Turkey houses well over 200 universities that are renowned for excellence around the world, and they offer different degree programs at all levels including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctorate degrees. International students who wish to study abroad in Turkey can study at the cheapest universities in Turkey for International students or study with scholarships in Turkey for International students.
Turkish Universities are known for their delivery of standard education, so if you want to study abroad without breaking the bank, you should consider Turkey. Aside from the very affordable cost of living, and tuition, you get to mix with other people from different cultures. You can study with a scholarship and continue living in Turkey after your study because it is more affordable than other countries, your living expense depends on how much you spend.
International students all over the world can study with scholarships offered by top universities in Turkey. Public institutions and the Turkish government provides different ranges of scholarships for undergraduate, graduate and PhD students. Most of the top scholarships in Turkey for international students are awarded based on academic performance, financial need and other relevant criteria from respective sponsors.
Scholarships in Turkey for International Students
The scholarships that would be listed below are the top scholarships in turkey for international students, the majority of them are fully funded for undergraduate, graduate and PhD students. There are partially funded scholarships on this list too, some universities offer discounts to siblings of the same school.
Scholarships in Turkey for international students are mostly on tuition fee reduction or waivers, other benefits are allowances, and not all the scholarships provide accommodation or cover travel expenses.
1. Türkiye Scholarships For International Students
This scholarship for international students is fully sponsored by the Turkish government. It is one of the best scholarships for international students. The Turkish government designed the scholarship to help foreign students who are financially incapacitated to study in Turkey, it is a need-based scholarship. This is all in a bid to foster cooperation and connection of turkey with other parts of the world.
Host Institution(s):
Eligible Universities in Turkey.
Level/Field of Study:
Undergraduate programs, Graduate Studies, and Doctoral degrees.
Scholarship Duration:
- 1 year Turkish Language course + 4/6 years (depending on the normal duration of the program). For undergraduate.
- 1 year Turkish Language course + 2 years. (Master’s).
- 1 year Turkish Language course + 4 years (PhD).
Scholarship Benefits:
- Accommodation
- Monthly stipend: 1000 TL at the undergraduate level, 1,400 TL at the Master’s level and 1,800 TL at the PhD.
- Tuition
- Health Insurance
- One year of Turkish Language Courses
- Once-off flight ticket.
Eligibility:
- Citizens of all countries.
- Under the age of 21 years for Undergraduate programs.
- Under the age of 30 for Master’s programs.
- Under the age of 35 for Doctorate programs.
- Under the age of 45 for Research Scholarships.
- Minimum academic achievement for Bachelor’s degree applicants is 70%
- Minimum academic achievement for Master’s and Doctorate applicants: 75%
- Minimum academic achievement for Health Science (Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy) applicants: 90%
- Researchers and academicians
2. Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Scholarships
Another top scholarship in Turkey for International students is the EMU scholarship. The university provides 25% to 50% scholarships to international students. During the application, interested students would indicate the percentage of scholarship they wish to apply for, the scholarship will be offered based on your academic performance and chosen program of study.
Apart from the 50% and 25% scholarships. EMU also offers full scholarships for bachelor’s degrees and PhD, although this scholarship category is very competitive. The candidates that applied for the full scholarship would be considered 30 days before the new semester or 60 days before the new semester, they will be awarded only if they have been granted admission to the program they applied to.
Their Undergraduate Scholarships Include:
- All-inclusive Scholarships
- Tuition Fee Waivers
- High Honor Award
- Sports Grant
- Student Assistantship
- Research Assistantship
- Discounts
- TRNC Government Scholarship
Host Institution(s):
Eastern Mediterranean University, Turkey.
About the Institution:
EMU was established in 1976 and was accredited by the Turkish Higher Education Council (YOK), it is the only state university in TRNC. Eastern Mediterranean University has been providing high-quality education with over 100 undergraduate school programs, 103 postgraduate, and 103 doctoral degree programs. All these programs are under the 12 faculties, 4 schools, and the Foreign Languages and English Preparatory School.
Level/Field of Study:
Undergraduate, Postgraduate and PhD.
Scholarship Duration:
Regular Duration of Academic Program.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Tuition fee for the regular duration of the academic program.
