What is scholarship renewal and in what situations is it needed?
When you win a scholarship, it seems like everything is over, right? The scholarship renewal is the process that determines whether the scholarship the student receives will continue for the next academic year. This process is especially critical for scholarships that are evaluated annually, such as KYK scholarships, Turkey Scholarships or foundation grants.
Although some scholarships (such as the KYK scholarship) are automatically evaluated by the system, they can be cut off based on factors such as academic performance, disciplinary status, and the continuation of student rights. Especially for foreign students studying in Turkey, the continuation of the scholarship is very important to cover their housing and living expenses.
Renewal Rules for KYK Scholarships
If you have received a KYK scholarship and are wondering “Will it continue next year?”, the key point is success status. KYK scholarship automatically turns into a loan if you fail at the end of the year. If your GPA falls below 2.00 (i.e. about 53 out of 100), unfortunately, your scholarship will be cut off and you will have to pay back the loan.
How to Renew Turkey Scholarships and Foundation Supports
Government-sponsored programs such as YTB’s Turkey Scholarships maintain the scholarship if the student demonstrates academic success. The general rule here is that the average must be at least 70/100 each year. Private foundation scholarships such as TEV and VGM have a similar situation. These institutions sometimes ask for a transcript or certificate of achievement at the end of the semester. It is very important to submit complete documents for scholarship renewal.
What are the Conditions for Scholarship Renewal in Turkey?
Now let’s get a bit more technical. Scholarship renewal in Turkey depends on some basic conditions. While these requirements vary depending on the type of scholarship, most of them follow a similar pattern.
Academic Success Criteria and Grade Point Average
KYK, YTB or TEV… No matter which institution you apply to, the most important criterion is your grade point average. For KYK, this average is usually 2.00/4.00, while scholarships for foreign students, such as Turkey Scholarships, usually require a lower limit of 70/100. So don’t forget to check your grades at the end of the semester.
If your average is below these limits, your scholarship renewal request will not be accepted. Some institutions, such as TEV, require students to pass departmental courses as well. In other words, not only the overall average, but also some specific courses can be decisive.
Discipline, Absenteeism and Other Violations
Even if academic achievement is sufficient, scholarship renewal can be at risk. If you have been absent, received a warning or disciplinary action, the institution that grants scholarships can see this through the system. In particular, government agencies such as KYK and YTB automatically receive student information from universities.
Scholarship renewal process, such records can have a serious impact. A friend of mine lost his scholarship just because of absenteeism, so it is not enough to rely only on grades.
Renewal Conditions by Scholarship Types
| Scholarship Type | GPA Requirement | Tolerance for Absence | Additional Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| KYK Scholarship | 2.00/4.00 | Low tolerance | Not required |
| Turkey Scholarships (YTB) | 70/100 | Moderately important | Transcript, document |
| TEV / VGM | 70/100 | Strict rules | Certificate of achievement |
For more information about scholarship renewal, be sure to check our article titled “Common Mistakes in Scholarship Applications in Turkey“.
How the Scholarship Renewal Process Works?
We know the theory, but what about the practice? In Turkey, the scholarship renewal process usually starts in the summer of each year and is carried out via e-Government, e-mail or the relevant foundation websites.
Documents, Dates and E-Government Transactions
If you are receiving a KYK scholarship, you are automatically evaluated after the end of the semester, but you should still be careful. After the grades are in the system, you may need to do some transactions such as commitment approval via e-Government. Institutions such as YTB may ask for documents such as transcripts. Documents must be uploaded within the deadline.
Remember: If there are missing documents or if you submit them late, your scholarship renewal may be canceled.
Commitment Letter and Online Approval Process
KYK’s most critical step is the “commitment letter approval” section on e-Government. If you do not approve this step, the system considers you as “withdrawn” even if you have won the scholarship. Similarly, for YTB scholarships, a “student status update” form is filled out online every year.
You can benefit from our guide “Points to Consider When Applying for a Scholarship in Turkey” for detailed document preparation process.
Frequent Mistakes and Reasons for Scholarship Cancellation
Gaining a scholarship is not easy, but losing it is really easier than you think. Unfortunately, many students lose their support because they do not pay due attention to the scholarship renewal process. Here are common mistakes that can lead to scholarship cancellation:
Lowering Grade Point Average
This is the most common problem. If you receive a KYK scholarship, the scholarship automatically turns into a loan when your GPA falls below 2.00/4.00 at the end of the semester. Taking out a loan, of course, allows you to continue your education, but you will have to pay the money back after graduation.
YTB scholarships also stop if your GPA falls below 70/100. Some foundations even refuse to accept your scholarship renewal application if you fail your “field courses.”
A friend of mine dropped a few courses because he went to Erasmus but did not inform the scholarship institution. At the end of the semester, his scholarship was terminated due to “missing classes”. Be sure to let the scholarship office know if your plans change.
False or Missing Document Delivery
The second most common mistake is incomplete or incorrect submission of documents. Especially for Turkey Scholarships or private foundation scholarships such as TEV, the required documents must be submitted in full at the end of each year. These include:
- Transcript
- Student certificate
- Scholarship renewal petition
- Proof of no disciplinary action
Missing one of these documents or submitting an incorrectly dated document may result in your scholarship being canceled. Some organizations even require the PDF file name to be in a specific format.
Absenteeism and Disciplinary Penalties
Even if your grades are good, if you repeatedly skip class or receive a warning, your scholarship is in jeopardy. Foundations and public scholarship programs take disciplinary actions into account. Data on absenteeism is often automatically transmitted from the university system to the granting institution.
In some universities, if you do not attend 30% of a certain course, you are considered “absent”. This will both lower your grade and reduce your chances of scholarship renewal.
If you have made one of these mistakes or feel that you are on the verge, be sure to check out our content “Motivation Letter Writing Guide to Win a Scholarship in Turkey“. Prevention is better than delay.
Step Now: Don’t Lose Your Scholarship, Build Your Future
If you are studying in Turkey with a scholarship, it is not just a financial support. It is a trust, an opportunity and, most importantly, an investment in your future. You can sustain this investment by paying due attention to the scholarship renewal process.
Every year when it comes time to renew your scholarship, instead of asking the question “Will my scholarship continue?”, you should be able to confidently say “I have met all the conditions”. Because it is not only a document delivery, it is also a discipline.
Whether it is KYK scholarship, Turkey Scholarships or foundation support… With success, stability and attention, you can sustain these supports for years. Remember, students who pay attention to the scholarship renewal process stand out not only in their education but also in their career goals.
Gather the right documents now, check your GPA regularly and take every step on time.
Don’t lose your scholarship, start building your future today.