Turkey is a very generous country for both local and international students in research. There are many different scholarships and project support available, especially for master’s and PhD level studies. When I first arrived, I didn’t know there were so many options, I was a bit overwhelmed during the application process, so in this article I will try to guide you from start to finish.
Research Scholarships in Turkey: Who Can Apply?
Research grants in Turkey are generally aimed at students who meet a certain level of academic achievement. Many doors are also open for international students. In particular, the following groups can easily apply for scholarships:
- Enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program in Turkey
- Guest students participating in research exchange programs
- Independent researchers without support from their home country
The main criteria considered during applications include academic grade point average (GPA), originality of the research topic and detailed project plan.
| Application Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Academic Achievement | GPA above 3.00/4.GPA above 00 |
| Language Proficiency | Certificate of proficiency in English or Turkish |
| Project Plan | Contain clear objectives and methodology |
These conditions may vary slightly in each institution, but this is the general framework.
For more details, you can browse the relevant programs on the Road to Study website.
Supports Provided by TUBITAKand Other Institutions
Turkey’s top research institution is TUBITAK (Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey). TUBITAK provides both individual scholarships and major project support.
Other than these:
- Special scholarships provided by the Council of Higher Education
- Universities’ own research funds (especially common in large foundation universities)
- Joint projects with industrial organizations
- Research grants from the European Union (such as Horizon Europe)
also available.
Some Programs Provided by TUBITAK:
- 2216 – Fellowship Program for Foreign Researchers
- 2210 – Graduate Scholarship Program
- 2232 – International Leading Researchers Program
It is very important to check the details of the grants and the current application deadlines on the TUBITAK official website, because sometimes the deadline can be over in a few weeks.
Application Process: Steps to Consider
Every step is crucial when applying for a scholarship in Turkey. Even a small mistake can delay the process. I have prepared a step-by-step list to make your job easier:
- Determine Your Research Topic: Choosing a specific and innovative topic is critical.
- Find an Advisor: Contact an academic advisor in Turkey in the field you want to study.
- Prepare Application Documents:
- Apply Online: Upload your documents to the organization’s system.
- Prepare for Interviews: Some programs may also require an interview.
Document gathering takes the most time in this process. Especially details such as sworn translations should not be left to the last minute. While I was preparing my documents, I translated a few of them incorrectly, I realized at the last moment and corrected them; I recommend you to be careful too.
For more tips and tricks on how to apply, check out Road to Study’s scholarship guide.
Developing a Project in Turkey: Tips for International Students
When developing a project in Turkey, it is a great advantage to consider not only the academic world, but also the business world and industry. The most important thing I learned while writing a project was to focus on practice rather than theory.
Here are a few tips for developing projects in Turkey:
- Choose a real issue: Issues that address the local dynamics and needs of Turkey increase the chances of finding support.
- Keep in constant contact with your advisor: The experience of your academic advisor can take your project to a much more professional level.
- Research funding sources well: In addition to TUBITAK, institutions such as KOSGEB also provide project-based support (Information about KOSGEB supports).
Projects in areas such as technology, energy, agriculture and health are very popular in Turkey at the moment. If you go into one of these fields, you have a much better chance of both acceptance and additional funding.
Opportunities and Challenges You May Encounter in Turkey While Doing Research
Doing research in Turkey sounds exciting at first (and it is), but obviously you have to be prepared for some challenges. When I first arrived, I realized that the laboratory infrastructure differs in some universities, so it is important to research beforehand.
Opportunities:
- International collaborations and Erasmus+ research exchange programs
- A dynamic and young academic environment
- Developing R&D centers and technoparks
Challenges:
- Limited laboratory facilities in some universities
- Slow progress of bureaucratic procedures at times
- Tongue barrier (especially in technical documents)
These may seem daunting, but with the right preparation and patience, they can all be overcome. And a little advice: Every city in Turkey has a different culture. In big cities like Istanbul, academic opportunities are vast, while in smaller cities life is quieter and easier to focus.
Suggestions for a Successful Scholarship Application
Finally, we come to the most important part: What do you have to do to get the scholarship?
- Develop an original project idea: Instead of stereotypes, present an innovative perspective.
- Prepare complete documents: Missing documents may result in automatic rejection of the application.
- Pay attention to timing: Scholarship applications in Turkey are usually open at certain times of the year. Start preparing at least 3 months in advance to avoid missing the application period.
- Personalize your motivational letter: Instead of standard sentences, answer the questions “why this project, why Turkey?” in a sincere way.
- Aim for small grants first: Winning small grants before applying for big scholarships can be a serious boost to your CV.
Start Your Research Dream in Turkey Now!
The opportunities for research and project development in Turkey are much wider than you think. All you have to do is take the right steps and don’t give up. If you still have questions or are wondering which scholarship program is right for you, you can contact Road to Study now.
Now is the time to take action for your dreams!