Best Universities in Turkey for Erasmus

There are about 130 public universities in Turkey. There are also about 80 foundation universities. Here you will find a selection for university students who want to be in Turkey for one or two semesters within the scope of Erasmus.

First of all, let's note that there are no private universities in Turkey. Universities are either a state institution or an institution of a foundation. On the other hand, most of the foundation universities are known as "private".

1. What could be the biggest difference between state and foundation universities?

It is not very easy to give a one hundred percent answer, but in general, we can say that academic and administrative staff can be reached more easily at foundation universities. On the other hand, it is also worth noting that education in state universities is better. In Turkey, students take the exam after they finish high school and make a choice of university and department according to the exam result. There is more competition because public universities are free. In departments at foundation universities, there are usually three separate quotas. Most of the quota is reserved for paid students. A smaller part is reserved for students with a 50% scholarship. Much less is set for 100% scholarship students.

2. Which departments are better at which universities?

If you are coming with Erasmus, we can predict that you will most likely prefer cities such as İstanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Antalya. There are 81 provinces in Turkey and there is at least one university in each province. Let's try to respond by considering the cities where transportation is easy and social life is relatively good...

a) İstanbul

There are about 60 universities in İstanbul. İstanbul Technical University, İstanbul University, Boğaziçi University, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Galatasaray University, Turkish-German University are the best state universities in İstanbul. If you prefer a foundation university, we can suggest Koç, Sabancı and Yeditepe universities.

The language of education at Galatasaray University is French. And at the Turkish-German University, it is German. You can study English at other universities, although there are exceptions.

If you are a Business Administration or International Relations student, keep in mind Boğaziçi University. For Fine Arts and Conservatory, the best university in Turkey is Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. As for almost all engineering departments, it is possible to recommend İstanbul Technical University. For Medicine and other health departments, İstanbul University is worth considering.

b) Ankara

As for the universities in Ankara, we would like to mention the names of two state and two foundation universities. For all departments about Language and Linguistics, and Pharmacy, and departments such as Political Science is Ankara University a good option. Middle East Technical University could be chosen for engineering departments. TOBB University of Economics and Technology, on the other hand, can be ideal for students who want to quickly get acquainted with the private sector and develop themselves. University of Turkish Aeronautical Association is the best option for Air Transport, Aeronautics and Astronautics departments.

c) İzmir

Izmir Institute of Technology is one of the best institutions in Turkey for engineering and science departments. If you're a student of Sport Sciences, Tourism, Dentistry or Pharmacy, you should consider Ege University. 

d) Antalya

There are five universities in Antalya. What we want to mention is Akdeniz University, which is one of the best in Turkey with its Faculty of Medicine.

3. Best Location

- Ege University Faculty of Tourism is located in Çesme. Especially in the summer season, Çeşme is preferred for nightlife, sea and surfing, and in the winter period it is also a very beautiful place.

- Bahçeşehir, Kent, and Galata universities are in the center of İstanbul. Especially Bahçeşehir University could be best one.