Petroleum Engineering is one of the most promising and future-oriented majors that continues to attract students from around the world. With global demand for oil and energy constantly rising, countries are investing heavily in petroleum development to meet growing needs and ensure better living standards. At Itqan Education, we’ve prepared this detailed guide to help you understand everything about studying Petroleum Engineering — and how you can join top universities in Turkey with partial scholarships. WHAT IS PETROLEUM ENGINEERING? Petroleum Engineering — also known as Oil and Gas Engineering — is the branch of engineering [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/engineering-major] focused on the exploration, extraction, and production of oil and natural gas. It plays a key role in identifying underground oil reservoirs and developing the most efficient methods to extract these resources. Engineers in this field apply advanced techniques to ensure a steady and sustainable supply of petroleum to meet consumer and industrial demands. Petroleum engineering is among the Best Engineering Majors [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/best-engineering-majors] and the highest Highest Paying Engineering Jobs [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/highest-paying-engineering-jobs] in 2025 and Beyond ADVANTAGES OF STUDYING PETROLEUM ENGINEERING IN TURKEY Studying Petroleum Engineering in Turkey offers students a combination of academic depth and real-world experience. Turkish universities provide state-of-the-art facilities and form strong industry partnerships, ensuring students are ready for careers in a highly competitive global energy sector. Here are the top benefits: * Advanced Facilities: Turkish universities are equipped with cutting-edge labs and research tools, allowing students to conduct realistic and hands-on experiments. * Industry Partnerships: Many universities collaborate with leading energy companies, offering students internships and real work exposure even before graduation. * Affordable Education: Tuition fees for Petroleum Engineering programs in Turkey are generally lower than in other countries, making it a cost-effective option for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. * High Demand: Petroleum engineers are highly sought after by oil-rich countries and international energy firms, providing wide career opportunities. * Technological Innovation: Programs emphasize modern solutions and technological advances in drilling, extraction, and reservoir management. * Strong Career Prospects: Graduates can access high-paying jobs and stable employment in one of the world’s most crucial industries. * Cross-disciplinary Foundation: Students gain solid knowledge in math, physics, chemistry, and geology — essential for solving complex engineering problems. * Practical Skills: The curriculum encourages innovation in finding new methods of extracting petroleum and natural gas efficiently. Read more about: Read more about the advantages of studying in Turkey [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/advantages-of-studying-in-turkey]. Also discover the disadvantages [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/disadvantages-of-studying-in-turkey] and how to overcome them. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR PETROLEUM ENGINEERING IN TURKEY To study Petroleum Engineering in Turkey — whether for male or female students — applicants should meet certain criteria. Here are the general admission [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/university-admission-in-turkey]requirements: * High scores in science-related subjects, especially math, physics, and chemistry. * Passing university-specific entrance exams (mainly for public universities). * Some institutions may require a personal interview. However, for international students applying to private universities in Turkey, the process is often much simpler: * No entrance exams required. * Acceptance is typically based on high school GPA and application documents. PETROLEUM ENGINEERING COURSES IN TURKEY The Petroleum Engineering curriculum in Turkey offers students a comprehensive mix of core engineering knowledge, petroleum-specific expertise, and hands-on laboratory experience. While course names and content may vary slightly between universities, most programs share a common foundation designed to prepare students for real-world challenges in the oil and gas industry. Here’s a list of typical courses included in a Petroleum Engineering program in Turkey: CORE SCIENCE & ENGINEERING COURSES The Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering curriculum includes a wide range of subjects that may vary from one university to another. For example, the courses in petroleum engineering in Jordan may differ from those in Turkey. However, there