What does it mean to be a refugee and asylum seeker in Turkey?
Being a refugee or asylum seeker in Turkey often means not only living in a new country, but also resetting the past and building the future from scratch. Thousands of young people who left their countries due to war, economic crisis or political reasons want to continue their education with the hope of building a new life in Turkey.
Basic Difficulties in Access to the Right to Education
Refugee and asylum-seeking students in Turkey often fall behind in accessing university education due to language barriers, lack of documentation and financial constraints. Some students cannot enroll because it takes too long for their high school diplomas to be recognized. Others have to support their families, which makes regular attendance impossible.
Psychological Reflections of Being a Student with Refugee Status
For many students who have been separated from their families, traumatized by war, or who have experienced serious difficulties during the migration process, studying in Turkey is also a psychological reconstruction process. Therefore, scholarship programs are not only financial support, but also a door of hope.
Turkey Scholarships: The Most Comprehensive Government Program
One of the most well-known support programs for refugee and asylum-seeking students in Turkey is undoubtedly Turkey Scholarships. This state-sponsored system opens the door to foreign students who want to study at both undergraduate and graduate level. Quotas are reserved especially for students with refugee status.
What are Turkey Scholarships and Who Can Apply?
Turkey Scholarships is a full scholarship education program awarded by the Republic of Turkey. It covers many needs such as accommodation, monthly scholarships, health insurance and language training. Students who are refugees and asylum seekers in Turkey can apply as long as they document that they are under temporary protection.
Application Process, Requirements and Dates
Applications are usually received in January-February each year. However, there may be additional application deadlines for some special programs (e.g. Syria Joint Scholarship Program). In 2021, applications were made between September 28 and October 15. For this reason, the official website must be followed.
How Refugee and Asylum Seeker Students in Turkey Can Get Involved in this Program
Students who log in to the application system can register by entering their ID numbers and temporary protection documents. Documents such as language certificate, diploma and motivation letter are required.
Turkey Scholarships Application Process Summary:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Application | Application via online system with documents |
| Evaluation | Academic success + social situation analysis |
| Interview | Selected Zoom or face-to-face interview |
| Placement | University and department assignment |
| Admission and Visa Process | Arrival and settlement in Turkey |
SPARK Scholarship Program: Syria Joint Program and FRIT Support
SPARK is a scholarship program that plays an important role especially for refugee students from Syria. It has been actively implemented since 2020 under the European Union’s Facility for Refugees in Turkey (FRIT). SPARK’s main objective is to facilitate access to university for young people under temporary protection.
What is SPARK and Who is it Suitable for?
SPARK is a scholarship model developed especially for Syrian refugees. The aim is both to help them integrate into permanent life in Turkey and to support them in their transition to higher education. Students participating in this program receive significant support for housing, transportation and educational expenses.
Special Application Channels for Syrian Refugees
SPARK’s website and offices in Turkey allow direct applications. They also cooperate with some foundation universities and local NGOs to provide guidance to students. Applications usually open in the fall.
Application Documents and Process Step by Step
Here are the basic documents required for the SPARK scholarship:
- Temporary protection identity document
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate
- Motivational letter
- Note transcript (if available)
- Language proficiency certificate (for some departments)
SPARK’s biggest advantage is that it supports students not only financially, but also in terms of social integration.
NGOs Providing Education in Turkey and International Supporters
As important as government programs for refugee and asylum-seeking students in Turkey is the support provided by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international institutions. These organizations make a significant contribution especially in the areas of pre-university preparation, psychosocial support and cultural integration.
Role of UNHCR, YTB, DAFI and Other Organizations
UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) supports the DAFI program in Turkey, which is implemented in different countries for refugee students to access university. The DAFI scholarship is a model that facilitates refugees’ access to university and can cover the full cost of education.
The Presidency for Turks Abroad and Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) can work in integration with Turkey Scholarships to prioritize refugee and asylum-seeking youth, especially under the “Students with Special Situations” quota.
For more information, visit UNHCR Turkey.
Joint Projects and Preparatory Programs with Universities
Many universities now collaborate with NGOs to create “Preparatory Campuses”. In these campuses, both Turkish education and cultural adaptation process are supported.
Social Supports for Refugee and Asylum Seeker Students in Turkey
Beyond scholarships, some local municipalities also offer transportation cards, stationery assistance or food support. In densely populated provinces such as Istanbul, Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa, these supports are carried out in a more organized manner.
Institutions Providing Scholarships for Refugee and Asylum Seeker Students in Turkey (Table)
The table below summarizes the main institutions actively providing scholarships for refugee and asylum-seeking students in Turkey. Each institution has a different scope and application method, so the details should be carefully examined.
| Institution / Program | Target Group | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey Scholarships | All foreign students | Full scholarship, dormitory, health |
| SPARK | Syrian refugees | Education, transportation, dormitory support |
| DAFI (UNHCR) | Refugee youth | University scholarship |
| YTB Special Quota | Refugee/asylum seeker Students | Integrated with Turkey Scholarships |
| Local NGOs | People under temporary protection | Education + social support |
You can use this table as a guide and get detailed information from the official website of each institution.
Look to the Future with Hope for Refugee and Asylum Seeker Students in Turkey!
If you are reading these lines right now, you may be about to take a big step in your own life. Thanks to scholarship programs for refugee and asylum-seeking students in Turkey, your university dream may be closer than ever.
The application process may seem complicated, but with the right guidance it can be much easier. We at Road to Study are here to offer you advice, guidance and motivation throughout this process.
Reaching the future you dream of is as close as an application. Now is the time to step up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What benefits do asylum seekers get in Turkey?
Asylum seekers in Turkey may access social assistance like food, cash, and education aid through Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundations and municipalities.
What is the scholarship allowance in Turkey?
Türkiye Scholarships provide a monthly stipend (e.g., 3,500 TL for undergraduates, 5,000 TL for master’s, 6,500 TL for PhD), plus tuition, housing, and insurance.
What is the Catalan scholarship for refugees?
No specific “Catalan scholarship” for refugees exists in available data; however, Spain offers general refugee aid, including education support via UNHCR programs.
What is the Syria scholarship Program in Turkey?
Türkiye Scholarships support Syrian refugees with tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and Turkish language courses for higher education.