Top Scholarships for International Students in Turkey in 2025: A Complete Guide

Why Scholarships are Important for International Students

For international students, scholarships play a crucial role in reducing the financial burden of studying abroad. Turkey offers a wide variety of scholarships that provide financial support, covering tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, and living expenses. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program, this guide will help you explore the best scholarships available for international students in Turkey in 2025.

Türkiye Scholarships Program

The Türkiye Scholarships Program is one of the most prestigious scholarship schemes for international students in Turkey. Funded by the Turkish government, this program offers full scholarships to students from across the world, allowing them to pursue higher education at top Turkish universities.

Key Features of Türkiye Scholarships

Full Tuition Coverage: The Türkiye Scholarships cover 100% of tuition fees for the duration of your study program.
Monthly Stipend: Recipients of this scholarship receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses. In 2025, the stipend is expected to be:
- Undergraduate: 800 TL per month
- Master’s: 1,100 TL per month
- PhD: 1,600 TL per month
Accommodation: Türkiye Scholarships cover the cost of university dormitories, providing students with free accommodation.
Health Insurance: Scholarship recipients are provided with comprehensive health insurance for the duration of their stay.
Turkish Language Course: If you are accepted into an English-taught program, the scholarship also includes one year of free Turkish language courses to help you adjust to life in Turkey.

Eligibility and Application Process

Eligibility: The Türkiye Scholarships are open to students from a wide range of countries. Undergraduate applicants must have completed secondary education, while master’s and PhD applicants must have a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal achievements.
How to Apply: Applications are typically open from January to February each year. Students can apply through the official Türkiye Scholarships website, where they will need to submit academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements.

Other University-Specific Scholarships

Many top universities in Turkey offer their own merit-based scholarships to international students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and are available for various levels of study.

1. Koç University Scholarships

Koç University offers a range of scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs. The scholarships can cover partial or full tuition fees and, in some cases, include a monthly stipend for living expenses.

Undergraduate Scholarships: Koç University provides full scholarships to high-achieving international undergraduate students. Applicants are automatically considered for scholarships when they apply to the university, so no separate application is required.
Graduate Scholarships: For master’s and PhD programs, Koç University offers research assistantships that cover tuition fees and provide a monthly stipend to cover living expenses.

2. Sabancı University Scholarships

Sabancı University is another leading Turkish institution that provides merit-based scholarships for international students. These scholarships are available at the undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels and are highly competitive.

Full and Partial Scholarships: Sabancı University offers a limited number of full scholarships that cover 100% of tuition fees and include accommodation. The university also offers partial scholarships that cover between 25% and 75% of the tuition fees.
Graduate Fellowships: Sabancı provides graduate fellowships for master’s and PhD students, which include a monthly stipend, tuition coverage, and health insurance. Students are also eligible for teaching assistantships.

3. Bilkent University Scholarships

Bilkent University is known for its strong academic programs and generous scholarship offerings for international students. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and are available for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Undergraduate Scholarships: Bilkent offers full and partial scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students. Students are automatically considered for scholarships based on their academic performance during the application process.
Graduate Scholarships: Graduate students can apply for research assistantships that provide full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, and accommodation. These assistantships are available for students in fields such as engineering, social sciences, and natural sciences.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to university-specific scholarships, there are other organizations and programs offering financial aid to international students studying in Turkey.

1. TÜBİTAK Scholarships

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) offers scholarships for international graduate students pursuing master’s or PhD programs in fields related to science, technology, and innovation.

Funding: TÜBİTAK scholarships provide monthly stipends, covering research expenses and travel grants for attending international conferences or conducting research abroad.
Eligibility: Applicants must be pursuing a degree in fields such as engineering, information technology, physics, or biomedical sciences.

2. Jean Monnet Scholarship Program

The Jean Monnet Scholarship is aimed at students from European Union countries who wish to pursue master’s degrees in Turkey. The scholarship focuses on supporting European integration studies in fields such as law, economics, and political science.

Funding: This scholarship covers tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend for living expenses.
Eligibility: Applicants must be EU citizens and be accepted into a master’s program at a Turkish university.

Tips for Applying to Scholarships in Turkey

Securing a scholarship in Turkey requires preparation and a strategic approach. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Start Early: Most scholarship applications open several months before the academic year begins. Be sure to start researching and applying as early as possible to avoid missing deadlines.
Tailor Your Application: When applying for university-specific scholarships, highlight how your academic achievements, leadership qualities, and research goals align with the university’s values.
Write a Strong Personal Statement: For scholarships like Türkiye Scholarships, your personal statement plays a significant role in the selection process. Write a compelling essay that demonstrates your passion for your field of study and how a scholarship will help you achieve your career goals.

Conclusion

Turkey offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, making it a highly attractive destination for those seeking affordable, high-quality education. Programs like Türkiye Scholarships and university-specific awards from institutions like Koç University and Sabancı University provide comprehensive support to help students achieve academic success. By applying early, preparing a strong application, and considering different scholarship opportunities, you can secure the financial aid needed to pursue your studies in Turkey in 2025.