When you are looking for a scholarship, one of the most important things is to follow the scholarship calendar on time. For foreign students who want to study in Turkey, this calendar is like a lifeline. Because if you do not apply on the right dates, you may have to wait for the next year.
Popular Scholarship Programs in Turkey
The most popular scholarship programs for foreign students in Turkey are run by three main institutions. Each addresses different fields and application criteria. The table below compares these scholarships and the support they offer:
| Scholarship Program | Monthly Payment (USD) | Housing Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey Scholarships (YTB) | 500 USD | Available |
| TEV Scholarship | 395 USD | None |
| TUBITAK 2205/2210 | 500 USD (full scholarship) / 140 USD (partial scholarship) | None |
Turkey Scholarships (YTB)
This program is one of the most comprehensive scholarships offered by the Republic of Turkey to foreign students. Applications are taken between January 10 and February 20 every year and stand out as the first serious opportunity of the year in terms of the scholarship calendar. Although the online application system seems easy, the document upload part can be a bit complicated.
Turkish Education Foundation (TEV) Scholarships
TEV scholarships are particularly suitable for students who will start university in September. Scholarship applications are usually taken between August 15 and August 29. If you miss September, you will have to wait a year for this scholarship calendar. It does not cover accommodation or health insurance, but it is still valuable in terms of cash support.
TUBITAK Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships
TUBITAK scholarships are perfect for those planning to study in the fields of science and engineering. Applications for the 2205 undergraduate program and 2210 graduate scholarship usually start in the second week of May. Application dates for 2025 are between May 12 – May 30. As scholarship calendar, these dates are the second biggest opportunity after YTB.
2025 Scholarship Application Calendar: When, Where?
The scholarship calendar should be at the center of your agenda while planning your yearly schedule. Because each scholarship has a different application date and if you miss it, there is often no alternative. Here are this year’s most important scholarship application dates:
Turkey Scholarships: January 10 – February 20, 2025
This date range is open for applications from all countries around the world. The application is completely online at the official Turkey Scholarships website. During the application process, you need to upload documents such as passport, graduation certificate, letters of reference. For a detailed list of documents and tips on the system, check out Acceptable Accommodation Options for Residence Permit in Turkey.
TEV Scholarships: August – November 2024
TEV has scholarships in different areas: university, vocational high school and dormitory scholarships. This scholarship calendar is a bit fragmented.
- Housing scholarship: August 15 – 29
- Vocational high school scholarship: September 9 – November 15
- University scholarship: After September 16
Each one is applied through a different system, so you have to be careful.
TUBITAK 2205 and 2210 Programs: May 12 – 30, 2025
These dates may only be valid for 2025, because TUBITAK makes announcements every year. But on average, May is a critical period for such scholarships in the scholarship calendar.
- Koc University supports international students at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels under the Turkey Scholarships program.
The announcements of these universities and foundations may change every year. So checking the scholarship calendar pages often will save you from last minute surprises.
Application Process: Documents, Systems and Considerations
The application process may differ for each scholarship program, but it often involves the same steps. The biggest mistake is trying to upload documents a day before the system closes. In Turkey, official platforms are punctual, the system shuts down after 23:59.
Online Application Platforms and Documents
In Turkey, scholarship applications are usually made online. The following documents are mandatory for most applications:
- Passport (valid validity)
- Graduation certificate (or student certificate)
- Transcript (transcript)
- Letter of intent
- 1-2 letters of reference
- Biometric photo
Preparing these documents at least 2 weeks in advance is a serious advantage in terms of scholarship calendar.
Missing Documents and System Closures
Leaving the system closing time until the last minute is very risky in Turkey. Institutions such as YTB or TUBITAK may reject the application outright if the file is incomplete. Sometimes documents may not be uploaded due to system congestion. Therefore:
- Try not to apply in the last 3 days.
- Prepare documents in PDF format, correctly named.
- After uploading the documents to the system, be sure to check for approval.
Interview and Result Announcement Process
Scholarships are not only awarded with a document. Some programs, such as Turkey Scholarships, include an interview process. Interviews are usually conducted online and last 15-30 minutes. Questions will be on the following topics:
- Why Turkey?
- Which episode and why?
- What are your future plans?
In terms of the scholarship calendar, interviews are usually held 1-2 months after the application and the results are announced in the summer.
What Happens After the Scholarship Is Won?
Let’s say you won a scholarship, then what? Not everything starts immediately. There is usually a registration and adaptation process. Especially for Turkey Scholarships, students should plan their accommodation, bank account and residence permit procedures before their arrival.
Payment Calendar and Spending Restrictions
Scholarship payments are usually made after the start of the academic year. The money deposited into your account may be in TL, but the USD value would be:
- Full scholarship: 100-250 USD/month
- Partial scholarship: Short-term scholarship programs may vary
In some scholarships, this money can only be used for education expenses or dormitory payments. Scholarships such as TEV have fewer restrictions.
Monthly Payments and Annual Planning
Although monthly payments are made regularly, some periods may be interrupted. Scholarships may be suspended especially in the summer months (July-August). <In terms of the scholarship calendar, these months should be taken into account when making spending and budget plans.
Conditions of Continuity Based on Academic Success
Many scholarship institutions in Turkey require students to be successful. If the average falls below a certain level, the scholarship may be withdrawn. These success requirements are usually written in the application guides, don’t sign them without reading them!
Start Now: Take the First Step Before It’s Too Late
If you’ve made it this far, the scholarship calendar should serve as your compass. Remember, even the best intentions can be wasted a year if they’re not backed by the right dates. Time is running out, especially for applications for Türkiye Scholarships. Prepare your documents, check your calendar, and take the application process seriously.