The moment the scholarship ends, uncertainty mixed with excitement sets in. The question of what to do after graduation is on the minds of almost every international student. Especially for students studying in Turkey, post scholarship expectations include not only academic but also bureaucratic and emotional processes.
In some types of scholarships, you are expected to return to your home country after graduation. Programs such as Turkey Scholarships encourage students to contribute to their country. This is not an obligation, but can be included in official documents and contracts as an “expectation.”
Expectations After The Scholarship: What Is Required For Those Who Want To Stay?
If you want to stay in Turkey, your first step should be to change your residence permit from a student status to a work or research permit. This process is not easy, but it is not impossible.
Here are the key steps after graduation:
| Required Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Graduation Certificate | Must be obtained from your university |
| Residence Permit Update | Apply through the Immigration Administration |
| Finding a Job | Required as a prerequisite for obtaining a work permit |
| New Type of Residence | Apply for a graduated residence permit or work permit |
It is very important to compare the opportunities in your home country with the opportunities in Turkey. At this point, you can also recall the general scholarship structure by taking a look at our article Turkey Scholarships 2025: A Guide for International Students.
What are the Expectations of the CoHE and Scholarship Granting Institutions?
This is where it gets a bit serious. Because it is important not only to graduate, but also to fulfill the “payoff” of the scholarship after graduation. Post-scholarship expectations are often shaped by the mission of the awarding institution and your relationship with your country.
The majority of scholarships in Turkey not only provide financial support, but also cultural representation, academic interaction and diplomatic ties. Therefore, the role of a scholarship recipient after graduation goes beyond that of an ordinary graduate.
Which Agency Is Waiting For What?
Some scholarship providers explicitly or implicitly expect the following behaviors from students:
- To return to the country after graduation and do public service:
This is very common, especially for students from developing countries. After receiving education in Turkey, they are expected to use that knowledge and experience in their home country. - To strengthen academic or commercial relations with Turkey:
Graduates may be expected to carry out projects in cooperation with Turkey or represent Turkey in the future. - Provide a post-graduation activity report to the scholarship institution:
Some types of scholarships require graduates to submit short reports once a year on their career development, contribution to their country or connection to Turkey. This is quite common among post-scholarship prospects.
Open Policies of YTB and YOK
Especially institutions such as YTB (Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities) expect a high level of responsibility from their scholarship recipients both during and after their education. After graduation, they are expected to represent Turkey as volunteer ambassadors, maintain relations and keep in touch in academic and social fields.
The CoHE, on the other hand, encourages students who have completed a master’s degree or PhD in Turkey to continue their academic productivity and, if necessary, to participate in joint projects with Turkey. This is indirectly one of the post-scholarship expectations.
Overlooked But Important Expectations
There are also some culturally felt expectations that are not written in official documents:
- Positive representation of Turkey on social media
- To maintain its connection with Turkish culture
- Actively using the Turkish language he learned in Turkey
- Participate in alumni network events
Attention to Contractual Clauses!
The documents you sign at the beginning of the scholarship process may have some clauses. These are usually:
- Work in your home country for at least 2 years after graduation
- Representing Turkey on international platforms
- Maintain ties with Turkey through academic publications or activities
To take a look at detailed contract examples, YTB Scholarships: Who can apply, how to apply? Our article will be very useful.
Is It Possible to Work In Turkey After Graduation?
The scholarship is over, the diploma is in your hand… But is it really possible to stay and work in Turkey now? The answer to this question can be both yes and no. Because expectations after the scholarship are directly linked to the steps you take here.
Work Permit Process
In order for foreign nationals to work in Turkey, they need permission from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Since you will cease to be a student after graduation, you can only get this permit through your employer.
The steps are as follows:
- You need to find a job.
- Your employer should apply for you.
- A work permit is issued if deemed appropriate (usually for 1 year).
- Residence permits are renewed accordingly.
External source: Official Website of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security
Which Sectors Have High Luck?
In Turkey, foreign graduates are more likely to find jobs in the following sectors:
- International NGOs
- Cultural and language training institutions
- Tourism and hotel management
- Software and digital marketing
- Engineering firms (especially project-based work)
But not in every sector, some professions may be closed to foreigners. This is where post-scholarship expectations come into play, as some scholarships make it a prerequisite to return to the country or undertake certain tasks.
International Networks and Opportunities for Turkey Alumni
Getting an education with a scholarship is a great achievement in itself. But the work does not end there. How you continue this experience after graduation is very important. Turkey has a policy of not forgetting its scholarship recipients over the years and the “Turkey Alumni Network” is a concrete example of this policy.
What is Turkey Alumni Network?
The Turkey Alumni Network, run by YTB, was established for international scholars to maintain their relations both among themselves and with Turkey. So it’s a kind of “alumni club”.
Some of the opportunities this network offers:
- Participation in internships or projects in Turkey after graduation
- Invitation to international congresses and alumni summits
- Prioritizing cooperation with Turkey
- Funds to support social responsibility projects
Through this network, it is also possible to establish communication between graduates in different countries. This is a great advantage for both personal development and career.
What Does Joining This Network Provide?
Participation in such networks is an indirect but effective part of the expectations after the scholarship. Because Turkey expects you not only to study but also to be a cultural bridge.
Instead of saying “my path is over” as soon as you graduate, you can create added value for both your country and Turkey by taking part in such structures. If you are looking for a detailed article on career support in this area, I recommend you to take a look at our content titled Academic Merit Scholarships Provided by Universities in Turkey.
What Should You Do Now? Shape Your Scholarship Future!
If you have read this far, you may still have some questions about “post-scholarship expectations”. But this is very normal. Because it’s all about personal goals and opportunities.
5 Steps You Need to Take After This Step:
- Review the scope of the scholarship and contractual obligations, if any.
- Investigate post-graduation living/working options.
- Apply to platforms such as the Turkey Alumni Network.
- Explore areas where you can make connections between your country and Turkey.
- Create a road map for yourself: will you stay, will you return, will you continue in another country?
These steps will give you clarity. But remember, no decision is wrong. The important thing is to be conscious. Post scholarship expectations don’t ask you to be perfect; they just expect you to make your education meaningful.