General Information About Studying at Universities Abroad

University education has been one of the most sought-after forms of overseas education by students in Turkey and many other countries for years. When it comes to studying at a university abroad, the first countries that come to mind are Switzerland, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and more recently, Poland. In these countries, there are options to attend both public and private universities. The application requirements and procedures vary significantly from country to country.

There are many reasons why students prefer university education in these countries. The primary one is the opportunity to live abroad while receiving a modern university education. Another top reason is the chance to study at a university ranked among the best in the world.

One of the greatest advantages for students pursuing undergraduate education abroad is the ability to study in their desired field without the pressure of entrance exams, which is common in many countries. Students can be accepted into their preferred field of study based on their academic performance, grades, social projects, volunteer services, and developed skills and talents, without having to rely solely on a mandatory one-time exam. In Switzerland, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Ireland, Poland, Hungary, Sweden, Estonia, Denmark, Spain, France, and Italy, many programs do not require a university entrance exam, while in Germany, Turkish students must participate in university entrance exams in Turkey.

Studying at Universities Abroad

Another significant advantage of studying at a university abroad is mastering the foreign language in which the education is provided. Additionally, students have the opportunity to learn other languages spoken in the country they study in, which equips them with valuable language skills they can use in their professional and social lives.

In some countries, unlike in Turkey, students are not required to follow a 4-year undergraduate program after a preparatory year. Instead, they can complete their university education in three years, which is a preferred option for many students. After completing their undergraduate studies abroad, students can pursue master’s (graduate) programs or certification or diploma programs, which allow them to specialize in their field of study. This provides students with the opportunity to enter the job market one year earlier and in a more professional manner than their peers. Some universities abroad also offer the option to start education at different points during the academic year, preventing students from losing time.

Students who lack language proficiency for university education in the country they plan to study in can also participate in preparatory language programs offered by many countries. International language schools or the universities’ own foundation or pathway programs are available to help students improve their language skills.

International University Education Systems and Duration

Undergraduate education abroad typically lasts between three and four years in many countries and programs. While the duration of undergraduate programs in the United States and Canada is usually four years, it is generally three years across Europe. Some engineering programs may last four years, while architecture programs last five years, dentistry and pharmacy programs last five years, and medical education can take up to six years. Medical education in the U.S. and Canada, due to differences in faculties, can take up to eight years.

Some universities that accept international students require students to have taken certain courses at the high school level, in addition to language proficiency and graduation grades. For students who did not take these courses in Turkey, academic preparatory programs, which provide both language and academic content, are available. Some students avoid this issue by completing high school education in the country where they plan to attend university. This gives them access to programs open only to local students. The most popular high school programs for university preparation include high schools in the U.K., Canada, and the U.S. Opportunities also exist for students who want to study high school within the European Union. If you want to enroll in a high school program abroad to gain an advantage in university education, you can reach out to our overseas education consultants by filling out the form using the “Request Information” button on the right of the screen or get detailed information from our team.

Students who can study abroad at shorter durations and lower costs can also attend universities recognized by Turkey’s Higher Education Council (YÖK), enabling them to continue their careers in Turkey without any issues upon return. Although the cost of university education varies from country to country, it is often not more expensive than in Turkey. Students gain the opportunity to specialize in a language, live abroad, and do internships, often at costs comparable to those in Turkey. This is why many students rank studying abroad among their top education preferences. Many universities abroad are YÖK accredited, accept students without an entrance exam, offer a unique education structure, and are similar in cost to Turkish universities.

Rankings of the Best Universities Abroad

For the past 12 years, Times Higher Education (THE) has prepared the rankings of the world’s best universities, holding a significant place in the industry. In this year’s ranking, universities in the U.K., U.S., and Germany are again leading the top 10. Oxford University took the first spot in the overall ranking. The California Institute of Technology maintained its place in the education rankings compared to last year. St. George’s, University of London, remained a leader in medical education. The list is as follows:

1. University of Oxford
   www.ox.ac.uk

2. California Institute of Technology
   www.caltech.edu

3. Stanford University
   www.stanford.edu

4. University of Cambridge
   www.cam.ac.uk

5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
   www.web.mit.edu

6. Harvard University
   www.harvard.edu

7. Princeton University
   www.princeton.edu

8. Imperial College London
   www.imperial.ac.uk

9. ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
   www.ethz.ch

10. University of California, Berkeley
    www.berkeley.edu