Siirt University
Siirt University is a public university established in 2007 by Turkish Parliament Law No. 5662. It is located in the beautiful, historic city of Siirt in southeastern Turkey, 30 minutes from Diyarbakir International Airport and one hour from Lake Hasankeye. The university comprises 10 faculties, 4 graduate schools, 4 graduate schools, 4 vocational schools, and 15 research centers with state-of-the-art laboratories. It has over 15,500 students, including 1,635 international students from 31 countries, including Syria, Iraq, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, Morocco, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Nigeria. The university focuses on health sciences, engineering, and the arts, and is ranked among the top 2000-2500 universities globally according to the QS and Times Higher Education 2026 rankings, making it an ideal choice for Arab students seeking affordable and internationally recognized public education.
Why do Arab students prefer Siirt University over others?
- First, the tuition fees are very low: Medicine is about $2,500-$3,000 per year, Nursing and Engineering are $1,000-$2,000, and the rest of the majors are only $500-$1,000, with the possibility of full exemption through the Turkey Scholarship or the university scholarships for outstanding students.
- Secondly, more than 1,600 seats are allocated for foreigners in 2026, with a high acceptance rate of up to 80% for Arab students thanks to the lack of strict entrance exam requirements (a high school diploma is sufficient in some cases).
- Third, they do not require proficiency in Turkish, but rather offer a free preparatory year (TOMER) with subsidized accommodation.
- Fourth, the city is safe and rich in Islamic and Arab heritage (its inhabitants are Arabs and Kurds), and the Arab community within the university is very large (more than 500 Arab students annually).
- Fifth, the university has 16 research centers in agriculture and health, and partnerships with Arab universities, which ensures good job opportunities.
Available faculties and majors with the official number of seats in 2026 at Siirt State University
- Faculty of Human Medicine: 15 international seats, 6 years, Turkish language, integrated program with training in the university hospital.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine: 12 seats, 5 years, modern laboratories for animal diseases.
- Faculty of Nursing: 25 seats (one of the most requested specializations among Arab students), 4 years, practical training in hospitals.
- Faculty of Engineering and Architecture: 15 seats for Civil and Electrical Engineering, 4 years, Turkish with English courses.
- Faculty of Agriculture: 15 seats, 4 years, specializations in animal and plant science (ideal for Arab agricultural countries).
- Faculty of Health Sciences: 20 seats for physiotherapy and nutrition, 4 years.
- Faculty of Economics and Management: 15 seats for Business Administration, 4 years.
- Faculty of Islamic Sciences (Theology): 30 seats (easiest and most popular choice for Muslim students), 4 years.
- Faculty of Education: 10 seats for primary education, 4 years.
- Faculty of Fine Arts and Design: 10 seats for design, 4 years.
- Other specializations (more than 70 programs): 5 to 20 seats per specialization, with a focus on agriculture and health.
Accepted exams and required grades
- AHİYÖS (University Special Exam): 300-450 marks (easier than TR-YÖS, valid 2023-2026).
- TR-YÖS: Ranges between 340-420 degrees depending on the specialization.
- SAT: Total 1000-1300 points.
- ACT: Ranges between 21-28 points.
- IB: Ranges between 24-32 points.
- GCE A-Level: Three subjects with a grade of C in science/mathematics.
- High school diploma only: 60-80% average (acceptable for most programs, especially non-medical ones; no exam required in some cases).
- Assessment: 70% exam + 30% average, with priority given to students from Arab countries.
Required admission documents for Siirt University 2026
To apply as a foreign student, documents must be prepared in Turkish or English with a certified translation and apostille from your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The fee is $50 (non-refundable, online), waived for Turkish scholarships.
Required basic documents
- Passport or ID card, clear photo of the home page, valid for 6 months after arrival.
- Original high school diploma or certificate + certified, translated, apostille from the embassy or Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Official, stamped high school transcript, proving 12 years of schooling, translated.
- AHİYÖS/TR-YÖS/SAT/ACT/IB Exam Result (Original, Valid 2023–2026).
- 4 personal photos, 4x6 cm, white background, modern.
- Motivation letter 500 words in English/Turkish, reason for choice (optional, +20% chance).
- Financial proof: Bank statement ≥$6,000 or a guarantee.
- Police criminal record certificate, certified, <6 months.
- Proof of TOMER B1 or TOEFL language proficiency (not required with preparatory courses).
- Receipt for the $50 fee online.
Additional documents (for postgraduate or private studies)
- Bachelor's degree certificate + translated and certified transcript.
- CV 1–2 pages in English.
- Two letters of recommendation from professors (for Master's/PhD).
- ALES/GRE if required for Postgraduate studies.
- Proof of residence for countries such as Syria/Iraq if required.
Official application deadlines 2026
- Early application (for scholarships): February 1, 2026.
- Main door opening date: May 1, 2026.
- Deadline for applications: June 30, 2026.
- Announcement of preliminary results: July 15, 2026.
- Final registration and visa: August 1 - September 10, 2026.
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Start of studies: September 15, 2026.
Preparatory year (TOMER): October 2026 for those who need the language.
Cost of living in Siirt:
Siirt is an affordable and beautiful city: university accommodation costs $300-$500 per year, cafeteria meals $150-$250 per month, transportation $20-$40, and rent for a shared apartment $100-$200. The total monthly cost is $200-$350, with student discounts available at markets and restaurants. The city boasts natural beauty (Lake Hasenke) and Islamic heritage, and the green campus offers free sports activities and hosts Arabic cultural festivals.