The Increasing Importance of Health Research in Turkey
In recent years, Turkey has gained significant momentum in the field of health research. It has become a regional center for both medical innovations and epidemiological research. This growth in healthcare has created new opportunities not only within the country but also for international students and researchers.
A report by the Presidency of Health Institutes shows that the share of public-private partnership-funded projects in total health expenditures has increased to over 70%. This creates a supportive environment, both financially and academically, for students who want to conduct research in Turkey.
Moreover, Turkey offers an open door to researchers not only in medical research but also in digital health technologies, biomedical engineering and public health. In other words, it is possible to find funding for someone who says, “I want to work in a non-clinical field.”
Turkey’s investment trends in health
The number of health research centers opened at universities has almost doubled in the last 10 years. For example, institutions such as Istanbul University’s Genome and Bioinformatics Research Center give not only graduate students but also undergraduate students the chance to participate in projects.
The role of the public and private sector
Public resources are mostly provided by the Ministry of Health and TÜBİTAK. On the other hand, the private sector has also made a rapid entry into this field. Pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology firms in particular offer project-based grants to young researchers. These grants typically range from 1,000 to 5,000 USD and cover equipment, publication and laboratory costs.
Financing Models in Health Research
There are three main funding models for health research in Turkey: public funding, private sector grants and foundation support. These models are often intertwined, meaning that the same project can receive support from both public and private funds.
Public financing: SSI, Ministry of Health and universities
State support is mostly provided through the Ministry of Health and affiliated institutions. Universities offer incentive scholarships for students, although the budget is limited. Some public universities can allocate between 500 and 1,500 USD for graduate research in certain periods.
Also, as mentioned in our article on State Hospitals and Health Services in Turkey, many state hospitals allow access to research projects. This is a great advantage for students who will conduct field research.
Private sector and foundation supports
Turkey Health Foundation calls for funding twice a year for medical innovation projects. As stated on the official website, financial support between 2,000 and 10,000 USD is provided for areas such as prototype development, clinical trials and medical device innovation.
Applying for these grants usually requires an online application form and a short project summary. If you have not received a scholarship before, you may have a better chance of being accepted on your first application.
Grant Opportunities for International Students and Academics
Turkey is not only an educational destination for international students, but also a laboratory for scientific production. There are serious support mechanisms, especially in medicine, public health, epidemiology and pharmaceutical research.
TUBITAK programs and health research
TUBITAK’s 2216-A program is especially open to researchers from developing countries. The amount of support allocated for health research under this program usually ranges between 1,500 – 3,000 USD. In addition, additional funds can be requested for laboratory costs.
Application requires documents such as an acceptance letter, research proposal and CV. Although the process is a bit formal, the guidance documents are very descriptive and the application platform is available in English.
Research support under Turkey Scholarships
“Turkey Scholarships” provide support not only for education but also for academic research. Additional funds can be provided to students conducting research in the field of health. Especially for master’s and doctoral students working in university laboratories, there are supports ranging from 300 to 500 USD per month.
We have already covered the details of this topic in our article titled The Process of Obtaining Student Health Insurance in Turkey. Health insurance and scholarship processes can be integrated with each other, so it is important to take both into consideration when applying.
Application Process and Documents for Health Research
If you want to apply for a health research fellowship in Turkey, you need to consider some formal processes. Usually, these applications are made to both the granting institution and the university where you will do your research. The process may seem complicated at first, but if you take it step by step, it is very manageable.
Application steps for research projects
- Determine your project idea: What do you want to work on, what topic will you tackle?
- Find a mentor: You must contact an academic in Turkey. Approval is usually a prerequisite for application.
- Apply to the institution: You can apply online through TUBITAK, Turkey Scholarships, or the foundation.
- Ethical committee approval: This approval is mandatory if you are going to conduct a clinical or human study.
- University approval: There may be documents that need to be signed by the university where you will carry out the project.
This process usually takes 2-3 months. Applications are mostly concentrated in the first quarter of the year (January-March). If you apply at the last minute, there can be systemic jams, I’ve experienced it myself; I had to redo everything because I couldn’t upload the PDF.
Documents, language proficiency and ethics committee approvals
The documents required during the application process are generally as follows:
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Proposal | Subject of research, methods, and objectives in detail |
| Supervisor Approval | Must be obtained from an academic in Turkey |
| CV | Academic background and publications |
| Language Certificate | English B2 level is usually sufficient |
Most of these documents are requested in PDF format. Saving file names in English with clear titles before uploading documents makes things easier.
Now is the Time to Apply: Shape the Future with Health
If you are interested in health research and are hesitant to find financial support, now is not the time to delay. With the scholarships, mentoring support and advanced laboratory infrastructure waiting for you in Turkey, it is possible to turn your dream project into reality.
All you need to do is come up with an idea and take the first step. Even if your project is not ready, you can draw a road map with guidance from advisors. We at Road to Study can support you on this path.
Start now, and your research will not only be part of you, but also part of your future.