Exploring Occupational Therapy Programs in Turkey for International Students (2026)

October 29, 2025

Empowering Lives: Exploring Occupational Therapy Programs in Turkey

Are you seeking a healthcare career that focuses on helping individuals overcome physical, mental, or developmental challenges to live life to the fullest? Occupational Therapy (OT) is a rewarding and growing field, and Turkey is increasingly becoming a popular destination for international students to pursue this degree. Choosing to study occupational therapy in Turkey offers a holistic and practical education in a country with a rapidly developing healthcare system. This exploratory program guide will introduce you to the field of OT in Turkey, highlighting the program structure, top universities, and what you need to know for the 2026 academic year.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. The primary goal of OT is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life (occupations) by working with individuals and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want to, need to, or are expected to do.

Why Study Occupational Therapy in Turkey?

Turkey’s OT programs are gaining recognition for their comprehensive curriculum and focus on evidence-based practice. Key advantages to study in Turkey include:

Holistic Approach: Programs emphasize a person-centered, holistic approach to rehabilitation.
Growing Field: The demand for occupational therapists is high, both locally and internationally, offering excellent job prospects.
Modern Facilities: Many universities, particularly private ones, invest in state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical training centers.
Affordable Education: The cost of occupational therapy in Turkey fees and living expenses are highly competitive compared to many Western countries.

The Occupational Therapy Program Structure in Turkey

The standard duration for a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy in Turkey is four years (eight semesters), leading to the title of Occupational Therapist [4].

Program Duration and Language

Duration: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree).
Language of Instruction: Programs are available in both Turkish and English. While many are currently offered in Turkish, the number of English-taught programs is growing. A preparatory year of English language education may be required if you do not meet the proficiency standards.

Admission Requirements for International Students (2026)

The admission requirements for occupational therapy in Turkey requirements are generally focused on a strong high school background, particularly in science subjects.

Key Academic Requirements:

High School Diploma: A recognized high school diploma or its equivalent is mandatory.
Minimum GPA/Average: A strong academic record is essential.
Standardized Test Scores: International students can apply to private universities with their home country qualifications. Submitting scores from international exams like the SAT, ACT, or the Turkish YÖS exam can strengthen your application.
Science Subjects: Strong performance in Biology, Physics, and Mathematics is beneficial.

Language Proficiency

English-Taught Programs: You must provide an English proficiency certificate (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) or pass the university’s internal proficiency exam.
Turkish-Taught Programs: A Turkish proficiency certificate (e.g., TÖMER) is often required, particularly a C1 level for some advanced programs [5].

For a general overview of the application process, refer to our comprehensive guide on Requirements to Study Medicine in Turkey, as many of the administrative steps are similar.

Top Universities for Occupational Therapy in Turkey

Over 30 Turkish universities offer OT programs. The best programs are often found in universities with strong health sciences faculties and clinical affiliations.

Program Comparison: Top Universities

University Name	City	Language of Instruction	Annual Tuition (Est. USD)	Unique Feature
Hacettepe University	Ankara	Turkish	$500 – $1,500	Highly ranked, one of the top OT schools in Turkey.
Istanbul University	Istanbul	Turkish	$500 – $1,500	Prestigious public university with a strong medical tradition.
Üsküdar University	Istanbul	Turkish	$3,500 – $6,000	Focuses on developing skills for disadvantaged people and evidence-based solutions.
Istanbul Atlas University	Istanbul	Turkish	$3,500 – $6,000	Offers comprehensive and up-to-date education with expert academic staff.
Medipol University	Istanbul	Turkish	$4,000 – $7,000	Focuses on enabling people to participate in everyday life through therapeutic activities.
Istanbul Health and Technology University	Istanbul	Turkish	$4,000 – $7,000	Aims to train OTs who can synthesize theoretical and applied knowledge.

Cost of Studying Occupational Therapy in Turkey (2026)

The cost of an Occupational Therapy degree in Turkey is highly competitive.

Tuition Fees (Annual Estimates):

Public Universities: Tuition fees are very affordable, typically ranging from $500 to $1,500 USD per year for international students.
Private Universities: Fees for occupational therapy in Turkey fees at private institutions generally range from $3,500 to $7,000 USD per year, depending on the university and the language of instruction. Some universities, like Istanbul Topkapı University, offer programs around $6,500 USD.

Living Expenses:

The cost of living is relatively low. International students should budget approximately $350 to $600 USD per month for all expenses. For a detailed breakdown of living costs, you can refer to our guide on The Real Cost of Studying Medicine in Turkey.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

A degree in Occupational Therapy from Turkey opens doors to diverse and rewarding career paths:

Hospitals and Clinics: Working in rehabilitation centers, psychiatric hospitals, and general hospitals.
Schools and Educational Settings: Helping children with special needs.
Private Practice: Establishing independent clinics.
Community Health Centers: Providing services to community members.
Industry and Corporate Settings: Consulting on ergonomics and workplace adaptation.

How Can StudySehir Help You Study Occupational Therapy in Turkey?

Choosing the right program and navigating the application process to study occupational therapy in Turkey can be simplified with expert guidance. StudySehir is your dedicated educational consultant, committed to making your journey seamless and successful.

Our services include:

Personalized University Matching: We help you identify the most suitable occupational therapy universities in Turkey based on your academic profile, budget, and language preference.
Application Preparation: Our experts assist in compiling and perfecting all required documents, ensuring they meet the specific admission criteria for your chosen universities and the occupational therapy in Turkey requirements.
Admission Guidance: We provide clear insights into the admission process and offer strategies to strengthen your application.
Scholarship Opportunities: We actively help you explore and apply for available scholarships or financial aid programs that can support your education, helping to manage the occupational therapy in Turkey fees.
Logistical Support: We guide you through the student visa application process and help you secure suitable accommodation.

Whether you are aiming to study Human Medicine, Physiotherapy, or Occupational Therapy, we are here to provide you with a safe and outstanding study experience in Turkey.

Conclusion: A Fulfilling Career in Occupational Therapy Awaits

Choosing to study occupational therapy in Turkey is an excellent decision for international students seeking an affordable, high-quality, and globally relevant education. With a four-year program structure, a growing number of universities, and a strong focus on practical application, Turkey is an ideal destination to launch your career in this vital health science field. By leveraging expert guidance, you can confidently take the next step toward becoming a successful occupational therapist.