If you are thinking of coming to Turkey on a student exchange program, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably: “How will I cover the costs?” Indeed, airfare, accommodation, food and transportation can quickly eat into your budget. Fortunately, Turkey offers a wide range of financial support. There are different opportunities ranging from European-based programs such as Erasmus+ to Mevlana. Considering the advantages and opportunities of undergraduate study in Turkey can also give you extra direction in your choice of exchange program.
Popular Student Exchange Programs in Turkey
Turkey has become a center of attraction for international students in recent years. One of the biggest reasons for this is the variety of student exchange programs and the financial support opportunities offered under these programs. One of the most well-known is of course Erasmus+. Most universities in Turkey are part of the Erasmus network and provide monthly financial support to students. Moreover, this support is not only for education, but also for expenses such as participation in cultural events.
The Mevlana Exchange Program is also an important system through which Turkey supports its own students and those from abroad. In the Mevlana program, financial support is usually focused on airfare and monthly living expenses. Another option is the Farabi Program, which is mostly for intra-Turkey exchanges, but some universities can still provide support as part of international cooperation. For more details and comparison you can check Exchange programs and Erasmus+ opportunities in Turkey.
Scholarship Opportunities and Application Processes
Scholarships are the most common financial support option for exchange students in Turkey. Erasmus+ scholarships are funded by the program itself and students are paid monthly. In some cases, however, universities themselves can offer additional financial support.
The application process is carried out through the international relations offices of universities. Criteria such as motivation letter, GPA and language proficiency are usually evaluated. Although scholarship amounts vary depending on the country and length of stay, the average financial support is between 400-8000 USD.
In addition, some private foundations and municipalities also provide financial support. For example, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality offers scholarships for foreign students from time to time.
Support for Housing, Transportation and Daily Expenses
The financial support offered by exchange programs does not only cover the cost of education. Many universities in Turkey also help students with basic needs such as accommodation, transportation and food. KYK dormitories are the most preferred form of accommodation in this sense. Since these dormitories are supported by the state, they offer an affordable living space for many students.
Some universities also offer students a free transportation card or discounted meals. This support is especially useful in big cities because transportation costs can be a serious burden.
Financial support can also be provided by some municipalities and non-governmental organizations. It is useful to follow these organizations that offer hot meals, stationery assistance or even psychological support to students. Although these may seem small, they provide a serious financial relief in total.
You can find more detailed information about accommodation opportunities in our article titled Housing Scholarships and Accommodation Support in Turkey. Guiding information about both state dormitories and private accommodation options awaits you.
For more detailed housing information, you can visit YÖK’s official website. There is information about KYK and private dormitories.
Financial Resources for International Students
Financial support for students coming to Turkey from abroad has expanded significantly in recent years. Now, not only Erasmus students from EU countries, but also students from Central Asia, Africa and Latin America can receive financial support from different sources. Turkey Scholarships are one of the most well-known options in this regard. This program, which operates on a full scholarship system, offers students not only tuition support, but also accommodation, health insurance and a monthly allowance.
Some universities have also established their own special scholarship funds. For example, foundation universities such as Sabancı and Koç University offer their own financial support programs for international students. These subsidies are usually given as a result of the academic evaluation made at the time of application.
In addition, institutions such as Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) also provide financial support to students from some developing countries. Details can be found on the Turkey Scholarships Official Website.
Tips and Experiences for Benefiting from Supports
All these financial support options sound great, but there is also the application part. If you don’t apply correctly and on time, all these opportunities can be just a “wish”. So let me give you a few tips, based on personal experience.
First advice: Be very careful with the dates. If you miss the application period for Erasmus, you may not get another chance that year. Likewise, Turkey Scholarships are only open once a year.
Second: Write a strong motivation letter. The funding agencies want to see why you are a good fit for the program. Don’t use ready-made templates; tell your own story.
Third: Collect your documents in full. Documents such as transcripts, letters of reference, photocopies of passports are usually required. Don’t think, “I’m already enrolled at the school, they’ll give it to me.” Even minor deficiencies in official processes can be grounds for disqualification.
And finally: Check out frequently asked questions and application guides on Road to Study. Such platforms can save you from big mistakes.
Conclusion: Now is the Time to Step Up
If you want to participate in student exchange programs in Turkey, all you need to do is a little research and prepare carefully for the applications. There are so many sources of financial support that it is not difficult to realize your dream of education if you get information from the right place at the right time.