It is already a great chance to get a scholarship while studying in Turkey. But the good thing is that if you are really hardworking and disciplined, you can increase this scholarship amount through the performance program. Yes, not only are you accepted, but the more you succeed, the more support you can get.
General Structure of Scholarship Systems in Turkey
Scholarships in Turkey are generally divided into three categories: need-based scholarships, merit-based scholarships and special research scholarships. The most attractive for international students are the merit scholarships, which are linked to the performance program. These programs re-evaluate your scholarship at the end of the academic year based on your GPA and the scientific activities you participate in.
Purpose of Performance-Based Supports
The aim of this system is clear: to keep students motivated and maximize their potential. TUBITAK is one of the institutions that implement this not only on paper but also in practice. Their performance program offers serious opportunities, especially for master’s and doctoral students.
TUBITAK 2250 – Graduate Scholarships Performance Program
If you are planning to pursue a master’s or PhD in Turkey, the TUBITAK 2250 Performance Program should be on your radar. This program does not only provide scholarships; it directly monitors your academic performance and increases the amount of your scholarship as you improve. The program is one of the most comprehensive academic support systems in Turkey with its structure that encourages research.
You can follow the application process and up-to-date information on the TÜBİTAK Official Page.
Current Scholarship Amounts
Scholarships have been updated as of July 1, 2024. Although the figures are announced in TL, let us clearly state the USD equivalents here for international students:
| Program | Aylık Burs (USD) |
|---|---|
| Yüksek Lisans Öğrencisi | ~154 USD |
| Doktora Öğrencisi | ~223 USD |
| Doktora Sonrası Araştırmacı | ~282 USD |
(based on 1 USD = 39 TL)
Scholarship Duration and Performance Criteria
The performance program shows that the scholarship is not fixed; on the contrary, it improves as you improve. Periodic or annual evaluations are based on the following criteria:
- General grade point average (GPA)
- Published articles or papers
- Academic conferences you have attended
- Supervisor faculty member opinions
If you stand out in these criteria, your scholarship can be increased every 6 months. In some cases, scholarship increases of up to 50% were possible. Of course, this increase depends on a special evaluation within the framework of the performance program.
Scholarship Opportunities According to Academic Achievement
The “Merit Scholarship” offered by Turkey Scholarships. This scholarship is for international students who are currently studying at universities in Turkey and who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
Turkey Scholarships Official Website for detailed information about short-term scholarships and merit scholarships.
What is a Success Scholarship?
The Success Scholarship is based on the automatic evaluation of students based on their academic performance, without the need for any application. It actually works like a performance program.
The program automatically screens students who exceed a certain GPA and provides an increase in the scholarship amount or additional support. This support is especially common in engineering, medicine and social sciences.
Who Can Apply, How To Select?
You cannot apply for this scholarship because the system automatically evaluates you. But here’s the good news:
- If you have a high grade point average
- If you have no disciplinary action
- If you do not have a semester repeat
your chances of getting support under the performance program are very high.
Participation of International Students in the Performance Program
I can honestly say this: When I first came to Turkey, I did not know that these scholarship systems were so flexible and performance-oriented. This opportunity we have been given is not only a financial support, but also a system that supports our personal development. International students can also participate in this performance program, but a few critical details need to be taken into consideration.
Application Process
Although the application procedure of each university and institution is slightly different, the process generally works as follows:
- The student first applies for the main scholarship program (TUBITAK, Turkey Scholarships, etc.)
- The educational process begins and academic performance is monitored.
- Success evaluations are conducted periodically (usually 6 months).
- Student can be evaluated within the scope of performance program and may receive a scholarship increase.
Some universities do this automatically, while others may require extra documents and applications. Therefore, it is very important to stay in touch with the international student office of the university you are enrolled in.
Common Mistakes
- Taking GPA for granted: GPA is a serious criterion in Turkey. Above 3.00 is a threshold for almost every scholarship.
- Overlooking events: Symposia, seminars and student clubs can also be taken into account in the evaluation of the performance program.
- Submitting documents late: If the application or report submissions are missed at the end of the academic semester, the chance of a scholarship increase can be missed.
Conditions for Receiving a Scholarship Increase in the Performance Program
It sounds good, doesn’t it? But you need to work systematically to achieve this increase. The following semester I closed this gap and the system responded immediately. The performance program evaluates you based on the entire academic process, not just the tests.
Academic Average and Evaluation Process
The following main criteria are taken into account when evaluating performance:
| Evaluation Criteria | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Grade Point Average (GPA) | 3.00 / 4.00% and above |
| Course Attendance | 80% and above |
| Project / Thesis Process | Active and timely |
| Advisor Evaluation | Positive |
These processes are often unofficial performance monitoring, but with serious consequences. And again, this whole evaluation process is gathered under the name performance program.
Financial Expectations and Realities for the Performance Program
In this section, we look at how adequate the scholarships under the performance program are, what students should pay attention to, and how well they can live on them. Since everything is indexed to foreign currency, planning is really important.
Post-Graduation Financial Planning in Turkey
If you plan to stay here after studying in Turkey, you should keep in mind that your scholarship income will decrease. To find a job or get project support after graduation, you need to plan. You can review a detailed article on this subject from this link:
👉 Financial Planning After Graduation in Turkey
Currency Transfer and Money Sending Methods in Turkey
Another practical issue: how to get the scholarships into your bank account and how to send the money back to your home country. In Turkey, it can be advantageous to choose banks that can handle foreign currency transactions. There are also ways to transfer foreign currency without commission through mobile applications. We explained this issue in detail in our article Methods of Transferring and Sending Money in Turkey.
Performance Program is Waiting for You!
If you’ve read this far, you’re onto something: Opportunity. The performance program in Turkey offers a great advantage for students who not only want to receive scholarships but also want to take firm steps forward.
When and Where to Apply?
It is very important not to miss the right time to apply for programs. Here are a few tips:
- TUBITAK applications usually open in January and July.
- The application period for Turkey Scholarships is usually from February to March.
Always remember to check your university’s website and the international student office. You can also follow the current application deadlines on RoadToStudy’s homepage.
Opportunities Beyond the Scholarship
A performance program isn’t just about the money in your pocket. Here are some pros:
- Academic publication support
- International conference attendance
- Project budget support
- Closer relationship with mentors