Medicine, dentistry & pharmacy
Study Medicine in Turkey: A Guide for Afghan Students
Medicine is one of the most popular choices for Afghan students considering Türkiye, and one of the most competitive. Here is what the programmes involve, what universities ask for, and what to check before you apply.
Checked against official sources on 19 October 2026. Programme lengths below are taken from Turkish universities' published programme and fee tables. Entry requirements, quotas and fees are set by each university every year. Always check the current official announcement for the programme you want.
In short: Medicine in Türkiye takes six years; dentistry and pharmacy take five. Programmes are taught in Turkish or English. Entry is competitive and usually needs excellent grade 12 science results and a high exam score, and Türkiye Scholarships asks for at least 90% for medicine.
Medical programmes in Türkiye at a glance
| Programme | Typical length | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | 6 years | Medical degree (physician) |
| Dentistry | 5 years | Dentistry degree (dentist) |
| Pharmacy | 5 years | Pharmacy degree (pharmacist) |
These lengths do not include a language preparatory year. If you need one, add a year to your plan and your budget.
English or Turkish medicine?
Many Turkish universities offer medicine in Turkish, and a number also offer it in English. English-taught medicine is popular with international students, so places are limited. Turkish-taught medicine is offered more widely but requires strong Turkish, usually after a Turkish preparatory year. Clinical training involves working with patients, so even in an English-taught programme, learning Turkish is essential in practice.
Entry requirements for Afghan students
Universities set their own criteria for international medical applicants. In general, expect:
- Excellent grade 12 results, especially in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics
- A high entrance exam score where required, such as TR-YÖS, the university's own YÖS exam or the SAT. Medicine usually has the highest minimum scores of any programme.
- Language proficiency: an accepted English score for English-taught programmes, or Turkish proficiency for Turkish-taught programmes
- Complete documents: diploma, transcripts, passport and, at registration, the high school equivalence certificate (denklik)
International student quotas for medicine are small at many universities, and competition is strong. A realistic shortlist matters more for medicine than for any other field. See TR-YÖS, YÖS and SAT explained.
Scholarships for medicine
Türkiye Scholarships accepts applicants for medicine, dentistry and pharmacy, but sets a higher minimum academic achievement for these fields: 90%, according to the official criteria, compared with 70% for most bachelor's programmes. Some universities also offer merit discounts. See scholarships for Afghan students.
Cost
Medicine is usually among the most expensive programmes at foundation universities, and it is also the longest. Compare the total cost over six years (plus any prep year), not just the first year's fee, and include living costs. We work from each university's current official fee schedule. See how tuition fees work.
Check recognition before you enrol
If you plan to practise medicine in Afghanistan or another country after graduating, find out before you enrol what that country's medical authorities require to recognise a Turkish medical degree and license you. Rules differ by country and can change. Practising in Türkiye has its own requirements as well. Do not rely on general claims; ask the relevant authority directly.
How we help future doctors, dentists and pharmacists
- An honest assessment of your grades against medical entry requirements
- A shortlist of universities and programmes (English and Turkish) that fit your profile
- Exam planning: which test you need and the scores to aim for
- Applications, offer follow-up and the student visa file
- Backup options, such as related health sciences, if medicine is not realistic this year
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How many years is medicine in Turkey?
Medicine is a six-year programme at Turkish universities. Dentistry and pharmacy are typically five years. A language preparatory year, if needed, comes before the degree.
Can Afghan students study medicine in English in Turkey?
Yes, some universities offer English-taught medicine. Places for international students are limited, and you will need an accepted English score or must pass the university's own test.
What grades do I need for medicine in Turkey?
Each university sets its own minimums, and medicine usually has the highest. For Türkiye Scholarships, the official minimum academic achievement for medicine, dentistry and pharmacy is 90%.
Will my Turkish medical degree be recognised in Afghanistan?
Recognition and licensing are decided by the relevant authorities in the country where you want to practise. Check their current requirements before you enrol.
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.
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