Are you an International student dreaming of pursuing higher education abroad without financial burden? Look no further! Turkey is emerging as a top destination for international students, and the Turkish Government and many universities offer fully funded scholarships specifically for international students. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, health insurance, and more.
Why Study in Turkey?
Turkey bridges Europe and Asia and offers a unique cultural, academic, and geographical environment. Some reasons to study in Turkey include:
High-quality education with globally ranked universities.
Affordable living and tuition (even without a scholarship).
Friendly visa policy and student-friendly atmosphere.
Growing number of programs taught in English.
Rich Islamic history and cultural familiarity for International students.
Fully Funded Scholarships in Turkey for International Students 2025-2026
- Koc University Scholarship 2025-2026 (Fully Funded)
- Bilkent University Scholarship 2025-2026 Fully Funded - Start Your Graduate Studies in Turkey
- Turkey Government Scholarship 2025-2026 - Fully Funded
![Koc University Scholarship [YEAR]-[NEXTYEAR] (Fully Funded)](https://www.scholarshipsrank.com/storage/media/909de5b5-fa6a-4a82-b250-6f1c75e1ae74.png "Koc University Scholarship [YEAR]-[NEXTYEAR] (Fully Funded)")
The Koç University Scholarship is a fully funded award for international Master’s and PhD students, covering tuition, stipend, housing, health insurance, and travel. Available for over 70 graduate programs in all fields at Koç University, Turkey.
![Bilkent University Scholarship [YEAR]-[NEXTYEAR] Fully Funded](https://www.scholarshipsrank.com/storage/media/d041723e-67df-4862-9801-00742b7cea4c.png "Bilkent University Scholarship [YEAR]-[NEXTYEAR] Fully Funded")
The Bilkent University Scholarships in Turkey offer fully funded master’s and PhD programs, covering tuition and stipends up to $600/month. Open to international students with no application fee.
![Turkey Government Scholarship [YEAR]-[NEXTYEAR] - Fully Funded](https://www.scholarshipsrank.com/storage/media/c595d922-b2ba-4636-91cb-dd0f5fb6abee.png "Turkey Government Scholarship [YEAR]-[NEXTYEAR] - Fully Funded")
The Türkiye Scholarships Program is a fully funded initiative by the Turkish government, offering over 1,325 programs for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD studies across nearly all academic fields. It supports outstanding international students to study at top universities in Turkey.
Pursue your studies in Turkey. Good news! Applications for the Koç University Scholarship are now open. The Koç University Scholarship 2025-2026 is a fully funded scholarship for international students. It is offered for Master’s and PhD studies and provides a full tuition waiver, monthly stipend, housing allowance, private health insurance, and travel support.
Koç University is one of the most prestigious universities in Turkey and is recognized globally for excellence in science, medicine, engineering, social sciences, and administrative sciences. It offers more than 70 new and exciting graduate programs this year, attracting the best students and faculty from around the world.
The Koç University Scholarship is open to students who wish to study MS, MBA, LLB, Master’s, or PhD in any academic field or major offered by the university.
Scholarship Summary
Level of Study: Master’s / PhD
Institution(s): Koc University
Study in: Turkey
Program Period: Master with Thesis (2 years, courses and thesis), PhD (4 years, courses and thesis), Master without Thesis (1 year, course-based).
Study abroad scholarships
Great news for international students! Applications are now open for the Bilkent University Scholarships 2025-2026.
The Bilkent University Scholarships are fully funded awards for master’s and PhD programs, offering one of the highest stipend rates in Turkey. PhD scholarship holders receive a monthly stipend of $600, while master’s scholarship holders receive $450 per month.
Bilkent UNAM provides multiple funding opportunities, including the President Graduate Fellowship, the Scholarship for Young Women, the Bilkent UNAM Graduate Scholarship, and scholarships from externally funded projects. These scholarships cover full tuition and provide education in English for all international students, with no application fee required.
Ranked among the top universities in Turkey and internationally recognized for academic excellence, Bilkent University is noted for its research impact, ranking 54th in the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings and leading globally in open-access publications according to CWTS Leiden Rankings.
Scholarship Summary
Level of Study: Master’s / PhD
Host Institution: Bilkent University
Location: Turkey
Program Duration:
Master’s: 6 semesters (3 years)
PhD: 4 years
Deadlines: March 18 / June 6/ November 4
Start your study journey in Turkey! Great news — the Turkey Government Scholarship is now open for applications. The Turkey Government Scholarship 2025–2026, also known as the Türkiye Burslari Scholarship, is a fully funded program for international students. It offers opportunities for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degreesat some of the top universities in Turkey. This scholarship provides a monthly stipend of up to 9,000 TL, full tuition fee coverage, round-trip flight tickets, comprehensive health insurance, and free accommodation.
