Get Scholarships and Grants in Turkey for 2025: Apply Now
Turkey has emerged as a prominent destination for international students, offering a blend of high-quality education and rich cultural experiences. For the year 2025, a variety of scholarships and grants are available to support students in their academic pursuits. This guide provides an overview of the top scholarship opportunities in Turkey, along with detailed information on their benefits, application processes, and eligibility criteria.
1. Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları)
Overview: Türkiye Scholarships is a government-funded program designed to attract outstanding international students to pursue full-time or short-term programs at top Turkish universities. The program aims to foster mutual understanding and strengthen ties between Turkey and other
countries.
Benefits:
- Tuition Fee: Full coverage of tuition fees.
- Monthly Stipend: Undergraduate students receive ₺1,800; Master’s students receive ₺2,500; Ph.D. students receive ₺3,000.
- Accommodation: Free accommodation in university dormitories or a monthly housing allowance.
- Airfare: Round-trip flight ticket to and from Turkey.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance throughout the study period.
- Turkish Language Course: One-year compulsory Turkish language course for all students, regardless of program language.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Academic Performance: Minimum academic achievement of 70% for undergraduate programs, 75% for Master’s and Ph.D. programs, and 90% for Health Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy).
- Age Requirements: Under 21 for undergraduate programs, under 30 for Master’s programs, and under 35 for Ph.D. programs.
- Citizenship: Open to non-Turkish citizens from all countries.
Application Process: Applications are submitted online through the official Türkiye Scholarships website. The application period typically opens in January and closes in February. Applicants are required to provide academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and other supporting documents.
Official Website: Türkiye Scholarships
2. Promising Turks Fund by The American Turkish Society
Overview: The Promising Turks Fund is an initiative by The American Turkish Society aimed at supporting Turkish students who have demonstrated exceptional talent and commitment in their respective fields. The fund provides financial assistance to students pursuing studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).
Benefits:
- Financial Support: Grants to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Access to a network of professionals and mentors in the student’s field of study.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Academic Excellence: Demonstrated outstanding academic performance in a STEAM field.
- Existing Scholarship: Applicants must already hold a scholarship from another institution or organization.
- Turkish Citizenship: Open to Turkish nationals.
Application Process: Interested candidates must submit an application form, academic transcripts, proof of existing scholarship, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining their achievements and career goals.
Official Website: Promising Turks Fund
3. Fulbright Program for Turkey
Overview: The Fulbright Program offers scholarships to Turkish students for graduate study, research, and teaching in the United States. It aims to promote mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and Turkey through educational and cultural exchange.
Benefits:
- Tuition Fee: Coverage of tuition fees for the duration of the program.
- Monthly Stipend: A living allowance to cover housing and daily expenses.
- Travel Allowance: Round-trip airfare between Turkey and the U.S.
- Health Insurance: Accident and sickness coverage.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Academic Merit: Strong academic record and relevant professional experience.
- English Proficiency: Proficiency in English, demonstrated through standardized tests.
- Turkish Citizenship: Applicants must be Turkish citizens residing in Turkey.
Application Process: Applications are submitted through the Turkish Fulbright Commission. The process includes submission of academic transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
Official Website: Fulbright Program – Turkey
4. Hacı Ömer Sabancı Foundation Scholarships
Overview: The Hacı Ömer Sabancı Foundation, also known as the Sabancı Foundation, is one of Turkey’s leading philanthropic organizations. It offers scholarships to successful university students to support their educational endeavors.
Benefits:
- Financial Assistance: Monthly stipends to cover living expenses.
- Tuition Support: Partial or full coverage of tuition fees, depending on the scholarship type.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Academic Achievement: High academic performance in previous educational stages.
- Financial Need: Demonstrated financial need may be considered.
- Turkish Citizenship: Open to Turkish nationals enrolled in Turkish universities.
Application Process: Applications are typically submitted through the student’s university during the enrollment period. Required documents include academic transcripts, proof of enrollment, and a personal statement.
Official Website: Sabancı Foundation
5. Turkish Maarif Foundation Scholarships
Overview:
The Turkish Maarif Foundation offers scholarships to international students who wish to pursue higher education in Turkey. The foundation operates a global network of schools and provides financial support to deserving students.
Benefits:
- Full or Partial Tuition Coverage: Depending on the student’s academic performance.
- Monthly Stipend: Financial aid to cover living expenses.
- Accommodation: Free or subsidized housing.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage.
- Cultural Integration Programs: Language courses and cultural exchange opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Academic Excellence: High grades in previous studies.
- Financial Need: Preference given to students with limited financial resources.
- Citizenship: Open to international students from Maarif schools worldwide.
Application Process:
- Applications are submitted online via the official Maarif Foundation website.
- Required documents include transcripts, a letter of motivation, and recommendation letters.
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
Official Website: Turkish Maarif Foundation
Comparison of Scholarships in Turkey for 2025
Here’s a quick overview of the scholarships available in Turkey, including their benefits:
| Scholarship | Tuition Coverage | Monthly Stipend | Accommodation | Airfare | Health Insurance | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Türkiye Scholarships | Full | ₺1,800–₺3,000 | Free | Yes | Yes | International students |
| Promising Turks Fund | Partial/Full | Varies | No | No | No | Turkish students |
| Fulbright Program | Full | Varies | No | Yes | Yes | Turkish students |
| Hacı Ömer Sabancı Foundation | Partial/Full | Varie | No | No | No | Turkish students |
| Turkish Maarif Foundation | Full/Partial | Varies | Yes | No | Yes | International students |
Conclusion
Turkey provides numerous scholarships for both Turkish and international students in 2025, making it an attractive destination for higher education. The Türkiye Scholarships remain the most comprehensive, while private foundations like the Sabancı Foundation and Promising Turks Fund also offer valuable financial support. If you’re planning to study in Turkey, research these scholarships thoroughly, prepare your application early, and increase your chances of securing funding.
1. Who is eligible for Türkiye Scholarships?
Türkiye Scholarships are open to non-Turkish citizens with strong academic records. Applicants must meet age and grade requirements specific to their level of study.
2. Do I need to know Turkish to apply for a scholarship?
Not necessarily. Many scholarships include a one-year Turkish language course, even if your program is in English.
3. Can I apply for multiple scholarships in Turkey?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships, but many programs do not allow you to receive more than one government-funded scholarship at the same time.
4. When is the application deadline for Türkiye Scholarships?
Applications usually open in January and close in February each year. Always check the official website for updates.
5. What are my chances of getting a scholarship in Turkey?
It depends on your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and the quality of your application. Türkiye Scholarships are highly competitive, so submitting a strong application is essential.
