There are 207 higher education institutions in Turkey with 4 million formal education students and over 180 thousand lecturers. 51 universities have 1000 and over foreign students. Turkey has 43 universities in the overall Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Each of the best 29 universities is ranked in the top 1000 in one of these different ranking criteria; Times Higher Education Ranking (2021), Shanghai Jiao Tong University Ranking (2020), Top Universities Ranking (2021), U.S. News & World Report Ranking (2021). Turkey is a member of Bologna Process since 2001, the foundations of which were laid by European countries with the Sorbonne Declaration in 1998 and emerged with the idea of creating a common higher education area in Europe. It is an unusual process carried out by 47 member countries with the cooperation of many international organizations. Main objectives of the Bologna Process is implementing the European dimension in higher education and recognition of higher education diplomas, degrees and periods of study in Europe. Turkey is part of the Erasmus+ Program, which provides exchange of students and academicians between higher education institutions of European Union member and candidate countries. It covers 28 EU member states and 5 non-EU program countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Macedonia and Turkey) and 90% of universities in these countries. More than 200,000 students go abroad each year through the Erasmus Programme. Student mobility take place in 2 ways: Learning mobility provides the opportunity to receive academic education, language training and international experience with a scholarship in another country for periods ranging from 3 to 12 months. Internship mobility; allows the student enrolled in a higher education institution to have an internship or work experience in a business abroad while studying at university. Mevlana Exchange Program, in which universities from China also signed protocols, has been implemented since 2011 and is seen as an alternative to the Erasmus student exchange program and, provides student and teaching staff exchange between Turkey and countries from Asia and Africa. In addition to these general international agreements, each university can make special international agreements with universities in different continents. In addition to international students, the number of international lecturers also has an important place in internationalization. The countries with the highest number of academic staff coming to Turkey are respectively; United States, England, Iran, Germany, Syria, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Canada.

Living conditions in Turkey are quite cheap compared to Europe and are more affordable especially for students. Common daily costs that a student will encounter while studying at university are as follows: Estimated living expenses for students are minimally $300 to $500 (US Dollars) per month. Annual university tuition fees vary each year according to the university and department. Yearly tuition fee at State Universities: 1.5000TRY-40.000TRY Yearly tuition fee at Private Universities: 25.000-130.000TRY Health insurance (Private): 300-500TRY per year, limited health service. Health insurance (State):1000-1100TRY per year, free health services in all state hospitals. Accommodation varies according to the city and, university dormitory, state dormitory, private dormitory and house (Monthly rent, 1 or more Person):300-3000TRY Book and Stationery Fees (yearly): 700 TRY Mobile Phone Bill (monthly): 60-100 TRY Bus-Metro Ticket (One way): 15-20 TRY Taxi (5 km): 30-50 TRY Cinema Ticket: 15-25 TRY Theatre Tickets (State Theatres): 9-15 TRY Bread: 1-3 TRY Water (0,5 lt): 3 TRY Milk (1 lt): 23 TRY 10 Eggs: 10 TRY White cheese (1 kg): 40 TRY Pasta (1 package): 3-7 TRY Chicken (1 kg): 50-100 TRY Red Meat (1 kg): 70-150 TRY Apples (1 kg): 5-10 TRY Tea in University Canteen: 1-3 TRY Coffee in University Canteen: 3-5 TRY Toast in University Canteen: 5-8 TRY Soup: 5-8 TRY State University Cafeteria (Daily 3 Meals): 10-15 TRY Private University Cafeteria (Daily 3 Meals): 25-40 TRY Healthcare in Turkey is part of the country’s social security system. You will find that with one single contribution, you are covered in case of illness, accident or retirement. All these insurances are organized by the same institution. Before renting an apartment or house, you should know that rents vary strongly depending on the location and facilities. Especially in larger cities, rents can be rather high for expats. The average in Ankara, for instance, ranges from around 1,000 TRY to 5,000 TRY and more, but Istanbul can easily be much more expensive. Most apartments in Turkey come with a living room, three bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Generally speaking, these are unfurnished. Furnished rooms are rather simple with only basic equipment and furniture included. As a foreigner, you may be asked to pay your rent in USD or EUR. Advance payments of 6 to 12 months’ rent are normal. Some civil servant salaries; Teacher 6,049 TRY Police Officer 6,859 TRY Nurse 5,868 TRY Engineer 8.001 TRY Minimum Civil Servant Salary 4,542 TRY

Physical disabled students and visually disabled students have relatively higher access to higher education than other disabled groups. Higher Education Institutions aim to bring students who have different needs such as hearing disabled or autism spectrum disorder to higher education with the decisions taken in recent years. Currently, according to YOKSIS data, there are 51,647 students with disabilities. 27,782 of these students are at associate degree, 23,581 are at undergraduate level, 236 are at master's level and 48 are at doctorate level. In terms of participation in Erasmus, which is an international student exchange program with Europe, special needs grant support is given as an additional grant for disabled students. In addition, positive discrimination is provided by giving +10 points to disabled students during the evaluation phase. Universities are encouraged for barrier-free education and awards are given every year to universities that meet the determined national criteria.

