How to Study Nursing in Turkey for International Students

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Globalization has paved the way for more accessible education for those wanting to study in different institutions as international students. With the advent of modern technology and better opportunities, being able to connect with entities that represent themselves as having the same purpose and mission has become more accessible than ever.

A great number of universities have started offering admission portals specifically designed for international students as recognition of the fact that having a more diverse and multi-faceted institution may lead to more versatile, world-class professionals. Each country and university may have its own specific criteria that need to be met prior to any student’s admission, which also depends on the degree chosen to be pursued. Medical degrees are of great importance to any society, and more countries have started offering international programs to international students.

Nursing is of particular interest to many and with great reason. Becoming a nurse is a great profession geared towards the assistance and utilization of medical techniques to aid and provide better healthcare to those ill or in need. Since nurses are recognized as a necessary profession, it is not uncommon to see many international students opting to take nursing in countries outside of their hometowns. For those who are interested in taking up nursing in Southeastern Europe as international students, Turkey offers a baccalaureate program in nursing, as well as a master’s degree program and a doctorate program. In this article, we will be looking at how to study nursing in Turkey.

What Degrees are there for Nursing in Turkey?

In order to become a nurse in Turkey, one must undergo a 4-year baccalaureate program with an option for further studies. Previously, Turkey had offered two other different options that may be pursued in order to become a nurse, but had, later on, abolished said options for lack of knowledge and expertise that the graduates had when it came to practice.

Previously, Turkey offered diploma-based programs, and associate-degree programs. For diploma-based programs, it took a total number of 4 years to complete. This program was offered upon the satisfactory completion of Turkey’s high school curriculum. Once the student received his diploma in said program, he may start practicing his profession in various institutions. On the other hand, the associate-degree program only took two years to complete, and was patterned after the United States’ associate-degree programs. Turkey later on transitioned into offering a bachelor’s degree program which takes 4 years to complete.

Today, even though a bachelor’s degree is the required minimum before a student is considered to be a competent and able nurse in the field of health care, he may still opt to take on further studies, and complete a master’s degree or a doctorate degree. The master’s degree takes 4 semesters to complete. After finishing the master’s degree, he may then proceed to taking a Ph.D. program which must be completed within a maximum of 8 semesters. The Ph.D. program involves thesis research and dissertation writing. A nurse who completes graduate studies will then be deemed a “specialist nurse.” Schools such as the Eastern Mediterrenean University, offer Nursing Master’s Program which takes 1 to 2 years to complete. To be able to study nursing in Turkey, EMU also lists down the admission requirements needed, and possible research interests. Üsküdar University, on the other hand, offers a Ph.D. nursing program that involves different areas of specialty, such as internal medicine nursing, and surgical disease nursing, among others.

Cost of Studying Nursing

The cost of studying nursing in Turkey in terms of tuition fees for a 4-year bachelor’s degree program is at 4,500 $. This tuition fee does not include the costs of health insurance, amenities, food, and other fees necessary for a student’s accommodation in Turkey. For those that need to take up a preparatory program before enrolling, it will cost 4,750$ per year. In terms of the cost of living, some nursing schools in Turkey offer discounts for students needing living accommodations near the university, such as that of Îstînye Ünîversitesi, as stated on their university’s website.

Requirements to Study Nursing

In order to study nursing in Turkey, a student must comply with certain requirements for admission, which might differ according to certain universities. For instance, according to their site, the Eastern Mediterranean University requires international students to provide them with a copy of a Higher Secondary School Certificate, or an Intermediate Certificate, or equivalent, a copy of proof of English Proficiency, if any, and photocopies of their transcripts. They also have different requirements for students wanting to study in their nursing graduate program. According to their site, admission into their graduate programs requires the submission of documents such as the official transcript of all university-level courses taken, as well as a copy of their diplomas, among others.

For the Îstînye Ünîversitesi, their site lists down different documentary requirements for their bachelor’s degree and graduate degree programs. This nursing school in Turkey requires that international students who are interested in applying for their undergraduate programs submit an application form, as well as digital copies of their original documents, such as their high school diploma, transcript of record, or national or international examination documents, if applicable. They also have different requirements for graduate school admission, since documents such as proof of their bachelor’s degree and transcripts, as well as a Turkish Proficiency Certificate are needed.

In What Languages Do You Study Nursing in Turkey?

Universities in Turkey offer both Turkish and English nursing courses, which means that a student may opt to choose either depending on their proficiency in either or both languages. Schools such as the Eastern Midterranean University offer a bachelor’s degree taught entirely in English, as listed in their university website. Another university which international students may opt to choose should they want to obtain their nursing degrees in an English curriculum is the Îstînye Ünîversitesi. According to their brochure, this nursing school in Turkey offer a numerous array of undergraduate and graduate programs taught entirely in the English language, including nursing. A student may also even opt to take the course in the Turkish language, should they want to.

Best Nursing Schools in Turkey

1. Istinye University

  • Nursing Program Link
  • Degree’s offered:
    • Undergraduate degree in nursing
    • Surgical Disease Nursing (With or without thesis)
    • Obstetric and Gynaecologic Nursing (With or without thesis)

Istinye University is located in Istanbul Turkey. It was established fairly recently, in 2015, by the 21st Century Anatolian Foundation. The university prides itself in taking up a more student-centered approach to its mode of education, and focuses on producing quality research through its degree programs and professional staff. Istinye University is considered the best nursing school in Turkey.

2. Eastern Mediterranean University

  • Nursing Program Link
  • Degree’s offered:
    • Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (Turkish or English)
    • Master of Nursing (Turkish with Thesis)

Eastern Mediterranean University provides quality international education, being a member of the International Association of Universities, the European University Association, and many other international groups. This nursing school in Turkey is also accredited by international bodies. It also offers double degrees and joint degrees, and student exchange program opportunities.

3. Istanbul Arel University

The final university in our list of best nursing schools in Turkey is Istanbul Arel University, which is located in Büyükçekmece. It was established in 2007 by a foundation, and is a private, non-profit institution. The university aims to promote the areas of research and social services, and seeks to provide quality education that is of an international standard. The individuals it aims to produce are those that respect the principles and reforms of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and the Republic. They also respect human rights, and believe that diversity and ethical principles must be given paramount consideration in all its endeavors.

 

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