With its location between Southeastern Europe and Western Asia, the Republic of Türkiye, also known as Turkey, has an exciting culture and history shaped by both regions. This country has a large and diverse population, making it popular not only for travel but also for study.
The Council of Higher Education lists 208 universities in Türkiye, and Study in Türkiye lists nearly 45,000 degree programs across different fields and levels. Many universities in the country offer undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for international students.
If you want to study abroad, you may want to consider Türkiye because of its wide range of degree programs and scholarship options. You can also enjoy living in a multicultural environment while experiencing the country’s long history. The scholarships below may help fund your studies, but benefits and eligibility can change, so always check the official scholarship page before applying.
Top Scholarships in Turkey for International Students
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Type | Eligible Degrees | Scholarship Value |
|---|
| Türkiye Scholarships | Government of Türkiye | Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. | University and program placement, tuition, accommodation, health insurance, Turkish language course, once-off flight ticket, and monthly stipend |
| Sabancı University – Undergraduate Scholarship | Sabancı University | Bachelor’s | 25%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or 75% tuition waiver; accommodation scholarship may be available |
| Bilkent University – Scholarship for International Students | Bilkent University | Bachelor’s; graduate aid varies by program | 20% to 100% undergraduate tuition waiver in 20% increments; limited accommodation support for top full-waiver students |
| KOC University Scholarship | Koç University | Bachelor’s | 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% merit-based tuition waiver; Medicine is excluded |
| METU Development Foundation Scholarships | Middle East Technical University | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. | Tuition discounts or exemptions; meal, dormitory, and cash aid may be available |
| Eastern Mediterranean University Scholarships | Eastern Mediterranean University | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. | 25% or 50% tuition scholarships for many international students; limited full, accommodation, meal, sports, and assistantship support |
| Hacettepe University Scholarships | Hacettepe University | Students meeting university aid criteria | Housing, meal, or food support for successful or financially in-need students; some awards are based on national examination placement |
1. Türkiye Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: University and program placement, tuition, accommodation, health insurance, a one-year Turkish language course, a once-off flight ticket, and a monthly stipend of 4,500 TL for undergraduate students, 6,500 TL for master’s students, and 9,000 TL for Ph.D. students
- Eligible Degree/s: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The government of Türkiye funds Türkiye Scholarships, one of the most comprehensive scholarships in Turkey for international students. The scholarship supports international students financially while also helping build academic and cultural connections between Türkiye and other countries.
Türkiye Scholarships are competitive because they select outstanding international students. Applicants apply online through the official scholarship system and submit the required documents, which may include a valid passport or ID, previous academic records, and international examination results such as SAT or GRE scores, depending on the program. Some programs may also ask for proof of English language proficiency.
The selection process may include document review and an interview. Applicants should always check the current application calendar and eligibility rules on the official Türkiye Scholarships website before applying.
2. Sabanci University – Undergraduate Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 25%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or 75% tuition waiver; accommodation scholarship may be available
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
Sabancı University in Istanbul, Türkiye, offers scholarships to incoming international undergraduate students. Scholarship awards are based on the applicant’s academic background and other supporting documents submitted during admission.
All international undergraduate applicants who meet the application requirements are automatically considered for scholarship awards. The university may review academic records, reference letters, exam results, transcripts, interview results, prizes, and other achievement documents. Because competition is high, students should submit a complete application as early as possible.
Scholarships are valid for the regular education period of the admitted undergraduate program. Applicants should check the official scholarship page for the current tuition waiver rates and accommodation scholarship rules.
3. Bilkent University – Scholarship for International Students
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 20% to 100% undergraduate tuition waiver in 20% increments; limited accommodation scholarship for top full-waiver students
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s; graduate aid varies by program
Bilkent University offers tuition waiver scholarships to qualified international undergraduate students. Awards range from 20% to 100% in 20% increments, and a limited number of top students with full tuition waivers may also receive accommodation support.
Undergraduate scholarship evaluation is based on high school grades, national and international exam results, program choices, and other academic criteria. The undergraduate scholarship can cover up to four semesters in the English preparatory program and up to ten semesters in a four-year undergraduate program.
Recipients must meet the university’s academic and conduct rules. The official scholarship page states that students must maintain an annual GPA of at least 2.00, while those with accommodation scholarships must maintain an annual GPA of at least 2.50. Poor attendance, disciplinary action, or failure to meet academic requirements may lead to scholarship reduction or cancellation.
4. KOC University Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% merit-based tuition waiver; Medicine is excluded
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
Undergraduate international students at Koç University may receive merit-based tuition scholarships of 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100%. The university states that there are no scholarships for the School of Medicine.
Scholarship decisions are based on academic merit and are made during the admissions review process. Recipients must follow the academic and disciplinary rules of the university to keep their scholarship.
5. Middle East Technical University – METU Development Foundation Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Tuition discounts or exemptions; meal, dormitory, and cash aid may be available
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
International students at Middle East Technical University (METU) may be evaluated for tuition discounts or exemptions based on academic success. The university states that students do not submit a separate application for tuition discounts or exemptions because evaluations are made annually.
Students with financial need may also apply for support funded by the METU Development Foundation. These benefits may include meal scholarships, dormitory scholarships, or cash aid. Applicants usually need to submit a signed petition explaining their financial situation and provide supporting documents showing financial hardship.
METU notes that applications are generally accepted in September to October and February to March, except for urgent cases. Students should check the official International Students Office page for the current deadlines and required documents.
6. Eastern Mediterranean University Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: 25% or 50% tuition scholarships for many international students; limited full, accommodation, meal, sports, and assistantship support
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
Eastern Mediterranean University offers several scholarships and discounts for international students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The university states that a large portion of international students receive 50% or 25% scholarships.
EMU also offers limited full scholarships at undergraduate and Ph.D. levels. Some full undergraduate scholarships may cover tuition, accommodation in a double room, and three meals per day, while other scholarships may only cover tuition. The admissions office evaluates applicants based on the online application and the rules of the relevant scholarship category.
Other opportunities may include high-honor awards, sports grants, sibling discounts, and student assistantships. Applicants should check the official scholarship page to find the option that best fits their study level and situation.
7. Hacettepe University Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Housing, meal, or food support for successful or financially in-need students; some awards are based on national examination placement
- Eligible Degree/s: Students meeting university aid criteria
Hacettepe University offers several forms of financial aid and support, including housing and food assistance. Some benefits are connected to national university examination placement, such as support for highly ranked students, while other food assistance is available to successful students who demonstrate financial need.
The university states that certain supports continue during the normal period of study if the student remains academically successful. Students should check the official financial aid page to confirm whether they are eligible as international applicants and what documents are required.
With the scholarships and financial aid options mentioned above, studying in Türkiye can be more affordable for qualified international students. Review your qualifications, compare them with each scholarship’s current rules, and begin your application through the official scholarship or university page.
We hope this article on scholarships in Turkey for international students was helpful. For more information like this, check out the Study in Turkey and Available Programs for International Students!
