Many students need financial support to continue their education more comfortably. Numerous institutions and foundations offer scholarships to students. The state provides scholarships and repayable student loans for secondary education, high school, associate, undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students. Students also receive scholarships through foundations, and they often wonder about scholarship amounts and eligibility conditions.
Documents required for students to apply for scholarships are as follows:
- Identification card or a valid passport,
- Recent passport-sized photograph,
- Diploma and graduation certificate,
- If applicable, national exam result document,
- Academic transcript,
- Some foundations request foreign language exam results; if required, an international language exam certificate,
- For scholarships exclusively for doctoral students, a research topic, proposal or a sample text related to the study must be included in the application documents.
In addition to these documents, foundations and institutions may require certain conditions from applicants. Each institution has different criteria, so it is recommended to read the scholarship regulations carefully before applying.
If the candidate meets the necessary requirements, they become eligible for the scholarship. Many students also ask, within the scope of 2021, how much state scholarship support is and who qualifies for it.
In 2021, the scholarship and student loan amounts provided by KYK are as follows:
- Undergraduate students: 650 TL
- Master’s students: 1,300 TL
- Doctoral students: 1,950 TL (scholarship or student loan support)
Institutions That Provide Scholarships to University Students
For students admitted to university, both the state and various foundations offer scholarships. High-achieving students are typically eligible for these awards. Scholarships aim to prevent financial difficulties during university life and help students successfully complete their education.
Application deadlines for foundations that award scholarships to university students vary by institution, so applicants should check the specific dates for each foundation.
Applicants who meet the institutions’ eligibility criteria receive scholarships. Keep these criteria in mind when applying. In 2021, institutions that offered scholarships to university students included:
- TEMA Foundation
- KYK Scholarship
- Sinpaş Holding
- Borusan Kocabıyık Foundation
- Aktaş Holding Education Scholarship
- Selçuklu Holding
- Volunteer Movement Scholarship Fund
- Yaşar Education and Culture Foundation
- Sema Yazar Youth Foundation
- Mehmet Zorlu Foundation
- Belgian Religious Foundation
- Swiss Turkish Religious Foundation
- Sıtkı Kocaman Foundation
- Sütaş
- Vehbi Koç Foundation
- Bosphorus Managers Foundation
- Alarko Education and Culture Foundation
- Turkish Education Foundation (TEV)
- Foundation for Supporting Contemporary Life
- Community Volunteers Foundation
- Sabancı Foundation
- Mevera Education and Health Foundation
- 21st Century Education and Culture Foundation
- Nef Foundation
- Anadolu Foundation
- TÜBİTAK
- Selçuklu Holding
- ETİ
- Istanbul Chamber of Industry Foundation
- Turkish National Culture Foundation
- DASEV Darendeliler Culture, Health and Education Foundation
- Nural Foundation
- 1884 Foundation
- Istanbul Chamber of Commerce
- Ministry of National Education Scholarship
- Dr. Ali Mümtaz Gürsoy Endowment
- İzzet Baysal Foundation
- Rumeli Education Foundation
- Şahinler Foundation Scholarship
- Mustafa Hasanoğlu Foundation
- Turkey Diyanet Foundation
- Health Education Foundation
- Tekfen Foundation
- Turkish Petroleum Foundation
- Ali İsmail Korkmaz Foundation
- Yücel Culture Foundation Yarım Elma
- Bereket Foundation
- YEKÜV
- EGET Foundation
Institutions That Provide Scholarships to Medical Students
Many institutions and foundations offer scholarships tailored to students’ fields of study. These organizations help students transition into their professions by providing field-specific scholarships and sometimes internship opportunities. The following foundations and institutions offer scholarships for medical students:
- Afyon Education Foundation
- Ali İsmail Korkmaz Foundation
- Turkey Charitable Association
- Ekşioğlu Foundation
- Mavera Education and Health Foundation
- Lions Istanbul Anatolian Side Social Service Foundation
- Turkish Kidney Foundation
- Tekfen Foundation
- Anatolian Education, Culture and Science Foundation
- Rönesans Education Foundation
- Sinpaş Holding
- İbrahim Çeçen Foundation
- TESUD
- Nef Foundation
- Tareksav Scholarship
- Çamlıca Culture and Aid Foundation
- Necati Bay Foundation
- ADEMDER
- KADEM
- Emrem Foundation
- New World Foundation Scholarship
- Kazım Karabekir Foundation
- Biota Foundation
- ETİ
- Human Education, Culture and Solidarity Foundation
- Selçuklu Holding
- Aktaş Education Foundation
- Atlas Health Education Foundation
- TÜRKKAD
- Istanbul Huzur Hospital and Rest Homes
- Turkish Kidney Foundation Hospital
- Private Çağın Eye Hospital
- Private Kastamonu Anatolian Hospital
- Hayat Health and Social Services Foundation
- Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty Foundation
- Turkish Cardiology Association
- Health and Social Aid Foundation
- Lokman Hekim Health Foundation
Institutions That Provide Scholarships to High School Students
Some foundations and institutions provide scholarships to high-achieving high school students from low-income families to help them continue their education.
