If you are looking for a PhD scholarship, Turkey is the place for you! Doing a PhD in Turkey can be a great step for your academic career and life experience. But to be honest, the financial side is just as important as academic success. Fortunately, Turkey offers many scholarships and funding opportunities for foreign PhD students.
In this article, I’ve collected everything you need to know, from current scholarship amounts to application tips as of 2025. Let’s get started!
Doctoral Scholarship Options in Turkey
There are many scholarship programs for international PhD students who want to study in Turkey, both government-funded and from the private sector.
I know from my own experience that finding the right scholarship can be a bit confusing at first. That’s why I’m simplifying the most important resources here.
Differences for Domestic and International Students
There are some fundamental differences in the scholarship system in Turkey between local and foreign students.
For example, YOK Scholarships and TÜBİTAK grants are open to both Turkish and foreign students, while some private foundation scholarships are only available to students from certain countries.
Main Scholarship Options:
- TÜBİTAK 2211-A Domestic PhD Scholarship Program
- Turkey Scholarships (provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- University Based Scholarships (Ex: Boğaziçi University Research Grants)
- Private Foundation and Association Scholarships (such as TEV, Vehbi Koç Foundation)
What You Need to Know in the Application Process
The following documents are usually requested during the application process:
- Bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- Foreign language proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Research proposal
- Letters of reference
Most scholarship programs in Turkey conduct online applications and usually open in the first quarter of the year. I recommend that you start collecting your documents early in preparation.
TÜBİTAK 2211-A Scholarship Program: 2025 Current Information
TÜBİTAK is Turkey’s largest funding agency for science and technology. The 2211-A program provides great financial support to students starting their PhD studies.
And yes, good news: Foreign students can also apply!
TÜBİTAK Official Website, so be sure to follow the application dates.
How Much is the TÜBİTAK 2211-A Scholarship Amount?
As of 2025, TÜBİTAK 2211-A scholarship amounts are as follows:
| Sub Program | USD Amount (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| 2211/A Program (Full Scholarship) | ≈ 723 USD |
| 2211/B Program (Full Scholarship) | ≈ 723 USD |
| 2211/E Program (Full Scholarship) | ≈ 723 USD |
| 2211 Program (Partial Scholarship) | ≈ 191 USD |
| 2250 Performance Supplementary Scholarship | ≈ 229 USD |
Scholarship payments are made directly to the student’s account and continue on a regular basis throughout his/her doctoral studies.
TÜBİTAK Scholarship Application Requirements
Some basic requirements for international students who want to apply for the TÜBİTAK 2211-A program:
- Getting an acceptance letter from a Turkish university
- High academic achievement (GPA 3.00 and above preferred)
- The research area is one of the priority areas supported by TÜBİTAK
The application process is detailed but can be completed easily if you work regularly.
How Much Are PhD Scholarships in Turkey in 2025?
PhD scholarships in Turkey have been updated as of 2025, taking into account exchange rate increases and changes in living costs.
In other words, funding is much more attractive than in previous years.
PhD Supports Provided by Universities
Some public universities in Turkey offer PhD students the opportunity to work on research projects or in assistant positions.
This support is not a direct “PhD scholarship”, but a form of salary.
The estimated USD equivalent of research assistant salaries for 2025 will be as follows:
| University | Estimated Monthly Salary (USD) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ODTÜ (METU) | ~340 USD | Research Assistant |
| Boğaziçi University | ~330 USD | Research Assistant |
| Istanbul Technical University (ITU) | ~347 USD | Project Based Support |
In addition to these salaries, some universities may also provide students with meal cards or dormitory accommodation support.
But the practice of each faculty and department may be different.
Special Institution and Foundation Scholarships
Some major Turkish foundations also offer doctoral scholarships to foreign students.
Featured:
- Vehbi Koç Foundation Scholarships
- TEV (Turkish Education Foundation) Graduate and Doctoral Scholarships
- Sabancı Foundation Education Support
Be sure to check out our article Strategies for Living on a Budget in Turkey for more ideas on the cost of living in Turkey.
Sources of Additional Funding for Doctoral Students
In Turkey, you can earn income in different ways, not only through traditional scholarship programs. Especially for PhD students, research projects and part-time jobs are good sources of additional finance.
Research Project Assistant (RA)
Most Turkish universities run large-scale scientific projects and need research assistants to work on them.
Many international students earn a monthly income from these projects while continuing their studies. In many cases, these assignments are also part of an official PhD fellowship and provide a substantial salary.
Doctoral students working in an RA position usually:
- Writes projects and analyzes data
- Participates in laboratory studies
- Takes part in conference organizations
If you win this kind of position, you also have the chance to gain an academic environment.
Work Permissions and Part-Time Options
Turkey allows student visa holders to work part-time for limited hours.
It is easier to find work, especially on university campuses or in technology development zones. However, you must obtain the relevant permit before you start working.
These jobs are usually:
- Academic assistantship
- Librarian
- Part-time positions in software and R&D companies
So you don’t have to settle for just a PhD scholarship; you can easily increase your monthly income by taking advantage of these opportunities.
Take One Step Closer to PhD in Turkey!
I can say this very clearly: As a foreign student who wants to pursue a PhD in Turkey, you have many support options in front of you.
You can shape your educational life either with a state-funded PhD scholarship or by working on a research project.
In short, finding a PhD scholarship in Turkey in 2025 is easier than you think. As long as you do the right research and pay attention to the application deadlines.
Now is the time: Before the applications open, gather your necessary documents and get one step closer to your dreams.
Don’t forget, with the right PhD scholarship, your education life can be much more secure and comfortable.