Erciyes University — Kayseri

Erciyes University is a public university in Kayseri in central Turkey, founded in 1978 (originally Kayseri University, later renamed after nearby Mount Erciyes). It ranks 18th among Turkish universities.

Structure: 18 faculties, 3 graduate institutes, 9 vocational schools, 7 institutes, 6 departments, and 38 research centres. The university also operates a large applied teaching hospital, making it a regional medical hub.

Language of instruction: Turkish is the primary medium across all programs.

Notable faculties and programs:

• Faculty of Medicine with the large teaching hospital — Erciyes' flagship
• Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
• Faculty of Engineering — Computer, Biomedical, Environmental, Electrical-Electronic, Industrial, Industrial Design, Mechatronics, Textile
• Faculty of Sciences — Astronomy and Space Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Plant Protection, Horticulture
• Faculty of Languages and Literatures — Armenian, Russian, English, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Hebrew, Turkish, French
• Faculty of Law, Faculty of Theology
• Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences — Economics, Public Finance, International Relations, Political Science and Public Administration
• Faculty of Fine Arts — Sculpture, Painting, Graphic Design
• Faculty of Tourism Management, Agricultural Biotechnology

Admission: Erciyes accepts SAT, YÖS, and Tawjihi. Apply at obp.erciyes.edu.tr.

Tuition (international students): Approximately $400–1,500 per year; medicine and dentistry are at the higher end.

Scholarships: Eligible for Türkiye Bursları full government scholarship.

Accommodation: KYK state dormitories and private student housing available. Living costs in Kayseri are notably lower than Istanbul — typical monthly expenses $250–450.

Why Kayseri: A mid-sized central Anatolian city with strong industrial economy, conservative cultural atmosphere, and very affordable cost of living — popular with conservative Arab families seeking a quieter alternative to Istanbul.

Recognition: YÖK-accredited and recognised across the Arab world.