Studying MBBS in Turkey

Why study MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) in Turkey

1. Quality education: Turkish universities provide high quality education, modern facilities, experienced faculty, and well-equipped hospitals for practical training. Many universities have established partnerships with international medical institutions, offering students enhanced global exposure.

2. Low tuition fees: Medical degrees in Turkey often have more affordable & inexpensive tuition fees than those in many private universities in Western countries, making studying medicine in Turkey a cost-effective option.

3. International recognition: Medical programs in Turkey often have more affordable tuition fees than those in many Western countries, making studying medicine in Turkey a cost-effective option.

4. Multicultural environment: Studying medicine in Turkey provides an enriching experience within a diverse cultural environment. It facilitates interaction with peers from varied backgrounds and fosters a comprehensive understanding of healthcare and patient care.

5. Clinical exposure: Turkish medical programs often offer early and extensive clinical exposure, enabling students to interact with patients and gain hands-on experience from an early stage.

6. English-taught programs: Numerous medical schools in Turkey offer MBBS programs in English, allowing international students to pursue medical studies without acquiring proficiency in Turkish.

7. Research opportunities: Turkish MBBS universities are engaged in a variety of medical research projects, providing students with opportunities to participate in research activities and make contributions to the field.

8. Cultural experience: Studying in Turkey provides an opportunity to immerse in a rich cultural heritage, explore historical sites, and enjoy a harmonious blend of modern and traditional elements.

9. Gateway to Europe and Asia: Due to its strategic location between Europe and Asia, medical students can experience diverse medical practices and cultures in Turkey.

10. Career opportunities: Graduating from a Turkish medical school provides access to a wide range of career paths in the medical sector, encompassing clinical practice, research, specialized training, and academic positions.

11. Clinical rotations: A lot of MBBS universities in Turkey are connected to hospitals, so students can get hands-on experience in different medical fields by doing their clinical rotations there.

12. Student support: Medical schools frequently extend support services to international students for international education, encompassing aid in securing accommodation, navigating visa procedures, and fostering cultural integration.

At which universities can you study MBBS in Turkey?

There are numerous medical schools in Turkey where students from abroad can also begin their studies. Below you will find an overview of some of the best universities:

Istanbul University (Yeditepe Üniversitesi)

The Faculty of Medicine at Istanbul University was the first medical faculty in Turkey. It offers a degree programme in dentistry and human medicine in both English and Turkish. Numerous international co-operations enable you to do internships or semesters abroad in other countries.

The university campus is a small city in itself. You can quickly make friends with your fellow students in the university's cafeterias, sports facilities and parks.

In addition to a beautiful cityscape, Istanbul is rich in culture and has a lot to offer you. If you need a break from all the impressions, there are numerous small cafés, restaurants and bars as well as many green spaces for great relaxation opportunities.

Hacettepe University

Hacettepe University in Istanbul offers medical studies in English. The aim here is to train enlightened, research-orientated and empathetic doctors. The Faculty of Medicine is a leader in both national and international research. On the Hacettepe campus, you can make friends with people from all over the world, as a large proportion of students come from abroad.

The university is located in Ankara, the capital of Turkey. It is known as a diverse and lively student city. As a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities, it has a colourful range of restaurants, markets and cultural events to offer.

Aegean University (Ege Üniversitesi)

At Ege University, medical studies are conducted in Turkish. Founded in 1955, the faculty is particularly well known for its excellent educational and research opportunities. From the very first year of training, students acquire practical medical skills as well as basic knowledge.

Ege University is located in the harbour town of Izmir. The third largest city is particularly known for its pleasant Mediterranean climate, its cultural diversity and its lively atmosphere. As it starts to warm up in spring, you can spend many beautiful afternoons on the shores of the Aegean Sea

Bahçeşehir University (BAU)

The private Bahcesehir University in Istanbul offers medical studies for international students once a year in the winter semester. This programme attracts students from all over the world. You will find people from over 25 different nations on campus. The university's numerous social programmes give you the opportunity to get to know them quickly and make friends. As part of the curriculum, Turkish must be learnt alongside your studies. 

