The Child Development major in Turkey is considered one of the most important university majors and a preferred choice for international students. Turkish universities are distinguished by the modernity and diversity of their programs in this field, designed according to European standards, making Turkey one of the best countries to study the child development major.
In this article, the Intilaqa team will present everything related to the decision to Study Child Development in Turkey, starting from the advantages, universities, and prices, up to the admission requirements and step-by-step registration process. Therefore, keep reading to learn about the major in detail and make the right decision for you.
What is the Child Development Major?
The Child Development or Child Care major involves understanding the stages of child development from birth through adolescence, and how to provide the appropriate support for each of these stages, aiming to present a physically, psychologically, and emotionally healthy generation.
Recently, countries have realized the importance of this major in improving society by preparing well-adjusted individuals capable of bearing responsibility toward society and achieving success in its various forms.
Advantages of Studying Child Development in Turkey
The reasons to Study Child Development in Turkey can be summarized as an experience combining high-quality education integrated with practical application, and internationally recognized.
Strength and Comprehensiveness of Curricula
Turkish universities are distinguished by applying European higher education standards, making their education parallel to education in European universities.
Expertise of Teaching Staff
Turkish universities attract an elite group of specialized academics in various fields of child development holding the strongest qualifications.
International Recognition of Turkish Degrees
The child development degree in Turkey is recognized in all European countries and many Arab countries.
Modernity of University Campuses
Turkish universities, especially private ones, are known for their modern classrooms, advanced training facilities, and close cooperation with companies and institutions that provide real training opportunities for students.
Education and Training Simultaneously
Turkish universities do not rely on rote learning but adopt a third-generation approach that integrates theoretical education, practical application, and scientific research, which equips the student with the required experience.
International Student Exchange
Most Turkish universities teaching child development are members of the Erasmus agreement for free student exchange with hundreds of European universities, granting you a diverse scientific background.
Double Major and Minor
If you wish to utilize your study period to delve into another field, you can study two majors simultaneously, provided you achieve a distinguished GPA in the child development major, earning you two degrees.
Low Tuition Fees
The most important advantage of studying the child development major in Turkey is that it is of high international quality and low cost, making it an experience accessible to most students.
Studying Child Development in Turkey in English
One of the advantages of studying the child development major in Turkey is that it is multilingual. You can study in English at the best universities, allowing you to work in international institutions, or in Turkish if you are considering settling in Turkey.
If you are worried about not mastering the language, we would like to reassure you that English language proficiency is not an admission requirement as is the case with the Turkish language. Turkish universities offer a preparatory year (Hazırlık) to learn the language from specialists, enabling you to start your studies smoothly.
How Many Years is the Study of Child Development in Turkey?
Studying a Bachelor’s in Child Development in Turkish universities takes 4 academic years. In case of studying the language year, the duration extends to 5 academic years, including education and practical application.
If you wish to study a Master’s in Child Development, the required duration is 1.5 years (3 semesters), and 4 academic years to obtain a PhD in Child Development.
The good news for students wishing to study the child development major in the shortest study period is that it is available as a Diploma degree, taking only 2 academic years, from which you graduate with the practical qualifications necessary in the job market.
What are the Courses for the Child Development Major in Turkey?
The child development program usually covers theoretical and practical subjects important for understanding a child’s stages from age 0 to 18, as in Gelisim University. Therefore, we will present the child development courses available there:
I am pleased to present the courses for the child development major at Gelisim University based on the curriculum available on the university’s official website (for the Bachelor’s major, mostly the English version, keeping in mind that some courses are elective and titles may vary slightly).
First Year
- Physiology.
- Introduction to Child Development and Ethics.
- Mother and Child Nutrition.
- Life and Family Dynamics.
- Anatomy.
- Sociology.
- Psychology.
- Special Education.
- Development and Education in Infancy.
- Medical Biology and Genetics.
Second Year
- Social Policy.
- Social and Emotional Development.
- Developmental Assessment and Monitoring.
- Early Intervention Approaches and Developmental Risks.
- Curriculum Development for Preschool.
- Development and Education in Early Childhood.
- Summer Practice (Internship – Staj).
- Public Health.
- Social Welfare Policy.
- Play and Play Materials.
- Developmental Psychology.
- Development and Education in the School Period.
- Art and Creativity During Childhood.
- Children’s Literature.
Third Year
- Mathematics and Science Education in Preschool.
- Music Education in Childhood.
- Field Practice in Preschool Education I.
- Neurodevelopment.
- Specialized Elective Courses (I and II).
- Research Methods.
- Field Practice in Preschool Education II.
- Mental Health and Adaptation Problems.
- Specialized Elective Courses (III and IV).
