The biggest obstacle for many young people dreaming of university is economic hardship. Especially for female students, this process can be more complicated. Fortunately, in Turkey, these programs make a significant difference in the educational journey. In this article, I have compiled many different special scholarship opportunities for women students, from government-sponsored options to non-governmental organizations to international students.
Why Women-Only Scholarships Matter
Equality in Education is Still a Goal
Access to education is still unequal in our country. This is why special scholarship policies for women students are not only an economic but also a social necessity. These steps taken to make women more visible in higher education have great significance, especially in disadvantaged regions.
How Financial Support Affects Academic Success
Campus life, textbooks and dormitory fees add up. This is where special scholarships for female students come into play, which not only reduces costs but also allows students to focus better on their studies.
State and University Supported Scholarships
KYK Scholarship: The Common Option
While KYK scholarships are comprehensive, they do not fall under the category of special scholarships for female students. However, since social and economic status is taken into account, many women students can indirectly benefit from these scholarships.
Bilkent University “Scholarship Program for Girls”
Bilkent’s “Scholarship Program for Girls” is clearly a special scholarship for female students. Through this scholarship, academically successful female students can receive uninterrupted support throughout their undergraduate studies. The program is funded by donors and looks at the needs of applicants, not just their achievements.
For more information, you can also take a look at our article Women’s Safety and Precautions in Turkey.
Support from Civil Society Organizations
KAHEV Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Women Physicians Education Support Foundation (KAHEV) is a private foundation that offers scholarships exclusively to women students, but only through a reference system instead of a traditional application. Students cannot apply directly. Instead, female medical doctors or female dentists who are members of KAHEV should be a reference for the student.
The details of the reference system are as follows:
- Each KAHEV member physician can be a reference for a maximum of 3 students in the same academic year.
- The student must study in a public school in Turkey or TRNC.
- Private school students are only considered if they have 100% scholarship.
- The total monthly income of the applicant student’s family must be below two minimum wages (approximately below 875 USD).
- Students who benefit from scholarships other than KYK should not exceed the monthly scholarship limit (approximately 52 USD/month).
- Application will be rejected if there is more than one property or more than one vehicle in the family.
- Students with cult, congregation, organization connections are excluded from the evaluation.
KAHEV, which prioritizes the criteria for special scholarships for female students, also prioritizes supporting female students from families who have lost their parents or divorced.
TEV Dormitory Scholarships: Safe Housing and Financial Support
Housing in big cities can be a serious problem for female students, both economically and in terms of safety. Turkish Education Foundation (TEV) is one of the rare organizations that has created a solution to this need. One of the types of special scholarships offered by TEV for women students is “dormitory scholarships.”
Where are TEV Dormitories for Girls?
TEV operates four girls’ dormitories in Izmir (Balçova), Ankara and Trabzon. These dormitories stand out not only for their accommodation, but also for their safe environment that supports academic development. Students are admitted to these dormitories in two ways:
- Fee Based Housing: Students can live in the dormitory by paying the dormitory fee.
- Scholarship Housing: Female students in financial need and successful female students can stay free of charge and also receive pocket money.
TEV’s dormitory scholarship is also a special scholarship for female students because it is only offered to female students and is selected according to TEV scholarship criteria.
Who can apply?
Conditions that candidates who will apply for scholarship housing must meet:
- T.C. citizenship
- Needing financial support
- Not receiving a scholarship from another institution (except KYK loan)
- Studying at public universities
- Not being in open education, foundation universities or distance education programs
- Be younger than 25 years old
- No disciplinary penalties
In addition, there must be a distance between the city where the student’s family is located and the dormitory. In other words, the family must reside outside Izmir for Izmir dormitory and outside Trabzon for Trabzon dormitory.
Scholarship Amounts and Duration
TEV also provides monthly pocket money to students who benefit from the scholarship dormitory. For 2024-2025, this amount is 118 USD. The scholarship lasts for 9 months and can be renewed the following year depending on success.
Open Scholarships for International Women Students
Turkey Scholarships Program (YTB)
The most popular option for foreign students, Turkey Scholarships is a comprehensive program that covers all expenses.
Special Field Scholarships for Women
Some universities directly offer special scholarships for international students. Thanks to such scholarships, especially in fields such as engineering and medicine, you can both study in Turkey and expand your academic network.
If you are an international student, be sure to check out our Guide for Women Travelers in Turkey.
Strategies and Final Advice for Winning Scholarships
5 Tips to Make a Difference in Your Application
Preparing a good application often determines the outcome. If you pay attention to these, you will significantly increase your chances:
- Insert your story in your letter of intent
- Highlight your history of social responsibility
- Source your references from reliable people
- Prepare a portfolio
- Keep application dates in an Excel file
Now is the Time to Act!
If you are determined to pursue your education, there is a special scholarship for female students to support you.
You can follow current scholarship applications on Road to Study and get support with our counseling service. The right scholarship can change not only your schooling but also your life.