What are Private Foundation Scholarships in Turkey?
If you are planning to study in Turkey, it is inevitable to think about the costs. Especially as an international student, you need to be wary of exchange rates. This is where private foundation scholarships can be a real lifesaver. Unlike government scholarships, these scholarships are often sponsored by non-governmental organizations, family foundations or private companies.
Some foundations only offer scholarships for specific fields (e.g. engineering, arts, health), while others give priority to international students. There are many types of scholarships: They can offer benefits such as monthly cash support, dormitory, meal card or transportation support.
There was a scholarship I applied for, and at the end of the application form there was a question “Why do you want to study in Turkey?”. I think it is very important to be sincere in this part. If you just give the impression of “because I want a scholarship”, your chances may decrease.
As we mentioned in our previous article Advantages and Opportunities of Undergraduate Education in Turkey, private foundations choose according to different criteria and not only GPA but also personal motivation can be very effective.
A relevant example: Vehbi Koç Foundation has been providing foundation scholarships to high-achieving students for years and supports foreign students in some of its programs.
The Most Popular Foundation Scholarships and Advantages
For students wishing to study in Turkey, many private foundations offer scholarship programs that provide financial and moral support. These scholarships include not only financial assistance, but also additional benefits such as career development, internships and social support.
Below, we have compared the 5 most popular foundation scholarships for international students:
Comparison Table of Major Foundation Scholarships in Turkey
| Foundation Name | Scholarship Type | Who Can Apply | Annual Support (Approx, USD) | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEV | License, MA, PhD | Turkey and international students | $250 – $375 | Education opportunities abroad |
| Sabancı Foundation | Graduate | Socially responsible students | $300 | Seminars, project participation |
| Aydın Doğan Foundation | High school and undergraduate (female students) | Successful and needy students | $225 | Mentoring, media trainings |
| Alarko Foundation | Engineering-oriented | Technical university students | $275 | Summer internship and in-sector connections |
| Vehbi Koç Foundation | License | Open to general application | $250 | Invitation to cultural events |
When my friend won the Sabancı Foundation scholarship, she not only received financial support but also attended a leadership camp in Istanbul. It was a truly visionary experience.
Some of these scholarships are only available in certain cities or universities. It’s a good idea to check the details in the Road to Study university guide before applying.
For more information, check out the official websites of the foundations or the Study in Turkey portal.
When Will Foundation Scholarship Application Results Be Announced?
The answer to this question varies significantly depending on the foundation you apply to, but in general the process works like this: Applications are usually received in September – October. Preliminary evaluation results will be announced mid-November and final results early December.
Some large foundations conduct preliminary interviews and even select candidates through online interviews. In this case, the result date may be a little longer. Foundations such as TEV and Sabancı usually inform candidates via e-mail. However, in some small foundations the results are published on their websites. That’s why you should make a list of all the places you apply for and follow up well.
It is also important to remember this: Most accepted students are silently notified of the result. So there may not be a “you didn’t win” message. So if there is no news by the end of December, it is a good idea to focus on other opportunities.
Documents and Online Application Systems in the Scholarship Process
When it comes to applying for a scholarship, most people think that they can just “fill out a form and pass”, but the reality is a bit different. Private foundation scholarships in Turkey usually ask you to upload certain documents completely and correctly. The most common of these documents are as follows:
- Current student certificate
- Transcript (transcript)
- Photocopy of birth certificate or passport
- Family income certificate
- Letter of intent (Motivation letter)
- Reference letter (for some scholarships)
Online application platforms have become quite professional in recent years. For example, TEV’s system requires you to upload your documents in PDF format and the application is not accepted if there are missing documents. Some scholarship systems require you to update your documents within a few days of logging in. If you miss this deadline, the system automatically eliminates you.
In my first application, I uploaded my transcript in the wrong format. What happened? Of course I was eliminated. The next year I was much more careful to win the same scholarship again. In short: Double check every detail.
For a detailed list of documents and sample letters of intent, please refer to this official source.
Mistakes Not to Be Rejected
The number of students applying for foundation scholarships is quite high and quotas are limited. Therefore, a small mistake can reduce your chances to zero. I can summarize the most common mistakes as follows:
- Copy-paste letters of intent: Impersonal letters from the Internet are immediately recognizable.
- Incomplete or incorrect document upload: Documents must be legible and official.
- Miss the deadline: You shouldn’t say, “What if I send it a day later?”
- Unmotivated application: It is not enough to just say “I need a scholarship”; it is important to state why you chose that foundation.
Some scholarship providers prioritize students who have participated in social responsibility projects or volunteer activities. In other words, not only academic success, but also your contribution to society is important.
My advice: Have a friend or teacher read your letter of intent before you apply. An outsider can more easily see the missing points in what they write.
I recommend that you also take a look at our article on Student life in Turkey in order to be successful in these matters, because mentioning such life experiences in your scholarship application can be impressive.
Scholarship Guide for International Students in Turkey
If you are coming to Turkey from abroad, some foundation scholarships may target you directly. For example, IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation has a scholarship program for international students. Similarly, organizations such as Ensar Foundation and TÜRGEV also provide support to foreign students in some periods.
Also, getting a scholarship from private foundations other than the “Turkey Scholarships” program for international students can make a significant difference in terms of accommodation or food support. Some foundations don’t just give you money, they involve you in social projects, conferences and seminars. So you feel part of a community.
One of the things to consider when preparing a scholarship guide is to check which scholarships are valid in which cities. The scholarship offered in Istanbul may not cover your university in Ankara. So read the scope of the scholarship carefully before applying.
Take Action: Start Your Education in Turkey with the Right Scholarship
Foundation scholarships are a great opportunity for international students who want to study in Turkey. Not only does it ease the financial burden, but it also opens brand new doors for you in terms of social environment, internship and personal development. Moreover, most students only know about the “Turkey Scholarships” program but are unaware of the support offered by private foundations.
As we have explored in detail in this blog, the scholarship application process may seem complicated, but when you take it step by step, it becomes really achievable. If you submit your applications on time, complete your documents and write a sincere motivational letter, your chances are much higher than you think.
But most importantly: Finding the right scholarship is directly related to how much you look for it.
If you still don’t know where to start or would like to plan the process together, Road to Study is here for you. Together with our team of experts, we can find suitable scholarships for you and review your documents together.
Take a step today. Your scholarship application could be the key to your education in Turkey.