If you, like thousands of young people who come to Turkey to study, have the chance to become a scholarship student, congratulations! This is both a great privilege and a serious responsibility.
The most well-known scholarship program is Turkey Scholarships. This program not only offers financial support, but also places you in a Turkish university and provides free Turkish language education for 1 year if needed. Health insurance and dormitory accommodation are also included.
In addition, organizations such as the Turkish Education Foundation (TEV) also provide scholarships to students in Turkey. However, these scholarships are mostly limited to financial support and require passing every year to continue.
But you have to remember this: This process works differently for each student. Some live away from their families for the first time, others have to learn a different language. In any case, the experience is rich but also intense.
Scholarship Cost: Academic and Disciplinary Responsibilities
Many students think “the hard part is over” when they receive a scholarship. However, the most critical stage of being a scholarship student is to ensure the continuity of the scholarship. Scholarship systems in Turkey offer not only financial support but also a disciplined academic journey. Therefore, every scholarship student should be aware of his/her responsibility.
1. Academic Success Requirements
Many scholarship systems, especially the Turkey Scholarships program, have a minimum academic achievement criterion. Generally, this limit is that the semester grade point average should not fall below 2.0 or 2.5. In other words, a scholarship student cannot be satisfied with just passing the class; he/she must also maintain a certain level of performance. In some programs, if you fall below this limit for two consecutive semesters, your scholarship may be completely cut off.
Some scholarship-awarding institutions also provide additional support for successful scholarship students: extra financial aid, opportunities to participate in exchange programs or internships. Therefore, academic achievement is critical not only to maintain the scholarship but also to open new doors.
2. Obligation to Attend
There is another invisible but very important condition: continuity. Every scholarship student has to actively continue their studies for at least 20 days in a month. This is usually checked through attendance charts and system entries. Students who fall below this limit due to health problems, family issues or temporary return to their home country will not receive a scholarship that month.
Therefore, attending classes is not only a necessity for gaining knowledge, but also for the sustainability of the scholarship. Many scholarship students realize this rule too late and face payment deductions in the first year.
3. Disciplinary Rules
Also as important as academic success is the disciplinary code of conduct within the university. Universities in Turkey place great importance on codes of conduct and violating them can have serious consequences for a scholarship student. Even receiving a warning can result in scholarship suspension.
For example, a friend of mine was first given a verbal warning because he was always late for his morning classes. Then, when he exceeded the attendance limit, his scholarship was frozen. He was able to correct the situation and reapply, but the process was very stressful. Disciplinary action can jeopardize not only the scholarship but even your student status.
4. Developing Responsibility Consciousness
Being a scholarship recipient requires not only the use of advantages, but also a high sense of responsibility. Every scholarship student should keep in mind that this process has meaning both for their personal development and for the country or institution they represent. Academic seriousness, ethical behavior and planned living habits will be your biggest helpers to complete this process successfully.
Scholarship Student Experience in Turkey
Every scholarship student in Turkey faces not only the lessons but also the culture. It takes time to learn Turkish, to get used to different foods, to communicate with the people. But once you get used to it, many things become easier.
In terms of accommodation, the number of scholarship students staying in state dormitories is quite high. These dormitories are free of charge and meet many needs, including food. They can also offer a more active social life than expected.
Student clubs, seminars and various cultural activities are quite common in dormitories in Turkey. If you want to get more information on this subject, you can take a look at our article titled “Social Facilities and Activities in Student Dormitories in Turkey“.
Where to Apply in Case of Violation of Rights?
Sometimes the system can get blocked. If you do not know your rights as a scholarship student, you may be victimized. The first step is to contact the international office of the university. For students studying under Turkey Scholarships, YTB support units offer direct assistance.
If there is a more serious violation of your rights, as a scholarship student you can contact the Immigration Authority. In most cities, specialized counseling centers for international students and non-governmental organizations also offer legal assistance.
Every scholarship student should know this: Remaining silent creates a loss of rights. There is a system in Turkey where students are protected within the legal framework, as long as you use the right channels.
Scholarship is a Privilege, but also a Responsibility
Becoming a scholarship student in Turkey is not just about receiving financial support; it is also about undergoing a cultural, academic and personal transformation. Knowing your responsibilities and defending your rights in this process is the key to future success.
If you are planning to become a scholarship student, we, as the Road to Study team, are ready to support you during and after the application process. Send us your questions now, let’s take the right step together!