Financial Planning

Managing Your Student Finances in Turkey

Plan your budget effectively with this guide to tuition fees, living costs, scholarships, and financial requirements for studying in Turkey.

Turkey Student Money Guide

Plan tuition, living costs and money proof in Türkiye (Turkey) for 2026-27

Monthly Budget Overview

TRY

AccommodationTRY 4,000 to TRY 20,000 a month

Food & GroceriesTRY 80 to TRY 120 a meal (a cafeteria lunch, not a monthly total)

TransportationTRY 400 to TRY 600 a month

Utilities & InternetTRY 400 to TRY 800 a month

Total MonthlyTRY 12,000 to TRY 18,000 a month

Tuition

Public (Middle East Technical University, METU): USD (US dollars) 800 to USD 1,200 a semester (half a year). Private (Bilkent): USD 18,400 a year.

Public example: Middle East Technical University (METU), USD 800 to USD 1,200 a semester for a bachelor's. Private example: Bilkent University, USD 18,400 a year. Fees are for international students in 2026-27.

Living Costs Calculator

Financial Topics

Money topics

Read each guide for the details.

Tuition Fees

Complete breakdown of tuition costs across universities in Turkey

Key information

Program-wise fee structure
Public vs private universities
Additional academic costs
Payment schedules and methods

Learn More

Living Costs

Comprehensive guide to living expenses and budgeting in Turkey

Key information

Accommodation costs by city
Food and daily expenses
Transportation costs
Personal and entertainment budget

Learn More

Financial Proof

Documentation and requirements for proving financial capacity

Key information

Required financial documentation
Bank statement requirements
Sponsor documents
University-specific requirements

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Scholarships

Available scholarships and funding opportunities for international students

Key information

Government scholarships
University-specific funding
Merit-based opportunities
Application deadlines and process

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Student Jobs

Work opportunities and regulations for international students

Key information

Work permit regulations
On-campus job opportunities
Part-time work options
Post-graduation work rights

Learn More

Budget Overview

Example student costs in Ankara

Prices for a student in Ankara in 2026, in Turkish lira (TRY).

Example: a student in Ankara, 2026

In Turkish lira (TRY)

Essential Monthly Expenses

Accommodation

TRY 4,000 to TRY 20,000 a month

Public or university dormitory.

Food & Groceries

TRY 80 to TRY 120 a meal (a cafeteria lunch, not a monthly total)

A meal at an average restaurant: TRY 350 to TRY 600.

Transportation

TRY 400 to TRY 600 a month

Student bus and metro pass.

Utilities & Internet

TRY 400 to TRY 800 a month

Mobile phone bill.

Total Monthly Budget

Average living costs for students

TRY 12,000 to TRY 18,000 a month

Excluding tuition fees

Costs vary significantly based on location and lifestyle. Figures are estimates and subject to change.

Money Management

Banking in Türkiye

A Turkish bank account helps you pay fees and receive money from home.

A bank students use

Akbank

Most Sabancı University students open an account at the Akbank branch on campus.

Used for money transfers and official payments, such as dormitory and tuition fees.

Papers to open an account

Passport.
A Turkish phone number.
A tax number (a number from the tax office for money matters, such as opening a bank account).

A student certificate (a paper from your university that shows you study there) or a student ID card.
Address proof: a dorm certificate, a rental contract or a bill in your name.

Money Transfer & Payment Methods

Options for receiving and sending money internationally

Money Transfer Options

Bank Wire Transfers

Traditional bank-to-bank transfers using SWIFT/BIC codes.

Secure

Reliable

Higher fees

Money Transfer Services

Services like Wise, Remitly, Western Union, and MoneyGram.

Lower fees

Better exchange rates

App-based tracking

Common Payment Methods

Cash

Keep some cash on hand for small purchases and emergency situations. ATMs are widely available.

Smart Financial Tips

Expert advice to help you manage your finances effectively while studying in turkey

Budgeting

Use your university's own fee list for the year you start.

Add the residence permit card fee (the card that lets you live in Türkiye as a student). Students pay only the card fee: TRY 964 (Turkish lira) in 2026. There is no separate residence permit fee.

Saving money

Live in a campus dormitory in Ankara. A shared flat costs more.

Eat at the university cafeteria.

Scholarships

Apply for Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları). They pay your tuition, housing, health insurance and a monthly allowance (stipend).

Many private universities look at international applicants' marks and may give them a scholarship for good results.

Pro Tips for turkey

Currency Management

• Monitor exchange rates and transfer money when rates are favorable
• Use multi-currency cards to avoid conversion fees
• Keep some local cash (TRY) for emergencies

Local Financial Culture

• Learn about local tipping customs and practices
• Understand tax obligations for international students
• Explore local student financial support programs

Remember: Financial planning is key to a successful study abroad experience. Start planning early and don't hesitate to seek advice from financial advisors or your university's international student services.