Turkey has become a leading destination for international students, offering a blend of world-class academic standards and rich cultural heritage. For the 2026/2027 academic year, the Turkish government and several top-tier private universities have announced competitive, fully funded scholarship packages.
1. Türkiye Bursları (Government Scholarship)
This is the most comprehensive scholarship program in Turkey, managed by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB). It is unique because it handles both university placement and financial funding in a single application.
| Benefit | Coverage Details |
| University Placement | Direct placement into your chosen program and university. |
| Tuition Fees | 100% full tuition waiver. |
| Monthly Stipend | UG: 3,500 TL |
| Accommodation | Free stay in state-run student dormitories. |
| Language Support | Mandatory 1-year Turkish Language Course (fully funded). |
| Travel & Health | One-time round-trip flight ticket and full health insurance. |
Key Deadlines & Eligibility (2026 Cycle):
- Application Period: 10 January – 20 February 2026.
- Undergraduate: Under 21 years old; minimum 70% GPA.
- Graduate (Master’s/PhD): Under 30/35 years old; minimum 75% GPA.
- Medical Sciences: Minimum 90% academic score required.
2. Koç University Graduate Scholarships
Ranked #1 in Turkey, Koç University offers some of the most lucrative research-based scholarships for Master’s (with thesis) and PhD students. No separate scholarship application is required; all admitted students are automatically considered based on merit.
- Financials (2026 Rate): Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend (~1,500 TL to 3,500 TL), and housing aid or free graduate housing.
- Requirements: A valid GRE or GMAT score and a TOEFL iBT (80+). Note: IELTS is no longer accepted for admissions in Turkey.
3. Sabanci University Scholarships
Sabanci University is known for its high-impact research. They offer diverse scholarship types ranging from full tuition waivers to monthly stipends and laptop grants.
- Ph.D. Support: Includes 100% tuition exemption, a stipend of up to 80,000 – 95,000 TL per year, on-campus single-room housing, and a research fund.
- Deadline: Graduate applications generally follow two cycles (Fall and Spring), with the main Fall 2026 cycle closing around May/June 2026.
4. Bilkent University Scholarships
As one of Turkey’s top private institutions, Bilkent provides “Comprehensive Scholarships” that are highly stable—they are not terminated due to GPA fluctuations once awarded.
- Stipend: For the 2025-2026 academic year, the stipend was 12,000 TL per month for 8 months.
- Fall 2026 Intake: Undergraduate applications open from 2 February – 12 July 2026.
- Academic Standards: Applicants are evaluated based on SAT (minimum 1000/1600), IB (minimum 28/45), or GCE A-Level scores.
Comparison of Requirements (At a Glance)
| Criteria | Türkiye Bursları | Private Universities (Koc/Sabanci) |
| IELTS/TOEFL | Not mandatory (Turkish Year) | TOEFL Mandatory (No IELTS) |
| University Admission | Automatic through portal | Apply to University first |
| Entrance Exams | Not required for most | GRE/GMAT Required (Graduate) |
| Placement | Handled by YTB | Self-selection |
Summary of Important 2026 Deadlines
- 20 February 2026: Final deadline for the Government “Türkiye Bursları” Scholarship.
- May – June 2026: Deadlines for most University-specific Graduate scholarships.
- 12 July 2026: Closing of Bilkent University’s undergraduate international admissions.