- Free accommodation in a double room.
- 3 meals a day.
Eligibility:
- Proof of Academic Excellence.
- Photocopies of Higher Secondary School Certificate and transcript (mark sheets).
- One passport-sized photograph.
- A copy of proof of English Proficiency.
- Photocopy of the passport (relevant page) or birth certificate.
3. KHAS Scholarship Programs
Kadir Has University (KHAS) located in Istanbul, Turkey is a popular research university known for its research prowess in different fields of study. KHAS offers scholarships to international students at various levels and fields of study, including undergraduate programs, graduate studies, and PhD degrees. These scholarships come with a tuition discount, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% tuition waiver scholarships are offered to international students for Masters (with thesis) and PhD programs.
There is no different application process or selection process for the scholarship because it is awarded based only on academic performance in Turkey. If you achieve the necessary academic grade, you will be immediately eligible for the university fee reduction scholarship. And finally, you have to keep your GPA at 1.8 each academic year.
Host Institution(s):
Kadri Has University, Turkey.
About the Institution:
Kadir Has University (KHAS), Istanbul was established in 1997. The university is committed to being a pioneer in Turkish education and culture and to positioning itself as a global hub for research and scientific advancement. It has five faculties: Art and Design, Communication, Economics and Administrative Sciences, Engineering and Natural Sciences, and Law.
Level/Field of Study:
Undergraduate programs, graduate studies, and doctoral degrees.
Scholarship Duration:
Regular Duration of Academic Program.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Tuition fee reduction.
Eligibility:
- Outstanding Academic Records.
- Social skills and leadership abilities.
- Full-time degree students.
4. Bilkent University Scholarships
Bilkent University scholarship is a Fully Funded Scholarship for International Students in Turkey. This International Scholarship covers all the study expenses. Students on scholarship are required to take at least the minimum course load from their curriculum specified for their major department each semester (excluding additional courses, any minor program courses, withdrawn courses, GE100, GE251 and non-credit courses) and to maintain a minimum Annual GPA of 2.00/4.00.
Host Institution(s):
Bilkent University, Turkey.
About the Institution:
Bilkent University was established in 1984 as the country’s first private, nonprofit academic institution. Bilkent attracts a lot of Turkey’s best high school grads because it has a pool of internationally known scholars and the best facilities. It was established to serve as a centre of excellence for higher learning and research. Since “Bilkent” is an acronym for “city of science and knowledge,” which is Turkish for “Bilim kente,” it perfectly captures the founder’s intention.
Level/Field of Study:
Bachelors/Masters and PhD Grants:
Scholarship Duration:
Regular Duration of Academic Program.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Tuition fee.
- Private Health Insurance.
- Monthly Stipend and Housing support of 4.500 TL per month.
- Meal Card.
- A Laptop Computer.
- A yearly fixed travel allowance and expense to attend scientific events.
Eligibility:
- Must be international students.
- Must be admitted full-time into any undergraduate or postgraduate degree program of the awarded scholarship.
- Must have a high school certificate or equivalent.
- Maintain a minimum Annual-GPA of 2.50/4.00.
- Must provide evidence of meeting Bilkent University’s minimum English language proficiency requirements.
5. Sabanci University Scholarship
Sabanci University offers a wide range of scholarships for international students at the undergraduate, and graduate levels. The university offers full free scholarships for all students. International students who apply for any program at the University are automatically eligible for a scholarship if they meet the required criteria. The scholarship amount that the beneficiary gets depends on their previous academic records and participation in extracurricular activities.
All successful international undergraduate applicants in the university are automatically evaluated for this scholarship in Turkey. The scholarship committee will review your admission documents showing your previous academic standing, and this may include your reference letter, transcripts, certificates, and others. They may ask for additional documents while they evaluate your application.
Host Institution(s):
Sabanci University, Turkey.
About the Institution:
Istanbul, Turkey is home to the 1999-founded Sabanci University. The University is somewhere between 351-400 globally. All national and international students are given the best education possible at the university. Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD degree programs at the university offer a wide range of academic topics.
