Guide to Studying Pharmacy in Turkey
Studying pharmacy in Turkey represents a strategic choice for many international students, combining academic heritage with advanced research laboratories. Leading Turkish universities follow high educational standards aligned with global requirements for practicing pharmacists and drug science researchers. Pharmacy faculties in Turkey are characterized by diverse study programs; universities like Ankara and Istanbul offer English-taught programs, while others like Hacettepe and Gazi focus on academic excellence and intensive clinical training. The close links between pharmacy faculties and major university hospitals provide students with rare opportunities for hands-on clinical training from the early years of study. When searching for the best 5 universities to study pharmacy in Turkey, factors such as global rankings, language of instruction, and living and tuition costs should be considered. Major cities like Istanbul and Ankara provide an ideal environment combining serious study with promising career opportunities in the thriving Turkish pharmaceutical sector.
Quick Picks
Hacettepe University
Best Overall
Leads Turkish universities in medical and pharmaceutical specialties with a strong global reputation and world-class research and clinical facilities.
Istanbul University
Most Historic
The oldest pharmacy faculty in the country with very close ties to the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, supporting graduates' career paths.
Ankara University
Best for English
Offers full pharmacy programs in English and is ranked among the top 150 pharmacy schools worldwide.
Quick Comparison
| Name | City | University Type | Language of Instruction | Global Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hacettepe University | Ankara | Public | Turkish | #251-300 Global |
| Istanbul University | Istanbul | Public | Turkish and English | #401-450 Global |
| Ankara University | Ankara | Public | Turkish and English | #51-150 Global |
| Gazi University | Ankara | Public | Turkish | Top 300 Global |
| Bezmialem University | Istanbul | Private / Vakif | English | #401-500 Global |
Rank1
Hacettepe University Faculty of Pharmacy / Ankara, Turkey
4.7/5
Why we picked it
Hacettepe University Faculty of Pharmacy is the leading pharmacy institution in Turkey, offering distinguished academic and research training with advanced curricula meeting global standards. It is the top choice for students due to its close ties with advanced university hospitals.
Pros
- Ranked first locally in pharmacy specialization.
- Features highly advanced research labs and extensive training opportunities.
- Strategic location in the capital Ankara within an integrated health environment.
Cons
- Requires very strict admission standards due to intense competition.
- The program is characterized by high difficulty and intense academic pressure.
Address
Hacettepe, 06230 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
Hours
Monday-Friday: 08:30–17:30
Distance
1.8 km from city center
Avg. Cost
150,000 - 240,000 TRY per year
Rank2
Istanbul University Faculty of Pharmacy / Istanbul, Turkey
4.8/5
Why we picked it
Established in 1839, it is the oldest and most prestigious pharmacy faculty in Turkey. The faculty is renowned for leading academic and research education and its close collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry.
Pros
- Unique historical status as the country's oldest pharmacy education institution.
- Central location in Fatih district, easily accessible via public transport.
- Strongest academic ties with the pharmaceutical industry for student training.
Cons
- Students may experience high student density in halls and facilities.
- Some buildings are historical and old, lacking modern designs.
Address
Süleymaniye, Prof. Dr. Sıddık Sami Onar Cd. No:1, 34116 Fatih/Istanbul
Hours
Monday-Friday: 08:30–17:00
Distance
1.4 km from city center
Avg. Cost
4000 - 5000 USD per year
Rank3
Ankara University Faculty of Pharmacy / Ankara, Turkey
4.6/5
Why we picked it
Ankara University Faculty of Pharmacy was the first pharmacy faculty founded in the Turkish Republic era in 1960. It stands out with a top-150 global ranking and fully accredited programs.
Pros
- Ranked among the top 150 pharmacy schools globally by QS.
- Provides full programs in English for international students.
- Strategic central capital location near metro stations.
Cons
- Admission conditions are highly competitive and require very high scores.
- High intake numbers may reduce opportunities for personalized guidance.
Address
Emniyet, Dögol Cd. No:6, 06560 Yenimahalle/Ankara, Turkey
Hours
Monday-Friday: 08:30–17:30
Distance
3 km from city center
Avg. Cost
299,100 TRY per year
Rank4
Gazi University Faculty of Pharmacy / Ankara, Turkey
4.4/5
Why we picked it
Gazi University Faculty of Pharmacy is a long-standing institution with high national prestige. It offers an intensive curriculum focused on advanced research in clinical pharmacy.
Pros
- Holds advanced national rankings in pharmaceutical education quality.
- Central location in Ankara with easy public transport access.
- Provides excellent research opportunities in advanced labs for students.
Cons
- The administrative system is highly formal and can be bureaucratic.
- Primary language of instruction is Turkish, requiring proficiency.
Address
Emniyet Mahallesi, Taç Sokağı No: 3, 06330 Yenimahalle/Ankara
Hours
Monday-Friday: 08:30–17:30
Distance
4 km from city center
Avg. Cost
59,748 TRY per year
Rank5
Bezmialem Vakif University Faculty of Pharmacy / Istanbul, Turkey
4.2/5
Why we picked it
Bezmialem Vakif University is a health-science specialized institution, boasting one of the strongest pharmacy faculties in the semi-private sector. It is distinguished by a strong clinical orientation.
Pros
- Excellent clinical support from university-affiliated hospitals.
- Strategic location in the heart of Istanbul (Fatih) for easy access.
- Very modern research labs equipped with latest pharmaceutical tech.
Cons
- Annual tuition fees are relatively high compared to public ones.
- Intense competition for available scholarships.
Address
Topkapı, Adnan Menderes Bulvarı, 34093 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Hours
Monday-Friday: 08:30–17:30
Distance
2.5 km from Fatih center
Avg. Cost
18,000 USD per year
FAQ
What is the best university to study pharmacy in Turkey?+
Hacettepe University in Ankara is considered the best overall, leading local and global rankings.
Is studying pharmacy in English available in Turkey?+
Yes, universities such as Ankara University, Istanbul University, and Bezmialem Vakif university offer full programs in English.
How much does it cost to study pharmacy in Turkish public universities?+
Tuition fees at public universities range from approximately 150,000 to 300,000 TRY per year.
Which is the oldest pharmacy faculty in Turkey?+
The Faculty of Pharmacy at Istanbul University is the oldest, established in 1839.
Is a pharmacy degree from Turkey internationally recognized?+
Yes, degrees from internationally ranked pharmacy faculties like Hacettepe and Ankara are globally recognized.
What are the admission requirements for international students in pharmacy?+
Public universities rely on SAT or YÖS exams, while some private ones accept the high school diploma.
Does Gazi University provide research opportunities in pharmacy?+
Certainly, Gazi University is famous for its advanced laboratories and intensive research programs in drug development.
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