One of the most challenging aspects of studying at university in Turkey is the cost of food and accommodation. Even lunch can require a serious budget, especially for students living in big cities. That’s why dining scholarships offered by universities are a great source of support for both Turkish and international students.
I didn’t take it too seriously in my first year, but when I started paying 8-10 USD every day in the dining hall, I realized what a mistake I was making by missing out on scholarship applications. In this article, I’ll tell you the most important details about what food scholarships are, who can get them, when the application dates are, and what to do if you win. Let’s get started if you’re ready!
What are Food Scholarships, Who Can Receive Them?
Food scholarships are free meals offered to needy students by the Departments of Health, Culture and Sports of universities. Usually one meal a day (mostly lunch) is provided free of charge. This support is available for both Turkish and international students.
Who gets food scholarships?
This scholarship usually prioritizes students who:
- Financially disadvantaged people
- KYK scholarship or loan recipients
- Family living in another city and trying to make a living on their own
- International students studying abroad in Turkey
Achievement is not usually a criterion, but some universities may require that the student has not been disciplined.
What are the requirements for food scholarships?
Although the requirements of each university vary slightly, the documents generally required are:
- Student certificate
- Declaration of income (can be obtained via e-Government)
- Family status information
- Application form
What does the Psycho-Social Services Branch Directorate do?
This unit specifically assesses the situation of students in need. In addition to psychological support, social assistance is also coordinated from here. Especially at universities like Mediterranean University, this unit also monitors students who receive food scholarships.
When and How to Apply for the 2025 Food Scholarship
Each university has a different application period, but applications are generally accepted in September-October. Sometimes additional applications are opened in November. You should definitely follow the university’s website and notice boards.
2025 food scholarship application dates
Here are the application dates planned by some universities for 2025:
| University | Application Dates | Scholarship Duration |
|---|---|---|
| ITU | 9 January 2025 | 9 months (245,48 usd) |
| Anadolu University | March 2025 | 1 year |
| Bursa Uludağ University | 17-October 27, 2024 | During the academic year |
| Hacettepe University | November 7-14, 2024 | 1 year |
| KTU | September 25 – October 13, 2024 | 1 year |
Sources:
How the application process works
The application usually proceeds as follows:
- Go to the relevant portal of the university
- Required documents uploaded as PDF or JPEG
- Fill out and submit the application form
- Evaluation result is announced via email or portal
Some universities announce application deadlines at the beginning of the year, especially as described in Turkey’s academic calendar and semester planning. Therefore, it is a great advantage to do academic planning well.
Application documents and things to keep in mind
- Documents must be legible, application may be canceled if missing documents are submitted.
- It is important not to miss the deadline.
- If you are receiving another scholarship from KYK, this should be indicated.
What to do if you win a food scholarship
You won the scholarship, great! But the process does not end here. Some students lose their rights because they do not activate the system even though they have won. So there are a few details you should be careful about.
First steps after winning
- Go to the student cafeteria with your ID card on the date specified by the university.
- If the system recognizes you, you can pass without payment when you swipe your card.
- Some universities are switching to a daily QR code entry system, pay attention to this.
Which meals are valid? Is there a daily limit?
It usually applies to lunch and is limited to one meal.
Some universities offer a standard menu of soup, main course, rice/pasta and dessert.
How the annual renewal process works
Food scholarships are usually for 1 year. If you want to continue in 2025-2026, you will need to reapply for the new school year, so you will need to prepare your documents again around September 2025.
Food Scholarship Opportunities by Universities
Each university’s food scholarship system works differently. Some offer financial support, while others offer free meals directly at the dining hall. Below are some of the food scholarships offered by some universities.
Istanbul Technical University: Monthly and annual figures
ITU offers two different options to students in 2025 as part of the food scholarship:
- Monthly support: Approximately 27.6 USD
- Annual support (9 months): Approximately 248.7 USD
Anadolu University: Support for 1830 students
According to the announcement made in March 2025, Anadolu University has provided free food scholarships to a total of 1830 students. These students can benefit from one meal free of charge every day at the university’s dining halls on campus.
Ankara, Muğla, Isparta and other examples
- Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University: It offers regular meal support to students in need of social assistance.
- Isparta University of Applied Sciences: Students who applied in the fall of 2024 and were selected began using the scholarship between October 11-14.
- Ankara University: Meal support is provided on a purely need-based basis, with no achievement requirements (detailed information).
For more information about these systems, it is best to follow the Department of Health, Culture and Sports pages of the universities.
Alternative Nutrition Supports for Students
Not every student can win food scholarships. There are also different support systems and smart solutions for those who don’t win.
Social aids provided by municipalities and associations
Municipalities and some foundations (such as the Turkish Religious Foundation or the Red Crescent) can provide students with periodic meal cards or food aid. In Istanbul, IBB’s youth card can offer a discounted meal card service valid in university canteens in some regions.
In addition, some local NGOs that RoadtoStudy cooperates with also provide food aid.
Is it cheaper to cook your own food? Student experiences
When I was living in a dormitory, I did my weekly grocery shopping and prepared my own meals. It was much cheaper, especially if you ate staple foods like pasta, eggs and yogurt. But time and kitchen access are essential. The cafeteria is a lifesaver, especially during exam weeks.
Special diets: Vegan, halal, gluten-free options
Most universities are now offering menus to suit different diets.
For example:
- Istanbul University organizes vegan/vegetarian days.
- Hacettepe and Ege University started to experiment with gluten-free menus.
- Almost all universities use halal food certified products.
Nevertheless, if you have special eating habits, you may be more satisfied with off-campus alternatives.
City Based Supports: Istanbul, Ankara and Others
Food scholarships are easier to access in some cities. In big cities, competition is high but opportunities are plentiful. In smaller cities, the system may be less intensive but support may be limited.
Is it easy to access food scholarships in big cities?
Since the number of students is high in places like Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, the number of applicants is also high. Although this increases competition, municipal support and private scholarships are more common here.
Advantages of small cities
Smaller cities such as Karabük, Kırşehir and Muş have fewer applicants, increasing the chances of getting a food scholarship. It is also cheaper to eat out in these cities, so even those who cannot get scholarships have less difficulty.
Benefit from Food Scholarships While Studying in Turkey!
As an incoming or current student, a food scholarship can make a big difference to you. It makes you feel more comfortable not only financially but also psychologically. Being able to focus on your studies without the question “What am I going to eat today?” in your head is priceless.
RoadToStudy, we track the food scholarships available to you and provide guidance during the application process.
Schedule your calendar and contact us now so you don’t miss the right time to apply. Even one meal makes a difference!