Is ALKÜ a good university for international students?

Yes, ALKÜ is an excellent choice. As a modern state university in a safe, affordable, and multicultural city, it offers quality education and a vibrant campus life, making it increasingly popular among international students.

What is the language of instruction at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University?

The language of instruction varies by program. Most programs are in Turkish, for which a C1 level TÖMER certificate is required, but some departments in faculties like Business and Engineering offer courses in English.

How much does it cost for an international student to study at ALKÜ?

Tuition fees are very affordable, ranging from approximately 18,000 TRY for social sciences to 100,000 TRY for Medicine per year. Combined with a monthly living cost of around 10,000-15,000 TRY, Alanya is a budget-friendly option.

Do I need to take an exam to get into ALKÜ?

Yes, most international students must take the ALKÜYÖS (International Student Exam) for admission. Some departments may also accept internationally recognized scores like the SAT, so it's important to check the latest requirements.

Is Alanya a good and safe city for students?

Alanya is considered a very safe and student-friendly city. It has a low crime rate, a welcoming atmosphere, and a large international community, providing a comfortable and enjoyable environment for students from all over the world.

Can international students work while studying in Turkey?

Yes, international undergraduate students can apply for a work permit after completing their first year of study, allowing them to work part-time. However, graduate students can begin working with a permit right away. Regulations must be followed carefully.

Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University (ALKÜ): Your 2026-2027 Guide to Programs, Fees and Admission

Discover Your Future at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University

Nestled on the stunning Turkish Riviera, Alanya is not just a world-famous tourist destination; it’s also home to a dynamic and rapidly growing institution of higher learning: Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University (ALKÜ). For international students seeking a world-class education combined with an unbeatable lifestyle, ALKÜ presents a unique and compelling opportunity. As a team of dedicated educational consultants based in Alanya, we have crafted this comprehensive guide to provide you with all the essential information you need for the 2026-2027 academic year. We will walk you through the programs, admission requirements, tuition fees, and the vibrant student life that awaits you in this Mediterranean paradise.

Choosing a university abroad is a monumental decision. It’s about more than just academics; it’s about the experience, the culture, and the environment where you will grow both personally and professionally. ALKÜ, established in 2015, has quickly made a name for itself as a modern, student-centric university committed to international standards. Its strategic location in Alanya offers a safe, multicultural, and affordable setting, making it an increasingly popular choice for students from across the globe. This guide aims to answer your questions with clarity and expertise, helping you navigate the application process with confidence and start your academic journey in Turkey on the right foot.

A Closer Look at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University (ALKÜ)

Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University is a state university that carries the legacy of the Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat, who made Alanya his winter capital in the 13th century. This historical connection is reflected in the university’s ambition to be a center of knowledge and culture. Although relatively young, ALKÜ is built on a strong foundation with a clear vision: to become a leading university recognized for its innovative research, quality education, and contributions to both the local region and the global community.

Mission, Vision, and Core Values

ALKÜ’s mission is to raise qualified individuals who are innovative, entrepreneurial, and possess universal values. The university is dedicated to producing scientific knowledge and technology that benefit society. Its vision is to be an internationally respected university that stands out for its excellence in education and research, particularly in fields relevant to the region, such as tourism, health, and agriculture. The core values of the university include academic freedom, student-focus, transparency, social responsibility, and a commitment to lifelong learning. These principles guide every aspect of university life, creating a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for all students.

Campus Life and Modern Facilities

The main campus, Kestel Campus, is located just a few kilometers east of Alanya’s city center, offering easy access and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains. The campus is a hub of activity, equipped with modern classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, a comprehensive library, social areas, and sports facilities. The university is continuously expanding and investing in its infrastructure to provide students with the best possible resources. From the Faculty of Medicine’s advanced research labs to the Tourism Faculty’s practical training kitchens, ALKÜ ensures that students receive hands-on experience alongside theoretical knowledge.

Faculties and Programs for International Students

ALKÜ offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its faculties and vocational schools. Many departments are designed to meet the demands of the modern global economy, providing students with skills that are highly sought after by employers. Here is a breakdown of some of the key faculties and the programs they offer to international students.

Faculty of Medicine

The Faculty of Medicine is one of ALKÜ’s most prestigious faculties. It offers a 6-year M.D. program with instruction in Turkish. The program is rigorous and combines a strong theoretical foundation with extensive practical training at the Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University Training and Research Hospital. The hospital is a modern healthcare facility where students get to learn from experienced physicians and interact with patients from the very early stages of their education. Admission to the medical faculty is highly competitive, reflecting its high standards and popularity.

