Is Turkey a Good Place to Study Law?
- Zeynep Atım Kurucuk
- Oct 13
- 7 min read
If you’ve been wondering whether Turkey is a good place to study law, you’re not alone. Every year, more students from around the world are drawn to Turkey’s mix of strong academic traditions, affordable tuition, and cultural richness.
At Kurucuk & Associates, a leading law firm in Istanbul, we’ve guided countless students and professionals exploring legal education in Turkey — from helping them choose the right university to advising on internships, bar exams, and career opportunities.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: what studying law in Turkey is really like, the best law universities, costs, scholarships, and job prospects. By the end, you’ll have a clear, honest picture of whether Turkey could be the right destination for your legal studies.
Studying Law in Turkey — An Overview
Legal education in Turkey follows a civil law tradition, deeply influenced by European models, yet firmly grounded in Turkey’s own legal, constitutional, and commercial realities.
What to Expect When You Study Law in Turkey
Law programs in Turkey are structured, rigorous, and career-focused.
An undergraduate law degree (LLB) typically takes five years.
Graduate studies include the LLM (Master of Laws) and PhD (Doctor of Laws) programs, which build on the LLB foundation.
Courses range from constitutional and civil law to international law, human rights, and arbitration.
You’ll also find moot courts, legal internships, and comparative law electives, especially in top-tier universities.
While many programs are taught in Turkish, an increasing number now offer English-taught or bilingual options, particularly at the master’s level.
The Legal Education Framework in Turkey (YÖK Accreditation)
All universities and law faculties in Turkey are regulated by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) — the official body responsible for ensuring quality, curriculum standards, and accreditation.
This means every recognized law degree in Turkey must meet YÖK’s standards for staff, course design, and research capacity. That’s good news for international students, as it ensures consistent quality across the system.
If you plan to use your Turkish law degree abroad, YÖK also handles the equivalency (denklik) process — essential for having your qualification recognized internationally.
The Turkish Legal System and Its Impact on the Curriculum
Turkey’s legal system is based on civil law, inspired mainly by German and Swiss models, with adaptations to Turkish social and constitutional realities.
That means Turkish legal education focuses on codes, statutes, and doctrinal interpretation rather than case law — similar to most continental European systems.
For students interested in comparative law, international law, or EU law, Turkish universities offer rich exposure to both European and regional legal developments.
Top Law Universities in Turkey (2026 Overview)
Here’s a closer look at some of the most respected law faculties in Turkey:
University | City | Highlights | Language |
Ankara | One of Turkey’s oldest and most established law schools | Turkish | |
Istanbul University Law Faculty | Istanbul | Historic faculty with strong ties to the Turkish judiciary | Turkish |
Istanbul | Highly ranked, strong international network, English-taught LLM | Turkish & English | |
Sabancı University | Istanbul | Modern, interdisciplinary approach | English & Turkish |
Istanbul | French-Turkish model, strong in comparative and international law | French & Turkish | |
Bilkent University Law Faculty | Ankara | Reputable foundation university, international faculty | Turkish & English |
Istanbul | Popular among international students, private institution | Turkish & English |
Several of these universities appear in QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE) listings for Turkey. Koç, Bilkent, and Sabancı often lead in English-taught programs and research collaborations.
When evaluating law faculties, look beyond prestige. Consider faculty quality, research opportunities, exchange programs, and internship support — all of which make a real difference in your education experience.
Cost, Scholarships, and Living in Turkey
Tuition Fees — Public vs. Private Universities
The cost of studying law in Turkey varies by institution type:
Public universities: Around USD 1,500–5,000 per year.
Private (foundation) universities: Usually USD 7,000–25,000 per year.
English-medium or dual-language programs often cost more but may offer better international exposure.
Scholarships for International Students
The Türkiye Bursları (Turkey Scholarships) program is the most popular funding option. It’s a government-funded scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, monthly stipends, and even airfare.
Universities like Koç, Bilkent, and Sabancı also offer merit-based scholarships or research assistantships for top-performing students.
At Kurucuk & Associates, we often assist international students in identifying and applying for the right scholarships — especially those seeking to combine study with long-term legal careers in Turkey.
Cost of Living for Students in Turkey
Living expenses are quite reasonable compared to Western Europe. Here’s a rough breakdown per month:
Expense | Istanbul | Ankara |
Accommodation | $250–500 | $150–350 |
Food & Groceries | $100–200 | $80–150 |
Transport | $20–50 | $15–40 |
Other expenses | $50–100 | $40–70 |
Overall, you can expect to live comfortably on $500–800 per month in Istanbul, or less in Ankara or smaller cities.
Student Life and Accommodation
Student life in Turkey is lively and multicultural. Whether you’re in Istanbul, with its bustling café culture and historic charm, or Ankara, known for its academic focus and calmer pace — you’ll find welcoming communities and vibrant student organizations.
Most universities offer on-campus dorms or partner housing. Private rentals are also available near campuses.
