Study in Ankara
Study in Ankara: A Guide for Afghan Students
Ankara is Türkiye's capital and one of its biggest student cities. For many Afghan students it offers strong universities and a calmer, often cheaper, choice than Istanbul.
Checked against official sources on 19 October 2026. Requirements, fees and dates change and can differ by university, embassy or consulate. Always confirm the current rules with the official source before you apply — we do this for every student we work with.
Why students choose Ankara
- A big student city with well-known state and foundation universities, many with large campuses
- The capital, home to government offices, embassies and many research centres
- Often lower living costs than Istanbul, especially rent, though this depends on the area and how you live
- A student city where many students from other countries live and study
Universities in Ankara
Well-known state universities in Ankara include Middle East Technical University (METU / ODTÜ), Ankara University, Hacettepe University and Gazi University. Ankara's foundation universities include Bilkent University, Başkent University, Atılım University, TOBB University of Economics and Technology and Çankaya University.
These are only examples. Programmes, entry rules, teaching languages and fees differ a lot between them. Naming a university here does not mean we have a partnership with it.
Ankara or Istanbul?
| Ankara | Istanbul | |
|---|---|---|
| Character | Capital, government and university city | Largest city, business and cultural centre |
| Living costs | Generally lower | Generally higher, especially rent |
| University choice | Strong state and foundation universities | The largest number of universities |
| Daily life | Calmer, easier to get around | Busy, long commutes between districts |
The right city depends on your programme, budget and preferences. A strong programme matters more than the city's name. Read our guide to studying in Istanbul.
Practical points
- Winters are cold in Ankara, so plan for warm clothing and heating costs.
- Housing: look for a dormitory or shared flat near your campus, or on a direct bus or metro line.
- Residence permit: as in every Turkish city, apply for your student residence permit after arrival. See the residence permit guide.
How we help
We compare programmes in Ankara with Istanbul and other cities on entry rules, total cost and fit. Then we guide you through applications and the student visa.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is Ankara good for international students?
Many international students choose Ankara for its established universities and generally lower living costs than Istanbul. Whether it suits you depends on your programme and preferences.
Which universities are in Ankara?
State universities include Middle East Technical University, Ankara University, Hacettepe University and Gazi University; foundation universities include Bilkent, Başkent, Atılım, TOBB ETÜ and Çankaya. Requirements differ by programme.
About this guide
Written and maintained by the team at Noory Educational Consultancy Services, an education consultancy in Jalalabad established in 2018 and led by Fatihullah Noory (Founder & CEO). We check time-sensitive facts against official sources and update our guides when the rules change.
No visa, no service fee
Planning to study in Türkiye? Talk to our team in Jalalabad.
Tell us about your education and goals. We will explain your realistic options, the documents you will need and a sensible timeline, so you can decide with clear information.