Student Housing in Turkey: Dormitories, Private Dorms and Renting
Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.
Housing in Turkey is something to settle early, because it is tied to your residence permit. You must give an address when you apply, and the migration office asks for proof of it. This guide covers the options and what they cost, based on the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), the Türkiye Scholarships programme and two universities, as read in October 2026.
Our catalogue does not yet record dormitory places or prices for Turkish universities, so unlike some other countries there is no price table for dormitories here. The prices below come from the sources named.
Four options
YÖK's Study in Türkiye portal lists four ways to live:
- University dormitories on the campus.
- State dormitories of KYK, the Higher Education Credit and Hostels Institution, located at various points in the city.
- Private dormitories, found around most university campuses.
- A rented flat, often shared with other students.
State and university dormitories
According to YÖK, almost all state and university dormitories are separate for male and female students. Rooms are shared, and prices usually vary with the number of people in the room. Rooms are furnished, internet is available, and some dormitories have their own cafeteria, usually with breakfast and dinner. Common rooms such as a TV room, a study room and a kitchen are also available.
Fees depend on the university and on the room, and YÖK points students to the university's own web page for the up-to-date figure. KYK publishes its own application rules for dormitories. Check them directly, including whether they apply to international students who pay their own way.
Private dormitories
Private dormitories are usually better equipped than state ones, for example with newer furniture, but they cost more. In Ankara, the International Students Office of Middle East Technical University gave these ranges in June 2026:
| Option in Ankara (METU, updated 22 June 2026) | Price per month |
|---|---|
| Campus dormitory (public or university) | 4,000 to 20,000 lira |
| Private student dormitory | 12,000 to 60,000 lira |
| Three-person apartment near the university | 35,000 to 60,000 lira in total |
At the ECB rate of 19 October 2026 (1 euro = 55.62 lira), a campus dormitory place is roughly €72 to €360 a month. The same office estimates total living costs, including food and transport, at 12,000 to 18,000 lira a month with a campus dormitory and an economical lifestyle. These are Ankara prices; other cities differ. See how much it costs to study in Turkey.
Renting a flat
Many students rent a flat near the university with friends. YÖK says that flats are usually apartments with a large living room and 2 to 4 additional bedrooms, a separate kitchen and often a balcony, with central or combi-boiler heating. After signing the lease you still have to buy household goods and set up subscriptions.
For the residence permit, TED University gives the practical rule. The migration office does not accept short-term rental platform stays as a valid address. You need an official, notarised rental contract or a letter of commitment from your landlord, or a letter from the dormitory. Choose a landlord who will provide it. See student visa and residence permit for Turkey.
If you have a Türkiye Scholarship
Türkiye Scholarships covers accommodation. Undergraduate scholarship holders can stay in dormitories for the duration of their studies, and the dormitory fee is covered. Master's and doctoral students receive a dormitory place in their first year, and later can rent a flat with a housing allowance: 6,000 lira for students in Istanbul and Ankara and 5,000 lira in other cities. Scholarship students can stay in KYK dormitories or in private dormitories affiliated with the KYK directorate. See scholarships and student jobs in Turkey.
How to choose
- Ask the international office of your university what it offers and whether it helps international students find a place.
- Book a dormitory or temporary accommodation before you arrive. Availability depends on the time of year and the demand, as TED University points out for its two off-campus dormitories.
- For a long stay, sign a lease only after you have seen the flat, and keep the notarised copy for the migration office.
- Compare the commute: students get discounts on public transport, according to YÖK.
More general advice is in how to find student housing in Europe.
Official sources
- Study in Türkiye: accommodation
- Study in Türkiye: transportation
- METU International Students Office: cost of living
- TED University: dormitories
- Türkiye Scholarships: why Türkiye Scholarships
Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.