Study Medicine in Turkey
for International Students

Year 1 – Basic Medical Sciences I

Focus: Fundamental sciences and introduction to medicine.

Main Subjects:

• Anatomy (1): You learn the structure of the human body
• Histology & Embryology (I): how a baby develops during pregnancy.
• Biochemistry (I): Chemical processes inside the body
• Medical Terminology
• Introduction to Clinical Skills
• Medical Ethics & History of Medicine
• Biophysics
• Medical Biology & Genetics: DNA, genes, and how traits or diseases can be inherited

Objective: Building a strong foundation in normal human structure and basic biological mechanisms.

Year 2 – Basic Medical Sciences II

Focus: Function and Structure of the Human Body

Main Subjects:

• Anatomy (II)
• Histology & Embryology (II): learn about tissues and cells by examining them
• Biochemistry (II): Chemical processes inside the body
• Physiology: You learn how the body works
• Microbiology (II): bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms
• Clinical Skills Training

Objective:
Understanding how the human body functions under normal conditions.

Year 3 – Pre-Clinical

Focus: Disease mechanisms and introduction to clinical Medicine

Main Subjects:

• Pathology: bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms
• Pharmacology: You learn about medicines — how they work, how they treat diseases, and their side effects.
• Microbiology: bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause infections
• Parasitology
• Pathophysiology: how normal body functions are disturbed by disease
• Internal Medicine Introduction
• General Surgery Introducation

Objective:
Understanding disease processes, diagnosis and basic treatment approaches.

Year 4 – Clinical Sciences I

Focus: Clinical rotations.

Main Subjects:

• International Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• General Surgery
• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Objective:
Active clinical training at the university’s hospital , hands-on experience , and supervised practice in hospitals.

Year 5 – Clinical Sciences II

Focus: Advanced clinical rotations

Main Subjects:

• Emergency Medicine: life-threatening conditions..
• Orthopedics
• Urology
• ENT (Otorhinolaryngology)
• Ophthalmology
• Anesthesiology
• Radiology
• Family Medicine
• Elective Rotations

Objective:
You start acting like a doctor — examining patients and learning how diagnoses are made.

Year 6 – Internship (Intern Doctor)

Focus: Advanced clinical rotations

Main Subjects:

• Internal Medicine
• General Surgery
• Emergency Medicine
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Pediatrics
• Family Medicine
• Electives

Objective:
To gain hands-on experience in patient care, diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical responsibility. This year prepares you to become a real doctor after graduation.

Quick Fact:

Even in English programs, students benefit from learning Turkish for clinical communication.

After Graduation

At the end of 6 years, you become a Medical Doctor (MD).

What you can do:

• You can start working as a General Practitioner (GP)
• Take the specialization exam (TUS): Medical Specialization Exam in Turkey for International Students
• For European Countries: No national specialization exam. You can start your recognition procedure directly after receiving your diploma
• United Kingdom: PLAB Exam.
• USA: USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination)

Core Application Documents

Most of Universities in Turkey will require the following documents during the application process:

• High School Diploma (if graduated)
• High School Transcript
• Passport Copy

Additional documents may be requested depending on the university (a Motivational Letter)

Academic Requirements

Medical programs in Turkey are very popular among International students. Most seats are filled quickly, and quotas are often reached during the application period. Universities in Turkey expect good grades especially in science subjects like Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics & Physics.

Some Universities require a Minimum GPA or specific grades in your A-Levels.

Quick Tip 💡

Our Team will help you getting accepted into your dream Medical school in Turkey. Do not forget to apply with us so our admission team can follow up your application.

Entrance Exams

Many Universities in Turkey accept students into their Medical programs without an entrance exam. In most cases, high school grades and the overall student profile are the key factors in the admission decision, provided that the application is completed correctly and all required documents are submitted properly. Uploading wrong documents can lead to rejection and in many cases this decision cannot be reversed.

English Language Requirements

For Medicine programs taught in English, universities may require proof of English proficiency. Options may include:

• TOEFL
• PTE Academic
• IELTS
• University’s international English Proficiency Exam
• Enrollment in an English Prep-Year

TOEFL and PTE Academic are generally considered the most widely accepted English proficiency exams across universities in Turkey. IELTS is accepted by some universities, but not all.

If a student does not have an English proficiency certificate, he or she may take the university’s own English proficiency exam. If the student does not pass this exam, a one-year English preparatory program must be completed. During this preparatory year, the student does not lose their seat and remains officially registered as a medical student. After successfully completing the English preparatory year, the student can directly begin the medical program.

Exemptions

Students who are from English native speaking countries like Nigeria, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa and African countries, where English is the native language, those students are exempted from the English language exams and can directly start with their medicine program.

Not sure if you are eligible to study Medicine in Turkey?

Send us your documents, and we will recommend the best medical universities in Turkey that match your profile and maximize your chances of acceptance.

Not sure which university to choose for Medicine in Turkey?

Our experienced education consultants will help you make the right choice and guide you through all procedures, from application to enrollment. No application fees and no hidden costs!

Quick Tip 💡

If you start an English Medicine program in Turkey, plan to learn Turkish from the first year so you are ready for the clinical training.