Academic Pathways — LLB, LLM, and PhD in Law
LLB (Undergraduate Law Degree)
A five-year LLB forms the foundation for practicing law in Turkey. You’ll study everything from constitutional and civil law to EU and international law, often culminating in a practical internship or legal clinic.
Admission generally requires:
A high school diploma (or equivalent)
Passing the YÖS or ÖSYM entrance exam
Proof of Turkish or English language proficiency
LLM (Master of Laws in Turkey)
An LLM in Turkey usually lasts 1–2 years. Programs may be thesis-based or non-thesis, with options in:
International Law
Comparative Law
EU Law
Commercial & Arbitration Law
Human Rights Law
English-taught programs are offered by Koç, Sabancı, Bilkent, and Galatasaray Universities.
PhD in Law
A PhD (Doctorate in Law) typically lasts 3–5 years and focuses on research. Candidates often work as research assistants and publish academic papers.
PhD topics can include constitutional law, public international law, administrative law, or commercial law. While rigorous, a PhD in Turkey can open doors to academic and policy careers both locally and internationally.
Career Opportunities After a Turkish Law Degree
Becoming a Lawyer in Turkey
To practice law, graduates must complete a legal internship (Avukatlık Stajı) — roughly a two-year period combining court and law firm experience — and pass the bar examination.
Fluency in Turkish is essential for courtroom and procedural work, but bilingual lawyers are increasingly in demand at international law firms and corporations in Istanbul.
Legal Internships and Law Firm Careers
Turkey’s dynamic legal market offers ample opportunities for internships and early career exposure. Major cities like Istanbul and Ankara host both domestic and international law firms, especially in fields like:
Commercial & Corporate Law
International Arbitration
Real Estate & Investment Law
Energy & Infrastructure
Kurucuk & Associates itself works closely with international clients and often receives internship applications from talented students across the world.
International Recognition
A common question: “Is a Turkish law degree valid in Europe or the USA?”
It depends. Turkish law degrees are best recognized within civil law jurisdictions. To practice in the UK, US, or other common law countries, you’ll likely need to complete a conversion course or LLM.
However, a Turkish law degree with an international law or arbitration specialization can open many global career doors — from NGOs and international organizations to global corporations.
Corporate and In-House Legal Jobs
Graduates can also pursue careers in:
Corporate counsel or compliance roles
International trade law
Business advisory and consulting
Government or public policy
Turkey’s growing economy and cross-border investments continue to create legal opportunities for well-trained graduates.
Pros and Cons of Studying Law in Turkey
Advantages of Studying Law in Turkey
✅ Affordable education compared to Western countries
✅ Rich legal heritage and strategic geographic location
✅ English-taught programs at top universities
✅ Dynamic student life and cultural diversity
✅ Gateway to Europe and Asia for career prospects
Challenges of Studying Law in Turkey
⚠️ Language barrier — Turkish is essential for local practice
⚠️ Bar exam competitiveness
⚠️ Recognition abroad requires extra steps
⚠️ Economic fluctuations may affect living costs
⚠️ Program quality varies — choose your university wisely
Turkey vs. Other Study Destinations
Turkey vs. the UK
The UK offers common law education; Turkey’s system is civil law.
Studying in Turkey costs significantly less.
For those interested in international law, Turkey provides strong regional exposure and value for money.
Turkey vs. Germany
Both have civil law systems, but Germany’s Staats Examen is much more intensive.
Turkey’s programs are more accessible for international students and offer English-taught LLMs with fewer entry barriers.
If you’re seeking an affordable, respected, and globally aware civil law education — Turkey is a smart choice.
FAQs — Studying Law in Turkey
Is Turkey a good place to study law for international students?
Yes. It’s affordable, globally connected, and culturally rewarding. Turkey offers a solid civil law foundation with growing English-taught options.
How much does an LLM cost in Turkey?
Between USD 2,000–15,000 per year, depending on the university and language.
Which universities offer English-taught law programs?
Koç, Sabancı, Bilkent, and Galatasaray offer several English-taught or bilingual programs.
Is a Turkish law degree recognized abroad?
Yes, but you may need to complete equivalency or conversion steps, especially for common law countries.
How do I become a lawyer in Turkey?
Earn an LLB, complete the Avukatlık Stajı (legal internship), and pass the bar exam.
Should You Study Law in Turkey?
So, is Turkey a good place to study law?
For many students, the answer is yes. You’ll find respected universities, reasonable costs, a vibrant culture, and a legal education rooted in both European and regional traditions.
However, like any major decision, it depends on your goals. If you plan to practice law in Turkey or in other civil law systems, the path is clear. If you’re aiming for an international or cross-border career, pairing your Turkish degree with global experience (like an LLM abroad) can be a powerful combination.
At Kurucuk & Associates, we’re more than just lawyers — we’re mentors for future lawyers.
If you’re considering law studies or a legal career in Turkey, our team can help you understand your options, plan your path, and connect you with the right institutions.
