If you want to study in Turkey, finding a scholarship is almost half the battle. But most of the time, it’s not just a matter of filling out an application form. Using the right communication strategies to attract the attention of scholarship institutions is perhaps the most critical point of the whole process. In this article, I will tell you how you can follow a different communication strategy, what you should pay attention to and what pitfalls you should avoid.
Major Institutions Providing Scholarships in Turkey
In Turkey, many institutions, both state-sponsored and private, offer scholarships to international students. One of the most well-known is of course the Turkey Scholarships program. But beyond that, some universities offer their own internal scholarships, while NGOs and international cultural cooperation organizations are also active in this field.
This is where effective communication strategies come into play. The communication language of each organization may be different, but the basic principles are often similar: Be clear, introduce yourself, explain why you chose that institution and go with solutions, not questions.
Before contacting these institutions, you may want to look at alternative methods that some students prefer. For example, Scholarships for national and international competitions in Turkey can also be a serious source of opportunities. Such scholarships often offer the chance to contact the institution directly.
First Contact: How to Communicate with Organizations
No one can say enough about how critical the first message is, but the truth is that it is the foundation of your relationship with a scholarship provider. Especially when you are an international student and the chances of the institution getting to know you are almost zero. This is exactly why the right communication strategies come into play.
Cultural Sensitivity for International Foreign Students
It is a great advantage to be aware of some cultural differences when communicating with organizations in Turkey. For example, in some countries it is normal to be very direct, but in Turkey it may seem too demanding. Instead, using more respectful and softer language will help you make a professional but polite impression.
For example, an entry like this works much better:
“Hello, I am a student of X University from Indonesia. I am interested in the scholarship opportunities offered by your institution in line with my dream of pursuing a master’s degree in Turkey. I would like to request information about the issues you can help me with.”
In this kind of message, you not only express who you are clearly, but also write with the other side in mind in terms of communication strategies.
Coping with the Language Barrier
If your Turkish is not good enough, this is not a big problem, but you should be transparent. You can write your email in English, but in this case it is important to include a brief explanation in your message:
“Although I am not fluent in Turkish, I am trying to contact your organization as much as I can. I would be very grateful if I could get a response in English.”
This way you are more likely to find an interlocutor who will understand you. Most organizations are open to international communication, but if you don’t make your language expectations clear, your message may go unanswered.
Official Channels and Alternative Methods
Most scholarship programs start with an official email address or application form. But if this information is not available on their website, platforms like LinkedIn can be very useful. Some scholarship program officials post promotional posts or answer student questions on LinkedIn.
This is where your communication strategies become even more important. When sending a message, be sure to introduce yourself, state why you are writing, and explain your intentions in a few clear sentences, not in long, long sentences.
Sample message:
“Hello, my name is Aisha from Nigeria. I came across your scholarship program for international students and I’m very interested in applying. I would love to ask a few questions if possible. Thank you in advance.”
This message is short, clear and respectful. It shows that he knows the institution and is really interested.
Attention to Email Subject Header
When writing an email, you should pay attention not only to the content but also to the subject line. Instead of a generic title such as “scholarship application”, more descriptive titles such as these are more powerful in terms of communication strategies:
- “Scholarship Inquiry – Master’s Student from Morocco”
- “Interest in 2025 YTB Program – International Applicant”
These headings directly affect the open rate of the email. Organizations receive hundreds of emails every day. Yours must be recognized.
Next Step After First Message
You may not get an immediate response after you send your first message. In this case, don’t get discouraged. As we explained above, the ideal timing for follow-up messages is 7-10 days. The follow-up message should be as polite, short and clear as the first message. This process may require more patience, especially for international students, but remember, professional communication strategies will always put you one step ahead.
Effective Email Writing: Tactics for Standout Submissions
A well-written email makes the first impression about you. Therefore, perhaps one of the most important communication strategies is the language and structure of e-mail.
Make a short, friendly but professional introduction. In the second paragraph, explain why you are writing and why you chose that institution. In the third paragraph, describe your previous experience or interest in the program you are applying for. In addition, if you have a resume or portfolio, be sure to include it, but present it as a link, not a zip file.
Also, rehearse your email a few times before you write it. Have a friend read it. Even use a language checker for grammar mistakes. Because a poorly written email can completely negate good communication strategies.
If You Can’t Get Feedback: Follow-up Messages and Patience
You applied for a scholarship, sent an email and… silence. This is a situation that most students experience. But instead of giving up at this point, it is necessary to proceed patiently and wisely through communication strategies.
First of all, the institution may take a while to respond to you. Especially public institutions or universities can be very busy during certain periods. So don’t panic if you don’t hear back within a week. Wait at least 10 days, then send a short and polite follow-up message. Instead of sentences like “Did you get my e-mail?”, use more constructive language like “I would like to remind you of the message I sent last week about my scholarship application…”.
It is as important to be patient as it is to not overwhelm the other person. Texting every couple of days will not make you look motivated, but rather desperate. Think of this process as a communication campaign. Your timing, tone and content must be effective.
Frequent Mistakes and Ways to Avoid Them
Unfortunately, some students do not get any feedback despite their best efforts. This is often due to the wrong communication strategies used. Here are some common mistakes:
First of all, sending mass messages. Sending the same content to one institution as you send to another does not inspire confidence. Each institution has a different name, scholarship program and approach. Therefore, you should tailor your communication to him.
Another mistake is being overly demanding. Instead of statements such as “I must win this scholarship”, use more balanced sentences such as “I would like to contribute to my academic career with this opportunity”. Remember, communication strategies are there not only to win you a scholarship, but also to determine how you are perceived as a professional.
Some students also forget to introduce themselves. Simple but important details such as name, country, school and department can be missing. Some even do not attach documents such as CVs or letters of intent at all. This can cause institutions not to respond.
Beyond Winning a Scholarship: Building a Strong Communication Network
A grant application is just the beginning. But what is really valuable is how you manage the relationships you build in the long term. Effective communication strategies can put you one step ahead even after you win the scholarship. Because scholarship granting institutions follow not only the students they support, but also the future graduates.
For example, they might involve you in a mentoring program after graduation or ask you to be a reference for incoming students. This expands your social circle and career opportunities.
At this point, it is also important to be informed about financial planning after graduation in Turkey. The scholarship process is as much a networking opportunity as it is a financial support.
Finally, small gestures such as sending e-mails to organizations from time to time to ask about their progress and share their successes will make you memorable. A professional language and regular contact will give you an advantage at every stage of your career.
Reach Now: 5 Practical Steps to Increase Your Chances!
Taking action can directly affect your chances of winning a scholarship. Today is the best time to take the first step.
- Investigate institutions.
- Prepare your personalized email.
- Edit your documents.
- Plan your follow-up schedule.
- Confidence in yourself.
Remember, every scholarship you apply for is a learning experience. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, but don’t make the same mistake twice. As long as you guide the process with the right communication strategies, the rest will come.