Although universities have more opportunities than where they are located, almost every university has well equipped campuses, sufficient technological infrastructure, free wireless internet connection and opportunities to make your education life easier. The main facilities that vary from university to university; Accommodation Facilities; You can find suitable accommodation options for every budget from kind of state dormitories, private dormitories, hostels and flats with friends or alone. Library; There are private and public libraries in universities, faculties and city municipalities. Although there are extensive libraries in every city, the most comprehensive public library has a collection of more than 4 million books and 120 million articles and reports in 134 different languages. Language Training Centers; There are many private or state language training institutions, the most common courses in these centers; English, German, Russian, Spanish, French, Italian, Korean, Arabic Language Courses. Sports Facilities; Fitness centers, football, basketball, volleyball, tennis court, table tennis rooms. As an example of sports opportunities from a comprehensive university; There are tennis courts, squash court, basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball, baseball, carpet football field, outdoor football field, indoor sports hall, Olympic and semi-Olympic pools, and a stadium with a capacity of 10 thousand people. Personal development and social activities; theatre, conference, seminar, meeting, speech, events, fairs, social responsibility activities etc. Transportation; Although transportation options to universities vary according to the city in which universities are located, students go to universities with discounted student cards used in metro, municipal buses, private public minibuses, taxis and university buses. Health and Safety; Complaints of students and personnel applying to the university health unit are evaluated, diagnosed and treated by polyclinic doctors; those deemed necessary are transferred to the hospitals by patient transport ambulance. Dining Halls and Cafeterias; although it varies according to the university, the university cafeterias located within the campus offer 3 meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner with a price of 3-15 TRY and a calorie of 800-1200 for one meal time. There are also universities that offer a vegan meal option or offer the option of choosing the meals yourself by reservation. Student Social Activity Clubs; It is organized by students to support the academic, sporting, social and cultural development of students, to organize conferences and conversations in various academic and business fields, and to bring together students' common interests such as sports, art and culture. Vacation with an Example; Holidays in university education are an opportunity to explore the furthest living environment as far as possible you can go. When you have time to relax, you can explore 10 thousand years of historical heritages, the remains of 20 great civilizations, magnificent Turkish cuisine and unique natural beauties, sea, forest, beaches and blue sky with the possibility of experiencing 4 seasons together. If you like traveling by train, it can be given two examples from many alternatives; The Eastern Express Train is one of the trains where travellers and photographers are in high demand due to the historical and natural beauties on its route from east to west of Turkey. The peak season is summer. During the winter months, there are demands from different professions such as hiking groups, photographers, mountaineering groups, university students, and teachers. The preference of these groups starts at the end of December and continues until mid-March. The Eastern Express completes its journey between Ankara and Kars in approximately 24 hours. The dining car includes breakfast, soup, hot food, cold sandwiches and hot/cold drinks. The other example is Interrail. Interrail provides an opportunity for unlimited travel by train between 3 days and 3 months in 30 countries of Europe. It is famous for providing the opportunity to see different cultures, languages, dishes and historical beauties by traveling around Europe at affordable prices, especially during university education. If you wish to tour Southern Europe, you can start from Istanbul and follow the Greece-Italy-Germany-France-Spain-Portugal line and etc.

