11 Cheapest Universities in Ankara for International Students

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In Ankara, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Turkey without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Ankara, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 14 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Ankara, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Ankara for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Ankara ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Gazi University 3,678 TRY - 18,800 TRY 100%
Middle East Technical University 6,000 TRY - 10,000 TRY 100%
Social Sciences University of Ankara 6,000 TRY 100%
Yuksek Ihtisas University 46,900 TRY 100%
Ankara University 82,000 TRY - 306,000 TRY 100%
Turkish Aeronautical Association University 150,200 TRY 99%
Bilkent University 274,000 TRY 98%
Cankaya University 585,000 TRY 96%
Atilim University 598,200 TRY 96%
TOBB University of Economics and Technology 705,400 TRY 95%
Hacettepe University 133,468,800 TRY - 250,254,000 TRY -980%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 12,357,000 TRY for universities in Ankara.

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1. Gazi University

Gazi University is a public university in Ankara, Turkey. It was founded in 1926 as the Gazi Teacher Training Institute. It has several campuses spread across the city. As a forerunner in education in the country, the university strives to provide international-level research and produce innovative and critical students for the benefit of society.

2. Middle East Technical University

Middle East Technical University (METU) is a world-class institution known for generating human resources in various industry sectors, particularly in the fields of natural and social sciences. The university is among the first Turkish institutions to introduce new and innovative methods for teaching and research. Aside from providing top-rated educational programs, METU actively participates in research contributions, leads in serving the community, and is firmly committed to resolving global issues.

3. Social Sciences University of Ankara

Social Sciences University of Ankara (ASBU), not to be confused with Ankara University, was founded in 2013. Located in one of the most unique places in the world, ASBU leads its students with the mission of instilling “human values” and the vision of being an internationally competitive university.

ASBU has eight academic units covering various specializations in the disciplines of Public Administration and Social Sciences. It claims to demonstrate a unique form of “Sociocity,” which is its university model of tackling different societal problems.

4. Yuksek Ihtisas University

Yuksek Ihtisas University is a private university in Ankara, Turkey. It was established in 2015 with only medical courses. Over the years, the university has expanded to offer more programs in the fields of nutrition, physical therapy, nursing, and health sciences, as well as a vocational school for associate degree programs.

5. Ankara University

Ankara University, the first fully established university in Turkey, is considered one of the most elite universities in Turkey and the world. Founded by the great Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, a statesman and the founder of the Republic of Turkey has felt the need to establish a higher education school as a start to transform the lives of the Turkish people. The university then grew to become the best provider of higher education in the country and neighboring countries.

The university offers a broad spectrum of educational programs, ranging from agriculture to health sciences. These programs are lectured by highly qualified professors and experts with years of relevant experience in their respective industries.

6. Turkish Aeronautical Association University

The Turkish Aeronautical Association University, as stated by its name, is a unique institution that specializes in air travel and transport. This university is young; it dates back to 2011, and it started its journey because of the need for a specialized air travel university. Even though the university is quite renowned, the tuition fees are affordable for both domestic and international students.

7. Bilkent University

Ihsan Dogramaci Bilkent University is shortly and more popularly known as Bilkent University. Ihsan Dogramaci was the man who founded this private, non-profit institution in 1984 in the hopes of creating Turkey’s new center of knowledge and research. Decades later, he did achieve his vision, as Bilkent University is not just leading nationwide but is also at par with global universities. Initially molded after Harvard, Bilkent has become a league of its own, establishing its name through fantastic research and valuable academic collaboration.

8. Cankaya University

A private institution in the city of Ankara in Turkey, Cankaya University promises world-standard education aimed at instilling fundamental values of discipline, freedom, scientific approach, and more. The cultures and traditions of Turkey combined with equal and equitable education are something to be expected in the university.

Applicants may take up Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programs at Cankaya University. Moreover, they may take double major or minor programs of their choice. If students have spare time or need resources, they may apply for part-time jobs at the university.

9. Atilim University

Founded in 1997, Atilim University is a leading private educational institution located in Ankara, Turkey. The university is known for promoting internationalization through its mobility programs and joint projects with universities and other organizations in Europe and the world. It offers world-class degree programs in engineering, medicine, and social sciences. 

