Turkey has become a popular destination for international students seeking higher education, not only because of its rich cultural heritage and strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia but also because of the numerous scholarship opportunities available. These scholarships provide financial assistance, promote academic excellence, and encourage cultural exchange. In this article, we have discussed some of the best scholarships for international students in Turkey. So, let’s explore some of the best scholarships for international students in Turkey.
1. Turkiye Scholarships
The Turkiye Scholarships program is the flagship scholarship initiative offered by the Turkish government to international students. It is designed to attract talented individuals from across the globe and offers full scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs at Turkey’s top universities. Applicants must be non-Turkish nationals and meet the academic and language requirements specific to the program they are applying for. The program is open to students from all countries, but each year may have different regional focuses.
The application period typically opens in January and closes in February. Applications are submitted online through the Turkiye Scholarships website.
The Turkiye Scholarships program offers one of the most comprehensive and competitive scholarships for international students, covering not only tuition but living expenses as well. It is highly prestigious and helps students integrate into Turkish society with cultural and language learning opportunities.
2. Kadir Has University Scholarships
Kadir Has University, a private institution located in Istanbul, offers a variety of scholarships to international students. The university has a strong commitment to internationalization, offering programs in English across several disciplines including engineering, business, arts, and social sciences. The scholarship is open to international students applying for undergraduate or graduate programs. Applicants must meet the academic requirements for admission into their chosen program. Students must apply directly to the university, typically through their website or the centralized application platform. No separate scholarship application is required; applicants are automatically considered.
Kadir Has University provides a diverse, international learning environment and offers financial aid to students based on merit. The university’s location in Istanbul also provides students with access to a city rich in cultural and career opportunities.
3. Sabanci University International Scholarships
Sabanci University, located in Istanbul, offers several merit-based scholarships to international students. The scholarships cover both undergraduate and graduate programs and aim to attract the best global talent. International students applying for undergraduate or graduate programs. A strong academic record is required, and some programs may require a specific standardized test score such as GRE for graduate students.
Applicants must submit their online application to Sabanci University along with required academic documents and test scores. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, and no separate scholarship application is needed for most programs.
Sabanci University is known for its interdisciplinary approach to education and its commitment to fostering global talent. The university is ranked among the top Turkish universities and provides a highly supportive environment for international students.
4. Bilkent University Scholarships
Bilkent University, another prestigious institution in Turkey, offers a range of scholarships for international students, including merit-based and need-based scholarships. International students applying for undergraduate or graduate programs. High academic achievement is a key criterion for eligibility. Bilkent University has a rolling admissions process, and students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Scholarships are automatically awarded to eligible students based on academic performance during the application process.
Bilkent University is one of the highest-ranked universities in Turkey, particularly in fields like engineering, economics, and business. The scholarships provided are competitive, and the university has a vibrant international student community.
5. Istanbul Technical University International Scholarships
Istanbul Technical University (ITU), renowned for its engineering and architecture programs, offers various scholarships to international students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. International students applying to ITU’s undergraduate or graduate programs in engineering, architecture, and related fields. Applicants must meet specific academic and language requirements. Students must apply directly through ITU’s admissions portal. Scholarship offers are typically based on academic excellence, and candidates must also meet the entrance exam or language requirements.
ITU has a strong reputation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, and the scholarship opportunities are generous, making it a top choice for international students in technical disciplines.
6. Middle East Technical University Scholarships
Middle East Technical University (METU), one of Turkey’s top public universities, offers a variety of scholarships for international students, particularly in engineering, natural sciences, and social sciences. International students with strong academic records applying to METU’s undergraduate or graduate programs. Applicants must meet program-specific requirements, including language proficiency in English or Turkish. METU offers online applications for both international and Turkish students, and no separate scholarship application is typically needed. Scholarships are offered based on academic merit.
METU is a highly respected institution, particularly in the fields of engineering and the sciences. Its commitment to international students is reflected in its comprehensive scholarship packages, which cover a wide range of academic programs.
Turkey offers a wealth of scholarship opportunities for international students. From the prestigious Turkiye Scholarships to institutional scholarships at renowned universities like Kadir Has, Sabanci, and METU, there is a range of options to suit various academic interests and financial needs. These scholarships not only make studying in Turkey more affordable but also provide an opportunity to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage, diverse academic environment, and growing global influence in higher education. For students considering studying in Turkey, exploring these scholarships is an essential step in securing financial support and pursuing academic excellence in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.