As an upper middle-income country with a growing population of approximately 81 million, Turkey is one of the world’s 20 largest economies. Turkey has a customs union agreement with the EU and free trade agreements with other countries. The country is also a significant producer and exporter of agricultural commodities on global markets and is estimated to be the world’s 7th largest agricultural producer, particularly a top producer and exporter of crops ranging from hazelnuts and chestnuts to apricots, cherries, figs, olives, quinces, tobacco and tea. Turkey is one of the largest textiles and clothing producing countries in the world and the 6th most significant supplier in the world and the 3rd largest supplier to the EU. Turkey’s textile industry is of great importance in the European and North American textile trade. 44 Turkish Construction Companies are in the International Top 250 List. Turkey is home to many global suppliers. There are more than 250 global suppliers that use Turkey as a production base, with 30 of them ranking among the 50 largest global suppliers. 152 Number of suppliers' R&D and design centers accredited by the Ministry of Industry and Technology in Turkey; Toyota, Ford, Fiat, Ranault, Mercedes-Benz, SOCAR, Bosch, MAN Truck, Siemens, Alcatel, Huawei, Isuzu, DHL, Bridgestone, Unilever, Nestle, Daiken, Panasonic, Indesit etc. Auto manufacturers increasingly choose Turkey as a production base for their export sales. This is evidenced by the fact that 85 percent of vehicle production in Turkey was destined for foreign markets in 2018. Significant growth posted by Turkey’s automotive sector led to Turkey becoming the 14th largest automotive manufacturer in the world and 4th largest in Europe. Some advantages are; Proximity to Major Markets; 1.3 billion people and $26T GDP in Europe, MENA and Central Asia at 4 hours flight-distance. Customs Union with the EU allows direct access to the EU Market. Connectivity; Turkish Airlines connects you to 323 destinations in 127 countries Manufacturing & Export Management Hub for Multinationals; Toyota (​exports over 90% of its production in Turkey), Ford (​exports 77% of its production in Turkey), NesTRYe (​​uses Turkey as a production base for MENA region), Hugo Boss (​​has its largest production facility globally in Turkey), GE Healthcare, Knauf, İntel, Power China etc. Hub for Multinationals; Multinationals are increasingly choosing Turkey as a preferred hub for manufacturing, exports, as well as management. About 74 thousand foreign companies. Most Attractive Sectors; Finance 32,8% Manufacturing 24,2% Energy 11,0% Information & Communication Services 8,8% Wholesale & Retail Trade 6,8% Transport & Storage 4,8% Construction 3,2% Others 8,4% ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Strategic Location; Turkey is a natural bridge between both the East-West and the North-South axes, thus creating an efficient and cost-effective hub to major markets. ​Close proximity to major markets. Turkey offers easy access to 1.5 billion people and a combined market worth of USD 24 trillion GDP in Europe, MENA, and Central Asia within a 4-hour flight radius. Same Day Reachability of Key Markets; Turkey’s strategic location enables easy reach to markets across 16 different time zones, from Tokyo to New York. With the ‘’International Labour Law’’ enacted to enable qualified international lecturers, researchers and international students to work in Turkey, international lecturers and international students enrolled in formal education programs at a higher education institution in Turkey are encouraged to work by obtaining a work permit.