10. TOBB University of Economics and Technology

TOBB University of Economics and Technology is a private university in Ankara, Turkey. It was founded in 2003 with the goal of strengthening ties between the university and industry and preparing students for careers. TOBB’s internships and cooperative education model help students develop entrepreneurial skills. Programs in medicine, law, and technology are also available at the university.   

11. Hacettepe University

Hacettepe University is a world-renowned public institution with its Ankara and Beyte campuses. Essentially, the university strives to help its members become their best. It does so by fostering healthy competition against global standards, pushing individuals to reach for the top. Research also stands at its core, encouraging students to explore and put out their best ideas and skills. Hacettepe University also covers the spectrum of knowledge by offering as many specialized courses as possible for undergraduate and graduate students.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Ankara for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Ankara ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Middle East Technical University 5,000 TRY 96%
Social Sciences University of Ankara 6,000 TRY - 9,000 TRY 95%
Cankaya University 29,300 TRY 74%
Yuksek Ihtisas University 56,300 TRY 49%
Bilkent University 270,300 TRY -148%
Atilim University 286,300 TRY - 376,000 TRY -162%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 108,900 TRY for universities in Ankara.

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1. Middle East Technical University

Middle East Technical University (METU) is a world-class institution known for generating human resources in various industry sectors, particularly in the fields of natural and social sciences. The university is among the first Turkish institutions to introduce new and innovative methods for teaching and research. Aside from providing top-rated educational programs, METU actively participates in research contributions, leads in serving the community, and is firmly committed to resolving global issues.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Middle East Technical University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 5,000 TRY annually for their master's degree.

2. Social Sciences University of Ankara

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Social Sciences University of Ankara. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Social Sciences University of Ankara is 6,000 TRY to 9,000 TRY.

Social Sciences University of Ankara (ASBU), not to be confused with Ankara University, was founded in 2013. Located in one of the most unique places in the world, ASBU leads its students with the mission of instilling “human values” and the vision of being an internationally competitive university.

ASBU has eight academic units covering various specializations in the disciplines of Public Administration and Social Sciences. It claims to demonstrate a unique form of “Sociocity,” which is its university model of tackling different societal problems.

3. Cankaya University

A private institution in the city of Ankara in Turkey, Cankaya University promises world-standard education aimed at instilling fundamental values of discipline, freedom, scientific approach, and more. The cultures and traditions of Turkey combined with equal and equitable education are something to be expected in the university.

Applicants may take up Bachelor’s or Master’s degree programs at Cankaya University. Moreover, they may take double major or minor programs of their choice. If students have spare time or need resources, they may apply for part-time jobs at the university.

The tuition fee at Cankaya University for incoming international master’s students is 29,300 TRY. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Yuksek Ihtisas University

Another affordable university to consider in Ankara is Yuksek Ihtisas University.

Yuksek Ihtisas University is a private university in Ankara, Turkey. It was established in 2015 with only medical courses. Over the years, the university has expanded to offer more programs in the fields of nutrition, physical therapy, nursing, and health sciences, as well as a vocational school for associate degree programs.

The tuition fee in Yuksek Ihtisas University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 56,300 TRY.

5. Bilkent University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Bilkent University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 270,300 TRY yearly.

Ihsan Dogramaci Bilkent University is shortly and more popularly known as Bilkent University. Ihsan Dogramaci was the man who founded this private, non-profit institution in 1984 in the hopes of creating Turkey’s new center of knowledge and research. Decades later, he did achieve his vision, as Bilkent University is not just leading nationwide but is also at par with global universities. Initially molded after Harvard, Bilkent has become a league of its own, establishing its name through fantastic research and valuable academic collaboration.

6. Atilim University

Founded in 1997, Atilim University is a leading private educational institution located in Ankara, Turkey. The university is known for promoting internationalization through its mobility programs and joint projects with universities and other organizations in Europe and the world. It offers world-class degree programs in engineering, medicine, and social sciences. 


Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Ankara?

Applying to cheap universities in Ankara requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Turkey for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Ankara?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Ankara. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Ankara is the Ankara University, which offers Special Education Teaching, Physics, and Public Relations and Advertising to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Atilim University offers Applied Chemistry, Manufacturing Engineering, and English Literature and Culture.


It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Ankara, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Ankara as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Ankara for international students was helpful!