FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Turkey is one of the most preferred countries both regionally and globally for medical education. Its medical faculties offer world-class education with state-of-the-art laboratories, extensive clinical facilities, highly qualified academic staff, and internationally recognized accreditations. Students are not limited to theoretical courses; they also gain hands-on clinical experience with real patients in hospitals. This approach helps them develop practical medical skills and prepares them thoroughly for their future careers as doctors. The availability of medical programs in both English and Turkish, modern university hospitals, and relatively affordable tuition fees make Turkey particularly attractive for international students. Through the Studyleo platform, students can complete the application process faster, more accurately, and with professional guidance.
Which Universities Stand Out for Medical Education?
Turkey is home to prestigious medical schools that provide students with excellent opportunities for both academic and clinical development. These institutions are distinguished by their advanced infrastructure, cutting-edge laboratories, and broad hospital networks that support practical training. Students do more than acquire theoretical knowledge — they hone their clinical skills in real-world medical environments. Each university has its own unique academic atmosphere, research potential, and international partnerships, creating an ideal setting for foreign students to adapt easily and receive top-quality education.
Istanbul University – Cerrahpaşa
It is a traditional medical university with a long-established history.
It is well known for its international scientific research.Hacettepe University
Considered the leading medical university in the country.
A large share of its graduates build successful careers worldwide.Dokuz Eylül University
One of the strongest centers for clinical training in İzmir.
Its simulation laboratories provide extensive learning opportunities.Yeditepe University
Famous for offering medical education in English.
The university hospital gives students broad access to real clinical practice.Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University
Possesses a strong infrastructure in medical research and biotechnology.
Implements an innovative, next-generation medical education model.Maltepe University
Known for its student-friendly approach and practice-oriented teaching.
Offers affordable tuition options for international students.Koç University
Features a high-level medical program designed in accordance with the U.S. model.
Students gain extensive hands-on experience at Koç University Hospital.
🔄 Updated: Dec 17, 2025 08:29
Advantages and Structure of Medical Education
Medical education in Turkey is a comprehensive 6-year program. In the early years, students focus on foundational sciences such as anatomy, biochemistry, and histology. From the third year onward, clinical training begins: students rotate through various departments and work with actual patient cases. The final year is dedicated to internship (internatura), during which students function as active members of clinical teams. This system ensures that graduates are both theoretically strong and clinically competent.
Key advantages of the system:
Modern simulation centers
Extensive clinical rotations that build practical skills
Full integration with university hospitals
Medical Specialties and Specialization
After completing the 6-year medical degree, graduates enter residency training (TUS – specialization exam) and can choose from dozens of specialties. Turkey’s vast hospital network and specialized clinics enable high-quality residency training. Each specialty has its own academic and practical requirements that shape the doctor’s future career.
Most popular and in-demand specialties:
General Surgery & Plastic Surgery
Pediatrics
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Cardiology & Cardiovascular Surgery
Internal Medicine
Radiology
Dermatology
Anesthesiology
Ophthalmology
Orthopedics and Traumatology
These fields offer strong career prospects both in Turkey and internationally.
🔄 Updated: Dec 17, 2025 08:29
Admission to Medical Programs with High School Diploma Only
Many private universities in Turkey accept international students to medical programs based solely on their high school diploma and grades — without requiring YÖS or any other entrance exam. This significantly simplifies and accelerates the admission process. Universities generally evaluate the applicant’s GPA, transcript, and motivation letter. Students with strong academic records may also qualify for scholarships or tuition discounts. Applying through Studyleo makes the entire process smooth and reliable: the platform matches students with the most suitable universities according to their grades and manages the entire application on their behalf.
Top-Ranked Turkish Medical Universities by Specialty
Turkey is one of the strongest countries in the region for medical training. Rankings for each specialty are determined by factors such as clinical facilities, faculty expertise, research output, and hospital infrastructure.
Neurosurgery – Hacettepe University, Cerrahpaşa
Cardiology – Istanbul University, Koç University
Oncology – Acıbadem University, Hacettepe University
Orthopedics & Traumatology – Ege University, Ankara University
Dermatology – Acıbadem University, Marmara University
Famous Physician Alumni from Turkey’s Top Medical Universities
Turkey is not only recognized for the quality of its medical education but also for producing world-renowned doctors. Leading universities such as Hacettepe, Istanbul, Ankara, and Gazi have graduated specialists who have made groundbreaking contributions in fields like neurosurgery, cardiology, oncology, and immunology.
Notable alumni:
Prof. Dr. Gazi Yaşargil (Neurosurgery) – Considered the father of modern neurosurgery; graduated from Hacettepe University.
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Öz (Cardiothoracic Surgery) – Internationally famous heart surgeon and TV personality; graduated from Istanbul University.
Prof. Dr. Uğur Şahin (Oncology & Immunology) – Co-founder of BioNTech (Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine); graduated from Ankara University.
Prof. Dr. Cevdet Erdöl (Cardiology) – Influential figure in Turkish healthcare policy; graduated from Gazi University.
Cost of Medical Education
Because medical education requires extensive clinical and technological resources, it is generally more expensive than other fields. State universities offer more affordable fees, while private universities charge higher rates in return for English-medium instruction, superior clinical facilities, and advanced equipment. Living costs in Turkey remain reasonable compared to many other countries.
Approximate annual costs:
Medicine at state universities: $8,000 – $15,000
Medicine at private universities: $12,000 – $30,000
Accommodation (dormitory or rent): $150 – $300 per month
Food and daily expenses: $200 – $300 per month
Studying medicine in Turkey combines world-class theoretical education with intensive hands-on clinical training. Modern university hospitals and advanced research labs give students access to the latest medical technologies from day one. The multicultural campus atmosphere helps international students adapt quickly and feel at home. Many private universities offer direct admission based only on high school diplomas, making the process simple and fast. The 6-year program ensures graduates are both academically strong and clinically confident. A broad range of residency specialties opens doors to promising careers worldwide. Tuition and living costs are much more affordable than in Europe or North America without compromising quality. By choosing Studyleo, students get expert guidance, perfect university matching, and full support from application to enrollment, turning their dream of becoming a doctor into reality smoothly and reliably.
