There are around 500 international study programmes and courses taught in English. In January 2011, more or less 20,000 students enrolled in Turkish Higer Education System.
Foreign students
Foreign students who would like to start off to a graduate program must take the Entrance Examination for Academic Staff and Graduate Studies (ALES) or international examination (e.g. GRE, GMAT) the equivalency of which is recognized by the concerning university senate. The evaluation of these scores is made by the relevant universities. Since January 2011, Higher Education Council of Turkey (YÖK) has removed the YÖS exam which was required for Foreign/International students. International students may simply apply directly to universities with their international exam records including A level, International Baccalarueate and SAT results.
All international students are required to obtain a student visa from the Turkish Consulate in their native country before departing for Turkey. At least 8 weeks should be allowed for the completion the visa application. In addition all international students will be required to obtain a residence permit after arriving in Turkey.
Officially the Republic of Turkey, is a Eurasian country that stretches across the Anatolian peninsula in southwestern Asia and the Balkan region of southeastern Europe.