Turkey is becoming a top destination for international students thanks to its quality education, vibrant culture, and strategic location bridging Europe and Asia. The Turkish government, along with numerous universities and organizations, offers a wide range of scholarships—many of them fully funded—that cover tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and even flight tickets. With English-taught programs in fields like engineering, medicine, social sciences, and humanities, Turkey opens its doors to students from over 170 countries.
Types of Scholarships in Turkey
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Government-Funded | Sponsored by the Turkish government for all academic levels. |
| 🏫 University-Specific | Offered by individual universities based on academic merit. |
| 🏅 Merit-Based | For students with high academic achievements. |
| 💸 Need-Based | For students facing financial hardship (limited programs). |
| 🔬 Research-Based | For master’s, PhD, or postdoctoral researchers. |
| 🌍 Bilateral Agreements | Scholarships based on partnerships with specific countries. |
Major Scholarship Programs in Turkey
Türkiye Scholarships (YTB Scholarships)
Purpose: Government-funded scholarships for international students.
Award: Full tuition, monthly stipend (₺3,000+), accommodation, health insurance, and one-off return flight.
Eligibility: Open to students from all nationalities (except Turkish citizens).
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, Research.
Application Period: January–February annually.
Website: www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
Success Scholarship Program
Purpose: Recognize top-performing students already studying in Turkey.
Award: Monthly stipend only.
Eligibility: Must already be enrolled in a Turkish university.
Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD.
Research Fellowship Program
Purpose: For PhD holders or students in the dissertation stage.
Award: Monthly stipend and research opportunities in Turkish institutions.
Eligibility: PhD students worldwide with research proposals.
Mevlana Exchange Program
Purpose: Academic mobility between Turkish and foreign universities.
Award: Tuition waiver, monthly grant.
Eligibility: Students from Mevlana-partnered universities.
Top Turkish Universities Offering Scholarships
| University | Scholarship Name | Fields of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Middle East Technical University (METU) | METU International Scholarships | Engineering, Sciences, Economics |
| Koç University | Koç University Scholarships | Business, Law, Social Sciences, Engineering |
| Sabancı University | Merit-Based Scholarships | Engineering, Arts, Natural Sciences |
| Istanbul University | Undergraduate & Graduate Scholarships | Humanities, Medicine, Science |
| Bilkent University | Full & Partial Scholarships | Computer Science, Engineering, Business |
| Ankara University | Government-Funded and Institutional Aid | Turkish Studies, Agriculture, Sciences |
| Boğaziçi University | Tuition Waivers & Assistantships | Political Science, Engineering, Literature |
General Eligibility Criteria
Academic Performance: High school diploma or previous degrees with excellent grades.
Language Proficiency: IELTS/TOEFL for English programs, or Turkish proficiency for Turkish-taught courses.
Age Limit: Under 21 for undergraduate, under 30 for master’s, under 35 for PhD (for Türkiye Scholarships).
Health & Character Certificate: May be required depending on the scholarship.
Required Documents
Academic transcripts & diplomas
Passport or national ID copy
Motivation letter / Statement of purpose
Letters of recommendation
Language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/YÖS)
CV or resume
Research proposal (for research-based programs)
Recent photo
Health certificate (in some cases)
Application Process
Select Your Program & University: Research through university websites or national portals.
Create Account & Fill Online Form: Especially for Türkiye Scholarships.
Upload Required Documents: Follow exact file formats and guidelines.
Wait for Interview (if applicable): Türkiye Scholarships often include interviews.
Receive Admission & Scholarship Offer: Sent via email or portal.
Apply for Student Visa: Use official documents provided after admission.
Application-Related Costs
| Item | Approx. Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (University-specific) | €20–€50 |
| Language Proficiency Tests | €150–€250 |
| Document Translation & Legalization | €50–€100 |
| Student Visa Fee | €60–€100 |
Visa Processing Time
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Student Visa | 3–5 weeks |
Tips for Winning a Scholarship in Turkey
Apply Early: Türkiye Scholarships open early in the year.
Highlight Leadership/Volunteer Work: Especially valuable for Türkiye Scholarships.
Polish Your Motivation Letter: Show why Turkey and your chosen field are important to you.
Use Official Platforms: Apply only through official websites and portals.
Basic Turkish Language Skills: May help in daily life and boost your profile.
Why Study in Turkey?
🌍 Global Accessibility: Gateway between Europe and Asia with a strong international student community.
💵 Cost-Effective: Low tuition and living costs compared to the West.
🎓 High-Quality Education: Top-ranked universities with modern facilities.
🕌 Cultural Immersion: Rich history, food, and multicultural cities like Istanbul and Ankara.
🧑🎓 Generous Scholarships: Fully funded programs that cover nearly every expense.
Conclusion
Turkey offers a perfect combination of academic quality, cultural depth, and financial support. With generous scholarships like Türkiye Bursları, top-notch universities, and strategic global relevance, Turkey is an excellent destination for international students aiming for success without breaking the bank.
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