Faculty of Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering is a hub of innovation, offering programs designed to train the next generation of engineers. Popular departments for international students include:

Computer Engineering: Focusing on software development, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
Mechanical Engineering: Covering areas from robotics to thermodynamics and manufacturing.
Industrial Engineering: Concentrating on optimizing complex processes and systems.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering: Providing expertise in modern electronics, communication, and power systems.

These programs are equipped with modern laboratories to ensure students gain practical, hands-on skills.

Faculty of Business

Located in a major economic and tourism hub, the Faculty of Business provides students with a deep understanding of the global business environment. Key programs include:

Business Administration: A comprehensive program covering management, marketing, finance, and human resources.
Economics: Analyzing economic theories and their application in real-world scenarios.
International Trade and Finance: Focusing on the dynamics of global markets, logistics, and international financial institutions.

Graduates are well-prepared for careers in both local and international companies.

Faculty of Tourism

Given Alanya’s status as a top tourism destination, the Faculty of Tourism is a cornerstone of the university. It offers practical and theoretical education that is directly relevant to the industry. Programs include:

Tourism Management: Preparing students for leadership roles in hotels, travel agencies, and other tourism enterprises.
Gastronomy and Culinary Arts: Combining culinary skills with management knowledge for a career in the food and beverage industry.
Recreation Management: Focusing on planning and managing leisure and recreational activities.

The faculty has strong ties with the local tourism industry, providing students with excellent internship and employment opportunities.

Other Faculties and Graduate Schools

ALKÜ also includes a Faculty of Education, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, and a Faculty of Arts and Design. For students wishing to pursue postgraduate studies, the Graduate School of Social Sciences and the Graduate School of Sciences offer a variety of Master’s and Ph.D. programs, allowing for further specialization and academic research.

The Admission Process for International Students: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the admission process for a university in a foreign country can seem daunting. Our team is here to simplify it for you. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to applying to ALKÜ as an international student for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before you begin, ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria. To apply for an undergraduate program at ALKÜ, you must:

Be a foreign national.
Have successfully completed secondary education (high school) equivalent to a Turkish high school diploma.
Not hold dual citizenship where one is Turkish (with some exceptions for those who completed their entire secondary education abroad).

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

Gathering your documents in advance is crucial for a smooth application. While specific requirements can vary slightly by faculty, the standard set of documents includes:

Completed Application Form: Filled out online through the university’s official application portal.
High School Diploma: The original copy and a notarized translation into Turkish or English.
Certificate of Equivalence (Denklik Belgesi): A document confirming that your high school diploma is equivalent to a Turkish one. This can be obtained from the Turkish Embassy in your country or a Provincial Directorate of National Education in Turkey.
Official Transcript: A record of all courses taken and grades received throughout your high school education, translated into Turkish or English.
Valid Passport: A clear, color copy of the identification page.
Biometric Photograph: A recent, passport-style photo.
Exam Score Report: The official result of the ALKÜYÖS exam or another accepted international exam (like SAT).

Step 3: Understand the ALKÜYÖS Exam

For most international applicants, the primary path to admission is through the ALKÜYÖS (Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University International Student Exam). This exam is specifically designed to assess the academic potential of foreign students.

Exam Content: The ALKÜYÖS typically consists of questions testing Basic Learning Skills, which includes sections on Mathematics, Geometry, and General Aptitude/IQ (logic and reasoning).
Language: The exam is usually offered in multiple languages, including Turkish, English, Arabic, and Russian.
Registration and Dates: The university announces the exam dates, application period, and exam centers on its official international student office website. Typically, applications open in the spring, and the exam is held in early summer (around May-June 2026).
Importance: Your score on this exam is the most significant factor in your admission. A higher score increases your chances of being accepted into competitive programs like Medicine or Engineering.

Some departments may also accept scores from internationally recognized exams like the SAT or ACT as an alternative to ALKÜYÖS. It’s vital to check the university’s latest admission directive for the list of accepted exams and minimum required scores.

Step 4: Language Proficiency Requirements

The language of instruction varies by program. It’s crucial to prove your proficiency in the program’s language.

