Study in Turkey: Fully Funded Scholarships in Turkey & Turkish Universities for International Students

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🌟 Scholarships in Turkey-Click Here

🌟 Introduction: Why Choose Turkey as Your Study Destination?

Study in Turkey has rapidly become one of the most popular choices for international students seeking affordable higher education with globally recognized degrees. Offering a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, Turkish universities for international students provide excellent academic programs while immersing you in a vibrant multicultural environment.

Strategically located between Europe and Asia, Turkey acts as a bridge between cultures, making it a truly diverse and student-friendly academic hub.

Every year, over 250,000 international students from more than 150 countries choose to study in Turkey, attracted by its quality education, affordable living, and wide range of scholarships in Turkey. From fully funded Türkiye Scholarships to merit-based university scholarships in Turkey, there are numerous opportunities to support your academic journey.

When you decide to pursue higher education in Turkey, you benefit from:

✅ Internationally recognized degrees accredited across Europe, the U.S., and the Arab region
✅ Fully funded scholarships in Turkey like Türkiye Scholarships, covering tuition fees, accommodation, monthly living allowances, and even airfare
✅ Affordable tuition and living costs, making Turkey a cost-effective alternative to studying in Western countries
✅ Access to cutting-edge research facilities and modern academic programs offered in English and Turkish
✅ Career prospects in Turkey’s growing industries, including technology, engineering, tourism, healthcare, and business

Turkey’s higher education system, regulated by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), aligns with the Bologna Process, ensuring Turkish degrees are recognized internationally, especially across Europe. With more than 200 universities, including globally ranked institutions, Turkey combines academic excellence, affordability, and cultural diversity like no other destination.

This detailed guide will help you discover:

✅ Why study in Turkey is an excellent decision for international students
✅ Major scholarships in Turkey and how to apply for them
✅ A step-by-step application process
✅ Academic intakes, deadlines, and timelines
✅ Official verified links for scholarships and admissions

If you’re looking for affordable, high-quality education in a safe and welcoming country, study in Turkey to gain global exposure, cultural enrichment, and rewarding career opportunities.

🎓 Why Study in Turkey?

Let’s explore why Turkey consistently ranks among the top 10 study-abroad destinations for international students seeking quality education with reasonable costs.

✅ 1.1 Globally Recognized Universities

Turkey is home to some of the most prestigious universities in Europe and Asia, offering internationally accredited programs in science, technology, medicine, humanities, and business. Some of the top-ranked Turkish universities include:

  • Middle East Technical University (METU) – Renowned for engineering, architecture, and applied sciences.
  • Boğaziçi University – Known for humanities, social sciences, and technology research.
  • Istanbul University – One of the oldest and most respected universities in the Middle East, excelling in medicine, law, and arts.
  • Koç University – Highly ranked for business, engineering, and social sciences with extensive research collaborations.
  • Sabancı University – Recognized for innovation, IT, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary studies.

Many of these universities maintain international partnerships with leading European and American institutions, ensuring that your degree from Turkey is globally recognized and valued by employers worldwide. Additionally, many programs are taught entirely in English, making Turkey a convenient destination for students who do not speak Turkish.

✅ 1.2 Affordable Education & Low Cost of Living

Compared to Western countries, Turkey offers much more affordable tuition fees and living expenses while maintaining high educational standards.

  • Public universities in Turkey charge as little as $500–$1,500 per year for international students.
  • Private universities often provide scholarships that reduce tuition costs significantly.
  • The cost of living is 30–50% lower than many EU countries, covering accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment.
  • International students also enjoy special student discounts on public transportation, museums, cultural activities, and health services.

This combination of affordable tuition and low living costs makes study in Turkey an economical alternative without compromising quality.

✅ 1.3 Wide Range of Scholarships in Turkey

Turkey is home to one of the largest government-funded scholarship programs in the world – Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları). These scholarships cover:

  • Full tuition fees
  • Accommodation and health insurance
  • Monthly living stipends for all levels of study
  • One-time airfare tickets for international students
  • Free Turkish language courses

In addition to Türkiye Scholarships, private universities, NGOs, and international organizations like Fulbright, DAAD, Erasmus+, and Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) offer merit-based and need-based scholarships.

This wide network of scholarships ensures that students from different backgrounds can afford high-quality education in Turkey.

✅ 1.4 Cultural & Geographic Advantage

Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey offers a unique cultural and academic experience.

