Scholarships in Turkey for International Students 2025

Introduction to Turkey

Turkey is a transcontinental country that bridges Europe and Asia, known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and vibrant economy. It shares borders with Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, making it a central hub of historical and modern significance. Turkey’s dynamic cities, such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, are home to world-class universities, bustling trade centers, and stunning architectural wonders.

The Turkish education system has made remarkable progress over the years, attracting thousands of international students annually. With over 200 universities, Turkey offers various programs in engineering, medicine, business, social sciences, and the arts. The affordability of education, combined with numerous scholarship opportunities, makes Turkey an attractive destination for students worldwide.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on scholarships in Turkey for international students in 2025, covering eligibility, benefits, and application procedures.

Why Study in Turkey?

1. High-Quality Education
   Turkey has many top-ranked universities, including Middle East Technical University (METU), Boğaziçi University, and Koç University.

2. Affordable Tuition and Living Costs
   Compared to many Western countries, tuition fees and living expenses in Turkey are relatively low, making education accessible.

3. Diverse Cultural Experience
   Turkey’s rich heritage blends Eastern and Western traditions, offering a unique environment for international students.

4. Scholarship Opportunities
   The Turkish government and universities provide numerous scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.

5. Strategic Location
   Situated between Europe and Asia, Turkey is an ideal location for students interested in international exposure and networking opportunities.

Top Scholarships in Turkey for International Students 2025

1. Türkiye Scholarships (Turkish Government Scholarships)

Overview:
Türkiye Scholarships, funded by the Turkish government, are among the most prestigious fully funded scholarships for international students.

Benefits:

• Full tuition fee coverage

• Monthly stipend (Undergraduate: 1,700 TL, Master’s: 2,400 TL, PhD: 3,000 TL)

• Free accommodation

• Health insurance

• One-year Turkish language course

• Travel expenses (one-time flight ticket)

Eligibility:

• Open to applicants from all countries

• Minimum academic performance required:

  • Undergraduate: 70%

  • Master’s and PhD: 75%

  • Medical studies: 90%

• Age limits:

  • Undergraduate: under 21 years

  • Master’s: under 30 years

  • PhD: under 35 years

Application Process:

• Applications open in January and close in February.

• Required documents: academic transcripts, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, passport, and proof of previous degrees.

• Shortlisted candidates go through an interview process before final selection.

2. Sabancı University Scholarship

Overview:
Sabancı University offers a variety of merit-based scholarships for international students at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels.

Funding:

• Full and partial tuition waivers

• Monthly stipend (for postgraduate students)

• Accommodation support

Eligibility:

• High academic performance

• A strong statement of purpose and reference letters

• Research proposal (for postgraduate applicants)

Application Process:

• No separate scholarship application; candidates are automatically considered when applying for a program.

3. Koç University Scholarship

Overview: Koç University provides scholarships for talented students enrolling in undergraduate and graduate programs.

Funding:

• Full and partial tuition waivers

• Monthly stipends for graduate students

• Housing assistance

Eligibility and Application:

• Open to all international students

• Strong academic background is required

• No separate application for undergraduate scholarships; for graduate programs, applicants need to indicate scholarship interest in the application form.

4. Bilkent University Scholarship

Overview: Bilkent University offers fully funded and partial scholarships to high-achieving international students.

Funding:

• Tuition fee waiver (full or partial)

• Monthly stipend for master’s and PhD students

• Accommodation assistance

Eligibility:

• Outstanding academic records

• Standardized test scores (SAT, GRE, or GMAT may be required)

5. TÜBİTAK Research Scholarships

Overview: The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) provides research scholarships for international graduate students pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Funding:

• Research grant

• Monthly stipend

• Travel and accommodation support

Eligibility and Application:

• Open to international PhD students and postdoctoral researchers

• Research proposal submission required

How to Apply for Scholarships in Turkey

1. Identify Suitable Scholarships
   Research and shortlist scholarships based on your eligibility and academic interests.

2. Prepare Required Documents
   Commonly required documents include academic transcripts, CV, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, and proof of previous degrees.

3. Meet Deadlines
   Scholarship deadlines vary; ensure you submit applications before the closing date.

4. Write a Strong Motivation Letter
   Clearly express why you want to study in Turkey and how the scholarship will help you achieve your academic and career goals.

5. Apply Online
   Most scholarship applications are submitted online through the respective university or government portal.

6. Prepare for Interviews
   Shortlisted candidates may be required to attend an online interview as part of the selection process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I work while studying in Turkey?
Yes, international students can work part-time while studying, but they need to obtain a work permit.

2. Are Turkish scholarships fully funded?
The Türkiye Scholarships and some university scholarships are fully funded, covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.

3. Do I need to learn Turkish to study in Turkey?
Many universities offer English-taught programs, but learning basic Turkish can be beneficial for daily life and cultural integration.

4. How competitive are Turkish scholarships?
Turkish scholarships are highly competitive, especially Türkiye Scholarships, which receive thousands of applications each year.

5. When should I start applying for scholarships in Turkey?
Applications for most scholarships open between January and March, so it's advisable to start preparing in advance.