Scholarship programmes (grants) for international students
A scholarship route in Turkey can involve a government award or an institutional tuition reduction. Türkiye Scholarships is competitive; its coverage and selection rules differ from a private university’s offer. If full funding is essential, check eligibility and the next appropriate call before paying for an alternative you cannot afford.
The programme covers every level of education: bachelor's, master's, doctoral and research programmes. For candidates selected by the Türkiye Scholarships funding body, the published award may cover tuition, accommodation, health insurance, language preparation and other benefits; eligibility and competition apply.
Choose the funding route before committing money
- Full funding is essential: focus on eligible scholarship calls and a realistic next cycle. Do not pay an unaffordable reserve deposit.
- Partial funding is possible: calculate what remains for tuition and living costs over the full degree, not just the first semester.
- The start date matters: compare scholarship results, university deadlines and deposit refund dates. They may not align.
Use the student accommodation guide for housing considerations. Read the TR-YÖS guide separately: an exam registration and a scholarship application are different processes.
Universities that offer financial support
Turkey offers a wide choice of universities that support international students through various scholarships and grants. Among them:
- Middle East Technical University (METU) - one of the country's leading technical universities, offering programmes in English.
- Istanbul Technical University (ITU) - known for its engineering and architecture programmes.
- Hacettepe University - offers a wide range of English-taught programmes in medicine, social sciences and the humanities.
In addition, many private universities, such as Sabancı University and Koç University, offer their own scholarships for international students.
How to apply for a grant
Applications for a grant to study in Turkey are submitted through the official Türkiye Scholarships platform. The process includes the following steps:
- Register on the platform: create an account on the official website.
- Choose a programme and university: decide on your desired field of study and institution.
- Complete the form: provide personal information, academic details and a motivation letter.
- Upload documents: scan and upload the required documents, such as your school certificate, diploma, language certificates and so on.
- Submit the application: send the form and documents for review.
It is important to respect the application deadlines and to prepare all the required documents carefully.
Requirements and selection criteria
To take part in the Türkiye Scholarships programme you must meet the following requirements:
- Eligibility: check the official Türkiye Scholarships criteria, including exceptions. Turkish citizens and people who have lost Turkish citizenship are excluded, as are applicants already enrolled at a Turkish university at the level they are applying for.
- Age limits: under 21 for associate and bachelor’s programmes, under 30 for a master’s and under 35 for a doctorate. Check the active call’s rules for the relevant level.
- Academic performance: at least a 70% average for a bachelor's; at least 75% for a master's or doctorate; and at least 90% for medical fields (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy).
There may also be additional requirements depending on the chosen programme and university.
How applications are assessed and scholars are selected
Once applications are submitted, the assessment process begins, which includes:
- Checking eligibility: reviewing academic performance, age and other criteria.
- Assessing the motivation letter: analysing the reasons for choosing the programme and university and your study goals.
- Interview: some candidates may be interviewed for a deeper understanding of their motivation and goals.
The Türkiye Scholarships funding body makes the award decision under the published eligibility and competition rules.
Tips for successfully winning a grant
To improve your chances of winning a grant to study in Turkey, we recommend that you:
- Prepare your documents carefully: make sure everything is up to date, correctly formatted and meets the requirements.
- Write a strong motivation letter: clearly set out why you chose the programme and university, as well as your goals and future plans.
- Improve your language skills: if the programme is taught in Turkish or English, take the relevant courses and obtain certificates.
- Respect the deadlines: make sure your application is submitted on time.
What the scholarship provides and other aspects
For recipients selected by the Türkiye Scholarships funding body, the published award may include the following benefits:
- Free tuition: covering the cost of study throughout the programme.
- Accommodation: free housing in student dormitories.
- Health insurance: cover for the entire period of study.
- Language preparation: a one-year Turkish course for students who do not yet speak it well enough.
- Monthly stipend: use the amount published for your award and cycle. It is set in local currency; convert it to $ at the planning date and separately estimate personal expenses.
- Flights: return air tickets.
What the scholarship covers
For recipients selected by the Türkiye Scholarships funding body, the award may cover tuition in full, accommodation in student dormitories, health insurance for the study period, a one-year Turkish language course for those who need it, a monthly stipend for everyday expenses, and return flights; coverage depends on the current programme rules.
Strengthening your application: what actually moves the needle
Choose programmes that fit your academic record and explain that fit with specific examples from your studies and activities. Upload legible documents before the deadline. Follow the interview invitation for its format, location and language. The published general calendar places results in early August, so a paid alternative needs its own application and payment timeline; a paid offer issued in May is separate from the later scholarship decision.
Planning a scholarship route?
Your message can include your study level, intended intake and whether you need full funding or can consider a paid alternative. We clarify your goal, timing and budget in the free initial consultation.
Check these points before submitting
- Meet the age and academic criteria; the minimum does not assure selection.
- Use the intended cycle rather than a previous year’s call.
- Confirm graduation timing and document availability.
- Choose programmes that connect to your academic record and actual goal.
- Use written award terms, not an expected discount, in your budget.
Compare a feasible alternative through the Turkey guide. Programme checks and document work are provided under an agreement with StudyU; support fees are separate from university expenses. The funding body decides scholarships and the university decides admission.
FAQ
The main application window is usually in winter. For the 2026 intake, applications were open from January 10 to February 20. For the next intake, students should check the calendar early because a rushed application is rarely competitive.
A full award can include university placement, tuition, accommodation, health insurance, a one-year Turkish language course, monthly stipend and travel support. It is a competitive scholarship, so grades, motivation, documents and program choices matter.
You can consider a later scholarship cycle, a different programme or a paid route that fits your full budget. An institutional tuition reduction does not necessarily cover housing or living costs. Check the university’s written award terms before paying, and keep an unaffordable option out of your financial plan.
Under an agreement with StudyU, we help organise programme choices, documents and the application narrative within the agreed scope. If full funding is essential, start with the scholarship requirements and application calendar. A paid alternative is worth considering only if its confirmed full cost fits your budget. The funding body decides scholarships and the university decides admission and any institutional award; neither outcome is guaranteed.
Official sources
- Türkiye Scholarships: official 2026 call — the 2026 application period, study levels and published government-funded coverage. The 2026 call has closed; the next cycle needs its own announcement.
- Türkiye Scholarships: program criteria — published minimum academic and age criteria by study level. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee selection.
- Türkiye Scholarships: official calendar — the general application, evaluation, interview and result stages. Applicants should open the calendar for the active cycle.
Rules change. Open the active cycle before applying or paying, and confirm program requirements with the selected university.