- Free Elective Course (Out of Major).
Fourth Year
- Child Health and Diseases.
- Development, Education, and Family Counseling for Disabled Children.
- Field Practice in Child Development I.
- Development and Education of the Sick Child.
- Specialized Elective Courses (V and VI).
- Child Abuse and Neglect.
- Language Development, Communication Disorders, and Education.
- Field Practice in Child Development II.
- Development in Adolescence.
- Specialized Elective Courses (VII and VIII).
Studying a Master’s in Child Development in Turkey
One of the important advantages when choosing to study the child development major in Turkey is that you will have many options to pursue postgraduate studies in this field, as it is available in several Turkish universities, such as:
- Uskudar University.
- Okan University.
- Gelisim University.
- Aydin University.
Studying a Master’s in Child Development is considered one of the most important steps, as it grants you the in-depth knowledge and expertise to assess the developmental needs of children and design and implement effective intervention and support strategies for children and their families, leading to better professional opportunities.
Study Axes and Courses
The Master’s curriculum focuses on advanced and specialized aspects of child development (0-18 years), and common topics in child development departments in Turkey include the following:
- Advanced Development: Advanced Developmental Psychology, Neuroscience, and Child Development.
- Early Intervention: Designing Early Intervention Programs and Assessing Developmental Risks.
- Special Education: Advanced Issues in the Education and Development of Children with Special Needs.
- Family and Counseling: Family Counseling and Working with Children and Families in Crises.
- Curriculum and Assessment: Developing and Evaluating Early Childhood Curricula.
- Research Skills: Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods and Educational Statistics.
Studying a PhD in Child Development in Turkey
The PhD stage in Child Development is the highest and final academic stage in this field, where the student transitions from a stage of deep expertise solely to the stage of research and innovation in this area.
In the first two years, the student studies theoretical courses that help establish the scientific research they plan to prepare. In the last two years, the focus is placed on scientific research (the dissertation) concerning a real problem suffered by the field or society, defending it before the committee.
An advantage of studying a PhD in Child Development in Turkey is that it is taught in top Turkish universities enjoying advanced research infrastructure, such as Istanbul Aydin University, which is the only private Turkish university teaching it.
Studying a Child Development Diploma in Turkey
Studying at a Child Development Institute in Turkey is considered the best choice for you if you do not prefer long study years, and it is also the least costly university program.
The Child Development Diploma program focuses more heavily on the applied aspect, preparing specialized assistants or technicians to support the care and education process in early childhood, with an emphasis on practical skills.
Best Universities to Study Child Development in Turkey
The child development major is taught in the majority of Turkish universities and receives significant attention in private Turkish universities. For this reason, they continuously update their programs in line with the needs and evolution of the sector.
Below is a list of the best Turkish universities to study child development:
1. Istanbul Gelisim University
Gelisim University is considered one of the best Turkish universities to study child development thanks to its focus on practical training, possessing equipped laboratories, and teaching it at reasonable tuition fees.
2. Istanbul Aydin University
Istanbul Aydin University is among the prestigious universities in Turkey offering child development at an advanced educational level. It is distinguished by academic cooperation and intensive field training to empower graduates to meet job market demands.
3. Biruni University
Biruni University is characterized by being a health university, making the child development major fall within the context of its health and clinical sciences, which is ideal for students seeking specialization in early intervention and assessment.
4. Istanbul Medipol University
The child development major falls under the Faculty of Health Sciences at Medipol University, ensuring high education quality and practical training opportunities in advanced health environments within Istanbul.
5. Uskudar University
Uskudar University specializes in health and psychological sciences, providing a rich environment to study child development, delve into psychological and emotional development aspects, and provide treatment plans.
Cost of Studying the Child Development Major in Turkey 2026
The required budget when deciding to Study Child Development in Turkey at private universities varies, and this difference fundamentally depends on the quality of applied facilities, the reputation of the academic staff, and the approved language of instruction.
Bachelor’s and Diploma Level (Annually)
Diploma fees range between $1,300 and $5,000, while Bachelor’s fees start from $2,000 and reach up to $11,000 in major universities. This variation is due to the program’s language (English is more expensive), in addition to the availability of behavioral simulation centers and advanced practical training.
Master’s Level (Full Program)
Whether you choose the academic track (with thesis) or the professional track (without thesis), the cost of the entire program ranges between $3,500 and $8,000. These fees cover access costs to modern educational databases, attending specialized workshops, and academic supervision.
PhD Level (Full Program)
For PhD programs targeting in-depth researchers, the total fees for the program are $12,000. This amount is an investment in the scientific value of the granted degree, the intensity of research supervision, and the rare references provided by the university.
