For foreign students seeking a scholarship in Turkey, the interview process can be daunting at first. But the good news is that if you know what to expect, you can prepare with much more strength and confidence.
First Impression Matters: How the Interview Process Works
Interviews are usually conducted online, but some organizations prefer face-to-face interviews. The interview usually lasts between 15-30 minutes. There is usually a jury of two or three people and they want to get to know you and understand why you want a scholarship in Turkey.
In general, the following steps are followed:
- A brief review of your identity and application information.
- Questions about your academic background.
- Personal preferences such as “Why Turkey?” and “Why this university?” are discussed.
- Finally, your financial needs and long-term goals are discussed.
General Interview Questions and Answers for Scholarship in Turkey
Here are the most common questions and suggested answer structures:
| Question | What to Tell? |
|---|---|
| “Can you introduce yourself?” | Your educational background + your interests + your short-term goals |
| “Why do you want a scholarship in Turkey?” | Turkey’s academic quality + need for financial support |
| “How much can your family support you?” | Give clear numbers, be honest but don’t dramatize |
| “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” | Share a logical and coherent goal for your field |
| “What would you like to do outside of university?” | Show your social side and capacity for cultural adaptation |
The purpose of these questions is not only to get to know you; the institutions that provide scholarships in Turkey want their students to be successful in the long run.
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The Most Effective Answer to the Question “Why Do You Want a Scholarship?”
This question is the key to almost every interview. When responding, you should tell a personal story and be clear about what this scholarship means to you.
Why it is important to be clear about your personal goals
An effective answer might be:
“I want to continue my engineering education in Turkey because there are strong academic programs in this field. However, my family’s financial situation will not be able to support my education for a long time. Receiving a scholarship in Turkey will make a great contribution to both my education and achieving my goals.”
Such a statement balances both the sense of need and the contribution of the scholarship.
Common Mistakes in Scholarship Applications in Turkey
- Overemotionalism – Tell your life story but don’t dramatize it.
- Speaking unprepared – You should have practiced answers, not memorized ones.
- Not knowing Turkey – If you want a scholarship, know why you chose the country.
- Misleading information – Exaggerating or concealing income puts you at risk.
For detailed step-by-step information, be sure to check out Scholarship Interviews in Turkey 2025: Preparation Guide.
What to Ask in TEV Scholarship Interviews?
TEV (Turkish Education Foundation) is one of the most established scholarship organizations in Turkey. TEV, which provides scholarships to many foreign students every year, especially looks for discipline, vision and perseverance in its interviews.
TEV Application Criteria and Sample Interview Experience
According to one student, during his TEV interview he was asked, “If you had the chance to change the world, what would you change?” The aim is to understand how the student is not only academically but also intellectually.
Some of the things expected of students applying for TEV scholarships:
- Have a high grade point average (usually 3.00 and above)
- Speak English at a good level
- Your desire to contribute to society
If you are a scholarship seeker in Turkey, TEV evaluates you based on your personal attitude as much as your grades.
What to Expect from TEV for Scholarships in Turkey?
TEV wants students to be active in the education process and to see the scholarship as a responsibility, not just an economic support. For this reason, the following types of questions are often asked in interviews:
- “Do you see yourself as a leader?”
- “Which other cities in Turkey have you lived in and what did you observe?”
- “Which scholarships did you apply for other than TEV’s scholarship?”
It is important to answer such questions honestly, confidently but without exaggeration.
Financial and Academic Preparation for a Scholarship in Turkey
In almost all scholarship interviews, two main topics are discussed: financial qualification and academic achievement. As a student seeking a scholarship in Turkey, you should be ready in both of these areas.
How Should You Describe Your Income?
In the interview, you may be asked questions such as “How much do your family support you?” or “How do you plan to pay for your education?”. It is very important to provide clear, realistic and documentable information.
Documents, Transcripts and English Speaking Ability
Many scholarship providers may require a transcript, a copy of your passport, and proof of language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL). International students in particular may be expected to speak English during the interview.
To prepare well:
- Translate your transcript into English.
- Study basic English questions for the interview.
Scholarship in Turkey is Waiting for You
Winning a scholarship in Turkey is not just a matter of paperwork, it is a matter of character. Your determination, preparation and dream are the most powerful parts of this journey.
At this moment, ask yourself: “How would this scholarship change my life?”
If your answer is sincere and you believe in it, don’t hesitate to apply.