Turkey Academic Merit Scholarships 2025: Requirements and Tips

What is the 100% scholarship to study in Turkey?

The most prominent and comprehensive scholarship program for international students in Turkey is the Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları). This is a government-funded, fully-funded program that provides a complete package for students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or Ph.D. degrees. It is considered one of the most comprehensive scholarship programs in the world.

How much GPA is required for a scholarship in Turkey?

For the Türkiye Scholarships, the minimum academic achievement (or GPA) requirements vary by the level of study:

  • For undergraduate candidates: A minimum of 70% academic achievement is required.
  • For master’s and Ph.D. candidates: A minimum of 75% academic achievement is required.
  • For candidates in Health Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy): A minimum of 90% academic achievement is required.

It’s important to note that these are minimum requirements, and the program is highly competitive. Therefore, a higher GPA or academic achievement score will significantly increase your chances of being selected.

You can join our Reddit Community about Academic Achievement Scholarships and talk about your experiences or topics you are interested in by opening a discussion topic

Is it easy to get a Türkiye Bursları scholarship?

No, the Türkiye Bursları scholarship is highly competitive. The program receives a large number of applications from all over the world each year, and only a limited number of students are selected. The selection process is rigorous and involves a multi-stage evaluation:

  1. Preliminary Assessment: Applications are screened based on basic criteria like minimum academic achievement, age limits, and required documents.
  2. Expert Evaluation: A committee of experts carefully examines eligible applications, considering factors like academic standing, career goals, the coherence of the applicant’s letter of intent, and participation in social activities.
  3. Interview: Shortlisted candidates from over 100 countries are invited for an interview with a committee of academics and experts. The interview typically lasts 15-30 minutes and focuses on the candidate’s academic knowledge, career goals, and reasons for applying.

To increase your chances, it’s crucial to have a strong academic record, a compelling personal statement, and strong letters of recommendation. Participation in social work and volunteering can also be a significant advantage.

Is Turkey Scholarship 2025 fully funded for BS?

Yes, the Türkiye Scholarship 2025 is a fully funded program for bachelor’s (BS) students. The scholarship package is comprehensive and covers the following:

  • Full tuition fee coverage for the entire duration of the program.
  • A monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
  • Free accommodation in student dormitories.
  • Round-trip flight tickets to and from Turkey at the beginning and end of the student’s academic journey.
  • Comprehensive health insurance for the duration of the program.
  • A one-year free Turkish language course to help students integrate into the local culture.

This holistic support system ensures that scholars can focus entirely on their studies without worrying about financial constraints. Kaynaklar

Universities Offering the Best Academic Achievement Scholarships

Both public and foundation universities in Turkey offer merit scholarships. However, the amount, duration and conditions vary from institution to institution. In the table below I have listed some of the most popular universities and the scholarships they offer:

UniversityType of ScholarshipRequirements
Boğaziçi University100% Tuition ScholarshipTop 1000 in the national exam
Koç UniversityFull Scholarship + AllowanceOutstanding achievement and interview
Istanbul UniversityMerit ScholarshipHigh GPA
Sabancı UniversityTuition and Dormitory ScholarshipAcademic ranking and social activities
Ankara UniversityGPA-based ScholarshipGPA above 3.50

When you see the table, you can’t help but say, “I wish I had studied more in high school.”

Success Scholarships at State Universities

State universities offer advantages such as tuition fee exemption or free accommodation in KYK dormitories, especially for students who perform well in entrance exams (YKS). For example, YÖK Scholarships are a serious opportunity.

Institutions such as Bosphorus and Istanbul Technical University provide exemption from tuition fees according to the level of success.

Success Scholarships at Foundation (Private) Universities

Foundation universities can be more generous with scholarships. Prestigious institutions such as Koç University, Sabancı University can offer 100% tuition + dormitory + pocket money scholarships. However, they require continued high achievement: If your GPA falls below a certain level, you risk losing the scholarship.

Therefore, I strongly recommend that you review the Application Processes and Requirements for Undergraduate Programs in Turkey guide when making your choice.

