It can change your life to pursue a PhD overseas, and Turkey has emerged as a favorite choice for researchers from around the world because of its robust research labs, affordable living expenses, and significant government and university support. The top 5 fully-funded PhD scholarships in Turkey are listed here, along with information on who should apply, what each covers, brief eligibility suggestions, and direct application links so you can start the application process right away. The page is optimized for search engines.
The most extensive national scholarship offered by the Turkish government is the Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları).
It includes health insurance, a one-year Turkish language course, full tuition, a monthly salary (including a PhD-level stipend), housing assistance or support, and, in many situations, round-trip airfare. This is the main overseas scholarship program offered by Turkey, and it is very competitive.
Why it’s the best: Applicants from all around the world can apply for this national government scholarship, which places students at prestigious Turkish universities with a broad range of academic programs.
International students who wish to receive support that covers both tuition and living expenses and who have a relevant master’s degree, solid academic records, and a defined research goal should apply.
Easy-to-implement advice: Create a compelling research statement, two excellent letters of recommendation, digitized transcripts or degree certificates, and a brief letter of motivation outlining why Türkiye and the university of your choice are a good fit for your research objectives.
National PhD Scholarship Programs (TÜBİTAK, 2211 series):–
What it covers: For doctorate students registered in Turkish universities, TÜBİTAK’s 2211 National PhD Scholarship Programs offer particular research funding as well as monthly support. In order to promote national doctorate research priorities, the program offers many variations (2211/A, 2211/C, etc.); advantages typically include monthly stipend levels and funds for research/conference attendance. Online applications are made using the TÜBİTAK portal.
Why it’s the best: The main source of funding for research in Turkey is TÜBİTAK; its awards are reputable and research-focused, and many PhD students combine their TÜBİTAK funding with university assistantships for complete coverage.
Doctoral candidates working in scientific and technical domains (engineering, natural sciences, priority research topics) are the ideal candidates, while eligibility variations may cover more diverse disciplines based on calls.
Easy-to-implement advice: To comply with TÜBİTAK’s documentation criteria, produce papers or abstracts (if applicable), check the current call (2211) for deadlines, and work with your supervisor and university department.
Koç University, a private research university, offers PhD full scholarships.
What it covers: Depending on programs and projects, Koç University automatically gives accepted PhD students a complete scholarship, which typically includes a monthly stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance. Additional research funding (conference/travel) may also be offered. International researchers find admission to Koç PhD programs to be both competitive and beneficial.
Why it’s the best: Being accepted into Koç, one of the top-ranked private research institutions in Turkey, essentially entitles one to access state-of-the-art labs and research projects as well as fully financed PhD study.
Strong candidates in all subjects offered by Koç’s faculties should apply, as evidenced by their outstanding academic record, research proposal, and supervisor match.
Graduate (PhD) Scholarships at Bilkent University – All-Inclusive Assistance
The benefits of Bilkent’s graduate scholarships include monthly stipends, full tuition exemptions, and occasionally assistance with housing. For exceptional PhD candidates, Bilkent’s “comprehensive” packages include a competitive stipend and other bonuses.
Why it’s the best: PhD students at Bilkent, one of Turkey’s top universities for science and engineering, are regularly supported by departmental scholarships, research assistantships, and university grants.
Candidates with a solid academic background, research potential, and alignment with the research lines of Bilkent departments are encouraged to apply.
Easy-to-implement advice: Focus on departments that have active research labs that complement your plan, including publications if you have any, and highlight how well you mesh with possible advisers.
Candidates that have a solid academic record, have the potential to do research, and fit in with the research areas of Bilkent departments should apply.
Emphasize fit with possible advisors, target departments with active research laboratories that support your plan, and include publications, if any.
Sabancı University — Graduate (PhD) Scholarships & Research Assistantships
What it covers:
Sabancı University provides excellent PhD financing packages that include project-based support, monthly stipends, and tuition waivers. In order to ensure competitive stipend levels, Sabancı additionally regularly supplements external funds (such as TÜBİTAK) and supports research initiatives that provide funding for PhD students.
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