The University offers the following courses: Computer Science and Eng (BS, MS, PhD) Cyber Security (MS, PhD), Mathematics (BS, MS, PhD), Mechatronics Engineering (BS, MS, PhD), Physics (MS, PhD), Economics (BS, MS, PhD), History (MS, PhD), Political Science and International Relations (BS), Political Science (MS, PhD), and a host of others.
Level/Field of Study:
Undergraduate, Master and PhD.
Scholarship Duration:
Regular Duration of Academic Program.
Scholarship Benefits:
- 25% – 100% Tuition fee.
- Dormitory support fee. Dormitory room for double for 10 months(Masters); single room, if occupied, room for double for 12 months (PhD)
- Monthly stipend: 2,500 TL/10 months(Masters); 3,000 TL/12 months(PhD)
Eligibility:
- Academic Records.
- Academic Transcript.
- Exam results.
- Reference letters.
- Interview results.
- Document showing your academic success such as prizes in the competitions, or any Olympiad certificates will be considered by the Scholarship Committee.
6. KOC University Scholarship
All new international students at the undergraduate level (New and Transfer) are immediately assessed by Koç University either for full (100%) or partial (25%, 50%, or 75% tuition-only scholarships based on academic merit (except for Medicine). The undergraduate program’s entire term is covered by the provision of tuition fee coverage. Beneficiaries of the scholarship are required to abide by the university’s academic and conduct policies.
The Undergraduate International (New and Transfer scholarships) caters for the tuition fees for all academic years for the period of the Bachelor’s program (4 years). All you have to do is to follow the academic regulations and discipline of the university throughout your study period.
If you get a Koç University Scholarship, you are not entitled to apply for any additional scholarships or financial aid from Koç University while you are a student (eg. dormitory, books, living expenses, or further tuition scholarships).
Host Institution(s):
KOC University.
About the Institution:
Koç University has established itself as a centre of global excellence in science and education, to further pursue basic and applied research and draw the top students and faculty members. The university is specially situated to explore the intersections of medicine, engineering, science, social sciences, and administrative sciences. According to the Times Higher Education rankings for 2021, it is one of Turkey’s top 3 universities.
Level/Field of Study:
Medicine, Engineering, Science, Social Sciences, and Administrative Sciences Undergraduate Degrees
Scholarship Benefits:
- Tuition fee exemption of 96,500 TL each year.
- Full or partial tuition fee coverage
- Stipend of 1,500 Turkey Lira monthly.
- Private health insurance (limited coverage)
- 750 TL Accommodation aid every month or free furnished housing shared by 3-4 students close by campus (Graduate housing may be offered to the limited number of MS students depending on the availability of resources).
- Fixed travel allowance once a year(at a yearly determined fixed amount) to attend scientific events.
Eligibility:
- All applications are evaluated on the academic merits of the candidate and not financial needs.
- Applying without the required exam scores (GRE, TOEFL) significantly diminishes your admission chances and therefore your scholarship chances.
7. Uskudar University Scholarship
Uskudar University Scholarship is available for students who want to study in Turkey for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in engineering, medicine and other departments (All the Academic Fields are available at Uskudar University.) The scholarships provided at Uskudar University in Turkey are fully funded and partially funded for international students who want to offer courses majoring in medical, administrative, or engineering.
Other scholarships for international students at the university are: University Entrance Scholarship, sports scholarship, ÖSYM Scholarship, Foundation Scholarship, and TÜBİTAK. Scholarship, and the Board of Trustees grant.
Host Institution(s):
Uskudar University, Turkey.
About the Institution:
Uskudar University was established by the Foundation for Human Values and Mental Health, as Turkey’s first health and behavioural sciences thematic university. It was founded to provide a solid intellectual foundation for upcoming health practitioners. The university’s curriculum is designed based on a synthesis of practical and theoretical knowledge, which is why its graduates are skilled and knowledgeable in the labour market. The range of scholarships provided for international students aims to help them learn the right skills.
Level/Field of Study:
Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, and Doctoral degrees.
Scholarship Duration:
- Bachelor’s degrees (4-5 years long)
- Master’s degrees (2-3 years long)
- Doctoral degrees (3-4 years long)
Scholarship Benefits:
- All scholarship expenses will be provided each year by usküdar University.