Are There Scholarships to Study Child Development in Turkey?
Yes, the child development major is considered one of the funded Turkish Scholarship majors if you wish to study it at public universities. Private universities also offer partial scholarships through the Intilaqa team, and provide discounts upon advance payment. To inquire about these scholarships, you can contact us to provide you with complete information.
Admission Requirements to Study the Child Development Major in Turkey
After learning about the best Turkish universities in child development, here are the requirements to study the child development major in Turkey at various university levels.
Requirements to Study a Bachelor’s in Child Development
Presenting a high school diploma with an average of 75% and above or equivalent certificates only. In case you wish to study in public universities, passing the YOS or SAT exam is primarily required.
Required Documents for Registration:
- A copy of the high school diploma with transcripts (for the last 3 years), translated and notarized by the consulate.
- A copy of the passport.
- A personal photo.
- A language proficiency certificate like TOEFL or TÖMER at the required level (if any).
Requirements to Study a Master’s in Child Development
You must be a graduate of a Bachelor’s in Child Development or a related major such as psychology, with a cumulative GPA starting from 2.00 for admission to private universities. Public universities require higher GPAs and passing a postgraduate exam such as GRE, GMAT, or ALES.
Required Documents for Registration:
- The university degree with the university transcript (notarized and translated).
- A copy of a valid passport.
- A personal photo.
- A language proficiency certificate at the required level (if any).
Requirements to Study a PhD in Child Development
You can apply for a PhD in Child Development at Turkish universities provided you have a Master’s in Child Development with a thesis (Tezli), as you cannot register for this degree with a non-thesis Master’s (Tezsiz).
Required Documents for Registration:
- The Master’s degree with thesis and transcripts (translated and notarized).
- The Bachelor’s degree with transcripts (translated and notarized).
- A copy of a valid passport.
- A personal photo.
- A language proficiency certificate at the required level (if any, and it may be a mandatory condition in some universities).
How Do I Study Child Development in Turkey?
Your academic journey in Studying Child Development in Turkey requires clear planning to ensure procedures run smoothly. To avoid any administrative complexities, we have outlined a brief roadmap ensuring you secure your university seat with steady steps:
1. Choosing the Right University
The first and most important step is choosing the university that aligns with your professional goals and financial capabilities. The focus here should be on identifying the academic destination where you see your future, ensuring it provides the appropriate training environment for your ambition.
2. Preparing Documents and Certificates
Registration procedures are characterized by clarity; you must prepare a file containing: the high school diploma (in any track), transcripts, a valid passport, and a personal photo. Starting to prepare these documents early facilitates the subsequent steps.
3. Applying Through Intilaqa
Instead of getting preoccupied with complex application details, you can entrust the Intilaqa team with managing your file. We will submit your documents to the universities you have chosen, ensuring you obtain admission correctly and swiftly, in addition to benefiting from available discounts.
4. Confirming the Seat by Paying Initial Fees
After obtaining preliminary approval, and to officially secure your seat (as seats are sometimes limited), the first installment of the tuition fees (Deposit) must be transferred to the university’s account. This step grants you the “Final Acceptance Letter” necessary for travel.
5. Obtaining a Student Visa
Using the final acceptance document, you must head to the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country to submit a student visa application, which is the legal document allowing you to enter Turkey for study purposes.
6. Final Registration at the University
After arriving in Turkey, you head to the university’s student affairs office to hand over original documents and complete signatures. Afterward, you receive your university ID and officially begin attending your lectures.
Future of Child Development Graduates in Turkey
The child development major is considered a vital field experiencing increasing demand in Turkey due to the state’s interest in developing early childhood and special education programs. Here are the most prominent future advantages:
- Diversity of Career Paths: Your future is not limited to nurseries; it extends to working as a development specialist in hospitals and early intervention centers, or working in social and family counseling centers.
- Opportunities for Academic Advancement: The major opens the door for you to pursue postgraduate studies (Master’s and PhD) in specialized fields like Developmental Psychology or Special Education, enhancing your research and academic career.
- Demand for Practical Skills: Turkish universities guarantee you intensive practical training, making you a graduate ready to enter the job market with the ability to assess and design individual development programs for children.
How Does the Intilaqa Team Help You?
The Intilaqa Educational Team works to assist you step-by-step to choose the most appropriate major and university for you in Turkey, according to your academic interests and study budget.
We offer you a comprehensive free consultation that includes:
- Recommending the best Turkish universities that teach your major.
- Clarifying available costs and scholarships.
- Full follow-up in the registration process until final acceptance.
Whether you plan to Study Child Development in Turkey or any other major, you can start by learning about the details of Studying in Turkey via our complete guide:
Study in Turkey
