Turkey has become a top destination for international students, offering fully funded scholarship programs that often do not require IELTS (with alternatives like English Medium of Instruction certificates or Turkish language preparation provided). The flagship Türkiye Bursları and several university‑level Scholarships allow students to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PHD degrees with extensive financial support.
🎓 Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: Turkey
- Academic Year: 2026–2027
- Available For: International students from all countries
- Study Levels:
- Bachelor’s
- Master’s
- PHD / Doctoral
- IELTS Requirement: Not mandatory for most Scholarships — alternatives like English MOI, Duolingo, TOEFL, or university language tests are accepted, and many Turkish‑taught programs provide free language courses.
🎯 Top Fully Funded Scholarships (Without IELTS)
1. Türkiye Bursları Scholarship (Turkish Government)
One of the most prestigious and fully funded opportunities for international students worldwide.
🔗 Official Apply Link: https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/
Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Coverage Includes:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Free accommodation
- Health insurance
- Round‑trip airfare
- One‑year Turkish language course (if needed)
2. Kadir Has University Scholarships
International scholarships with no IELTS requirement for many programs.
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.khas.edu.tr/
Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
Highlights: Merit‑based awards with tuition coverage and possible stipends.
3. Koç University Scholarships
Competitive fully funded opportunities for international students.
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.ku.edu.tr/
Level: Master’s & PhD
Highlights: Full or substantial tuition waivers; English proficiency accepted via alternatives or university tests.
4. Bilkent University International Scholarships
Scholarships for high‑achieving international applicants across levels.
🔗 Apply Here: https://w3.bilkent.edu.tr/
Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Tuition fee waivers and monthly allowances for selected students.
5. Sabancı University Scholarships
Wide range of awards with flexible language requirements.
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.sabanciuniv.edu/
Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Benefits: Full or partial funding based on merit.
6. Istanbul Aydın University Scholarships
Scholarships with varied coverage and no mandatory IELTS for many programs.
🔗 Apply Here: https://www.aydin.edu.tr/
Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Notes: Academic merit and alternative English proofs considered.
💰 Financial Coverage (Typical Fully Funded Benefits)
While coverage varies by program, most fully funded Turkish scholarships include:
- 🎓 Full tuition fee coverage
- 💸 Monthly stipend for living expenses
- 🏠 Accommodation or dormitory support
- ✈️ Round‑trip airfare
- 🩺 Comprehensive health insurance
- 📚 Turkish language course (for Türkiye Bursları winners)
📜 Eligibility Criteria
Academic Requirements
- Strong academic performance (usually above average); specific GPA cut‑offs vary by scholarship.
Nationality
- Open to international students worldwide; Turkish citizens are excluded from most government scholarships.
Language Requirements
IELTS is not mandatory if you provide:
- A Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate (English taught)
- Alternative tests (Duolingo, TOEFL, PTE)
- Or enroll in provided language preparatory courses (e.g., Turkish language) for specific scholarships like Türkiye Bursları.
Age Limits (for Türkiye Bursları)
- Undergraduate: Under ~21 years
- Master’s: Under ~30 years
- PhD: Under ~35 years
(Exact cut‑offs vary each cycle.)
📄 Required Documents for International Applicants
Prepare the following for scholarship applications:
- ✔ Passport copy
- ✔ Academic transcripts & certificates
- ✔ Statement of Purpose (Motivation Letter)
- ✔ Letters of Recommendation
- ✔ CV / Resume
- ✔ English proficiency proof (MOI, Duolingo, TOEFL, or university test results)
- ✔ Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
📝 Application Process (Step‑by‑Step)
- Research Scholarships & Check Deadlines — Visit official portals.
- Prepare All Documents — SOP, transcripts, recommendations, language proof.
- Create an Account — Sign up on the official scholarship page (e.g., Türkiye Bursları portal).
- Fill Online Application — Provide personal, academic, and program details.
- Upload Documents & Submit — Ensure completeness.
- Follow Up / Interviews — Some programs may have additional assessments.
- Receive Offer & Accept — Confirm placement and begin visa steps.
✈️ Turkey Student Visa Process (Study Permit Steps)
Once you receive an acceptance and scholarship award:
1. Obtain Acceptance Letter
From your Turkish university or the scholarship body.
2. Prepare Visa Documents
- Passport
- Acceptance & scholarship award letters
- Proof of finances (if needed)
- Health insurance
- Passport photos
3. Apply for a Student Visa
Apply at the Turkish Embassy/Consulate in your country with required forms.
4. Attend Interview / Provide Biometrics
Some embassies may request an interview.
5. Visa Issuance
Upon approval, your student visa will be stamped.
6. Arrive in Turkey & Register
Complete residence permit registration after arrival.
🌍 Why Choose Turkey for Studies?
- 🎓 Quality Education — Recognized universities with diverse programs.
- 🌏 Affordable Living Costs — Lower than many Western nations.
- 🧠 Cultural Diversity — A bridge between Europe and Asia.
- 💼 Career & Research Opportunities — Expanding economy and global networks.
- 📘 Language Support — Free Turkish language training in major scholarships.
❓ FAQs
Is IELTS required for Turkey scholarships?
❌ No — most major scholarships like Türkiye Bursları do not require IELTS. Alternatives such as MOI or other English tests are accepted.
Can I apply for any degree level?
✔ Yes — Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs are available in fully funded schemes.
Who can apply?
🌍 Students from any country (except Turkish nationals) can apply.
Do scholarships cover living expenses?
✔ Yes — monthly stipends and accommodation are typical benefits.
What is the application deadline?
📅 For Türkiye Bursları 2026–2027, the window is typically January to February 20, 2026.
🔗 Official Apply Links
- Türkiye Bursları Scholarship: https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/
- Kadir Has University: https://www.khas.edu.tr/
- Koç University: https://www.ku.edu.tr/
- Bilkent University: https://w3.bilkent.edu.tr/
- Sabancı University: https://www.sabanciuniv.edu/
- Istanbul Aydın University: https://www.aydin.edu.tr/