is a set of core subjects commonly taught across various countries such as Malaysia, Turkey, and Jordan: * Drilling Technologies * Introduction to Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering * Production Engineering * Petroleum Chemistry * Fundamentals of Mechanic * Computer Programming * Environmental Studies * Heat Transfer * English Language * Mathematics * Engineering Chemistry * Engineering Mechanics * Computer Programming * Environmental Studies * Applied Chemistry Laboratory * Engineering Physics * Elements of Mechanical Engineering * Technical Drawing * Applied Physics Laboratory * Engineering Workshops & IT Labs * Complex Variables * Electrical and Basic Electronics Engineering * General Geology * Surveying and Marine Structures * Computational Processes in Chemical Engineering * Materials Science and Engineering * Geology and Surveying Laboratory * Managerial Economics and Financial Analysis * Probability and Statistics * Petroleum Geology * Thermodynamics for Petroleum Engineers * Heat Transfer * Oil Exploration * Professional Ethics and Human Values * Administrative Sciences * Process Dynamics and Control * Process Instrumentation * Well Logging and Evaluation * Drilling Technology * Drilling Fluids Laboratory * Industrial Site Visits * Oil Production Engineering * Oil Reservoir Engineering * Petroleum Refining and Petrochemical Engineering * Petroleum Analysis Laboratory * Advanced Oil Reservoir Engineering * Oil and Gas Processing * Natural Gas Hydrates * Pipeline Engineering * Horizontal Well Technology * Offshore Engineering MINIMUM GPA TO STUDY PETROLEUM ENGINEERING IN TURKEY The admission rate for Petroleum Engineering programs varies depending on the country and university. Generally, acceptance rates range between 70% to 90% in most countries. In Turkey: * Public universities require a minimum 80% GPA in high school to study Petroleum Engineering in English, in addition to passing the YÖS or SAT exam. * Private universities typically accept students with a GPA of 70% or higher and do not require YÖS or SAT. At Itqan Education, we offer free admission services to help you enroll in the best private universities for Petroleum Engineering in Turkey. HOW MANY CREDIT HOURS ARE REQUIRED FOR PETROLEUM ENGINEERING? The total number of credit hours needed for a Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering usually ranges from 130 to 165 credit hours, depending on the university and curriculum. These hours are distributed across technical, scientific, and practical courses completed throughout the program. HOW MANY YEARS DOES IT TAKE TO STUDY PETROLEUM ENGINEERING? The standard duration for a Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering is 4 years, though in some countries it may take 5 years. If the student doesn't meet the language requirement, they may also need to take a 1-year preparatory language program (English or Turkish). * Master’s degree: typically takes 2 years. * PhD degree: usually takes 4 years. You can study Petroleum Engineering in Turkey in either Turkish or English, and start your academic journey with a free admission through Itqan Education. PETROLEUM ENGINEERING SPECIALIZATIONS When studying petroleum engineering in countries like Saudi Arabia or Morocco, students have access to a wide range of specializations that are considered the top areas in the field. Here are the most notable ones: * Oil and Gas Field Engineering: Focuses on the design and management of oil and gas fields, including production technologies and control methods. * Well Technology and Drilling: Concentrates on designing and drilling wells, and on the methods used to extract oil and gas. * Manufacturing and Refining Technology: Centers on the industrial processing and refining of oil and gas products. PETROLEUM ENGINEERING SALARIES Salaries for petroleum engineers vary by country. For example, salaries in Saudi Arabia differ from those in Turkey and other countries. Generally, salaries depend on experience, academic qualifications, and the size of the employing company. The average annual salary for a petroleum engineer is about $80,025, with potential ranges from $42,000 to $136,000, reflecting both high opportunities and unique challenges in the field. Below is a table with salary estimates in different countries Country Average Annual Salary (USD) United States 137,000 Germany 47,000 Kuwait 52,000 United Arab Emirates 49,000 Venezuela 1,000,000 United Kingdom 250,000 DISADVANTAGES OF STUDYING PETROLEUM ENGINEERING Despite its many benefits, petroleum engineering has some challenges: * It is known to be somewhat difficult and complex. * Engineers often spend long hours analyzing data and maps. * The field is considered relatively risky, requiring constant caution. * Long working hours, often around 40 to 60 hours per week. * Physical fatigue due to frequent