People’s Republic of China is Turkey’s first trade partner in East Asia and second import partner. Chinese investments in Turkey is aimed to around 6 billion USD in total by 2021. Sectoral allocation of investments is as follows: energy, infrastructure, logistic, finance, diving, tourism, telecommunication and livestock. The volume of trade between China and Turkey has reached 100 billion US dollars since the two countries cooperated in the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China during the past five years, and during the same period, Chinese investment in Turkey grew by 120 in the percent, with nearly 1,000 Chinese companies now operating in Turkey. Also, increasing real estate investments makes the Chinese among the first in the list of foreigners who bought Turkish property, one of them is the second highest European tower “Istanbul Tower 205''. There are many attractions that contribute to the increase of Chinese investments in the market Turkish real estate and in the Turkish economy in general, including: many and varied investment opportunities, distinctive strategic location, availability of raw materials in abundance, ease and reasonable prices, availability of alternative energy sources, trade agreements linking Turkey with the European Union, the facilitates of movement to European countries and the United States of America, prices of the property in Turkey are less expensive if compared to real estate prices in China or even Europe. Some firms having investments are; Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, HT-SAAE Solar Energy, Power China, Alibaba, Bank Of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Bank of China, ZTE, China Merchants Group, Haier, CPI Power Engineering Co., Shanghai Electric Group Co., Evershine Group Holdings Limited, Zhejiang Expressway Co., Jiangsu Expressway Co., China Merchants Expressway Co., Meanwhile, Turkey considers tourism as a potential area for further developing economic and cultural relations with China. 2018 has been celebrated as the Turkish Tourism Year in China. The number of Chinese tourists travelling to Turkey reached up to 394.000 with a %60 increase in 2018. In 2019, 427.000 Chinese tourists visited Turkey. The main Turkish destinations of the rising number of Chinese tourists are Pamukkale, Bergama, Efes and Cappadocia. As an example of mobility between the two countries; Turkish Airlines, which has flights to almost all major cities in the world, flies to 62 different destinations in China.

Turkey, which serves as bridge among three continents in trade, logistics, tourism, land transport, airlines, shipping, energy transfer etc. with important geostrategic location, supports China initiated “Belt and Road” Project, which consist of the “Silk Road Economic Belt” and “the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road”. The main aim of ‘’Belt and Road Initiative’’ (BRI) is improving logistical infrastructure and therefore about improving trade scope connect Asia, Africa and Europe via roads and sea lanes. The railway reduces freight transportation time between China and, Turkey from one month to 12 days, while the whole route between China and Western Europe takes 18 days with the integration of the subsea Marmaray tunnel. The Turkish Straits, which includes the Bosporus waterway and the Dardanelles waterway, are one of the busiest maritime chokepoints in the world and play an essential role for this initiative. One Chinese logistics company recently bought of Kumport Terminal located on the northwest coast of the Marmara Sea as Turkey’s third largest container terminal and is a strategic link to Europe. Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, one of the tallest in the world, was financed by China and was sold to Chinese investors. Energy is one of the most important issues in this project. Currently, Turkey has a significant position in the region due to the construction of the “TANAP” pipeline and the “Turk Stream” gas pipeline and has become an important energy market in Asia and Europe. Turkey has an important potential on the modern Silk Road by supplying energy from the east to the west. Turkey is well placed to serve as a hub in the international supply chain and a major transit point for oil and natural gas supply headed to Europe and other Atlantic markets from Russia, the Caspian region, and the Middle East.

The concept of Anatolian hospitality expresses a wide culture consisting of many attitudes and behaviours. Turkey is considered as a nation with the most cultural diversities and the mentality of hospitality is whatever religion you are from, whichever country you come from, whatever language you speak, you are God's Guest. The most beautiful part of the house is reserved as the Guest Room and it is kept ready in advance as if a guest will come at any moment. Villages in Antalya generally have a common guest house. The guest is like a holy being. The traditional hospitality of the Turks has also attracted the attention of foreigners visiting their country. As an indicator of hospitality, Turkey ranked 6th in the world with 52.5 million visitors in 2019. Anatolian people are warm-hearted, pleasant conversation and hospitable. Even if he/she doesn't know your language, tries to help you, tries to understand you, and does his/her best to solve your problem. Among the factors that make Turkey a tourism paradise; In addition to 10 thousand years of historical heritages, the remains of 20 great civilizations, magnificent Turkish cuisine and the possibility of experiencing 4 seasons together, Turkish hospitality also plays a major role.