Apart from academic excellence, studying in Turkey allows students to immerse themselves in a rich cultural environment where East meets West. From historical cities like Istanbul and Ankara to modern research hubs, international students gain not only an education but also a global perspective. Turkey’s strategic location also makes it an ideal destination for those seeking connections between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Funded by the Turkish government, Türkiye Scholarships are among the most competitive and prestigious awards in the region. They are designed to support outstanding students from all over the world, building a strong network of future leaders who are committed to strengthening global cooperation, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding among nations.
Scholarship Summary
Level of Study: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD
Study in: Turkey
Deadline: January 10 – February 20, 2025
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Turkey for International Students
1. Türkiye Bursları (Turkish Government Scholarship)
Türkiye Scholarships is the most prestigious and fully funded program offered by the Government of Turkey for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs.
Benefits:
Full tuition fee waiver
Monthly stipend (₺3,000–₺6,000 depending on level)
Free accommodation
One-year Turkish language course
Round-trip airfare
Health insurance
University placement support
Eligibility:
International citizens
Minimum academic scores: 70% for undergrad, 75% for postgrad, 90% for health sciences
Under 21 years for bachelor’s, under 30 for master’s, and under 35 for PhD
IELTS/TOEFL often not mandatory
Deadline: Typically in January–February every year.
2. Sabanci University Scholarship
Sabanci University, one of Turkey’s top private institutions, offers merit-based fully funded scholarships to international students.
Benefits:
Full tuition coverage
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Research grants for some students
Eligibility:
Excellent academic record
English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent)
Strong motivation and personal statement
Programs: Undergraduate, Master's, PhD
5. Middle East Technical University (METU) Scholarships
One of Turkey’s most respected public universities, METU offers fully funded scholarships for master's and PhD international students.
Benefits:
Tuition fee exemption
Monthly living allowance
Dormitory accommodation
Health insurance
Eligibility:
Competitive academic scores
Research proposal and academic references
Step-by-Step Application Process for International Students
Choose Your Scholarship Program
Start with Türkiye Bursları or specific universities like Sabanci, Koc, Bilkent.
Check Eligibility Requirements
Academic grades, age limit, language requirements, and program-specific documents.
Gather Documents
Passport/NIC, transcripts, degree certificates, statement of purpose, reference letters, language scores, research proposals (for postgrad).
Apply Online
For Türkiye Bursları, apply through their official portal
For university-specific scholarships, apply through each university's online portal.
Wait for Interview/Selection
Türkiye Scholarships conducts interviews via embassies.
Universities may call for online interviews or shortlist based on documents.
Get Admission & Visa
Once selected, you’ll receive an admission letter and visa support documents.
Apply for a Turkish Student Visa at the nearest Turkish embassy.
Comparison Table of Top Turkey Scholarships
Scholarship Name | Degree Level | Benefits Covered | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
Türkiye Bursları | BS, MS, PhD | Full tuition, stipend, travel, hostel | Jan–Feb |
Sabanci University | BS, MS, PhD | Tuition, stipend, accommodation | Varies |
Koc University | MS, PhD | Full tuition, stipend, research funding | Rolling basis |
Bilkent University | BS, MS, PhD | Tuition, stipend, laptop, housing | Varies |
METU | MS, PhD | Tuition waiver, stipend, hostel | Varies |
Tips for International Applicants
Focus on your Statement of Purpose (SOP) – it's critical.
Start preparing in October–December for most scholarships.
Learn some basic Turkish – helps with interviews or settling in.
Strong academic record and leadership experience make a big difference.
Apply to multiple scholarships/universities to increase your chances.
Final Thoughts
Turkey is not just a beautiful travel destination but a rising hub for world-class, affordable education. These fully funded scholarships for International students open doors to global exposure, advanced research, and cultural exchange — all without financial stress.
If you're serious about studying abroad, don't miss out on applying to Turkish scholarships this year.
Frequently Searched Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need IELTS to apply for Turkey scholarships?
Not always. Türkiye Bursları doesn't require IELTS, but university-specific scholarships may.
Q2: Is Turkey safe for International students?
Yes, Turkey is generally safe and welcoming for International students, especially in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
Q3: Can I work while studying on a scholarship in Turkey?
Yes, part-time work is allowed, especially during postgraduate programs. However, scholarship students are expected to focus on studies.
Q4: What is the age limit for Türkiye Scholarships?
Undergraduate: under 21
Master’s: under 30
PhD: under 35
Q5: How competitive is Türkiye Scholarships?
Highly competitive. Prepare a strong SOP, secure excellent academic scores, and apply early.