Turkey, a country that straddles Europe and Asia, has emerged as one of the fastest-growing destinations for international students. Known for its fascinating history, vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rapidly developing education system, Turkey offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. For students looking for affordable, high-quality education in an international environment, Turkey has become an attractive choice.
One of the key reasons international students are increasingly choosing Turkey is the availability of scholarships, which make studying in the country accessible for students from all over the world. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the Turkish education system, scholarship opportunities, eligibility, benefits, and tips for applying.
Studying abroad is a big decision, and it’s important to understand why Turkey is gaining international recognition for higher education. Here are several reasons:
Turkey is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, offering a vibrant cultural environment. Students get the opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich history that includes landmarks from the Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Turkish eras. Cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir offer a cosmopolitan lifestyle while smaller cities provide a more peaceful, focused academic atmosphere.
Compared to countries like the USA, UK, or Germany, Turkey offers more affordable tuition and living costs. Many public universities have tuition fees as low as $500–$2,000 per year, while private universities might range from $5,000–$20,000 depending on the program. Monthly living costs, including accommodation, food, and transportation, typically range between $250–$500 for students living in dormitories or shared apartments.
Turkey has more than 200 universities, with over 100 offering programs in English. Some Turkish universities are internationally recognized for research and innovation, including:
Bilkent University – Known for engineering, technology, and humanities.
Koç University – Offers extensive scholarships and has strong research programs.
Middle East Technical University (METU) – A top choice for engineering and natural sciences.
Istanbul Technical University (ITU) – One of the oldest technical universities in the world.
Many universities follow the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which makes Turkish degrees internationally recognized. While Turkish is the primary language, many programs, especially at the graduate level, are offered entirely in English, making it easier for international students.
Turkey offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, provided by the government, universities, and private institutions. The scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also provide living support, health insurance, and other benefits.
Overview:
Türkiye Scholarships is the most comprehensive scholarship program for international students, funded by the Turkish government. It aims to attract talented students from around the world for undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. programs in Turkey.
Open to international students from all countries (except Turkish citizens).
Academic excellence is a key requirement; applicants must have strong grades.
Leadership potential, social responsibility, and personal achievements are highly valued.
Applicants may also need to meet language proficiency requirements (English or Turkish, depending on the program).
Full Tuition Coverage – Students do not pay any tuition fees for the duration of their program.
Accommodation – Free dormitory or housing allowance for off-campus living.
Monthly Stipend – Undergraduate students typically receive around $300–$350/month; graduate students receive more.
Health Insurance – Comprehensive medical coverage throughout the program.
Turkish Language Preparation – One-year language course if required.
Flight Tickets – Round-trip tickets from the student’s home country.
Social and Cultural Activities – Opportunities to participate in workshops, conferences, and cultural tours.
Apply online through the official Türkiye Scholarships website.
Submit academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a motivation letter.
Shortlisted candidates may undergo interviews conducted by Turkish officials.
The program is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants worldwide.
Many Turkish universities provide their own scholarships for international students. These scholarships are often merit-based and sometimes include additional benefits.
Bilkent University: Offers scholarships ranging from partial tuition coverage to 100% tuition fee waivers. Scholarships are usually based on academic excellence and national/international exam scores.
Koç University: Provides scholarships that may include full tuition and living stipends, primarily for students with outstanding academic records.
Middle East Technical University (METU): Offers merit-based scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students.
Sabancı University: Scholarships for academically outstanding students, often covering tuition and some living expenses.
Istanbul Technical University (ITU): Offers international student scholarships, especially for engineering, science, and technology programs.
University scholarships vary but often include tuition waivers, monthly stipends, and sometimes housing support. Some universities also offer research grants for master’s and Ph.D. students.
Beyond government and university scholarships, private foundations, NGOs, and international programs also provide opportunities:
Fulbright Program: Offers U.S. students the opportunity to pursue graduate studies or research in Turkey.
Erasmus+ Program: European students can study in Turkey for short-term exchanges or full degrees.
Private Foundations: Organizations like the Sabancı Foundation and Vehbi Koç Foundation provide scholarships for international students demonstrating academic excellence and leadership.
To maximize your chances of receiving a scholarship in Turkey, follow these steps:
Research Early: Most scholarships have deadlines between December and February for the following academic year. Start preparing your documents months in advance.
Check Eligibility: Carefully review the requirements for each scholarship, including academic scores, age limits, and language proficiency.
Prepare Strong Documents: Key documents include academic transcripts, recommendation letters, language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL), and a compelling motivation or personal statement.
Highlight Leadership & Extracurricular Activities: Türkiye Scholarships, in particular, emphasize leadership skills, social responsibility, and community involvement.
Learn Basic Turkish: Even if your program is in English, basic Turkish skills can greatly enhance your daily life and cultural integration.
Follow Up: After submitting your application, stay in touch with the scholarship office for updates and interview schedules.
Beyond academics, Turkey offers an enriching experience for students:
Cultural Experiences: From historical sites like Hagia Sophia to natural wonders like Cappadocia, Turkey offers countless cultural and travel opportunities.
Vibrant Campus Life: Universities host international clubs, student organizations, and cultural events.
Affordable Lifestyle: Student-friendly cities with affordable public transport, food, and entertainment.
Networking Opportunities: Studying in Turkey opens doors to international collaborations and global job markets.
Turkey has positioned itself as a global hub for higher education, offering quality programs, affordable living, and numerous scholarships for international students. The Türkiye Scholarships program is particularly attractive, providing a fully-funded path to study in Turkey with comprehensive support. In addition, university-specific and private scholarships ensure that talented students have multiple avenues to pursue their education.
By researching thoroughly, preparing a strong application, and embracing Turkish culture, students can unlock a life-changing opportunity to study in one of the most dynamic and culturally rich countries in the world.