Anatolia, which has hosted many important civilizations throughout the history, has been a decisive part of world history with the civilizations of Troy, Hittites, Mitanni Kingdom, Urartian State, Phrygians and King Midas, Lydians, Pergamon, Ionian, Persian, Roman, Byzantine and, Seljuks and Ottomans which are the history of Turkey. The Ottomans, the predecessor state of the Republic of Turkey, had been on the stage of history for 6 centuries with its multicultural structure on the lands it ruled in Europe, Asia and Africa. You can find the most elegant examples of religion, trade, politics, culture, literature, law, handicrafts, mosaics, sculpture, painting, music, city planning, architecture and kind of arts, which indicate that these civilizations existed in the 12000 year period. Anatolian Civilizations preserve their value with the mystery as well as their deep-seated civilizations that have not yet emerged. Turkey has 18 heritage sites, 16 of which are cultural and 2 of which are mixed, on the UNESCO World Heritage List; 1. Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği (Sivas) 1985 2. Historical Areas of Istanbul (Istanbul) 1985 3. Göreme National Park and Cappadocia (Nevşehir) 1985 (Mixed Heritage Site) 4. Hattusha: the Hittite Capital (Çorum) 1986 5. Mount Nemrut (Adıyaman) 1987 6. Hieropolis-Pamukkale (Denizli) 1988 (Mixed Heritage Site) 7. Xanthos-Letoon (Antalya-Mugla) 1988 8. City of Safranbolu (Karabuk) 1994 9. Archaeological Site of Troy (Canakkale) 1998 10. Edirne Selimiye Mosque and its Complex (Edirne) 2011 11. Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük (Konya) 2012 12. Bursa and Cumalıkızık: The Birth of the Ottoman Empire (Bursa) 2014 13. Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape (İzmir) 2014 14. Diyarbakır CasTRYe and Hevsel Gardens Cultural Landscape (Diyarbakır) 2015 15. Ephesus (Izmir) 2015 16. Archaeological Site of Ani (Kars) 2016 17. Aphrodisias (Aydin) 2017 18. Göbekli Tepe (Şanlıurfa) 2018 On the list, The Neolithic City of Çatalhöyük and Göbeklitepe is one of the oldest cities in the world, is defined as the international key to understand the foundations of civilization and agriculture. The first finds in the Neolithic City of Çatalhöyük, which arouses admiration with its extraordinary art, are dated to 7400 BC. In addition, Turkey has a total of 85 heritage sites as 78 cultural, 4 mixed and 3 natural on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. Turkish cuisine is mostly the heritage of Ottoman cuisine. Ottoman cuisine, which includes Middle East, Central Asia, Balkans, Mediterranean and European food cultures, has a wide range of dishes and also reflects the palace conditions of the period. It is the mixture and refinement of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Balkan cuisines. Now, Istanbul is the city with all the flavours you can taste, but of course, here it is possible to taste red peppers from Gaziantep, tart green olives from Bodrum, dried apricots from Cappadocia, anchovy pilaf from Trabzon ,spicy kebabs from Adana, the mildly hallucinogenic honey from Kars and, a tempting array of soothing, creamy milk desserts and succulent, syrupy pastries, which originated in the Ottoman Palace kitchens and remain popular today. The two most well-known dishes, which are found in most restaurants as a quick snack in daily life; kebap and doner. Kebaps; kebap is the common name for a dish where meat is coated around a skewer and grilled over a charcoal fire. Originally the meat consisted of lamb or beef, but nowadays you can also chose chicken. Doner; in essence it is a dish of beaten pieces of meat seasoned with suet, local herbs and spices, skewered on a spit and grilled vertically.

