Study in Istanbul
Study in Istanbul: A Guide for Afghan Students
Istanbul is Türkiye's largest city and home to many of its best-known universities. This guide covers what to consider before choosing a university there, and when another city may suit you better.
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.
Studying in Istanbul is a goal for many Afghan students: the city has more universities than any other in Türkiye and a long history as a meeting point between Asia and Europe. This guide helps you decide whether it is the right choice for you.
Why students choose Istanbul
- Choice: the city has a large number of both state and foundation universities, with many English-taught programmes.
- Opportunities: as Türkiye's largest economic centre, it offers more internships, events and international networks.
- Connections: two international airports make travel easier.
Universities in Istanbul
Well-known state universities in Istanbul include Istanbul University, Istanbul Technical University, Boğaziçi University, Yıldız Technical University and Marmara University. The city also has many foundation universities, such as Koç University, Sabancı University, Bahçeşehir University, Özyeğin University and Istanbul Bilgi University.
These are examples only. Entry requirements, programmes and fees differ widely between them. Inclusion here does not imply any partnership with our consultancy.
What to plan for
- Cost of living: Istanbul is generally more expensive than other Turkish university cities, especially for rent.
- Distances: the city is very large and spans Europe and Asia. Check where your campus is before choosing accommodation, because commutes can be long.
- Competition: popular programmes at well-known Istanbul universities attract many applicants.
- Residence permit: as in any Turkish city, you must apply for your student residence permit after arrival. See the visa guide.
Choosing where to live
Your daily commute will shape your experience of Istanbul. Find out exactly which campus your programme is taught on, because some universities have several campuses in different districts. Then look for a dormitory or shared flat on a direct metro, tram, bus or ferry route to that campus. Living close to campus usually costs more in rent but saves hours of travel each week.
Is Istanbul right for you? A quick checklist
- Is the programme you want offered there at a level you can realistically be admitted to?
- Can your budget cover Istanbul rent and living costs for the full programme?
- Are you comfortable in a very large, busy city?
- Have you compared the same programme in Ankara or another city?
Other cities to consider
Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Eskişehir, Konya and many other cities have established universities and can offer lower living costs and a quieter environment. A strong programme in a smaller city is often a better choice than a weaker one in Istanbul.
How we help
We compare Istanbul programmes with alternatives in other cities on requirements, total cost and fit, so that you can choose with clear information.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is Istanbul a good city for Afghan students?
It offers a wide choice of universities and opportunities, but it is also more expensive and more competitive than many other Turkish cities. Whether it is right depends on your programme and budget.
Are there English-taught programmes in Istanbul?
Yes. Many Istanbul universities offer English-taught programmes. Requirements differ by university and 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.