Studying in Turkey for Iraqis

The number of Iraqi students in Turkish universities is estimated to be in the thousands, making them one of the largest student communities there. So, if you are an Iraqi student considering studying abroad, Turkey might be the ideal choice that combines prestigious education with a rich life experience.
In the following lines, the Sanah team presents the most important information and details about studying in Turkey for Iraqis, including admission requirements and the tuition fees of universities recognized in Iraq.

Advantages of Studying in Turkey for Iraqis

Imagine studying at a modern university with international programs while living in a country that shares your culture and traditions. This is exactly what Turkey offers Iraqi students.

The advantages of studying in Turkey for Iraqis include:

• Recognized degrees: Both public and private Turkish universities are accredited by the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education, which means your degree will be officially recognized when you return to work in Iraq.
• Language of study: Many private universities offer the option to study in English (with a preparatory year for non-speakers), while you can also learn Turkish for daily life communication.
• Lower study costs: Compared to studying in Europe or the USA, tuition and living costs in Turkey are more affordable for Iraqi students. In addition, many private universities allow installment payments for tuition fees and offer partial scholarships for certain Arab nationalities, including Iraqis.
• Student life in Turkey is more than just studying: Universities are full of activities, cultural and sports clubs, and international events. With a large Iraqi community in Istanbul and Ankara, you’ll never feel lonely or isolated.

Ways to Study in Turkey for Iraqis

As an Iraqi student, you have three main paths to choose from when studying in Turkey:

1. Applying through the Turkish Government Scholarship (Türkiye Bursları).
2. Applying to Turkish public universities.
3. Applying to private universities in Turkey.

Admission Requirements for Iraqis in Turkey

You might wonder, “Is it hard to get accepted?” In fact, admission to Turkish private universities is easier than you might think. Here are the main requirements for applying easily to Turkish universities:

• High school diploma (or equivalent), translated and certified.
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT or PTE Academic) or completion of a preparatory year.
• Some top universities (like Medipol, Bilgi, Koç) may require SAT or ACT scores for medicine and engineering programs.
• Required official documents: a valid passport, personal photos, translated transcript, and sometimes a motivation letter.
• A non-refundable registration fee between $50–$150.

Please note that the admission requirements for Egyptians, Syrians, and other Arab nationalities are generally the same as for Iraqis.

Popular Majors for Iraqi Students in Turkey

Anyone visiting Turkish universities will quickly notice that Iraqi students often prefer medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy, as well as engineering and computer sciences — and for good reason: these majors are in high demand in both Iraqi and international job markets.

Some of the most popular fields in well-known private Turkish universities are:

• Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy: Medipol, Biruni, Istinye.
• Engineering: Bilkent, Sabancı, Koç.
• Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence: Bahçeşehir, Bilgi, Özyeğin (mainly in Istanbul).
• Business Administration and Political Science: Koç, Bahçeşehir, Kadir Has.
• Media and Communication: Bilgi, Bahçeşehir.

Best Turkish Universities for Iraqis

Private Universities

• Koç University
• Sabancı University
• Bilkent University
• Bahçeşehir University
• Istanbul Medipol University
• Biruni University
• Istinye University
• Yeditepe University
• Istanbul Aydın University
• Altınbaş University

Public Universities

• Istanbul University
• Ankara University
• Hacettepe University
• Middle East Technical University (METU)
• Marmara University

List of Turkish Universities Recognized in Iraq 2025

One of the most important things Iraqi students consider when choosing a university in Turkey is whether the degree is recognized in Iraq. This recognition is essential for degree equivalency, employment, or pursuing postgraduate studies in your home country.

The Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research recognizes several Turkish universities, particularly strong private ones.

Recognized universities include:

• Istanbul Aydın University
• Fenerbahçe University
• Istanbul Gelişim University
• Istanbul Bilgi University
• Istanbul Medipol University
• Sabancı University
• Bahçeşehir University
• Özyeğin University

Requirements for Recognizing Turkish Degrees in Iraq

For your Turkish university degree to be recognized in Iraq, make sure the following conditions are met:

• The university must be accredited by the Turkish Council of Higher Education (YÖK).
• The study must be conducted in-person (not online or distance learning).
• The degree must meet the required number of credit hours for the same major in Iraq.
• In some cases, graduates may be asked to pass a scientific proficiency test at an Iraqi university.

Scholarships for Iraqis in Turkey 2025

Iraqi students can benefit from various scholarship opportunities offered by the Turkish government or private universities that provide partial scholarships for specific nationalities, including Iraqis. For example:

1. Türkiye Bursları (Turkish Government Scholarship): covers full tuition fees, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
2. Private university scholarships: discounts ranging from 25% to 100% based on academic performance (e.g., Koç University scholarship).
3. Special scholarships for Arab students: some universities offer extra scholarships for Iraqis and Arabs in certain programs taught in Turkish (e.g., Medipol University Turkish-track scholarships).

Living and Study Costs in Turkey for Iraqis

When considering studying in Turkey, tuition fees and living costs are usually among your top concerns. Let’s take a realistic look at the approximate amounts you might need to comfortably complete an academic year without financial stress.

Tuition Fees for Iraqis in Turkey

• Medicine: between $12,000 and $25,000 per year in private universities, depending on reputation.
• Dentistry / Pharmacy: usually slightly cheaper, between $10,000 and $18,000 annually.
• Engineering, Business, and non-medical majors: start from $4,000 to $8,000 annually in private universities, and may be lower with scholarships.

Estimated Monthly Living Costs in Turkey for Iraqis

As an international student from Iraq, here’s an overview of living expenses you might encounter in Turkish cities each month: