International students in Turkey have two main ways to get a scholarship. The first is Türkiye Bursları, the government scholarship that covers tuition, housing, health insurance and a monthly stipend, and is very competitive. The second is a tuition discount from a private university, given for things like good grades, SAT scores, early payment or having a sibling at the same school. This guide explains both, compares them, and shows you how to apply step by step.
Scholarship options in Turkey at a glance
The main options are:
- Türkiye Bursları (Türkiye Scholarships) – a fully funded government programme for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD and research study.
- Private university scholarships and discounts – partial tuition reductions offered by foundation (private) universities to international students.
- Merit scholarships for current students – discounts for top students, usually given for the following year.
- Exam-based scholarships – discounts linked to SAT or other exam scores at some universities.
Türkiye Bursları: the government scholarship
Türkiye Bursları is run by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB). It is open to citizens of all countries. The official website, turkiyeburslari.gov.tr, describes it as a competitive, merit-based programme, and applying is free of charge.
What Türkiye Bursları covers
According to the official full-time programmes page, the scholarship includes:
- Placement at a university and department
- Full tuition fee
- A one-year Turkish language course
- Accommodation
- Health insurance
- A one-off flight ticket at the start of study and at graduation
- A monthly stipend
At the time of writing, the official site lists these monthly stipends:
| Level | Regular stipend (per month) | Merit stipend (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 6,500 TL | 13,000 TL |
| Master’s | 9,500 TL | 19,000 TL |
| PhD | 13,000 TL | 26,000 TL |
Amounts can change, so always check the latest figures on the official website before you plan your budget.
Eligibility and age limits
The official application criteria are:
- Who can apply: citizens of all countries who have graduated, or who will graduate by the end of the current academic year (before August).
- Who cannot apply: Turkish citizens, people who have lost Turkish citizenship, and students already enrolled at a Turkish university at the same level they are applying for.
- Age limits: under 21 for associate and bachelor’s programmes, under 30 for master’s, under 35 for PhD, and under 50 for the research scholarship.
- Minimum grades: 70% for associate and bachelor’s applicants, 75% for graduate applicants, and 90% for Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy.
Also note: Türkiye Bursları does not award master’s or PhD scholarships in health sciences. Health fields are available at undergraduate level only. You can only choose from the universities and departments the system offers you, based on your educational background.
The Merit Scholarship programme
Very strong candidates can be considered for the Merit Scholarship, which pays twice the regular stipend. The official requirements include a general average of 90%, plus test scores. For undergraduate study, this means an SAT score of 1400 (with Math 680/800) for engineering or 1350 for other departments, or an IB score of at least 33, and TOEFL iBT 80 or IELTS 6.5. A top-10 ranking in a national exam or a medal from a recognised international science olympiad can also qualify. Master’s and PhD applicants need ALES or GRE scores and TOEFL iBT 90 or IELTS 7.0.
Application dates
The official application calendar shows this general cycle:
- Applications: 10 January – 20 February
- Evaluation: March to April
- Interviews: April to June
- Results: early August
- First procedures: August
- Arrival in Turkey: September
For the 2026 intake, YTB announced that applications were open from 10 January to 20 February 2026. That window is now closed. If you want to start in autumn 2027, watch the official website for the next call, because dates can change from year to year.
The calendar also lists other programmes. The Success Scholarship, which is for international students who are already studying in Turkey, has applications in October–November. The research scholarship has four application periods each year.
How students are selected
The official evaluation process has five stages:
- Preliminary assessment – checks minimum grades, age limits and required documents.
- Expert evaluation – a committee reviews academic records, previous qualifications, career goals and the letter of intent, then makes the interview list.
- Test – undergraduate candidates take a 30-question test in mathematics, geometry and logic, in 60 minutes.
- Interview – a face-to-face interview with academics and experts, usually 15 to 30 minutes, on the same day as the test.
- Final assessment – a selection committee prepares the final list of scholarship holders.
Applications are judged on academic success, social activities and motivation for the chosen field.
Private university scholarships and discounts
Most international students in Turkey study at private (foundation) universities. These universities do not usually offer fully funded scholarships like Türkiye Bursları. Instead, they offer partial tuition discounts. The discount is taken off the tuition fee, and you still pay for housing and living costs yourself. To plan your full budget, read our guide to the cost of studying in Turkey.
Common types of private university discounts
Every university sets its own rules, and they change each academic year. The most common types are:
- Entry merit scholarships – based on your high school grades or exam results when you apply.
- Exam-based discounts – linked to scores such as the SAT or a university’s own entrance exam.
- Early registration or advance payment discounts – for students who confirm their place or pay the full year early.
- Sibling or family discounts – when more than one family member studies at the same university.
- Country-based discounts – for students of certain nationalities.
- Merit scholarships for current students – for students who earn top grades during their studies.
- Athlete scholarships – for students with official athlete status.
Discounts usually cannot all be combined. Many universities apply only the most favourable one, and most have conditions you must keep, such as a minimum GPA.
An example: Istanbul Medipol University
Here is what Istanbul Medipol University lists on its official international student page for the 2026/2027 academic year:
- A 15% special country scholarship for students of listed nationalities
- A 10% family members discount for each student when more than one family member is enrolled
- A 10% discount for paying the full annual tuition at once or before the deadline in the offer letter
- SAT-based discounts: 5% for 1100–1240, 10% for 1250–1400 and 15% for 1410–1600 in most programmes, and 10% for 1400+ in medicine, dentistry and pharmacy programmes
- A merit scholarship for the top three students in each class (full tuition waiver, 50% or 25% for the next year), with a minimum annual GPA of 2.91 out of 4.00 and other conditions
This is only one example. Other universities use different percentages and conditions, so always check the university’s own page for the year you plan to start. You can compare universities on our universities page or read about private universities in Istanbul for international students.