For Turkish-Taught Programs: If you are admitted to a program taught in Turkish, you must provide a Turkish proficiency certificate. ALKÜ typically requires a C1 level certificate from TÖMER (Turkish and Foreign Languages Research and Application Center) or Yunus Emre Institute. If you don’t have this certificate, you will be required to attend a one-year Turkish preparatory school at ALKÜ’s language center (ALKÜ-TÖMER) before starting your degree program.
For English-Taught Programs: For programs taught partially or fully in English, you will need to demonstrate your English proficiency. This is usually done with a satisfactory score from an internationally recognized exam like the TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic. Students who cannot meet the requirement will need to attend the English preparatory school.

Step 5: Submit Your Application and Await Results

Applications are submitted online through the ALKÜ international student portal. Pay close attention to the deadlines, which are strictly enforced. After the application window closes, the university evaluates all applications based on exam scores and placement preferences. The results are usually announced in late summer (July-August 2026). If you are accepted, you will receive an official Letter of Acceptance, which you will need to obtain your student visa.

Tuition Fees and Living Costs in Alanya (2026-2027 Estimates)

One of the most attractive aspects of studying in Alanya is its affordability compared to many European and North American cities. Here’s a realistic look at the costs you can expect.

Annual Tuition Fees

As a state university, ALKÜ offers very reasonable tuition fees. The fees vary by faculty and are subject to change annually by the government. The following are estimated annual fees for the 2026-2027 academic year:

Faculty of Medicine: Approximately 90,000 – 100,000 TRY
Faculty of Engineering: Approximately 30,000 – 35,000 TRY
Faculty of Business & Tourism: Approximately 20,000 – 25,000 TRY
Other Undergraduate Faculties: Approximately 18,000 – 22,000 TRY
Vocational Schools (2-year programs): Approximately 12,000 – 15,000 TRY

Important Note: These are estimates. Always confirm the exact fees on the official university website for the current academic year.

Estimated Monthly Living Expenses

Your lifestyle will largely determine your monthly expenses, but Alanya is generally an affordable city for students.

Accommodation: This is your biggest expense. University dormitories (KYK) are the most affordable option (around 1,500-2,500 TRY/month). Private dorms or renting a shared apartment can range from 4,000 to 8,000 TRY per person per month.
Food: If you cook your own meals, you can budget around 3,000-4,000 TRY per month. Eating out is also affordable, with the university cafeteria offering subsidized meals.
Transportation: Public buses are efficient and inexpensive. A monthly student bus pass costs around 300-400 TRY.
Books & Utilities: Budget around 500-1,000 TRY for books, stationery, internet, and mobile phone bills.
Personal Expenses: For leisure, entertainment, and shopping, an additional 1,500-2,500 TRY is a reasonable estimate.

In total, a student can live comfortably in Alanya on a monthly budget of approximately 10,000 – 15,000 TRY, depending on their accommodation choice and spending habits.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

While ALKÜ itself has limited scholarship options for new international students, one of the best opportunities is the Türkiye Bursları (Turkey Scholarships) program. This is a fully-funded government scholarship that covers tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, and health insurance. The application is separate and highly competitive, with a deadline usually in the early part of the year. We highly recommend all eligible students apply for this excellent program.

Why Choose Alanya for Your University Education?

Beyond the university itself, the city of Alanya offers a unique backdrop for your student years. It’s a place where history, nature, and modernity coexist harmoniously.

A Safe and Welcoming Environment: Alanya is known for its friendly locals and large, welcoming expatriate community. It’s a safe and easy city to navigate, with a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
Unbeatable Climate and Lifestyle: With over 300 sunny days a year, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches, swim in the turquoise sea, or hike in the nearby mountains almost year-round. The lifestyle is active and outdoors-oriented.
A Hub of Culture and History: From the iconic Alanya Castle and Red Tower to the ancient city of Syedra, the region is rich with history. The city also hosts numerous cultural festivals and events throughout the year.
Affordable and Connected: The cost of living is significantly lower than in Istanbul or Ankara. The city is served by Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP) and is well-connected to Antalya International Airport (AYT), making travel easy.

Your Gateway to a World-Class Education on the Turkish Riviera

Choosing Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University is an investment in a bright future. It offers a high-quality, affordable education in one of the most beautiful locations in the world. With its modern facilities, dedicated academic staff, and a growing international student body, ALKÜ provides a supportive environment where you can achieve your academic goals while enjoying an unforgettable cultural experience. As your local consultants, we are here to assist you at every step of your journey. We encourage you to explore the official ALKÜ website, prepare your documents, and get ready to apply for an educational adventure on the Turkish Riviera.