Foundations and institutions that offer scholarships to high school students include:
- Turkish Education Association
- Trendyol & TOG Education
- TESYEV
- General Directorate of Foundations
- Borusan Kocabıyık Foundation
- Yaşar Education and Culture Foundation
- Baldaner Education and Culture Foundation
- Rüştü Akın Foundation
- TEV
- TOG & ING Covid-19 Support Scholarship
- İOKBS – PYBS Scholarship
- TED Scholarship
- KAÇUV Education Scholarship
- Alarko Holding
- TEV Education Foundation
Additionally, the AHBAP Association provides tablets to high school students.
Institutions That Provide Scholarships to Primary School Students
Some children cannot attend school due to financial difficulties. To prevent this, certain foundations and institutions offer scholarships to primary school students.
These institutions include:
- Turkish Education Association
- Prime Ministry General Directorate of Foundations
- Vehbi Koç Foundation
- Sarıyer Municipality
- Izmir Buca Municipality
- National Education Foundation
- Galatasaray Education Foundation
Countries That Offer Scholarships to Turkish Students
Turkish students planning to study abroad often wonder whether they can benefit from scholarships offered by other countries. Studying abroad can be financially demanding, so Turkish students search for scholarship opportunities overseas.
Eligibility requirements for international scholarships usually consider GPA, achievements and talents. To maximize the chance of receiving an award, students should meet these criteria as strongly as possible. Scholarship packages may also include accommodation and housing support in addition to financial assistance.
Countries that commonly offer scholarships to international students include:
- United States
- Sweden
- France
- South Korea
- United Kingdom
- Australia
How to Apply for State Scholarship Support
The state, through the Credit and Dormitories Institution (KYK), provides financial support to students in associate, undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs. KYK offers both non‑repayable scholarships and repayable student loans. Applicants’ financial situations are assessed to determine if they receive a non‑repayable scholarship or a repayable loan.
Students about to begin university should apply after the university placement results are announced. Many students ask about how much the state scholarship is and when application dates are. Applicants who complete their applications within the announced period will be informed on the result date whether they received a non‑repayable scholarship or a repayable student loan.
The steps for applying to the KYK scholarship via the e-Government portal are as follows:
- Open the e-Government (e-Devlet) system in your browser.
- Enter your ID number and e-Government password for identity verification. Provide accurate information.
- Applicants without an e-Government password can obtain one from PTT branches.
- After logging in, search for “Scholarship / Student Loan” in the “How can I help you?” search field.
- Read and approve the notices displayed on the screen.
- Complete your personal identification information.
- Fill in your education details when requested.
- You will receive an informational message; wait for it.
- Enter your current residence address details completely.
- If you have any special circumstances, declare them in the special status section.
- Provide family information in the family details section.
- View the account details for Ziraat Bank where the scholarship or loan will be paid.
- Review and approve the product application and procedures on the next page.
- Your KYK scholarship application is complete.
Additionally, students who place in top ranks and demonstrate outstanding achievement are eligible for the Excellence Scholarship. Conditions for this scholarship are:
- Ranking within the top 5,000 in the national university entrance exam (YKS),
- Successful completion of the preparatory class on time,
- First-year GPA of 3.5 or above,
- For universities using a 100-point scale, a minimum average of 87.5.
Undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students who meet these criteria are eligible for the Excellence Scholarship and receive a non‑repayable grant.
Are Scholarships Available for Foreign Students in Turkey?
Foreign nationals who gain admission to an educational institution in Turkey often ask whether state scholarships are available. The Higher Education Council and related institutions provide scholarship opportunities to foreign students. Significant support is offered so international students can pursue their education comfortably in Turkey.
Currently, approximately 110,000 international students study in Turkey. Each year about 5,000 foreign students come to Turkey for undergraduate, master’s and doctoral studies. As the number of international students increases, additional opportunities and support measures have been expanded for them.
Turkey offers foreign students not only financial support but also the chance to follow programs that match their interests. Students can participate in various social activities to enrich their experience.
Foreign students must meet the necessary program requirements to study in Turkey through the available educational programs.
How Can a Student Whose Father Has Passed Away Apply for a Scholarship?
Students whose fathers have passed away often wonder about their scholarship entitlements. These students frequently need support to continue their education. Both state institutions and foundations offer scholarship assistance to students who have lost their fathers.
When applying, students should pay attention to institutional priority criteria. Many foundations and organizations prioritize applicants who have lost a parent. Be sure to indicate your father’s passing in your application.
This article reviewed topics such as state scholarship amounts for 2021 and required application documents. It listed foundations and institutions that provide scholarships for university, high school and primary school students. Applicants should carefully check each foundation’s application dates and eligibility criteria. If the required conditions are met, students can receive financial assistance.