Turkey: The Fastest-Growing Study Abroad Destination
Turkey has rapidly emerged as one of the world's most popular study abroad destinations, and for good reason. The Türkiye Scholarships program (Türkiye Bursları) is one of the most comprehensive government scholarship programs in the world — covering tuition, accommodation, health insurance, airfare, a monthly stipend, AND a year of free Turkish language training. Over 200,000 international students now study in Turkey, making it a truly global educational hub.
But Turkey's appeal goes far beyond scholarships. Turkish universities have invested heavily in English-taught programs, modern campuses, and research facilities. The cost of living is remarkably affordable — you can live comfortably in Istanbul, one of the world's most exciting cities, on a fraction of what you would spend in London, Paris, or New York. And Turkey's unique position straddling Europe and Asia means your student experience will be culturally rich beyond measure.
Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları): Complete Breakdown
Türkiye Scholarships is a fully funded program offered by the Turkish government for international students at all levels — Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD.
What it covers: Full tuition at the assigned Turkish university. Monthly stipend (TRY 5,500 for undergraduate, TRY 7,500 for Master's, TRY 9,000 for PhD). Free university accommodation. Comprehensive health insurance. Round-trip airfare. One-year Turkish language course (free).
Who can apply: Citizens of all countries except Turkey. Under 21 (Bachelor's), 30 (Master's), 35 (PhD). GPA of 70%+ (undergrad) or 75%+ (graduate). Must not be currently studying in Turkey.
Application process: Apply online at turkiyeburslari.gov.tr. You can select up to 12 university/program preferences. After document review, shortlisted candidates are interviewed at Turkish embassies or online. No IELTS required. Application deadline for 2027 intake is typically February-April 2026.
Top Turkish Universities
Koç University: Turkey's #1 private university. Fully funded scholarships for graduate students. All programs in English. Beautiful campus in Istanbul. Sabancı University: Another elite private university with generous scholarships. Strong in engineering and social sciences. Middle East Technical University (METU): Turkey's top public university. Almost all programs taught in English. Very affordable tuition. Boğaziçi University: Originally founded as Robert College in 1863, this public university in Istanbul teaches entirely in English. Stunning campus on the Bosphorus. Bilkent University: First private non-profit university in Turkey. Full scholarships for top students. Istanbul Technical University (ITU): One of the world's oldest technical universities (founded 1773). Strong in engineering and architecture.
Tuition and Cost of Living
Tuition (public universities): TRY 600-5,000/year ($20-155) for Turkish-taught programs. TRY 1,200-10,000/year ($37-310) for English-taught programs. Yes, Turkish public university tuition is incredibly affordable.
Tuition (private universities): $5,000-20,000/year, but most offer generous scholarships (50-100% tuition waivers).
Living costs: Istanbul: $400-700/month. Ankara: $300-500/month. Smaller cities: $250-400/month. Turkey offers one of the best value-for-money lifestyles in the world. A full meal at a local restaurant costs $3-5. Public transport is excellent and cheap.
Student Visa and Life in Turkey
Apply for a Student Visa at the Turkish Embassy after receiving your acceptance letter. You will need your passport, admission letter, proof of financial means, health insurance, and passport photos. Processing takes 1-4 weeks.
Life in Turkey: Turkey is a country of incredible diversity — from Istanbul's Byzantine and Ottoman heritage to the Mediterranean beaches of Antalya, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, and the ancient ruins of Ephesus. Turkish hospitality is legendary. The food is exceptional — kebabs, baklava, Turkish breakfast (the best in the world), and more. Turkey's location makes it a perfect base for affordable travel to Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
Start Your Journey to Turkey
Browse Turkish scholarships and compare Turkish universities on ScholyHub. Use our AI Study Match to find the best Turkish programs for your profile.
