Funding Opportunities

Scholarships in Turkey

Two main routes in Türkiye (Turkey): the Turkish government's Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları), open to students from all countries, and scholarships from the universities themselves.

Turkey Scholarship Overview

The government's Türkiye Scholarships and university scholarships for good marks.

How scholarships work in Türkiye

Türkiye Scholarships is a government-funded scholarship run by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB). Many apply and few are chosen. It places you at a university and pays your costs.

Many universities also give their own scholarships for good marks, often checked automatically when you apply.

Apply early in the year

Türkiye Scholarships take applications once a year, from 10 January to 20 February. The 2026 round is closed. Watch for the 2027 call.

Why Apply for Scholarships?

Türkiye Scholarships: a government scholarship with a university place. It pays your main costs.
University scholarships: a lower or no tuition fee, sometimes with housing.

Types of scholarships

The two routes for students from India and Pakistan.

Türkiye Scholarships (government)

Pays your main costs, with a university place, housing and a monthly allowance.

Bachelor's, master's and PhD.
Apply online on the Türkiye Scholarships Application System (TBBS).

University scholarships

Run by each university.

Sabancı University takes 25% to 75% off the tuition fee.
Full or partial tuition scholarships at Koç University.

Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları)

The Turkish government's scholarship for international students at all levels.

You can choose up to 12 university programmes in one online application.

Türkiye Scholarships: full-time programmes

Minimum marks: 70% for bachelor's, 75% for master's and PhD, 90% for medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. Age: under 21 (bachelor's), under 30 (master's), under 35 (PhD).

Key Benefits of Turkey Government Scholarships

Your tuition is paid.

A dormitory place: for the whole course at bachelor's level, and in the first year for master's and PhD students.

General health insurance.

One flight ticket.

A monthly allowance in Turkish lira (TRY): TRY 6,500 (bachelor's), TRY 9,500 (master's) or TRY 13,000 (PhD).

University scholarships

Private universities often give scholarships for good marks. Some public universities give fee discounts.

Check who can apply

Each university sets its own rules. Check each one.

Sabancı University: bachelor's scholarships

Tuition fee cuts of 25%, 40%, 50%, 60% or 75% for outstanding applicants, plus free dorm places in rooms shared by 3 or 4 students.

Sabancı University: master's and PhD scholarships

Almost all master's and PhD students in research courses pay no tuition. Most also get a monthly allowance and a free dorm room.

Koç University: bachelor's scholarships

Every new international applicant is checked for a full or partial tuition scholarship, for good marks. It lasts for the whole programme.

How to Find University Scholarships

Where to Look

The Türkiye Scholarships website.
The scholarship page of each university on your list.

Application Tips

Koç University asks international applicants to apply for Türkiye Scholarships too.

Tips

Simple steps that help.

Watch the dates

Türkiye Scholarships: 10 January to 20 February every year. The 2026 round is closed. Have your papers ready before January.

Prepare for the test and interview

Bachelor's applicants who are picked in the first round take a 30-question test in maths, geometry and logic, then a 15 to 30 minute interview.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Missing the 20 February deadline each year.
Forgetting the papers asked: ID or passport, a photo taken in the last year, your diploma and any exam scores.