2024-25 YKS Success Scholarships: Opportunities from Turkey’s Leading Universities

Universities and Scholarship Types

Universities Types of Scholarships Offered
– Istanbul Technical University (ITU)
– Middle East Technical University (METU)
– Boğaziçi University
– Bilkent University
– Koç University
– Sabancı University
– Özyeğin University
– Acıbadem University
– Yeditepe University
– Istanbul 29 Mayıs University
– Medipol University
– Full tuition fee exemption
– Monthly cash support
– Free/reduced dormitory
– Food scholarship
– Laptop
– International exchange/internship opportunities
– Technopark and R&D priority

Scholarship Amounts and Duration Conditions

Amount of Cash Support Term Continuation Conditions
Monthly 25 USD – 625 USD 5 – 9 years General min. Academic success with 2.00-3.00 GPA

Note: 2025 scholarship amounts may be updated; official websites should be checked.

Application Requirements and Tips for Academic Success Scholarship

Now we come to the most important question on your mind: “What do I need to do to get these scholarships?”

Applications are always very competitive, but a few important tips can make your job a lot easier.

Required Documents and Grade Point Average

The following documents are usually required when applying for merit scholarships:

  • High school diploma (with translation)
  • Exam result certificate (YKS, SAT, IB, etc.)
  • Transcript (transcript)
  • Application form (university specific)
  • Letter of intent (for some private scholarships)

The GPA for merit scholarships is usually set at at least 3.00/4.00. Some universities may ask for a higher average, for example Koç University expects 3.50 and above for a full scholarship.

What to Consider in Applications

Here are the tips for making the right application step by step:

  1. Decide which university to apply to.
  2. Check the university’s scholarship requirements and application deadlines.
  3. Prepare the necessary documents on time.
  4. In addition to merit scholarships, look for need scholarships (sometimes both are available).
  5. Be careful when applying; a small mistake (missing documents, wrong information) can put everything at risk.

If you follow these steps, you will be on the right track.

Which Expenses Are Covered by Academic Scholarships?

Academic merit scholarships in Turkey don’t just cover tuition fees. Some universities offer extra opportunities to support your social life. However, the scope of the scholarship can vary significantly from university to university.

Training Fees

Most scholarships cover all or part of a student’s annual tuition fee. Especially since tuition fees are high at foundation universities, 100% scholarships provide a great financial comfort.

For example, the average cost of a 1-year education at a private university in Istanbul can range between 10,000-15,000 USD. A 100% academic merit scholarship can reduce this cost to zero.

Housing and Living Expenses

Some scholarships cover not only education, but also the following expenses:

  • Free or discounted dormitory facilities
  • Monthly allowance
  • Food card or free lunch
  • Book and educational material support

Especially if you plan to study outside the city or in big cities like Istanbul, this kind of support becomes almost mandatory.
For detailed information on living costs, you can check our Cost of Living Comparison in Different Cities in Turkey page.

Take the First Step for Your Dream Academic Success Scholarships!

Winning an academic merit scholarship in Turkey is not impossible; it is a goal that anyone can achieve with the right knowledge and the right preparation.
Carefully review the application requirements, prepare your documents completely and most importantly confidence in yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Turkey Scholarships success scholarship?

Bachelor’s: 75 USD, master’s: 112 USD, Ph: 150 USD; for a total of 9 months.

100% scholarship how many USD 2025?

Bachelor’s: 87 USD, master’s: 125 USD, Ph: 162 USD + housing, medical and annual airfare.

Who can apply to YTB?

Foreign nationals, undergraduate and graduate candidates who meet certain age and academic achievement requirements.

How many USD is the first 100 scholarships for YKS?

Depending on the university, scholarships between 175-625 USD per month, dormitory and food support can be offered.

How many TL 100 % scholarship 2025?

From 50 USD to 75 USD for undergraduate students, from 100 USD to 150 USD for graduate students. It was increased from 150 USD to 225 USD for doctoral students.

Is the top 100 scholarship based on raw score?

In addition, students who rank in the top 100 on the basis of raw scores in numerical, verbal, equal weight and language scores in the university placement exam will receive three times the normal scholarship amount.

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