  • You’ll study in a multicultural academic environment with students from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and beyond.
  • Turkey is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Hagia Sophia, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale, making your educational journey culturally enriching.
  • With its strategic geographic location, you’ll have easy access to other European countries, enabling travel, networking, and international career opportunities.

This makes study in Turkey not just an academic experience but also a cultural and social adventure.

✅ 1.5 Career Opportunities After Graduation

Turkey’s rapidly growing economy creates strong employment prospects for graduates in sectors like:

  • Engineering & Technology
  • Tourism & Hospitality Management
  • Healthcare & Medical Research
  • Business, Finance & Entrepreneurship
  • ICT, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence

Many Turkish universities have career development centers and internship programs, helping students gain real-world experience and industry connections before graduation. Graduates also benefit from Turkey’s close economic ties with Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, opening doors to regional job markets.

🌍 Why Turkey is an Ideal Middle East Study Hub

  • Over 200 public and private universities, with global rankings in QS and Times Higher Education.
  • Degrees aligned with the Bologna Process, recognized throughout the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
  • A safe and welcoming country with vibrant student cities like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Bursa.
  • Opportunities for research, innovation, and cultural exchange across diverse academic fields.

By choosing to study in Turkey, you’re making a smart investment in your future – gaining a globally recognized degree, experiencing affordable living, enjoying a rich cultural environment, and accessing scholarship opportunities that make education highly accessible.

🏛 Government-Funded Scholarships in Turkey for International Students

Scholarships in Turkey are one of the largest and most diverse government-funded scholarship systems in the world, making it a top destination for affordable, high-quality education. These scholarships aim to promote academic excellence, cultural exchange, and international cooperation.

Let’s explore all the major government-funded scholarships in Turkey that cover tuition, accommodation, stipends, and more.

✅ 2.1 Türkiye Scholarships – Türkiye Bursları

The Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları) is the flagship scholarship program of the Turkish government. It is one of the most comprehensive fully funded scholarship schemes worldwide, attracting hundreds of thousands of applicants each year.

Coverage:

  • Full tuition fees for all levels (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
  • Monthly stipend
    • Bachelor’s: 1000 TL/month
    • Master’s: 1400 TL/month
    • PhD: 1800 TL/month
  • Free accommodation in university dormitories
  • Health insurance for the entire study period
  • One-time airfare ticket for arrival and departure
  • Free 1-year Turkish language course before academic studies

Eligibility:

  • Open to students from all countries except Turkey
  • Age criteria:
    • Bachelor’s applicants must be under 21 years old
    • Master’s applicants must be under 30 years old
    • PhD applicants must be under 35 years old
  • Must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum GPA requirement
  • Cannot already be enrolled in a Turkish university at the time of application

Fields Supported:

  • Engineering
  • Medicine & Health Sciences
  • Social Sciences & Humanities
  • Business, Finance & Management
  • Arts, Design & Architecture

🌐 Official Link: https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr

✅ 2.2 YÖK Scholarships

The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) of Turkey also funds specialized scholarships aimed at strengthening regional and cultural ties.

Who is it for?

  • Students from Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
  • Students from Turkic-speaking nations, Balkans, and Africa
  • Focused on priority fields like STEM, Teacher Education, and Social Sciences

Benefits:

  • Partial or full tuition waivers
  • Accommodation in university dorms
  • Monthly living allowances

🌐 Official Link: https://www.yok.gov.tr

✅ 2.3 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) – Turkey Partnership Scholarships

Through its partnership with the Islamic Development Bank, Turkey provides fully funded scholarships for students from OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) member countries.

Coverage:

  • Full tuition fee coverage
  • Monthly living allowance
  • Airfare and medical insurance
  • Research funding for postgraduate studies

Focus Areas:

  • Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM)
  • Agriculture & Food Security
  • Sustainable Development
  • Health & Medical Sciences

🌐 Official Link: https://www.isdb.org/scholarships

✅ 2.4 Türkiye Africa Scholarship Program

As part of its strategic cooperation with African countries, Turkey provides dedicated scholarships for African students.

  • Covers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD studies in priority sectors like engineering, agriculture, healthcare, and education.
  • Includes tuition, stipends, and airfare.

🌐 Official Link: https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr

🎓 University-Based Scholarships in Turkey

Many Turkish universities offer merit-based, need-based, and research-focused scholarships for international students. These scholarships can cover partial or full tuition fees, housing, and sometimes monthly stipends.

Here are the top universities in Turkey offering scholarships for international students:

✅ 3.1 Koç University Scholarships

One of Turkey’s top-ranked private universities, Koç University offers generous scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.