The university is located in the heart of beautiful Istanbul on the banks of the Bosphorus in Besiktas. After lectures, you can cosy up with a book in the green spaces along the Bosphorus or explore the numerous leisure activities or exciting nightlife in Istanbul with your fellow students.

Documents required for MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) in Turkey

1. Application form: A completed application form, provided by the university, can conveniently be submitted online through the university's application portal.

2. High school diploma: You’ll need to provide a copy of your high school diploma or equivalent as proof of completing secondary education.

3. Transcripts: Official transcripts of your high school academic records. These transcripts should detail the courses you've taken and the grades you've achieved.

4. Language proficiency test results: If the program is in Turkish, you need a recognized Turkish language proficiency test. Some universities may accept other language tests for programs in different languages.

5. Entrance exam scores: If the university mandates entrance exams, it's essential to submit official scores. The Turkish national university entrance exam (YKS) is a widely accepted assessment for medical program admissions.

6. Passport-sized photographs: Kindly ensure that you have passport-sized photographs that adhere to the specifications provided by the university.

7. Passport copy: Ensure to make copies of the relevant pages of your passport, including your personal details and photograph.

8. Health and medical records: Universities may request medical examinations and documentation to verify that you satisfy the health and medical prerequisites for the program.

9. Statement of purpose (SOP): In your written statement, you should express your passion for studying medicine, detail your career aspirations, and explain why you are drawn to the particular university and program.

10. Recommendation letters: You usually need to get two to three recommendation letters from teachers, counselors, or professionals who can attest to your academic skills and potential for success in the medical program.

11. Interview: Keep in mind that certain universities may request an interview as part of the admission process. This interview can take place in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing.

Eligibility criteria for MBBS course in Turkey

To pursue MBBS degree in Turkey, you need a high school diploma (Abitur or Fachabitur). Other countries where it is possible to study medicine with a vocational baccalaureate, you can find here. The grade point average plays a subordinate role. Much more important is the number of points achieved in the YÖS exam. YÖS stands for "Yabancı Uyruklu Öğrenci Sınavı" ("Examination for Students of Foreign Nationality") and is the Turkish entrance examination that all foreign students must take. The content and requirements of the exam vary from university to university, but generally involves answering oral or written questions in natural sciences, social sciences and maths. You will also have to prove your Turkish language skills during the exam.

English-speaking medical faculties often also expect a letter of motivation, a letter of recommendation and an official language certificate of your English language skills.

How is the medical degree programme in Turkey structured?

Standard period of study for the medical degree programme in Turkey is six years, just like in Germany. You have the option of doing a preparatory year before starting your studies if you have deficits in science subjects or English. Then it would be seven years in total.

The structure of medical studies in Turkey is similar to that in Germany or other EU countries. The first three years are the pre-clinical phase. In the first two years in particular, you will learn about the structure and function of the human body through subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, physiology and cell biology. From the third year onwards, you will receive a theoretical and practical introduction to diseases.

You will need this basic knowledge in order to understand lectures in internal medicine, anaesthesia, trauma surgery, gynaecology or paediatrics in the subsequent clinical part. You will then apply this knowledge in practice through a large number of internships on various hospital wards.

The sixth year is similar to the practical year in Germany. You will spend most of it in different specialisms at university hospitals. The students take on medical tasks and are thus prepared for their later time as a junior doctor.

Thanks to the Bologna Process, medical studies in Turkey are recognised in all EU countries as well as in the USA and Switzerland. You can therefore choose the country in which you would prefer to work or do your specialist training.

How much does it cost to study medicine in Turkey?

Costs of studying medicine in Turkey vary depending on the university. Studying at a state university is also free of charge for non-Turkish or international students. At a private university, you should expect to pay annual tuition fees ranging between 9.19 lacs INR and 24.81 lacs INR (10,000 and 27,000 euros) per year.

The cost of living in Turkey varies depending on the city, but is significantly cheaper than in Germany. You can find nice small flats for between 18,389 INR and 27,583 INR(200 and 300 euros). The prices for food and leisure activities are also much lower, so you can expect to spend between 55,972 INR and 73,556 INR (500 and 800 euros) depending on your lifestyle and living situation.

