Academic System

Turkey has a highly developed infrastructure for higher education. Turkish higher education focuses on the development of individuals who have sober and healthy characteristics in body, mind, morality, spirit and sense, who have the power of independent and scientific thinking, who feel responsible for the society they live in, who are constructive, creative and productive. 53 Universities, more than 23 Technical Universities, Vocational Schools and Institutes and two Higher Institutes of Technology are engaged in providing higher education to prospective students.

The standard academic year is divided into three terms: the Fall (from the last week of September to the end of January), Spring (from the second week of February to the second week of June) and Summer (from the first week of July to end of August). However, Universities are entitled to determine their own academic year. The medium of instruction is Turkish but some universities also offer courses in English, French or German. The Council of Higher Education is the Supreme Authority entrusted with the regulation of the education system.

Accomodation

Accommodation in Turkey is easily available as well as fairly priced. On-campus accommodation is available at many Universities. University dormitories are the first preference for most international students. State dormitories are also a popular housing option. These dormitories are well-furnished with shared kitchens and bathrooms. They are cheap, reliable & safe and gives students a chance to enjoy. Off-campus accommodation broadly includes rented apartment flat or shared-rooms, hired by a group of students. Rooms are well-constructed with all basic facilities. Though rentals are higher than those for on-campus accommodation.

Climate

The different regions of Turkey enjoy different climatic conditions. While coastal areas have a moderate climate, interior regions face hot summers and cool and sometimes snowy winters. A mild Mediterranean climate prevails in the Aegean and the Mediterranean regions. In these areas winters are cool and humid and summers are hot and dry. Precipitation is high during winters. The Central and Eastern Anatolian region has a temperate climate. There is a great difference between day and night temperatures. Summers are warm and short and winters are extremely cold and extended. The average temperature in winters lies below freezing point. The Marmara region around the sea of Marmara has a climate with warm summers and cool winters.

Visa Regulations

All international students must get a valid student visa before their arrival in Turkey. Students who come to Turkey without student visa will not be able to register as students or obtain their residence permits. All international students in Turkey must register with the Foreign National department of the Police Headquarters within a month of their arrival in the country. The department issues permit for the duration of their course to the students. As such renewal of the residence permit is not required. Foreign students have no rights to work in Turkey as it is prohibited by the law.

Public Transport

Turkey has a very well-developed, advanced and high quality transportation system. Turkish Airlines is the major and the cheapest carrier all over the country. The most important airport is located in Istanbul, and this is where all international flights arrive. It also acts as a hub for other domestic airlines. Railways are not a very popular means of transportation. Services are limited and are not always up to current standards. New overnight train services have been launched which are very convenient but operate only between major destinations. Turkey has a fairly well developed bus network connecting every part of the country. All cities have a local bus network and are connected to the national bus network. Buses are the best and cheapest way of traveling for daily commuters within a city. A shared taxi or van is also a popular way of traveling for daily travellers. They run between fixed destinations on standardised fares. These taxis or vans are cheaper than buses but are often very crowded.

National holidays