urkey, with its continental climate, Mediterranean climate and Black Sea climate features, each of the four seasons has its own unique beauty. This provides the opportunity to participate in all kinds of touristic activities specific to summer and winter seasons. Its nature is worth seeing with lush forests where blue and green come together, deep blue sea, lakes and clear skies and, is a complete resting and entertainment place. Moreover, the prices are extremely economical and are among the first choices in terms of price compared to many European countries. Turkey ranked 6th in the world with 52.5 million visitors in 2019. It is an important tourism center especially for tourists from Russia, Germany, England, Ukraine, Bulgaria, France and Iran. Here, ease of transportation is an important factor. Almost all the important cities of the world are very close with direct flights from Istanbul; People's Republic of China (Beijing 9 hours), Germany (3 hours), Netherlands (4 hours), Austria (2 hours), Norway (4 hours), Spain (3 hours), Belgium (3 hours), Russia ( Moscow 3 hours ), Switzerland (3 hours), USA (New York 10 hours) England (3 hours), Iran (3 hours), Iraq (2 hours), Malaysia (10 hours), Morocco (4 hours), Italy (2 hours) , Ukraine (2 hours), Japan (13 hours), Republic of South Africa (11 hours). As Istanbul is the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires contains many historical and cultural structures. Some of the important tourism areas are Sultan Ahmet Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, Maiden's Tower, Basilica Cistern, Galata Tower, iconic Grand Bazaar, Historical Sites of Istanbul, Selimiye Mosque, Cappadocia and Goreme National Park, Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital, Hattusas, Mount Nemrut, Xanthos and Letoon, Hierapolis and Pamukkale, Olympos, Assos, Safranbolu, Troya, Selimiye Mosque, Çatalhöyük, Bursa and Cumalıkızık, Pergamon, Diyarbakır CasTRYe and Hevsel Gardens, Ephesus, Ani, Aphrodisias, Side, Virgin Mary's House, Göbeklitepe, Sumela Monastery, Aegean and Mediterranean beaches. Cappadocia region, which has four seasons of beauty, is among the best holiday destinations. The region, which impresses with its impressive nature in the winter months, can join the balloon tours before the day is bright, or you can have breakfast by watching the balloon tours. Turkey has many areas of fabulous natural beauty, therefore, many forestry and seaside places to camp such as Olympos, Yedigöller National Park, Marmaris, Butterfly Valley, Ölüdeniz, Köprülü Canyon, Mount Nemrut National Park, Milas, Salda Lake, Kaş, Fethiye, Gümüşlük and Alanya. You can take your own tent and backpack then camp in the forests camp areas, or you can rent a tent or a suitable room. Some types of tourism; Health and Thermal Tourism; Turkey, which has rich and healing thermal waters, it is a spa paradise and awaits those seeking healing with its qualified facilities. Winter Tourism; Turkey is an important winter tourism center with its high snowy mountains in summer and winter and with the ski facilities established on these mountains. Turkey's favourite tourism center in Antalya, which hosts millions of tourists every year with its unique climate and natural beauties, holidaymakers can enjoy the sea on the shore and have the opportunity to ski on the same day after a 45-minute journey. Plateau Tourism; Turkey, with its suitable climatic features, superior landscape values ​​and traditional lifestyle in which rural elements predominate, is extremely suitable for Plateau tourism, which includes nature sports such as mountaineering/climbing, horseback riding, trekking, paragliding, flora/fauna study , jeep safari etc. Cave Tourism; There are approximately 40,000 caves in Turkey, which is a "cave paradise" country compared to other countries in the world. Hunting Tourism; Turkey's geographical structure, vegetation and wildlife offer an important potential to those who are interested in hunting and hunting tourism. Congress Tourism; Located as a bridge between Europe and Asia, Turkey is a wonderful venue for meetings, incentives and congresses. Golf Tourism; Turkey is a center where quality and prestige meet, bringing together golf lovers around the world with international golf facilities that have been put into service in recent years. Yacht Tourism; Surrounded by sea on three sides, Turkey is a paradise for yachtsmen, with its magnificent bays and bays, well-equipped marinas. Silk Road; Anatolia has formed one of the most important crossroads of the historical Silk Road, which starts from China and travels through Central Asia to Europe. Faith Tourism; Turkey, which has hosted different religions throughout history, has abounding artifacts that people of all faiths should see. Air Sports; Turkey is a country that must be explored for air sports enthusiasts such as paragliding, sail wing, glider, parachute and balloon. Mountaineering; Turkey, with its rich flora and fauna at different heights, scattered all over the country, awaits adventurous people. River-Rafting Tourism; Turkey, which has rich natural resources and waterfalls, offers its visitors an important river tourism potential for water sports (rafting, canoeing and river skiing). River tourism, which is integrated with its historical, archaeological, cultural and authentic values, forms a whole with the environment and other tourism types. Underwater Diving; Important shipwrecks and underwater caves in Turkish waters are waiting to be discovered by divers. Bird Watching; So far, 450 bird species have been recorded in Turkey.