What Are Development Agencies? How Are They Related to Education in Turkey?
Development agency supports offer unexpected opportunities for international students studying in Turkey. These agencies not only finance industry and investment projects but also fund educational initiatives, providing regional support to universities, student clubs, and young entrepreneurs. Especially as of 2025, many new projects aimed at social development have been launched in various regions. So, who can apply for these supports, how does the process work, and most importantly, what opportunities await you in each region?
The Roles and Scope of 26 Development Agencies
Currently, there are 26 active development agencies across Turkey, each serving its own region. Their responsibilities include providing technical consultancy to local governments, improving investment environments, and supporting social development projects. Educational projects have become one of the priority areas under these efforts.
What kind of projects do agencies support in the field of education?
Development agency support is multifaceted, including technical assistance, direct activity and financial support programs. Many agencies fund vocational training programs for young people and research projects in collaboration with universities. For example, the Serhat Development Agency worked with local universities to establish English speaking clubs in Kars.
Current Education Support Programs in 2025
By 2025, Turkey has launched a number of innovative support programs across the country. In particular, tools such as Technical Support and SOGEP (Social Development Support Program) also offer opportunities for international students. Applications are usually received online and results are announced quickly.
Technical Support Programs and Target Groups
The technical support programs offered by the agencies include projects to increase the training capacity of local actors. For example, the Ahiler Development Agency provides training consultancy to student organizations that want to organize career planning seminars at universities.
University Cooperation with Guided Projects
Directed projects usually target large-scale and long-term investments in education. They can build innovation centers, technology laboratories or open campuses in cooperation with the university in this region. Students can also be involved in these projects as volunteers or interns.
What is the Social Development Support Program (SOGEP)
SOGEP is a special tool used to strengthen education, especially in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. In 2025, with the SOGEP project carried out by the Mevlana Development Agency, mobile education buses were commissioned in some neighborhoods in Konya. Thanks to such programs, education knows no geographical boundaries.
Examples of Projects in which he played a role in education
It is one thing to talk about the types of support, but quite another to look at the concrete projects that have been implemented. Development agency-funded projects create spaces where international students can directly participate.
Mevlana Development Agency’s SOGEP Training Projects
The Mevlana Development Agency in Konya has launched various programs on language training, professional development and entrepreneurship for both local and foreign students. Students participating in these projects also had the opportunity to get to know the cultural diversity in Turkey more closely.
Understanding the culture of official institutions is a great advantage when communicating with development agencies in Turkey. For details such as which words to use and how to address, you can take a look at our article Communication and Expectations in Official Institutions in Turkey.
Ahiler Development Agency Strengthens Student Clubs with Technical Support
Ahiler Agency’s support for 2025 includes funding for university clubs. Entrepreneurship and cultural exchange clubs, where foreign students are especially active, had the chance to realize their own projects with this support.
Serhat Development Agency’s Language Oriented Projects
Serhat Development Agency provided instructional materials and digital resources for foreign language education at universities in the border region. In addition, “Intercultural Communication” seminars at Kafkas University were supported by development agency funds.
Who Can Benefit? Application Requirements and Process
There is no requirement to be a Turkish citizen. Since some support programs are implemented through universities or civil society organizations rather than directly through individuals, it is possible for international students to be involved in these projects. Support can be utilized especially through volunteer work, student organizations and research projects.
Eligibility Criteria for International Students
Each development agency determines a strategy specific to its region. However, in general, students who are active in education-related social responsibility projects, take part in university clubs or contribute to academic projects can be included in the scope of support.
Application Documents and Process Steps
Applications are usually made through the official websites of the agencies. Required documents include an application form, a project idea summary and a letter of support. In case of project partnership, approval letters from the club or university advisor may also be required.
Distribution of Education Support by Region
Since not all regions of Turkey have the same needs, agencies are developing different training projects based on regional priorities. See some of the featured agencies and programs in the table below.
Incentive Advantages in Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia
Social development projects are prioritized in these regions. Serhat, Karacadağ and Dicle Development Agencies focus especially on vocational training and cultural integration programs. You can work as a volunteer or part-time in projects supported by these agencies.
Project Examples in Thrace and Black Sea Regions
The Thracian Development Agency stands out with examples of foreign students working with Turkish students on joint social responsibility projects. In the Black Sea region, the Eastern Black Sea Development Agency (DOKA) provides support for tourism training and cultural promotion projects.
Education Supports – Regional Breakdown
| Region | Development Agency | Type of Training Support | Application Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Anatolia | Serhat Development Agency | Language Training, digital resources | Year-round |
| Central Anatolia | Ahiler Development Agency | Technical support, club projects | February – October |
| Marmara | GMKA | Feasibility + entrepreneurship | January – December |
| Mediterranean | Cukurova Development Agency | Intercultural training workshop | March – July |
| Black Sea | DOKA | Tourism and environment training | April – November |
Opening a New Page in Education in Turkey: Apply Now!
Development agency grants not only provide funding, but also introduce you to the cultural and social fabric of Turkey in a powerful way. Every educational project you participate in contributes not only academically, but also humanitarian and socially.
Cultural Awareness and Interaction with Agencies
While taking part in projects, you will have the opportunity to get to know Turkish culture more closely. Such projects are invaluable for the language learning process, interaction with locals and understanding cultural norms.