International students who want to study in Turkey usually first apply to major state-sponsored programs such as Turkey Scholarships. But less known scholarships, which are not as well known as these programs and often receive fewer applications, can really make a big difference.
If you think that the only requirement for a scholarship is outstanding achievement, this is not true. Some scholarships are awarded for regional support, while others support students studying in specific sectors. For example, if you are an engineering student studying in Istanbul and cannot benefit from state support, scholarships offered by organizations such as the Istanbul Chamber of Industry Foundation may be perfect for you.
Also, a comparison of scholarship and loan systems in Turkey reveals that the range of scholarships is wider and more diverse than one might think. While government loans require repayment, almost all of these scholarships are non-repayable.
Less Known Scholarships from Non-State Institutions
When we think of “lesser-known scholarships”, we immediately think of education funds supported by foundations and associations. These institutions often emphasize socioeconomic status or volunteer work rather than academic achievement.
Make Your Life Easier with Foundation and Association Scholarships
Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, Vehbi Koç Foundation, Yaşar Education Foundation, Sema Yazar Foundation, and many other institutions offer scholarship programs that are also open to foreign students. Some of these scholarships provide direct financial support with monthly payments ranging from 60-130 USD, while others may cover ancillary expenses such as housing or transportation.
Here are a few examples:
- TUBITAK supports undergraduate students studying in basic sciences with the 2205 Program.
- Anadolu Foundation continues its scholarship program with personal development support.
- Exporters Associations provide scholarships up to the minimum wage level to students who prefer textile engineering.
In most cases, all you need to do to access these scholarships is to follow the announcements on the institution’s website and apply with the necessary documents. The process is usually carried out in September and October.
For more information, you can also take a look at our article titled Financial Literacy Guide for Students in Turkey.
Own Scholarships of Universities in Turkey
Some universities have less known but very effective scholarship systems. In particular, foundation universities allocate 100% scholarship quotas for foreign students and in some cases these scholarships cover living expenses.
Less Known Options Offered by State Universities
For example:
- Bogaziçi University and METU organize their own scholarships at the faculty level.
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa accepts scholarship applications through digital platforms.
There are also foundations that cooperate with universities. The Sabanci Foundation scholarships, for example, not only address academic achievement but also economic difficulties. These scholarships of up to 131 USD per month are a great chance for high-achieving foreign students.
Applications are usually made through the Scholarship Offices or Student Affairs departments of universities. As a foreign student, it is useful to search for such scholarships immediately after you have been accepted to the university.
We also explained how such support is integrated with insurance systems in our article Education Insurance and Financial Assurance Options in Turkey.
Additional Financial Support for Students in Turkey
If you didn’t get a scholarship, don’t panic. There are many alternative sources of financing for foreign students in Turkey. Especially in recent years, loans and grants, in addition to the lesser known scholarships, can significantly ease the student budget.
Turkey’s Student Loan Opportunities and Repayment Conditions
Foreign students do not always benefit from state-subsidized student loans like KYK, but some universities offer similar systems through private funds. Some of the private scholarship funds in Turkey operate on a “pay after graduation” basis. The repayment of these loans starts after graduation and the interest rates are quite low.
Digital Banking and Student Finance in Turkey
State banks such as Ziraat Bank and Vakıfbank, as well as digital banks operating in Turkey, offer special payment solutions for students. Some scholarship institutions also make their payments through these platforms. So having these accounts at the application stage can give you an advantage.
Sectoral and Field-Based Less Known Scholarships
Scholarships can be based not only on overall achievement, but also on what you study. In Turkey, there are less known scholarships for fields such as engineering, health sciences and arts.
Opportunities in Art, Sports and Agriculture
For example, if you are a foreign student studying at the Istanbul State Conservatory, organizations such as the Sema Yazar Foundation can offer scholarships for music and performing arts. Likewise, for those studying at Faculties of Agriculture, there are scholarships available from agriculture-focused institutions such as Gübretaş. These usually provide monthly support of USD 100-150.
Surprise Supports for Engineering and Health Faculties
Istanbul Chamber of Industry Foundation, İbrahim Bodur Kaleseramik Foundation or Alp Aviation scholarships are only available to engineering students. Especially for students studying in the fields of machinery, industry, mining and aviation, these scholarships can be a real savior.
List: Rare but Valuable Scholarships You Can Apply For
- Alp Aviation Scholarship – Aerospace Engineering
- Abdi İbrahim Foundation – Molecular Biology & Genetics
- TTSIS Textile Engineering Project – Monthly support up to minimum wage
- Mehmet Zorlu Foundation – Special fields such as Industrial Design, Mathematics
These scholarships are not widely publicized, so there are few applicants. This increases your chances of being selected. So the lesser known scholarships are sometimes the most accessible ones!
Loan or Scholarship? Criteria to Make Your Decision Easier
Scholarships are of course advantageous in the short term, but in some cases it may be easier to get a loan. Remember though: scholarships are usually “non-repayable” and should therefore be given first preference.
Discover Less Known Scholarships and Take Action
In this article, we have detailed the less known scholarships for foreign students who want to study in Turkey. As you can see, with these scholarships it is possible to not only survive, but to really thrive.
5 Critical Points to Consider When Applying
- Don’t miss the application deadlines (usually September – October).
- Upload all documents in full.
- Comply with the values sought by the scholarship committee (volunteerism, achievement, need).
- If you have knowledge of Turkish, indicate it; some institutions pay attention to this.
- If there is an interview, be confident!