Coverage:

  • Full tuition waiver
  • On-campus housing
  • Monthly stipends for PhD students
  • Health insurance

🌐 Official Link: https://www.ku.edu.tr

✅ 3.2 Sabancı University Scholarships

Sabancı University offers automatic merit scholarships for all international applicants.

Coverage:

  • Partial to full tuition waivers
  • Reduced accommodation fees for top achievers

Eligibility:

  • Based on high school GPA and admission exam results

🌐 Official Link: https://www.sabanciuniv.edu

✅ 3.3 Middle East Technical University (METU)

METU provides graduate assistantships and tuition waivers for Master’s and PhD students.

🌐 Official Link: https://www.metu.edu.tr

✅ 3.4 Istanbul University Scholarships

Istanbul University offers scholarships for arts, humanities, medicine, and social sciences.

🌐 Official Link: https://www.istanbul.edu.tr

✅ 3.5 Bilkent University & Hacettepe University

These top-ranked universities provide full or partial scholarships for engineering, sciences, arts, and medical programs.

🌐 Bilkent University: https://w3.bilkent.edu.tr

✅ 3.6 Özyeğin University & Bahçeşehir University

  • Both universities offer international student scholarships based on academic merit.
  • Coverage ranges from 25% to 100% tuition waivers.

🌐 Özyeğin University: https://www.ozyegin.edu.tr
🌐 Bahçeşehir University: https://www.bau.edu.tr

🧭 Private Sector & International Scholarships in Turkey

Apart from government and university-based scholarships, private companies, NGOs, and international organizations also fund students in Turkey.

✅ 4.1 TÜBİTAK Research Scholarships

The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) provides scholarships for international researchers and PhD students in Turkey.

Coverage:

  • Research funding
  • Monthly stipend
  • Accommodation support

🌐 Official Link: https://www.tubitak.gov.tr

✅ 4.2 Erasmus+ Exchange Scholarships

Turkey is part of the Erasmus+ Program, allowing students from European partner universities to study in Turkey for one or two semesters.

Coverage:

  • Tuition fee waivers
  • Monthly living allowances
  • Travel grants

🌐 Official Link: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu

✅ 4.3 Fulbright Scholarships

For postgraduate and research students from the United States, the Fulbright Program offers funding to study or conduct research in Turkey.

🌐 Official Link: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org

✅ 4.4 DAAD-Turkey Cooperation Scholarships

Germany’s DAAD Scholarships support academic exchanges between German and Turkish universities, funding joint research and postgraduate studies.

🌐 Official Link: https://www.daad.de

✅ 4.5 Industry-Specific Scholarships (Telecom, Banking & Oil)

  • Turkcell, Turkish Airlines, and Ziraat Bankası occasionally sponsor students in ICT, aviation, and business management.
  • Some scholarships include internships and job offers after graduation.

🌟 Other Educational Opportunities for International Students in Turkey

Beyond scholarships, Turkey offers:

  • Short-term exchange programs like Mevlana Exchange, Erasmus+
  • Language programs (Turkish, English, Arabic) at leading universities
  • Joint degree programs with European and American universities
  • Research fellowships in innovation and sustainability

These options give international students flexible pathways to build their careers in Turkey and beyond.

🌐 Extended Official Scholarship Links in Turkey

✅ Why Turkey is the Ideal Study Destination for International Students

  • 🌍 Global recognition – Turkish degrees are accepted worldwide.
  • 💰 Affordable – Lower tuition fees & living costs than most Western countries.
  • 🎓 Fully funded scholarships in Turkey for all levels of study.
  • 🏛 Rich cultural experience – A true East-meets-West lifestyle.
  • 🚀 Career opportunities in Turkey and Europe after graduation.

📝 Step-by-Step Application Process for Scholarships in Turkey

Applying for scholarships in Turkey is a structured process that requires careful planning and timely submission of required documents. Whether you are applying for the Türkiye Bursları (Türkiye Scholarships) or a university-specific scholarship, the overall process is similar.

Follow this step-by-step guide to maximize your chances of securing a scholarship in Turkey.

✅ Step 1: Research Programs & Scholarships

Before applying, you must research your academic options thoroughly:

  • Explore Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları), which are fully funded and open to students from almost all countries.
  • Check university-specific scholarships offered by top institutions like Koç University, Sabancı University, METU, and Istanbul University.
  • Look into specialized funding such as TÜBİTAK Research Scholarships, Erasmus+ Exchange Programs, or Fulbright for research collaborations.