movement between drilling and exploration sites—so engineers must be in good health. FUTURE OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERING Experts predict a bright future for petroleum engineering. It remains a stable and in-demand major, especially in oil-rich countries where petroleum is a top export. The future is equally promising for women in the field, with high salary potential—reaching at least $130,000 annually—making it an attractive career choice for both men and women. TOP UNIVERSITIES TO STUDY PETROLEUM ENGINEERING IN TURKEY Several Turkish universities [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/best-universities-in-turkey] stand out for their petroleum engineering programs. Here are some of the most prominent: * Near East University (private) * Atatürk University (public) * Batman University (public) * İskenderun Technical University (public) * Istanbul Technical University (public) * Izmir Katip Çelebi University (public) TUITION FEES FOR PETROLEUM ENGINEERING IN TURKEY Tuition fees vary depending on the university type and language of instruction: * Public universities (Turkish): $300–$1,500 USD per year * Public universities (English): $2,000–$5,000 USD per year * Private universities: $7,000–$12,000 USD per year CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING Graduates of petroleum engineering programs in Saudi Arabia and other countries can work in various fields. Below are some of the main career paths in countries like Egypt, Turkey, and beyond: * Process and Treatment Engineer: Works in oil refining and gas processing plants to produce purified petroleum products. * Control and Automation Engineer: Uses technology to monitor and control industrial operations efficiently and safely. * Design and Technology Engineer: Develops innovative designs and introduces advanced technologies in the petroleum industry. * Academic Research and Teaching: Works in universities or research institutions to teach and conduct technological and scientific studies. * Management and Leadership: Takes on administrative or leadership roles in major oil and gas companies. START YOUR PETROLEUM ENGINEERING JOURNEY WITH ITQAN! Looking to study Petroleum Engineering at one of Turkey’s top universities? At Itqan Educational Services, we offer free university admission support, help you choose the right program, and secure valuable partial scholarships. Don’t miss your chance to build a successful career in one of the world’s most in-demand fields. Contact us today and take the first step toward your future! Interested Reads: Top Universities in Istanbul [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/top-universities-in-istanbul] for 2025 – Updated Guide Study in Turkey [https://itqaneducation.com/en/blogs/studying-in-turkey]: Top Universities, Costs & Scholarships 2025 FAQS Is petroleum engineering taught in English in Turkey? Yes, several public and private universities in Turkey offer petroleum engineering programs in English. However, English-taught programs are more commonly found in private universities. What is the minimum GPA required to study petroleum engineering in Turkey? For public universities, a minimum high school GPA of 80% is usually required, along with passing the YÖS or SAT exams. For private universities, a GPA of 70% or higher is typically sufficient, and entrance exams are not usually required. How long does it take to complete a petroleum engineering degree in Turkey? The bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering usually takes 4 years, but may extend to 5 years if you need to complete a 1-year language preparatory program. Master's programs typically take 2 years, and PhDs require around 4 years. What are the tuition fees for petroleum engineering in Turkey? Tuition varies by university. In public universities, fees range from $300 to $1,500 per year for programs in Turkish, and $2,000 to $5,000 per year for programs in English. In private universities, tuition typically ranges from $7,000 to $12,000 per year. Are scholarships available for petroleum engineering students in Turkey? Yes. Many universities offer partial scholarships (up to 60% off tuition), especially for international students. There are also fully-funded scholarships like the Türkiye Scholarship offered by the government. What career opportunities are available after graduation? Graduates can work in various roles such as reservoir engineer, drilling engineer, production engineer, or researcher. Employment opportunities are available in energy companies, oil and gas firms, and research institutions both in Turkey and internationally. Can I work while studying in Turkey? International students in Turkey can work part-time during their studies, especially in private companies or research roles, although restrictions may apply depending on the residence permit type.
