How the Scholarship Refund System Works in Turkey
Many students receive scholarships while studying at university in Turkey, but the scholarship repayment process after graduation is not clear for everyone. In particular, some of the scholarships awarded by KYK and international partnerships carry a repayment requirement after graduation. So, while you think it is “free of charge”, you may actually be signing a long-term loan agreement. There are also non-refundable scholarships, but you need to read their conditions carefully.
The difference between government-sponsored and private scholarships
State-funded scholarships are usually divided into two types: non-refundable scholarships (like a full scholarship) and refundable scholarships (essentially loans). As in the case of the KYK scholarship, you are provided with support during your studies, but after graduation you have to repay this amount in installments. Private foundation scholarships are often non-refundable, but each foundation has its own policy here too.
Post-graduation process for refundable scholarships
Even if no one comes knocking on your door when you graduate, a payment plan may appear a few years later. Sometimes this process starts with an e-government notification, sometimes with an e-mail. The repayment schedule usually starts two years after graduation, but some programs consider the moment you get a job as the start. At this point, the details of the contract become critical.
YTB-IsDB Scholarship: Is Repayment Required Upon Graduation?
This program has a clearly stated obligation to repay the scholarship. Payment in small installments to the IsDB Education Trust comes into effect after the student graduates and starts work. Therefore, before applying, it is important to clarify whether the scholarship repayment conditions are suitable for you.
Who can apply for this scholarship?
This scholarship, jointly run by YTB (Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), is especially open to students from IsDB member countries. So if you are a student from outside Turkey planning to study here and you are successful, this program is for you. The scholarship covers almost all your needs such as monthly allowance, accommodation, airfare, health insurance, etc.
How to reimburse the IsDB education trust?
Here’s where it changes. Once you are employed after graduation, you have to pay back the total scholarship you received during your studies to the IET in small installments. Although this payment is planned to be non-coercive, it is a serious obligation that should not be ignored. It is a separate responsibility to follow this process, especially for returning students.
Which Non-Refundable Scholarship Programs Are There?
Not all scholarships are repayable, relax. In particular, programs funded by some international organizations do not require any payment from you after graduation. These scholarships emphasize both academic achievement and social contribution.
Supports like DAFI, SPARK and Baykar
DAFI Scholarship is provided by UNHCR and is specifically for Syrian refugees. This scholarship is non-refundable and is purely for support. Similarly, the SPARK Program offers scholarships to Syrian students under temporary protection at Turkish universities. Again, accommodation, health care and Turkish courses are all free of charge.
Baykar Technology Joint Scholarship Program is run under the umbrella of Turkey Scholarships and targets international students who want to study in technology fields. Everything from airfare to housing is covered, there are no refunds.
Is there an obligation after graduation?
No, there is often no repayment obligation in such programs. However, some scholarships may “recommend” that you return to your home country or work in a specific sector. While this is not a legal obligation, it is an ethical expectation that should be taken into account.
Special Scholarships and Conditions for International Students
There are many special scholarships available for international students studying in Turkey. However, some of these scholarships include a scholarship repayment requirement, while others may be completely free of charge. It is very important to understand this difference before applying.
Examples like Yemeni Pioneers and NAMA Foundation
The Yemeni Pioneers Scholarship Program is an example of a scholarship that does not require repayment from students. In other words, there is no obligation to repay the scholarship. But there is still the expectation that you will return to your country after graduation and contribute to its development.
Similarly, the Turkey Scholarships – NAMA Foundation scholarship does not require a payment plan after graduation. But a sense of long-term responsibility is expected of all students when applying. There are no refunds but there is a mission.
What to pay attention to in the contract when receiving a scholarship?
Is the scholarship program you are applying for repayable or not? This is the most critical detail. Especially some joint scholarship programs seem to be “non-refundable”, but the scholarship repayment requirement may come into effect after graduation and employment. So read the contract carefully. Statements such as “You are expected to return to your country at the end of the training” may imply ethical, if not legal, responsibility.
How Scholarships Affect Post-Graduation Careers
Getting a scholarship during university life is a great advantage. However, some students feel under pressure after graduation due to the obligation to repay their scholarships. This can also affect career choices.
The job search process with back-pay pressure
If the scholarship repayment process begins upon graduation, the pressure to find a job can be even greater. In this case, students may choose a job based on salary rather than passion. Especially in programs such as YTB-IsDB, repayment comes into play after you start working. This triggers the thought “I should get a job as soon as possible and pay off my debt.”
For a planned and conscious career management, you should take this payment process into account while you are receiving a scholarship.
Employment supports for scholarship graduates
Fortunately, some institutions in Turkey offer support to graduates with scholarships. For example, the Higher Education Support Program contributes not only to education but also to career transition. Through this program, you can receive both academic support and mentorship on transitioning to the business world. This way, the scholarship repayment process won’t overwhelm you; you can proceed in a more planned manner.
Conclusion: Plan, Don’t Be Surprised
Scholarships are a great opportunity for international students who want to study in Turkey. But like every opportunity, they also come with responsibilities. Before applying for scholarships that require repayment after graduation, examine the conditions in detail. If you prefer non-refundable scholarships, don’t forget to review your long-term plans.
Road to Study can guide you through the process of choosing and applying for the right scholarship. If you want to learn more about studying in Turkey, be sure to check out our home page or our scholarship guide!