Pro Tip: Always verify information from official scholarship portals to ensure accurate details on eligibility, benefits, and deadlines.

✅ Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements

Each scholarship in Turkey has specific eligibility criteria. You should:

  • Review age limits carefully:
    • Bachelor’s applicants must be under 21 years old
    • Master’s applicants must be under 30 years old
    • PhD applicants must be under 35 years old
  • Ensure you meet the academic requirements, including minimum GPA or percentage scores.
  • Check language proficiency requirements (IELTS/TOEFL for English programs or basic Turkish proficiency for Turkish-taught programs).
  • Confirm country-specific requirements, as some scholarships prioritize students from certain regions.

✅ Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Gather all necessary documents in advance to avoid last-minute issues. Typical requirements include:

  • Academic transcripts and certificates from previous education
  • Valid passport with sufficient validity period
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP) explaining your motivation for studying in Turkey
  • Letters of Recommendation from professors or employers
  • Language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL for English, or TÖMER for Turkish)
  • CV/Resume highlighting your academic achievements and extracurricular activities

Pro Tip: Prepare scanned copies in PDF format and ensure all documents are translated into English or Turkish if required.

✅ Step 4: Apply Online

Applications for most scholarships in Turkey are done entirely online.

  • For Türkiye Scholarships, use the official Türkiye Bursları Portal:
    🌐 https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
  • For university scholarships, apply via the university’s official admissions portal.
  • Erasmus+ or TÜBİTAK programs may require separate online submissions through their respective websites.

Ensure you fill in all fields accurately and upload correctly formatted documents.

✅ Step 5: Attend Interviews or Exams (if required)

Some scholarships, especially Türkiye Bursları, require online or in-person interviews as part of the selection process.

  • Interviews often cover your academic background, motivation, and future goals.
  • Some programs may include written tests or language proficiency exams.

✅ Step 6: Receive Offer & Secure Visa

If you are selected:

  • You will receive an official scholarship offer letter via email.
  • You must accept the offer and follow instructions for enrollment.
  • Apply for a student visa at the nearest Turkish embassy or consulate.
  • Arrange your travel and accommodation before the semester starts.

📅 Academic Intakes & Timelines in Turkey

Most universities in Turkey follow a bi-semester academic calendar, with two main intakes:

  • Fall Intake (September/October)
    • Applications usually open January–May
  • Spring Intake (February)
    • Applications open July–October

Türkiye Scholarships applications are typically open January–February each year.

Important: Deadlines vary for different universities and scholarship types, so always check official pages for exact dates.

✅ Why Choose Turkey for Education & Scholarships?

Here’s why study in Turkey is a smart decision for international students:

🌍 Globally accredited universities recognized across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East
💰 Affordable tuition and living costs compared to Western countries
🎓 Wide range of scholarships in Turkey, from fully funded government scholarships to university-based and research grants
🏛 Safe, welcoming, and multicultural society with rich cultural heritage
🚀 Career pathways in Turkey, Europe, and beyond with strong post-graduation employment prospects

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Turkey safe for international students?
✅ Yes, Turkey is one of the most welcoming and student-friendly countries in the region. Major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir have safe campuses and multicultural communities.

2. Do scholarships in Turkey cover living costs?
✅ Yes, Türkiye Scholarships and many university-funded programs cover tuition, accommodation, and monthly living stipends. Fully funded options even include airfare and health insurance.

3. What language is used in Turkish universities?
✅ Many programs are taught entirely in English, especially in fields like engineering, business, and medicine. However, learning basic Turkish is highly recommended for daily life.

4. Are Turkish degrees recognized internationally?
✅ Yes, Turkish universities align with the Bologna Process, ensuring degrees are recognized in Europe and globally.

5. Can I work while study in Turkey?
✅ Yes, international students can work part-time with a valid student residence permit, though on-campus jobs are easier to access.

🔗 Official Scholarship Links

🌟 Conclusion

Turkey is a dynamic and affordable study destination offering high-quality education, cultural diversity, and some of the most generous scholarship opportunities in the world. Whether you’re looking for a fully funded Türkiye Scholarship or a university merit grant, Turkey provides ample pathways to make your education journey enriching and rewarding.

By choosing to study in Turkey, you gain international exposure, cultural enrichment, globally recognized qualifications, and career opportunities in one of the world’s most strategic locations bridging Europe and Asia.

⚠️ Disclaimer

Scholarship details, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and benefits mentioned here are based on publicly available information. They may change periodically as per government or university policies. Always verify the latest updates through official scholarship websites before applying.