Exploring Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students in Turkey

Turkey is home to top-ranking universities, affordable tuition fees, and a growing number of English-taught programs. For international students, one of the most attractive aspects of studying in Turkey is the variety of scholarships and financial support available. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, there are funding opportunities to help reduce or eliminate your costs.

Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları)

The Türkiye Scholarships program is a government-funded, fully-financed scholarship offered to international students by the Turkish government. It is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarship programs in the country.

This scholarship covers full tuition fees, monthly living allowances, accommodation in state dormitories, health insurance, a one-year Turkish language course, and round-trip flight tickets.

To be eligible, applicants must meet academic and age criteria: a minimum GPA of 70% for undergraduate, 75% for master’s and PhD, and 90% for medicine-related programs. Applicants must also be under 21 for undergraduate, 30 for master’s, and 35 for doctoral programs.

Applications are submitted online annually through the official Türkiye Scholarships website.

University-Specific Scholarships

Many Turkish private and foundation universities offer their own scholarships to international students. These may include full or partial tuition waivers, housing support, or monthly stipends.

Examples of universities with active scholarship programs include Istanbul Aydin University, Koç University, Sabancı University, and Bahçeşehir University. Each university has its own eligibility criteria and application process, which are usually outlined on their official websites.

Scholarships from NGOs and External Institutions

In addition to government and university scholarships, international students in Turkey may access external scholarships offered by international institutions and NGOs.

Some notable examples include:

Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarships for students from member countries
Erasmus+ Grants for students participating in exchange or joint-degree programs
Turkish Diyanet Foundation Scholarships for theology students
Mevlana Exchange Program for international academic mobility

These programs may support tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, depending on the organization.

Financial Planning and Part-Time Work

Even if you do not secure a full scholarship, studying in Turkey can still be manageable with proper planning. Some universities allow part-time work opportunities on campus. Additionally, many students find internships or freelance work, subject to legal requirements for international students.

Affordable housing options, discounted public transportation, and student-friendly healthcare plans also help reduce the overall cost of living in Turkey.

Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application

To increase your chances of receiving a scholarship, it’s important to submit a strong and complete application. This includes a clear motivation letter, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, language test results, and a well-organized CV.

Applicants should highlight their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, volunteer work, and career goals. Paying attention to deadlines and following application instructions carefully is also essential.

Conclusion

Turkey offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities that make studying in the country both affordable and accessible. With options available from the government, universities, and international organizations, students have numerous paths to fund their education. By researching early and preparing strong applications, international students can take full advantage of the opportunities that Turkey has to offer.

For up-to-date scholarship listings and application assistance, students are encouraged to consult official university websites and scholarship portals.