As an international student coming to Turkey to study, one of the first questions on your mind is probably “Will I be able to afford it?”. This is where the scholarship and loan systems in Turkey come into play. With state-funded KYK (Credit and Dormitories Institution) and private scholarships, your education life can become much easier financially. But not every support is the same, there are loans with repayment, scholarship deductions based on GPA and conversion situations. In this article, we explain both state and private supports step by step.
The Main Differences Between KYK Scholarship and Tuition Loan
Back Payment: The Most Basic Point of Distinction
The KYK scholarship is a non-refundable educational support for students. This means that the money you receive will not be asked for after university. However, the KYK student loan is different. You will be paid the same amount, but this support will be repaid after you finish your university studies.
You can see the differences more clearly with the table below:
| Criteria | KYK Scholarship (2025) | KYK Student Loan (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Amount (USD) | Bachelor: $52.6 Bachelor’s: $105.3 Doctorate: $157.9 |
Bachelor’s: $52.6 Bachelor’s: $105.3 Doctorate: $157.9 |
| Refunds | None | Available (after graduation) |
| Does it depend on GPA? | Yes | No |
| Who Can Receive | Selected based on academic merit | All applicants |
Every Scholarship Doesn’t Go On Forever
The KYK scholarship is subject to certain conditions. If your GPA falls below a certain level or you do not pass the preparatory class, your scholarship automatically turns into a loan. So it becomes repayable.
For more information, you can also read our article Turkey Scholarship Renewal Conditions and Things to Consider.
KYK Scholarship and Loan Opportunities for International Students
There is a wide range of scholarship opportunities for foreign students who want to study in Turkey. However, some state subsidies are only available to citizens of the Republic of Turkey. The most important of these are KYK scholarships and student loans.
KYK (Credit and Dormitories Institution) provides both free scholarships and repayable student loans to Turkish citizens. However, international students cannot directly apply for either of these two options.
KYK Scholarships Only for Turkish Citizens
Although the Turkey Scholarships program is open to students from all over the world, KYK scholarships are available only to Turkish citizens. So if you are a foreign student, you are not eligible for a KYK scholarship.
Well, Can You Get a Student Loan?
The universities can be opened to foreign nationals with a long-term residence permit in Turkey. However, this is a very limited situation and depends on factors such as university enrollment status, citizenship information, type of residence permit, etc. In other words, if you have a long-term residence permit other than “student” or a blue card status, the system may be open to you.
Where to Apply?
In terms of scholarship opportunities, here are alternative sources you can consider:
- Turkey Scholarships (state-funded, special for international students)
- Universities’ own scholarship systems (such as merit, sports, arts scholarships)
- Foundation and association scholarships (TEV, Islamic Development Bank, Al-Falak, etc.)
- Cultural Attaché Offices and Embassy scholarships (some countries offer additional scholarships to their citizens studying in Turkey)
Among these, Turkey Scholarships is the platform with the widest range of scholarship opportunities. However, its application period is also limited; so you should follow the academic calendar well.
Are KYK Dormitories Open to International Students?
Yes, there is a beauty here. Although KYK scholarships and loans are closed to foreign students, Housing in KYK dormitories may also be available for international students. However, you may need to apply with your university registration and be on the reserve list.
What to Consider When Choosing Scholarships and Loans
Which one should you choose?
It all depends on your financial situation, your academic performance and your plans to stay in Turkey. For example, if you are academically confident and think you can keep your grades up, a scholarship might be the best option for you. But if you’re worried about grades, getting a loan may be a safer route.
Here’s a short list to help you decide:
- If you are looking for short-term support: Loan
- If you have a high GPA and want permanent support: Scholarship
- If repayment is a challenge: Definitely a scholarship
- If you plan to stay for a short time: Credit is less risky
Reach Your Dream Education with the Right Support!
Studying in Turkey is a great opportunity. But without financial support, these opportunities may not shine bright enough. <Making good use of your scholarship and loan options directly affects both your education and your future financial plans. Evaluate the above information according to your own situation and be sure to apply on time.
If you are struggling to prepare your CV for scholarship applications, be sure to read our guide on Preparing an Academic CV for Scholarship Applications in Turkey. Remember, choosing the right scholarship or loan is not only about the application, but also about the preparation phase.