Turkey is a country that attracts students from around the world not only for its historical and cultural richness, but also for the education scholarships it offers. Especially companies and foundations offer great opportunities to international students.
Big Companies Giving Scholarships in Turkey
Turkey’s leading companies provide education scholarships to thousands of students every year. These scholarships are usually awarded based on academic achievement, financial status or the desire to study in a particular field.
For example, the Sabancı Foundation awards hundreds of scholarships to hundreds of students every year, while Koç Holding offers education scholarships in fields such as engineering and business administration through its own foundation. Giant companies such as Borusan and TÜPRAŞ also provide support especially for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields.
Application processes usually open in September and October each year. Sometimes English proficiency or a certain grade point average may also be required. If you want to follow the scholarship announcements of big companies in Turkey, I recommend you to check direct sources like Koç Holding Official Website.
Educational Support Provided by Foundations and Associations
In addition to companies, many foundations and associations in Turkey also provide education scholarships for international students. One of the most well-known is the Vehbi Koç Foundation.
The Turkish Education Foundation (TEV) also offers support for both undergraduate and graduate students. Scholarships, especially for students with insufficient financial means, are in the form of regular monthly payments. Some foundations provide special scholarships only to students studying in certain cities.
TEV Official Website for active scholarship programs.
The education scholarships offered by foundations are not just about financial support. Often they also offer personal development programs, certificate courses and opportunities to participate in volunteering projects. As someone who has experienced this, I can say this: You gain not only money, but also environment and experience.
Special Scholarship Programs for International Students
Many institutions in Turkey offer special education scholarships for international students. The Turkey Scholarships program is one of the largest state-funded scholarships and receives applications from all over the world. When I applied, I had to fill out a very detailed online application form, but it was worth it in the end.
Turkey Scholarships cover not only tuition fees but also accommodation, health insurance and monthly allowance. A good academic record and a motivational letter are a must for admission. In addition, the Anatolian Scholars Program is a great opportunity for international students who want to study at prestigious schools like Sabancı University.
Application dates usually start in January. You can follow the latest announcements on Turkey Scholarships Official Website.
The education scholarships provided to international students make it no longer a dream to receive a quality education in Turkey. Moreover, with these scholarships, you may even have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities, Turkish language courses and even short-term student exchange programs to Europe.
Scholarship Application Requirements and Processes
Although the application process for education scholarships in Turkey can sometimes seem complicated, it actually revolves around a few basic steps. First, you need to determine which scholarships you are eligible for. Companies, foundations and government agencies announce their scholarship criteria every year. Some may focus only on academic achievement, while others may want you to be active in social responsibility projects.
The following documents are usually required in the application:
- Transcript (transcript)
- Letter of intent
- Letters of reference
- Identity and residence documents
It is especially important to be very careful when writing a letter of intent. A well-written motivational letter can significantly increase your chances. If you need support in this regard, I strongly recommend you to check out our article Motivation Letter Writing Guide to Win a Scholarship in Turkey.
Application deadlines for educational scholarships usually open in the fall of each year. Some institutions take additional applications at different times throughout the year. For big programs like Turkey Scholarships, the online interview process is also part of the job. When I went to the interview, I forgot what I said out of excitement, but I realized that sincerity always works.
It is very important to be on time for applications. Leaving applications to the last day increases the risk of mistakes and stresses you out. You can also learn tips on all the details of the application process in our article Points to Consider When Applying for a Scholarship in Turkey.
One more tip: The more scholarships you apply for, the better your chances. When choosing between education scholarships in Turkey, take a look not only at the big and popular scholarships, but also at lesser-known but very valuable support.
Don’t Postpone Your Dream: Education Scholarships in Turkey are Waiting for You!
I can say this very clearly: education scholarships in Turkey are not just a financial support, but a life-changing door. New friends, new cultures, new opportunities await you. When I won a scholarship, I won not just a school life, but a whole adventure.
If you are still debating whether or not to apply, remember this: There is no harm in applying.
The best time to act is now! Check out the current scholarship programs on RoadToStudy and get a head start on the application process.