Eligibility:
- International students.
8. METU DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
This scholarship is targeted at International students with a financial crisis.
Host Institution(s):
Middle East Technical University, Turkey.
About the Institution:
On November 15, 1956, Middle East Technical University was established as “Orta Dou Yüksek Teknoloji Enstitüsü” (Middle East High Technology Institute) to aid in the development of Turkey and the Middle East countries, particularly to teach people to fill skilled labour shortages in the natural and social sciences. On January 29, 1957, “Arrangements and Procedures as for the Foundation of METU, Law No 6887” was passed. On May 27, 1959, “Foundation Act No. 7307,” which outlines METU’s unique position and the requirements that make it a juridical organization, was finally passed.
METU established the standard for high-quality university education in Turkey by introducing innovative approaches and advancements in the field of research. Early on, METU had two locations: one in the barracks behind the TBMM (Türkiye’s National Grand Assembly) and the other in a modest structure that belonged to the Social Security Office of Retirees on Müdafaa Street in Kizilay. The institution relocated to its current campus, the first university campus in Turkey, in 1963.
Level/Field of Study:
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degrees
Scholarship Benefits:
- Accommodation
- Cash grants
- Meals
- Living expense fee coverage.
- Financial Assistance
Eligibility:
- Application form that includes why they need financial help and a supporting document as evidence.
- International students.
- Fluent in English, and,
- Excellent academic records.
9. Istanbul Aydın University (IAU) Scholarships
Istanbul Aydın University offers International students who have enrolled at the university for at least two terms and have great academic records, and(or)financial constraints. This scholarship will be awarded to active students, aside from the academic records of students, their participation in social and cultural activities would also be considered. Students with a Grade Point Average (GPA) below 2.50 cannot apply for the scholarships. This achievement scholarship is offered to students studying at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Host Institution(s):
Istanbul Aydın University, Turkey.
About the Institution:
As a project of the Anadolu Education and Culture Foundation, Istanbul Aydin University (IAU) was founded on May 18, 2007, by Law Number 5656 appendix-73, which was published in the Official Gazette on May 18, 2007, with number 26526.
İstanbul Aydın University is one of the youngest and most dynamic universities in Turkey. The university has 3 vocational schools, 28 research centres, 3 institutes and 11 faculties. IAU is home to over 30,000 students with1,500 academic staff.
Level/Field of Study:
Undergraduate, Associate’s, Graduate and Doctorate degrees.
Scholarship Duration:
Complete study period.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Living expense
Eligibility:
This scholarship application will be evaluated on a scale of 100 in the following areas:
- Application form.
- Transcript with a GPA of 2.50 is 25 points and a GPA of 4.00 is 40 points.
- Cover Letter is 20 points. You must strongly express yourself in this letter.
- Your recommendation letter and a reference form filled by a lecturer are 20 points.
10. TUBITAK Scholarships for International Students
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) gives scholarships to aspiring students who want to take a master’s degree in Science, Arts, or Ph. D in Turkey. They support these future professionals coming from other parts of the world that chooses to study in Turkey.
Host Institution(s):
Selected Turkey Institutions.
Level/Field of Study:
Graduate Studies and PhD degrees.
Scholarship Duration:
- The scholarship will cover the two years of the graduate program.
- Four years of PhD degrees.
Scholarship Benefits:
- A monthly stipend of ₺2,500.
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance coverage.
Eligibility:
- To be eligible for this scholarship in Turkey, international students must be blue cardholders (a permit that allows non-European individuals to work, study or stay in a European country).
- Graduate and doctorate students should be both enrolled and registered in a program in one of the universities around Tukey.
In Conclusion
On a final note, the scholarships in turkey for international students do not require much especially if you have already enrolled in a Turkish university before. There are lots of standard universities in Turkey that are very affordable for international students. Check out our list of cheapest universities in Turkey for International students and enrol on any program of your choice. You can win a scholarship after the first two terms if you meet the criteria. Not all the scholarships listed require you to be a student, there are scholarships for fresh and new intakes at all levels of study. Best of luck.
It’s my pleasure to meet with this platform,I will be happy if any opportunities given to me