Master's in Turkey 2026: thesis or non-thesis? Fees and documents
How much a master's costs at Turkey's private universities, thesis vs non-thesis programs, and the documents you need — based on 2,300+ real programs.
Finished your bachelor's and thinking about a master's abroad? Turkey is one of the closest and most affordable options. We answer the key questions using data from 2,300+ master's programs on our site.
Thesis vs non-thesis
- Thesis — usually 2 years, ending with a research dissertation. Best if you plan a PhD or an academic career.
- Non-thesis — usually 1–1.5 years, ending with a project. A practical choice for working professionals and anyone who wants to graduate faster.
Fees (whole program, USD)
In Turkey, master's fees are usually quoted for the whole program, not per year.
| Lower range | Median | Upper range | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All programs | $3,300 | $5,000 | $8,500 |
| Turkish-taught | $3,100 | $4,300 | $7,200 |
| English-taught | $5,000 | $7,000 | $10,000 |
Median by popular field: business administration ~$4,500, computer engineering ~$4,800, international relations ~$4,800, artificial intelligence ~$4,750, psychology ~$7,100.
Documents you need
- Bachelor's diploma and transcript
- Passport copy
- Language certificate — usually IELTS/TOEFL for English programs; TÖMER or the university's own exam for Turkish programs
- For some programs: motivation letter, CV, recommendation letters
- Some universities may ask for ALES/GRE or an interview
How to start
On the programs page pick the "Master's" filter and compare fees. To find the best fit together, book a free consultation.
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Which university fits you?
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