Why are Educational Technologies in Turkey on the Agenda?
In recent years, education technology support has attracted the attention of not only local entrepreneurs in Turkey but also students from abroad. With the pandemic, the permanent introduction of distance education into our lives has made it imperative for countries to strengthen their digital education infrastructure. Turkey, on the other hand, did not just watch this transformation; it began to actively support it.
Digitalization and Pandemic Effect
The post-2020 digital disruption in education has pushed many universities and public institutions in Turkey to invest in educational technologies. Learning is now possible everywhere, not just in the classroom. This has shifted the direction of state support to technology.
New Opportunities for International Students
Turkey has become a global center of attraction for higher education in the last 10 years. In this way, educational technology grants are now open not only to domestic projects but also to international students. International students, especially those studying in engineering, software and education faculties, can seize these opportunities to fund their own projects.
What are TÜBİTAK and KOSGEB Support Programs?
The most important state-funded institutions in Turkey are TÜBİTAK and KOSGEB, both of which offer significant funding for educational technology support. Applications can be made individually or as a team, and many programs offer the option to apply in English.
TUBITAK Education and R&D Focused Programs
Turkey’s leading institution for scientific research is the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK). In particular, the 1001 – Scientific and Technological Research Projects Support Program funds academic projects focused on educational technologies. Other important programs include:
- 1501 – Industry R&D Projects Program: Encourages university-industry cooperation.
- 1505 – University-Industry Cooperation Support Program: It facilitates the establishment of business partnerships after graduation.
- 4004 – Nature Education and Science Schools: Program dealing directly with education projects.
TBITAK grants are usually for 12-36 months and provide funding up to a maximum of $52,000 (approximately 2 million TL).
KOSGEB Entrepreneurship and Digital Transformation Supports
KOSGEB is a paradise for SMEs and entrepreneurs. Especially the Entrepreneur Support Program is vital for newly established EdTech start-ups. Elements of support include:
- Personnel expenses
- Software and hardware procurement
- Promotion and marketing
KOSGEB can offer support between $10,000 – $26,000 specifically for start-ups with the SME Digital Transformation Program in digital transformation supports.
Support Programs Summary:
| Institution | Program Name | Duration | Maximum Support (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| TÜBİTAK | 1001 – Scientific Research | 24-36 months | 52,000 |
| TÜBİTAK | 1505 – University-Industry Cooperation | 12-24 months | 39,000 |
| KOSGEB | Entrepreneur Support Program | 12 months | 13,000 |
| KOSGEB | Digital Transformation Capacity Building Program | 24 months | 26,000 |
To apply for these programs, it is necessary to carefully examine the technical specifications. For detailed information, please visit TUBITAK Official Sitesi and KOSGEB Supports Page.
EdTech Initiatives and Innovation Centers in Universities
Not only state institutions, but also universities are now establishing centers that offer educational technology support. Technology-based incubation centers are actively working at universities such as METU, Boğaziçi, ITU and Bilkent.
Outstanding Projects at METU, Boğaziçi and ITU
- METU Teknokent: A technology park that invests in EdTech startups.
- Boğaziçi Innovation Center: It offers competitions and funds open to foreign students.
- ITU Çekirdek: One of the biggest entrepreneurship platforms in Turkey. Successful projects are born here.
These centers provide both technical infrastructure and mentoring services. Some programs also offer the opportunity to communicate 100% in English.
Opportunities Offered to Student Initiatives
International students can apply directly to these centers within the university. Especially for master’s and doctoral students, educational technology support is becoming not only academic but also commercially transformative.
Also, for students interested in EdTech initiatives, our guide Academic Turkish: University Education Language Requirements can be very useful to overcome the language proficiency issue in applications.
How International Students Can Benefit from Educational Technology Supports
If you are studying in Turkey and have a technology-based idea, education technology support is not only for Turkish citizens. Especially for graduate students, many doors are open. But some points in the application are critical.
Application Requirements and Tips
To get support from institutions like TUBITAK or KOSGEB, your project file needs to be technically strong. But the language and culture barrier is one of the most challenging areas for international students. We therefore recommend the following steps:
- Be an active student at a Turkish university.
- Get mentoring support from your academic advisor.
- Applications are usually in Turkish, so a good level of Turkish may be required.
If your Turkish is not good enough, check out our guide Turkish Proficiency Exam (TYS): Preparation and Tips for more information. TYS certification provides a great advantage for most applications.
Is Turkish Language Proficiency Required?
Yes, many public support programs require Turkish documents and presentations. This can create an extra obstacle for foreign students. However, in some universities these processes have been translated into English.
In addition, some programs allow project presentations in English; for example, special calls at ITU Çekirdek or METU Teknokent allow this. But the general rule is: The earlier you learn Turkish, the more doors open.
Making a Career in Educational Technologies in Turkey
Education technology is not only an academic field, but also a serious business sector. Dozens of EdTech start-ups are founded every year in Turkey and most of them need technically skilled, creative thinkers.
Internship and Job Opportunities at EdTech Startups
EdTech-focused start-ups are becoming widespread in big cities like Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. Especially students who are close to university graduation can direct their careers by doing internships in these companies.
Jobs are frequently advertised in the following areas:
- Production of educational content (especially interactive learning)
- Software development (mobile and web-based systems)
- Data analytics and user experience design
Salaries vary by position, but average starting salaries are around $600 – $1,200.
Post-Graduation Job Market and Immigration Options
Turkey has started to provide flexibility for technology-oriented foreign graduates in terms of residence and work permits. Especially for those working in the start-up ecosystem, the right to apply for permanent residence can arise within 1-2 years. This shows that not only academic but also professional careers are possible thanks to educational technology support.
Act: What Should You Do To Benefit From These Supports?
Now you know all the details. In Turkey, educational technology support is really accessible. But if you want to take advantage of these opportunities, you have to start somewhere.
First Application Steps and Timing
- Clarify your project idea (a problem related to education and a proposed solution.)
- Have a preliminary discussion with your advisor at your university.
- Find the appropriate call on the official websites of TUBITAK or KOSGEB.
- Prepare documents in full and on time. Don’t miss the application periods.
- Start improving your Turkish language skills.
Frequent Mistakes and Ways to Avoid Them
- No clear project idea
- Underestimating language barriers
- Missing application deadlines
- Applying without mentoring
When you avoid them, educational technology support can really open doors for young, creative and international students like you.