With regard to the costs of your medical studies abroad, you should also think about possible Scholarships that can help you with the financing.

MBBS scholarships (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) in Turkey

1. Türkiye scholarships: While Türkiye Scholarships mainly cover undergraduate and graduate studies, they may also provide opportunities for medical students. These scholarships, offered by the Turkish government, include coverage for tuition fees, accommodation, and more.

2. University scholarships: Consider studying in Turkey with the possibility of receiving scholarship program from select universities. These scholarships are available to international students based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria, providing valuable assistance with tuition fees and other expenses.

3. External scholarship program: International students studying medicine in Turkey may be eligible for scholarships offered by organizations or foundations outside of Turkey. These scholarships may be country-specific or targeted at students from specific regions.

4. Government scholarships: Please consider reaching out to your country's government to inquire about potential scholarships for medical education in Turkey.

5. Private organizations: Explore private organizations, foundations, and non-profits that support education and medical studies for available scholarship programs for medical students.

6. Educational exchange programs: Some countries offer scholarship opportunities for medical students through educational exchange programs with Turkey.

Jobs and salary after MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) in Turkey

1. Medical practice: After earning your MBBS degree, completing a mandatory internship is crucial for gaining practical experience. As a licensed medical doctor, you can make a meaningful impact as a general practitioner, providing essential healthcare services to patients in private clinics and public hospitals or even by setting up your own practice in Turkey.

2. Specialization: Upon completing their MBBS, many graduates choose to pursue a specialization in a specific area of medicine through a residency program. In Turkey, there are various popular medical specialties such as cardiology, radiology, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, orthopedics, and more. Specialization not only allows doctors to focus on a specific field of medicine but also often leads to increased earning potential.

3. Research and academia: An academic career could be a suitable pursuit if one is inclined towards research and teaching. This path may involve employment at a medical university, medical research engagement, and medical literature contribution. Academic roles offer fulfillment and avenues for continuous learning.

4. Public and private hospitals: Both public and private hospitals in Turkey provide employment opportunities for medical doctors. Public hospitals offer stable employment with benefits, while private hospitals provide the potential for higher salaries despite the possibility of more variable working conditions.

5. Government positions: Government health institutions and agencies hire medical professionals for roles in policy-making, healthcare management, and public health initiatives.

6. International opportunities: Your medical degree from Turkey is internationally recognized, allowing you to pursue job opportunities in other countries, dependent upon meeting licensing and certification requirements.

Salary expectations

Salaries for medical doctors in Turkey vary based on specialization, experience, location, and type of employment. Here's a rough estimate of salary ranges:

• General practitioner: Starting salaries for general practitioners typically range from $20,000 to $40,000 (16.6 lacs INR to 33.2 lacs INR)per year.

• Specialist: Salaries for specialists can vary significantly, typically ranging from around $30,000 to $100,000 (24.9 lacs INR to 83 lacs INR) or more per year, depending on their specialization and experience. 

• Academic positions: Academic positions may have different salary levels, but they offer a stable income along with additional benefits.

Country and people: What you didn't know about Turkey

1. St Nicholas does not come from the North Pole, he comes from sunny Turkey. St Nicholas was Bishop of Myra (now Demre), in a province in the south-west of modern-day Turkey.

2. 96% of the Turkish population drinks at least one cup of tea a day! There are numerous unusual flavours that you should definitely try!

3. Istanbul's special features: Like Rome, the city was built on seven hills, on which impressive mosques and palaces can now be found. The city is also located on two continents and has an Asian and a European side.

What do you need to consider when applying to study medicine in Turkey?

The application process for studying medicine in Turkey differs slightly between the individual medical universities. As a rule, however, you must apply within the relevant  Application deadline submit your application documents online. These include the results of your YÖS test, your university entrance qualification (Fachabitur or Abitur) and a letter of motivation. futureMBBS has already gained a lot of experience in finding medical study places abroad and will be happy to support you with the application process.  

Are you ready to realise your dream of studying medicine in Turkey? Contact us today and start your journey with futureMBBS. We look forward to accompanying you on your journey and working with you to realise your dream of a career in medicine.

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FAQs about studying MBBS in Turkey