Other scholarship options
Exam-based scholarships (SAT and YÖS)
Some private universities accept international exams such as the SAT, and some also accept YÖS-type entrance exams, including TR-YÖS, which is run by ÖSYM, Turkey’s national testing centre. At some universities, a higher score can bring a tuition discount, as in the Medipol example above. Check first which exams your target university accepts and how they affect the discount.
The Success Scholarship for students already in Turkey
Türkiye Bursları also runs a Success Scholarship for international students who are already studying in Turkey. It is a monthly payment for a limited number of high-achieving students. Applications are made through the Türkiye Bursları system, usually in October–November. Check the latest call for the exact conditions.
Government vs private university scholarship: comparison
| Feature | Türkiye Bursları (government) | Private university scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Type of support | Fully funded: tuition, housing, insurance, stipend, flight | Partial tuition discount |
| Monthly stipend | Yes | Usually no |
| Competition | Very high | Lower; often linked to clear rules |
| Age limits | Under 21 (bachelor’s), under 30 (master’s), under 35 (PhD) | No government age limits; rules are set by each university |
| Choice of university | Placed in one of your preferences by the programme | You choose and apply to the university directly |
| Application period | Once a year, 10 January – 20 February (general calendar) | Often over many months; early payment discounts may have deadlines |
| Result timing | Early August | Often with the offer letter |
| Language course | One-year Turkish course included | Depends on the programme; English preparation may be paid |
| Medicine | Bachelor’s level only, with a 90% minimum grade | Some universities offer discounts on medicine programmes |
How to apply step by step
For Türkiye Bursları
- Check eligibility. Confirm your age, your grades and your study level against the official criteria.
- Prepare documents early. The official guidance asks for a valid national ID or passport, a recent photo, a diploma or temporary graduation certificate, and transcripts. Depending on your programme, you may also need exam scores and language test results. PhD applicants also need a research proposal and a sample of written work.
- Write a strong letter of intent. Explain your goals clearly, why you chose your field and how you will use your degree.
- Apply online yourself. Create an account on the official system and complete the application individually. Paper or hand-delivered applications are not accepted.
- Choose your preferences. Select your university and programme preferences carefully from the options the system shows you.
- Prepare for the test and interview. If you are shortlisted, review mathematics and logic (for undergraduate candidates) and practise talking about your goals.
For a private university scholarship
- Shortlist universities and programmes. Use our programme search to compare options and fees.
- Read each university’s scholarship rules for your academic year, including deadlines and GPA conditions.
- Take any useful exams, such as the SAT or an English test, if they can improve your discount or admission.
- Apply with complete documents so your offer letter arrives quickly. Our guide on how to apply to Turkish universities explains the process.
- Check your offer letter for the discount, the final fee and any payment deadline.
- Pay and confirm on time if you want an early payment discount.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing the Türkiye Bursları window. The general application period is short. Prepare documents in November and December.
- Ignoring the age limit. If you are over the limit for your level, your application will not pass the preliminary check.
- Uploading weak documents. The official guidance warns that online screenshots and uncertified transcripts can weaken an application.
- Paying someone to submit your Türkiye Bursları application. Applying is free, and you must apply individually through the official system.
- Thinking a discount means free study. A 10% or 15% discount still leaves most of the tuition, plus housing and living costs.
- Not checking the conditions to keep a scholarship. Low grades or failed courses can mean losing it.
- Having no backup plan. Because Türkiye Bursları is so competitive, it is wise to prepare a private university option too.
How Lord Agency can help
Lord Agency has guided international students since 2017 and works with more than 70 private universities in Turkey and North Cyprus. We can help you compare universities and their current scholarship and discount options, prepare your documents, and plan a backup if you are also applying for Türkiye Bursları. If you need Turkish for your programme, see our guide to the Ankara University TÖMER exam in Istanbul. Students interested in health fields can also read about studying medicine in Turkey in English, and you can learn more about why students choose Turkey.
Our consultation is free. You can request a free consultation or message us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Is Türkiye Bursları fully funded?
Yes. According to the official website, it covers tuition, accommodation, health insurance, a one-year Turkish language course, a one-off flight ticket and a monthly stipend. It also places you at a university and department.
What is the age limit for Türkiye Bursları?
Applicants must be under 21 for associate and bachelor’s programmes, under 30 for master’s, under 35 for PhD and under 50 for the research scholarship.
When can I apply for Türkiye Bursları 2027?
The official calendar lists the general application period as 10 January – 20 February, and the 2026 cycle used these dates. Dates can change each year, so check turkiyeburslari.gov.tr for the official 2027 announcement.
Can I get a scholarship at a private university in Turkey?
Yes, but it is usually a partial tuition discount, not full funding. Common types are merit, SAT or exam-based, early payment, sibling and country-based discounts. Rules differ by university and by year.
Can I study medicine with Türkiye Bursları?
Health sciences such as Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy are available at undergraduate level, with a minimum grade of 90%. Türkiye Bursları does not award master’s or PhD scholarships in health sciences.
Do I need an agent to apply for Türkiye Bursları?
No. The application is free and must be completed individually on the official website. A consultancy can help you plan and prepare, but you submit the application yourself.
