If you are an athlete who dreams of studying at university in Turkey, I have news that will excite you: Turkey’s sports scholarship options are both diverse and truly supportive. Whether you are a professional swimmer or a rising volleyball player, sports scholarships allow you to cover a large part of your education costs.
When I first arrived, I honestly thought that scholarships were only given for academic achievement. But then I was shocked to find out that a friend of mine got a full scholarship for swimming! That’s why I paid special attention to details while preparing this article.
Advantages of Receiving a Sports Scholarship in Turkey
Sports scholarships do not only mean financial support. Students who win a sports scholarship in Turkey are also very active in campus life. Universities provide their athletes with access to training rooms, dietician support and sometimes even special accommodation.
For example, some universities in Istanbul prepare weekly training programs for scholarship athletes and organize academic class hours accordingly. There is a serious system in place for you to be successful both in sports and in your studies.
The quality of education is another big advantage. Many universities in Turkey are ranking well in world rankings for their sports departments. Some universities even offer dual degree programs with universities in Europe. YÖK’s official website You can find up-to-date information on this subject.
In short, getting a sports scholarship in Turkey is a great investment that protects both your pocket and your career.
Sports Scholarship Programs at Major Universities
There are quite strong options among universities in Turkey that offer sports scholarships. Especially private universities are making serious investments in this regard. Let me give you a few examples:
Bahçeşehir University: It offers scholarships up to 100% in branches such as basketball, soccer and swimming. It also offers dormitory support to successful athletes.
Sabancı University: It supports not only successful athletes but also young talents with development potential. Instead of an entrance exam, they use performance-based evaluations.
Koç University: They have a very prestigious sports scholarship program, but the application process is very competitive. They evaluate academic success and sporting success together.
You can also find more detailed information about these universities on Road to Study. Especially since the scholarship details are constantly updated, it is useful to check before applying.
State universities also offer scholarships in some branches based on the athlete quota. For example, Gazi University is very famous in sports sciences and has special support for national athletes.
Sports Scholarship Application Requirements and Processes
Now we come to the most important part: How do you apply for a sports scholarship? To be honest, when I applied for the first time, I was quite confused too, especially “which document do I submit and when?” It was a complete mess.
In general, the application process is as follows:
1. Preparing Sports Success Documents
Universities want to see your official certificates of achievement from the last 2-3 years. If you have won national or international tournaments, your chances increase significantly. It is very important that their documents are officially certified.
2. Application Form and Letter of Intent
Many universities don’t just ask you to fill out a form; they also ask for a short letter of intent explaining why you want to pursue that sport. My advice: Talk not only about your achievements but also about your passion for sports.
3. Interviews and Auditions
Some universities conduct physical interviews. They can even have you train on a specific campus and organize a mini audition like an aptitude test. At this stage, both your physical performance and your communication skills are evaluated.
Although the application requirements vary for each university, you can also check a general list on the Ministry of Youth and Sports page.
Popular Sports and Scholarship Opportunities in Turkey
If you are looking for a scholarship in Turkey, this table will give you the perfect starting point.
Some sports branches have higher scholarship rates and more chances to apply. I have prepared the following table so that you can easily see what opportunities are available in which field:
| Sport | Average Scholarship Rate | Application Chances |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | 70%-100% | Very High |
| Swimming | 50%-100% | High |
| Volleyball | 60%-100% | High |
| Athletics | 30%-70% | Medium |
| Gymnastics | 30%-60% | Medium |
| Esports (Electronic Sports) | 20%-50% | Newly Developing |
As you can see, you are much more likely to get a full scholarship (i.e. 100% tuition support) in popular sports like basketball and volleyball.
Especially in team sports, universities give extra support to talented students to strengthen their sports teams.
In recent years, individual sports such as swimming and athletics have also gained momentum. If you have national or regional achievements, your chances of getting a scholarship are doubled.
Some private universities may even offer scholarships even if you are not yet a professional, considering your development potential.
You can also regularly follow current sports organizations and talent screenings in Turkey on the official website of Turkish Sports Federations.
What to Consider When Studying with a Sports Scholarship
Gaining an athletic scholarship is an achievement, but maintaining it is another challenge. I would also like to talk a little bit about my own experience because I made a mistake that put my scholarship at risk in the first year: absenteeism.
Here’s what you need to consider for the continuation of the scholarship:
1. Not Neglecting Academic Success
Most sports scholarships are based on a certain academic average (usually above a 2.0 or 2.5 GPA), not just athletic performance. If you put your studies on the back burner, your scholarship could be jeopardized.
2. Stick to Training Programs
Universities expect their scholarship athletes to attend regular training sessions. Missing training sessions without an excuse can be a serious problem. I asked my coach for an extra “incomplete training list”, so I had a chance to get it together. I recommend you do the same.
3. Tournament and Representation Requirements
Some universities want to send you to competitions representing the university in exchange for a scholarship. Participating in such tournaments can sometimes affect your class schedule. You should be aware of this before you apply.
After all, winning a sports scholarship is as much a conscious process as keeping it. As the Road to Study team, we also offer consultancy services on how you can get support after the application process as well as the application process, keep in mind.
Make a Difference with Education and Sports in Turkey
Turkey is one of the few countries that values sports and education together. You have the opportunity to receive a world-class education while developing your talents. Sports scholarships are not only a financial support, but also a chance to gain self-confidence, leadership and an international network.
If you want to turn your passion into reality, now is the time to take action. If you manage the application process correctly and show your determination, you can make a difference both on the sports field and in academic life in Turkey.
The Road to Study team is ready to support you on your way to the future you dream of. Learn more about our application counseling services and take your first step today!