Country-Based Scholarships

If you plan to study Medicine in Turkey, you may benefit from Country-Based scholarships provided by some of the universities in the country. These scholarships are provided to international students coming from a specific country which may help you reduce the tuition fees. At some of the universities in Turkey, you may be provided with a tuition discount based on your nationality.

Siblings Discount

When considering studying Medicine in Turkey, families can also benefit from special siblings discounts offered by various universities. When two or more siblings choose to study at the same university, they are offered a reduction in tuition. This discount applies to both of the siblings. If more then two siblings enroll at the same university, discount rate are higher. The siblings discount can be combined with other scholarships and discounts as well.

Success Scholarship

Students who choose to persue a Medical course in Turkey also have the option to receive a Success Scholarships based on academic achievements. Students who have outstanding grades can benefit from this scholarship. At some universities the SAT Score, A-Level Grades, Abitur grades can make a huge difference in tuition fees.

Early Payment Scholarship

Students who plan to study Medicine in Turkey need to act quickly, as seats are highly competitive. If a student completes the yearly tuition fee payment well before the official deadline, they will receive an early payment discount. By making the payment in advance, students also secure their seat in the program.

One-Time Payment Option

Students who plan to study medicine in Turkey can benefit from the exclusive One-Time Payment Option, which offers one of the lowest tuition fee opportunities available. With this option, students pay their tuition fees in a single payment and secure a significantly reduced overall cost for their medical education.

This special discount is only available through Global Academia – the Official Representative. Thanks to the strong partnership between Global Academia and Turkish universities, and the large number of successful international student applications they manage each year, the agency is granted the unique opportunity to offer this one-time payment advantage. As a result, students can access a more affordable tuition structure while securing their seat in a reputable medical university in Turkey.

Looking for a discount on your tuition fees?

Apply through our application form to check current scholarships and reduced tuition opportunities.

Don’t want to make any mistakes in your application?

Applying to a Medical school can end with a rejection very fast. In order to have a higher chance of admission get in touch with one of our consultants at Global Academia.

Study Medicine in Istanbul

Turkey’s biggest city and one of the world’s most visited cities named Istanbul hosts several well known medical schools. Rich in hands on practice spots, modern labs also draw students from around the world.

Studying Medicine in Istanbul provides international students with a distinctive blend of high quality education, hands on clinical training in advanced hospitals and a vibrant city life. Students gain access to modern facilities, clinical experience and interaction with a wide range of patients – These are key elements for a top medical education.

Istanbul is a city positioned both in Europe and Asia. Medical degrees are offered in both English and Turkish, giving international applicants adaptable study pathways. Outside the classroom, the city boasts a lively academic community, deep historical roots, and a broad array of cultural and social opportunities, appealing to those seeking both career advancement and personal enrichment.

For those pursuing medical studies in Turkey, Istanbul emerges as a vibrant, opportunity-filled choice, merging rigorous academic training with rich, memorable life experiences.

Study Medicine in Izmir

A city by the aegean sea, Izmir shapes medical studies with open skies and salt air. Its shores curve along the Aegean, bringing mild winters, long summers, bright light. Life here moves at a quieter pace than in Istanbul’s rush.

This calm helps some learners stay steady with books, thoughts, routines. Daily walks near water become part of how knowledge sticks. Fewer crowds mean fewer distractions, just waves, streets, small cafes. The universities grow slowly, keeping space between buildings, ideas. Students breathe deeper here, literally, maybe mentally too.

A big plus about learning in Izmir? The prices for daily life tend to stay low. Housing bills often come cheaper when compared to cities like Istanbul or Ankara. This city fits well for foreign learners aiming at medical studies in Turkey while keeping monthly spending under control.

Still, a few things deserve attention. Lately, İzmir has drawn more people, especially students from nearby areas and abroad. Because of this rise in interest, the city feels busier than before. One big limitation stands out – medical degrees there are taught solely in Turkish. At present, no medical course exists in English. Even if some fields offer classes in English, future doctors need solid skills in Turkish. Anyone aiming for medical school in Izmir must handle lectures and exams in the local language.

Should Turkish feel familiar or you speak Turkish fluently, then maybe Izmir fits – sitting by the sea, slower paced, lighter on costs. A choice some pick when chasing med school in Turkey.

Study Medicine in Ankara

Studying Medicine in Ankara means class time alongside life in Turkey’s main hub. Not just lectures – daily routines unfold where national decisions take shape. Some students prefer this rhythm, steady and clear. The pace here supports attention, keeps distractions low. City order blends into study habits without forcing it. Learning fits inside real urban motion, calm but never silent.

Most universities in Ankara offer medical courses in English, opening doors for international students. Moving beyond big cities helps cut monthly spending – housing and food cost less here than in Istanbul. Getting around feels simpler thanks to steady buses and metro lines linking classes, clinics, and homes.

Even so, Ankara’s teaching hospitals tend to be smaller than Istanbul’s when it comes to size. Still, certain medical schools there haven’t been around as long, meaning they lack the deep roots found elsewhere. Yet life hums quietly here – global faces mix easily on campus. The pace stays steady, focused, without flash. Learning thrives where calm meets commitment.

A fresh chance appears in Ankara for those wanting medical studies in English, minus high daily expenses. Learning medicine unfolds amid calm streets, far from crowded tourist spots. Costs stay low, yet the system works reliably. Students find their pace easily, guided by order rather than noise. Not loud, not flashy – just clear paths forward.