abroad is a wonderful experience. The only problem students face is the cost of the tuition fees, which is why we’re giving you cheap options, especially if you’re looking for private universities in Turkey. It’s important to find a place that suits your preferences and aligns with your academic needs, career aspirations, and desired lifestyle to ensure a good experience. Good luck!