Specific scholarship opportunities can be a real game changer for international students looking to study in Turkey. Whether you want to study engineering, medicine or fine arts, there are scholarships in Turkey that are aimed directly at you. In this article I will explain what kind of scholarships are offered for each department, the application process and how to maximize the benefits.
Scholarship Ecosystem for International Students in Turkey
Turkey promises not only an education but also an economic future for international students. State-funded scholarships, grant programs provided by private institutions and field-based support from universities are the building blocks of this ecosystem.
How the Turkish Scholarships System Works
Turkey Scholarships are one of the most popular programs for foreign students. The program provides scholarships to nearly 5,000 students each year and covers housing, health insurance, language courses and monthly living expenses.
Monthly scholarship amounts (in USD):
| Level of Education | Monthly Support (USD) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s (License) | 130 USD |
| Master’s | 170 USD |
| Doctorate | 215 USD |
Source: turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
Who can apply for these scholarships?
- Under-21 license candidates
- Master’s degree candidates under 30
- Candidates without any Turkish citizenship
- Students with an academic average of at least 70%
If you meet these requirements, I recommend you take a look at Turkey Scholarships, especially before moving on to field-based scholarships. You can also get support with the application process via Road to Study’s counseling page.
Special Scholarship Opportunities for Health and Medical Students
Medical education is both challenging and expensive. But if you want to study in Turkey, things are a little easier. There are state-funded and private scholarship options especially for medicine, dentistry and nursing.
Government Supported Programs for Medical Faculty Students
Many public universities allocate special quotas for medical students through Turkey Scholarships. These scholarships cover tuition fees and greatly alleviate monthly living expenses.
In some cities, local governments offer additional support to medical students, such as housing scholarships or book grants.
Health Scholarships of Private Hospitals and Foundations
Some private health institutions run their own scholarship programs. Large hospital chains such as Acıbadem Health Group provide scholarships to successful students. These scholarships are usually applied for with the following documents:
- Transcript
- Motivational letter
- A letter of reference in the health field
Principal Health Field Scholarship Awarding Institutions:
- Acıbadem Foundation
- Darüşşafaka Society
- Turkish Nurses Association
- Turkish Medical Students Association (TurkMSIC)
Scholarships Provided in the Field of Engineering and Technology
If you want to study engineering in Turkey, you are in luck. In particular, technical universities and research centers offer special scholarships to foreign engineering students.
Engineering Scholarships Offered by Higher Education Institutions
Universities such as METU, ITU and Yildiz Technical are opening quotas for foreign students, especially in the fields of computer, mechanical and electrical engineering. These scholarships are usually:
- 100% tuition fee waiver
- Monthly life support (130-170 USD)
- Housing facilities
Let’s look at the table:
| University | Field | Scholarship Type |
|---|---|---|
| METU | Computer Eng. | 100% Fee + 130 USD |
| ITU | Electrical-Electronics | 100% Fee + Dormitory |
| YTU | Mechanical Eng. | 100% Fee |
Private Sector Supported Technical Scholarships (ASELSAN, TUBITAK etc.)
Institutions such as TUBITAKand ASELSAN can provide scholarships to foreign students who will be involved in projects. In particular, students who will contribute to R&D projects can receive support up to 215 USD per month.
TÜBİTAK’s scholarship details can be found on the official page.
Surging Supports in Agriculture, Environmental Sciences and Veterinary Medicine
Turkey’s agricultural diversity and biological richness offer significant opportunities for students who want to study in these fields. Fields such as environmental sciences, veterinary medicine and agricultural engineering are regaining popularity thanks to both publicly funded and internationally collaborative specific scholarship programs.
Rural Development Oriented State Funds
Under projects supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, special scholarships are awarded to students who will contribute to rural development in Turkey. Especially students from the Faculty of Agriculture are supported with environmentally sensitive projects. Scholarship amounts range from 130-170 USD and some programs offer a job guarantee after graduation.
One of these supports, the “Digitalization in Agriculture Program”, is one of the examples of the specific scholarship for specific fields approach by combining both technical and practical training.
Sustainability and Climate Change Project Based Scholarships
Many international NGOs and universities have developed projects for environmental science students in Turkey. The scholarships provided under these projects usually continue for the duration of the project. Fellows are expected to produce environmentally sensitive projects and conduct field studies.
Such specific scholarship programs are often project-based, making the duration and scope of the scholarship flexible.
It is also important to live cost-effectively while receiving scholarships in these fields. Especially for basic needs such as furniture, you can benefit from our article Guide to Finding Second-Hand Furniture and Goods in Turkey.
Take the First Step for Your Dream Education
Let’s say you’ve found the right program and university for you. But what about the timing? Most private scholarships have specific application periods, and missing these dates can be a big loss of opportunity. I have prepared a small table below where you can see the most common application periods:
| Scholarship Program | Application Interval |
|---|---|
| Turkey Scholarships | January – February |
| In-college scholarships | June – September |
| Private institution scholarships | Different periods |
Why Now is the Right Time?
- Filling quotas as the academic year approaches
- For many scholarships, the first applicant gets priority
- Collecting application documents can take time
- Visa process can sometimes take longer than you think
- You can apply for additional support (dormitory, food, health) early
So, it makes much more sense to take action instead of waiting. There are dozens of specific scholarship programs waiting for you in Turkey. Whatever your field of study, it is now possible to access these opportunities. You can even get direct counseling through Road to Study to make the process easier and faster.