Veterinary Medicine in Turkey 2025

Veterinary studies in Turkey have gained significant attention in recent years, with many applicants choosing to migrate to Turkey for this field. The reason for this choice lies in the advanced and technologically driven educational programs of the country’s universities, which prepare graduates for the highly competitive veterinary job market. To learn more about the costs of studying veterinary medicine in Turkey, stay with us until the end of this article by Elm Vira. Studying Veterinary Medicine in Turkey With the growing popularity of pets in recent years, the need for skilled veterinarians has become more pronounced. For those considering studying veterinary medicine in Turkey, it’s important to note that merely having a love for animals is not enough; one must also be patient, organized, and responsible, able to work in challenging conditions. The primary responsibilities of veterinary graduates include animal care, controlling breeding, and maintaining animal health. Individuals pursuing veterinary studies in Turkey can find employment after graduation in veterinary clinics, animal feed factories, pharmaceutical companies, and government institutions. Conditions for Studying Veterinary Medicine in Turkey The first requirement for studying veterinary medicine in Turkey for those seeking educational migration is holding a high school diploma and being at least 18 years old. Another important and necessary condition for studying this field is passing the entrance exams for Turkish universities. The entrance exams differ depending on the university and the language of instruction. Generally, to gain admission to public universities in Turkey, you need to take one of the YOS or SAT exams. Another requirement for studying veterinary medicine in Turkey is proficiency in Turkish or English, depending on the university. The most commonly accepted English language proficiency tests by Turkish universities include IELTS and TOEFL. If the university offers the veterinary program in Turkish, you must provide a Turkish language proficiency certificate (TOMER) or otherwise, attend the language preparation courses offered by the university. Required Documents for Studying Veterinary Medicine in Turkey To enter public universities in Turkey, you must take the YOS exam. Additionally, if you wish to study veterinary medicine in Turkish, you will need to provide your TOMER certificate to the university. The required documents for registration at public and private universities in Turkey include:

• High school diploma
• Age above 18
• Excellent grades in scientific subjects (not mandatory)
• Good grades in mathematics and physics (not mandatory)
• Completion of relevant work or volunteer experience (not mandatory)
• Passing the YOS exam or equivalent exams like ABITUR, ACT, SAT, etc.

Studying Veterinary Medicine in English in Turkey Ankara University and Istanbul University offer veterinary medicine programs in English for students. Even if students have a low level of English proficiency, the duration of studying veterinary medicine in English includes one year for language preparation. After passing the exam and receiving results, students can choose to study veterinary medicine in English. The general courses in the veterinary medicine program include:

• Physiology
• Surgery and Internal Medicine
• Anatomy

It is worth noting that these courses have separate laboratories, including pharmacology, microbiology, and virology labs. Educational Structure of Veterinary Medicine in Turkey The duration of the veterinary medicine program is 5 years. In the first year, courses such as physics, chemistry, zoology, and botany are offered for students studying in Turkey. In the second year, both theoretical and practical training in subjects such as anatomy, histology, embryology, physiology, and biochemistry are provided. After completing the basic science courses, students in the third and fourth years study theoretical courses like internal diseases, surgery, pharmacology, parasitology, bacteriology, animal nutrition, animal breeding, animal care methods, diseases, and the production of animal products such as wool, leather, and pathology. These courses are conducted in laboratories and clinics with practical sessions for students pursuing veterinary medicine in Turkey. Final-year students also take courses on examination and technology of animal products like meat and milk, animal reproduction with artificial and natural methods, internal medicine, surgery, birth, and other subjects. They work practically with sick animals in clinics. Upon successfully passing exams, students receive their veterinary medicine degree. Studying Veterinary Medicine in Turkey Without an Entrance Exam In a few public universities, part of the veterinary medicine admission capacity is available without the entrance exam. The main requirement for studying veterinary medicine in Turkey without an exam is having a high GPA, especially in biology and chemistry subjects, along with a language proficiency certificate in either Turkish or English. In private universities, admission to the veterinary medicine program is generally without an entrance exam. Students who meet the necessary conditions can easily apply for this program in Turkey.

Academic Levels of Veterinary Medicine in Turkey Veterinary medicine in Turkey is offered in four levels: associate degree, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. The associate degree for veterinary medicine in Turkey lasts 2 years, and upon completion, graduates can work as technicians in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. The bachelor’s degree is a 5-year program, and upon graduation, students can work as veterinarians. After completing this program, students who wish to continue their education can pursue graduate studies in fields like biology, molecular biology and genetics, food engineering, nursing, animal sciences, and fisheries. Advantages of Studying Veterinary Medicine in Turkey Due to the increasing popularity of pets, veterinary medicine has gained significant attention among individuals. The advantages of studying veterinary medicine in Turkey include:

1. One of its benefits is preventing and protecting human society from diseases and epidemics that may transfer from animals to humans.
2. It is also a humanitarian mission to help animals and alleviate their pain.
3. The income of a veterinary graduate is higher compared to other fields, allowing specialists to live comfortably.
4. This specialty offers broad career opportunities and the chance to travel to deserts and explore unknowns and adventures in both dry and marine environments.

