Studying Pharmacy in Turkey: A Comprehensive Overview

Editor • August 5, 2025

Pharmacy Education in Turkey:

Study Pharmacy in Turkey

🔬 Why Choose Pharmacy in Turkey in 2025?

Studying pharmacy in Turkey in 2025 offers a compelling mix of globally recognized degrees, modern facilities, and affordable costs. Turkish public universities deliver internationally recognized credentials at very low public tuition, while private institutions offer full English programs, extensive clinical rotations, and scholarship opportunities. Public and private pharmacy educations follow a five‑year curriculum structured into four theoretical years and a one‑year internship year.


🎓 Overview of Pharmacy Education

Pharmacy is the healthcare profession concerned with the safe preparation and use of medicines. It combines scientific knowledge with patient care, including roles in clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical research, community dispensing, and regulation. Pharmacists help prevent drug interactions, educate patients, and support wellness initiatives.


🏛️ University Types & Admission Requirements


  • Public universities: Extremely affordable (often between $1,000–$3,000 per year), but require strong academic records (typically 85–95% GPA) and international entrance exams like YÖS or SAT.


  • Private universities: Tuition ranges from $12,000–$25,000 per year, English language options available, and more flexible admission thresholds (often around 60–65% GPA).


Program Duration & Curriculum

  • Total Duration: 5 years, including an optional English preparatory year if needed.
  • Curriculum covers: pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical chemistry, human physiology, microbiology, toxicology, pharmacognosy, clinical pharmacy, pharmacy law, patient counseling, manufacturing quality control, and research methodology.
  • Internship Year: Students complete placements in hospitals or partner community pharmacies.


💰 Tuition Fee Table – Pharmacy Programs (English)


University (Private) / Approx. Annual Tuition (USD)

Istanbul Medipol University: $16,200–$18,000

Istinye University: $13,700

Biruni University: $12,000

Altınbaş University: $9,600–$11,000

Yeditepe University: $18,500

Ankara Medipol (Ankara campus): $8,800–$12,240


Tuition usually falls between $6,000 and $25,000 per year depending on the university and language of instruction.

Public universities, by contrast, charge around $1,000–$3,000/year, making them highly cost‑effective.


Free Apply Now (Click)


🎯 Key Advantages of Studying in Turkey

  • Internationally recognized degrees accepted across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
  • Lower tuition and living costs compared with Western countries (total savings of up to 50%).
  • Many English‑taught programs, eliminating the language barrier for international students.
  • High-quality infrastructure: modern labs, JCI‑accredited hospitals, research centers, and Erasmus cooperation.
  • Diverse specializations: clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical biotechnology, pharmacognosy, regulatory affairs, toxicology, etc.
  • Vibrant student environment and rich cultural experience in cities like Istanbul and Ankara, with affordable living (est. $400–$800/month).


🎓 Türkiye Scholarships & University Aid

The Türkiye Scholarships Program is a fully funded government initiative that covers tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, and travel support for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students in health sciences, including pharmacy.


Additionally, many private universities offer merit‑based discounts up to 50% or more. Consultancy services can help secure these benefits and guide application support.


📄 Degree Equivalency & Career Pathways

Foreign graduates who wish to work in Turkey must apply for degree equivalency, providing notarized diplomas, transcripts, course descriptions, and identity documents.


Pharmacy graduates can pursue careers in:

  • Hospitals, clinics, and community pharmacies
  • Pharmaceutical industry: production, R&D, regulatory affairs, quality assurance
  • Clinical research, government drug agencies, academia, and regulatory institutions.


🧭 How to Apply — Step‑by‑Step

  1. Choose whether you prefer a public or private university, and decide on English or Turkish instruction.
  2. Prepare your high school diploma/transcript (with minimum 85–90% GPA for public; ~60–65% for private).
  3. Take required entrance exams: YÖS or SAT for public universities; not always required for private ones.
  4. Submit language proficiency proof (TOEFL/IELTS or Turkish exams) or enroll in a prep year if needed.
  5. Apply for Türkiye Scholarships or institution-level discounts.
  6. Prepare documents for visa, residence permit, and degree equivalency application if planning to work in Turkey.


✅ Summary

  • Length: 5 years (plus optional prep year)
  • Tuition fees: approximately $1,000–$3,000/year (public) or $6,000–$18,000/year (private/English programs)
  • Curriculum: broad pharmaceutical sciences + practical internship
  • Scholarships: Türkiye Scholarships or private university discounts
  • Living costs: ~$400–$800/month
  • Career prospects: broad in healthcare, industry, research, and regulation


🔗 Additional Resources



Pharmacy plays a vital role in the healthcare system, ensuring the safe and effective use of medications and promoting public health. In Turkey, the field of pharmacy has evolved significantly, with numerous universities offering comprehensive education and training programs. This article aims to provide an overview of pharmacy education in Turkey, highlighting private universities that offer this department.


Pharmacy education in Turkey follows a standardized curriculum designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become competent pharmacists. The program typically spans five years, leading to a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) degree.


Throughout the undergraduate program, students undergo extensive coursework covering various disciplines such as pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, pharmaceutics, clinical pharmacy, and pharmaceutical technology. The curriculum also emphasizes practical training, including laboratory work, internships, and rotations in community and hospital pharmacies.


Private Universities Offering Pharmacy Programs in Turkey:

Several private universities in Turkey are renowned for their pharmacy programs. Here are some of the prominent institutions:


Faculty of Pharmacy

  1. Istanbul Medipol University
  2. Istanbul Atlas University
  3. Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University
  4. İstanbul Okan University
  5. Bahçeşehir University
  6. Bezmialem Vakif University
  7. Istanbul Bilgi University
  8. Koç University


School of Pharmacy

1. Sabancı University (İstanbul)


Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (offers a Pharmacy program)

1. Yeditepe University (İstanbul)


Faculty of Pharmacy

Please note that this list represents a selection of private universities in Turkey offering pharmacy programs. It is advisable to conduct further research and review the specific requirements and curriculum of each institution before making a decision.


Pharmacy Career Prospects:

Upon graduation, pharmacy graduates in Turkey are eligible to work in various settings, including community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, pharmaceutical industries, research institutions, and regulatory authorities. Additionally, some graduates pursue postgraduate studies in specialized areas such as clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, or pharmacy administration.


Study Pharmacy in Turkey

Pharmacy education in Turkey has witnessed significant advancements, with private universities offering comprehensive programs to produce competent pharmacists. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical training, ensuring graduates are equipped to contribute to the healthcare sector. Aspiring pharmacy students in Turkey have a range of private universities to choose from, each providing quality education and professional opportunities in this field.


Apply To The Pharmacy
Studying Mechanical Engineering in Turkey
By Editor August 6, 2025
Study Mechanical Engineering in Turkey - Study in Turkey
Studying Political Science and International Relations in Turkey
By Editor August 6, 2025
Study Political Science and International Relations in Turkey - Study in Turkey
Studying Computer Engineering in Turkey
By Editor August 6, 2025
Study Computer Engineering in Turkey - Study in Turkey
Studying Medicine in Turkey
By Editor August 5, 2025
Medical Education in Turkey:
More Posts