To Choose Private or Government University in Turkey- That is the Big Question
Students applying for studying abroad anywhere around the world have either two options, to go for private or government university. Although this is a very valid question, many students are not able to draw the correct differentiation between the two. So how do you choose what kind of university in Turkey is best for you?
We have laid down some metrics to help you with your decision:
- Ranking
Turkey is home to one of the best ranked universities in the region and the world. Government Universities in Turkey are older and more established and hence have much better ranking than Turkish Private universities. Istanbul University is one of the oldest universities in Turkey that was founded in 1453! Bogazici University formerly known as Robert College was the first American college of Turkey established in 1832 and is ranked 601 in the world according to Times Higher Education ranking. Hacettepe University established in 1967 ranks 501 in the world.
Private foundation in Turkey obtained the right in 1984 to establish universities. More than 100 universities have established since then. If you check performance growth in terms of quality of education, research capabilities and ranking then Private universities in Turkey have advanced much rapidly compared to Government universities over a short period of time. The reasons to this are heavy funding on hiring top academicians from around the world and Turkey, modern campuses and state of the art laboratories for research. Koc University founded in only 1993 is a private funded university that is the highest ranked university in Turkey according to Times Higher Education. Ozyegin University is also another private university that is constantly ranked among the top universities in Turkey and has earned the best ranked university in student satisfaction.
- Social Life
Government universities in Turkey tend to have more social clubs and organize more activities. They may have a huge variety of activities giving you a chance to make friends and hang out with new people. However, it is quite natural that you will end up being close to a select group of friends only.
Private Universities being smaller in student numbers tend to focus more on academics but many private universities in Turkey focus equally on the idea of extracurricular activity clubs and sports as government universities. If you prefer and inclusive culture, private universities tend to be more inclusive with that respect giving you more opportunities to create and lead your own clubs.
Your social life during university years will also depend on the “Location” of your university which is explained below.
- Location
Government universities are state funded and hence are located in all 81 provinces of Turkey. There are over 120 government universities in Turkey spread out in all cities of Turkey. This can be a good thing and also a challenge. If you get accepted to a university in one of the major metropolitan cities like Istanbul, you are in luck. You will have better social life as there are plenty of places to be after classes such as restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs, festivals, museums and more. You will have better work opportunities too in such big cities during study or after graduation. But, if you get accepted to a university in a small city then you might have to sacrifice your social life to certain extent for education.
Most private universities of Turkey are located in Istanbul. While some are also located in Ankara and Izmir both of which are major cities of Turkey with a lot of work opportunities and diverse cultural diaspora. The major benefit of studying in private universities can be that they are located in cosmopolitan cities where the culture is secular, and people are modern. Students have more choices in places to go to relax and have fun with friends. Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir are major tourist attractions and known for their social life. Most industries and government offices are also present in these cities hence providing more job opportunities.
- Work Opportunities
Government universities in Turkey are not usually attached to the private sector and are primarily focused towards academics. Nevertheless, students graduating from top government schools have a high chance of landing a job in organizations in Turkey due their reputation and many leaders and employees of top companies have studied in government universities.
Private universities on the other hand usually work closely with the private sector for business related purposes or through Technology Transfer Offices and also usually have Career Counselling Offices on campus that guide and assist students even after graduation to build their resume and apply in different companies.
Let’s look at a quick summary of Part1:
Government Universities:
- Earlier established and better ranked
- Many social clubs
- Spread out around Turkey: This can be a challenge for students only wanting to study in major cities of Turkey like Istanbul and Ankara
- Work less closely with private sector: Finding jobs can be challenge in remote cities where government universities are located
Private Universities:
- Newly established and lesser ranked-Though private university rankings are growing rapidly and much faster than government universities due to innovation and more collaborations.
- More Diversity leading to heightened experiences
- Located in mostly major cities of Turkey- Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir
- Work closely with private sector: Finding jobs can be easier as universities located in major business hubs of Turkey.