Veterinary Medicine Universities in Turkey With many prestigious universities in Turkey, many people are eager to migrate for education. Veterinary medicine is also a popular field for international students in Turkey. Below is a list of some of the top veterinary medicine faculties in Turkish universities:

• Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Atatürk University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Yüzüncü Yıl University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Cumhuriyet University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Dicle University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Erciyes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Fırat University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Harran University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Kafkas University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• 19 Mayıs University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Selçuk University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Uludağ University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Balıkesir University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Istanbul University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Kırıkkale University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Kocaeli University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Best Veterinary Medicine Universities in Turkey There are many universities in Turkey offering veterinary medicine programs to international students. Studying veterinary medicine in Turkey allows you to benefit from different educational and welfare facilities, depending on the university. If you’re considering studying veterinary medicine in Turkey, here are some of the best universities to consider:

1. Ankara University If you’re looking for the best veterinary medicine university in Turkey, Ankara University is highly recommended. Established in 1946, it was the first university in Turkey under the “Law on the Establishment of Modern Turkish Republic Universities.” Two years after its founding, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine started accepting students in 1948, and until 1970, it was the only veterinary faculty in Turkey.
2. Additionally, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Ankara University is the only one in the country that offers its undergraduate program in English. Some of the advantages of this faculty include:
   • Large and well-equipped practical and research laboratories
   • Advanced laboratory for research and diagnosis of zoonotic viruses
   • Turkey’s first clinical skills laboratory
   • 13 specialized service units
   • Educational farm
   • 70 years of experience in veterinary education
3. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Ankara University includes various departments, such as:
   • Zoo and Animal Nutrition department
   • Food hygiene and technology department
   • Clinical sciences department
   • Pre-clinical sciences department
4. In addition to veterinary medicine, Ankara University offers a variety of highly popular programs in fields such as social sciences, law, medicine, and applied sciences. Over 70,000 students are currently enrolled in various faculties at this university.

1. Geliş Pasha University – Veterinary Medicine in Turkey

Geliş Pasha University, established in 2018 after separating from Istanbul University, aims to educate veterinary medicine students in line with Turkey’s needs in animal health, with a focus on clinical knowledge and serving the health of both animals and humans. The faculty of veterinary medicine has various departments and provides training to students in the best way possible. Important information for those interested in studying veterinary medicine in Turkey at Geliş Pasha University includes:

• Admission Process: Minimum GPA requirement, YÖS or equivalent exams
• Student Exchange Programs: Erasmus Plus, Farabi, and Mevlana programs
• Recognition: Approved by Iran, the Ministry of Science and Health in Turkey, and recognized in Europe and the USA.

1. Dokuz Eylül University – Veterinary Medicine in Turkey

Another top university for studying veterinary medicine in Turkey is Dokuz Eylül University. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Dokuz Eylül was established in 2019 as the first veterinary faculty in Izmir. It aims to train qualified veterinarians who respect the natural cycle and contribute to a healthy society, animals, and the environment. Students pursuing a veterinary degree at Dokuz Eylül University complete a 300-credit program in Turkish and must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 out of 4.0 to graduate. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Dokuz Eylül, located in Izmir, covers an area of 404,380 square meters and is equipped with various educational and welfare facilities.

1. Atatürk University – Veterinary Medicine in Turkey

Atatürk University in Turkey is another prominent institution for studying veterinary medicine. It was founded in 1958, making it the seventh oldest university in Turkey. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Atatürk University is recognized by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) and the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE). The scientific departments at the university include:

• Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences
• Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Nutrition
• Department of Preclinical Sciences
• Department of Clinical Sciences
• Department of Food Hygiene and Technology

1. Erciyes University – Veterinary Medicine in Turkey

Erciyes University, founded in 1978 in Kayseri as a state university, is one of the top institutions for studying veterinary medicine in Turkey. The university focuses on scientific studies and the production of knowledge and technology in various fields, including social, cultural, artistic, and sports studies. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Erciyes University offers an up-to-date, evidence-based curriculum aimed at guiding students towards research and practical work. The faculty includes the following departments:

• Preclinical Departments
• Clinical Sciences
• Food Hygiene and Technology
• Animal Science and Animal Nutrition

Veterinary Scholarships in Turkey

Many Turkish universities offer scholarships to students pursuing a veterinary medicine degree. Additionally, various government and private institutions provide scholarships related to health and veterinary sciences for those considering studying veterinary medicine in Turkey. Some of these scholarships include:

• YÖK Success Scholarship: The YÖK Foundation offers a scholarship worth 700 Turkish Lira to successful veterinary students.
• SÜTAŞ Scholarship: This foundation offers an 8-month scholarship to successful veterinary students.
• Yaşar Foundation Education and Culture Scholarship: This foundation provides fully-funded scholarships to hardworking students who face financial difficulties.
• Turkish Veterinary Association (TVHB) Scholarships
• Small Animal Veterinary Association Scholarship

Career Prospects after Studying Veterinary Medicine in Turkey

As you may know, Turkey offers good job opportunities and a thriving labor market for veterinary graduates. After completing a veterinary degree in Turkey, graduates can find employment in both public and private healthcare organizations. Those interested in teaching can pursue higher education exams to become instructors at Turkish universities. Other career opportunities for veterinary graduates include establishing veterinary clinics, working in hospitals, pharmacies, clinics, and other related organizations.

Cost of Studying Veterinary Medicine in Turkey

The costs for studying veterinary medicine in Turkey vary depending on whether you attend a private or public university and the city where you reside. Like all higher education expenses, the tuition fees for veterinary medicine have increased over the past three decades. For example, the annual tuition at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa is approximately 16,500 Turkish Lira. The annual tuition fees for studying veterinary medicine in Turkey range from $3,500 to $12,000 for international students. The actual cost depends on your choice of residence and whether you choose to study at a private veterinary faculty. To get the exact tuition fee for your chosen university, you can visit the university’s website and refer to the tuition section.

Conclusion

As outlined in this article, studying veterinary medicine in Turkey offers access to state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced technologies, and a supportive environment for both studying and living. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to learn from internationally renowned professors and veterinarians, gaining valuable experience that will aid in their future careers. If you are interested in studying veterinary medicine in Turkey and would like a free consultation or more detailed information about the tuition costs, feel free to contact our expert team at Elm Vira Immigration Consultancy.