Studying in Turkey does not have to be expensive. Whether you are looking for a fully funded government scholarship or a partial tuition discount, Turkey offers numerous financial aid options for international students. In this guide, we cover every scholarship and grant available in 2026 — from the prestigious Turkiye Burslari to university-specific discounts at Istanbul Kent University.
By the end of this article, you will know exactly which scholarships you qualify for, how to apply, and how to maximize your chances of receiving financial support for your studies in Turkey.
1. Turkiye Burslari — Government Scholarship Program
Turkiye Burslari (Turkey Scholarships) is the most prestigious scholarship program for international students. Funded by the Turkish government, it covers:
- Full tuition — 100% of university fees paid
- Monthly stipend — $150–200/month for bachelor's, $200–250 for master's, $300+ for doctorate
- Accommodation — free dormitory placement
- Health insurance — full coverage during your studies
- Turkish language course — one year of free TOMER Turkish language training
- Flight tickets — round-trip airfare to Turkey
Eligibility: open to citizens of all countries. You need a high school GPA of 70%+ for bachelor's and 75%+ for master's/doctorate. The application opens every January and closes in February.
Competition: Turkiye Burslari is highly competitive — over 200,000 applicants for roughly 5,000 spots annually. A strong motivation letter and recommendation letters are essential.
2. University-Specific Scholarships and Discounts
Many Turkish private universities offer their own scholarship programs. These are usually easier to obtain than Turkiye Burslari and can significantly reduce your tuition costs.
Kent University Discounts (via OWO Academy)
Istanbul Kent University offers discounts of up to 50% on tuition fees for international students who apply through OWO Academy. Here are the discounted prices for 2026–2027:
| Program Level | Annual Tuition | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree (2-year) | $1,300/year | Up to 50% |
| Bachelor's (Turkish-taught) | $2,200/year | Up to 50% |
| Bachelor's (English-taught) | $2,900/year | Up to 50% |
| Master's Degree | $3,000–3,500/year | Up to 50% |
For the most current pricing, see current prices →. These discounts are automatic when you apply through OWO Academy — no separate scholarship application needed.
Other University Scholarships
Many private universities in Istanbul offer merit-based and need-based scholarships:
- Merit scholarships: based on high school GPA or national exam scores — discounts of 25–100%
- Athletic scholarships: for students with national or international sports achievements
- Early application discounts: some universities offer 5–15% off for early registration
- Sibling discounts: reduced fees when multiple family members attend the same university
3. External Grants and Funding
Beyond university scholarships, several organizations provide grants for international students in Turkey:
YTB (Yurtdisi Turkler ve Akraba Topluluklar Baskanligi)
The Presidency for Turks Abroad administers Turkiye Burslari and also provides support programs for students from Turkic-speaking countries, including Uzbekistan.
TUBITAK Research Grants
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) offers:
- Research fellowships — for master's and PhD students working on research projects
- 2209-A Undergraduate Research Support — funding for bachelor's students conducting research
- International collaboration grants — for joint research projects with foreign institutions
Erasmus+ Exchange Programs
Once enrolled at a Turkish university, you can apply for Erasmus+ exchange semesters at European universities. The program covers:
- Monthly allowance of EUR 800–900
- Travel support up to EUR 1,500
- One or two semesters at a partner university in Europe
Kent University has Erasmus+ agreements with universities across Europe, giving you the opportunity to study in countries like Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, and Spain.
4. Application Tips to Maximize Your Chances
Here are proven strategies to increase your chances of receiving a scholarship:
- Apply early: many scholarships are first-come-first-served. Do not wait until the last week.
- Write a strong motivation letter: explain why you chose Turkey, your career goals, and how the scholarship will help you.
- Get strong recommendation letters: ask teachers who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities.
- Maintain a high GPA: most merit scholarships require a minimum GPA. Aim for 80%+ in your current studies.
- Learn Turkish: even basic Turkish proficiency shows commitment and can improve your Turkiye Burslari application.
- Apply to multiple programs: do not rely on a single scholarship. Apply to Turkiye Burslari, university discounts, and external grants simultaneously.
- Prepare for the interview: Turkiye Burslari includes an interview stage. Practice answering questions about your goals and motivation.
5. Scholarship Timeline for 2026
| Scholarship | Application Period | Results |
|---|---|---|
| Turkiye Burslari | January – February | June – August |
| Kent University (via OWO Academy) | Year-round | 1–3 business days |
| Erasmus+ Exchange | February – April | May – June |
| TUBITAK Grants | Varies by program | 2–4 months after deadline |
6. Related Articles
- Cost of studying in Turkey 2026 →
- How to apply to Kent University →
- Student visa and residence permit in Turkey →
- Cost of living in Turkey as a student →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Uzbek students get a full scholarship in Turkey?
Yes. Turkiye Burslari offers full scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, health insurance, and flight tickets. The program is open to citizens of all countries including Uzbekistan.
How much discount can I get at Kent University?
Kent University offers up to 50% discount on tuition when you apply through OWO Academy. Discounted tuition starts from $1,300/year for associate degrees and $2,200/year for bachelor's programs.
When is the Turkiye Burslari deadline?
Turkiye Burslari applications typically open in January and close in February each year. Results are announced between June and August. Check turkiyeburslari.gov.tr for exact dates.
Do I need an entrance exam for Kent University scholarship?
No. Kent University admission is diploma-based. You do not need YOS, SAT, or any other entrance exam. The tuition discount through OWO Academy is applied automatically.
Conclusion
Turkey offers some of the most generous scholarship opportunities for international students. Whether you aim for the fully funded Turkiye Burslari or prefer the straightforward tuition discounts at Kent University through OWO Academy, there is a financial aid option for every student and budget.
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