Imagine earning a degree from a respected Turkish university without paying a single lira in tuition. A 100% scholarship in Turkey makes that possible, and every year thousands of international students win one. The catch? Most applicants don’t know where these scholarships come from, what the selection committees really look at, or when to apply. This guide answers all three, for the 2027 intake.
What Does a 100% Scholarship in Turkey Actually Cover?
The phrase “100% scholarship” is used for two different packages, and knowing the difference saves you a lot of disappointment:
| Scholarship type | Tuition | Living costs | Who offers it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Türkiye Bursları (government) | 100% covered | Monthly stipend, dormitory, health insurance, one return flight, 1-year Turkish course | Turkish government (YTB) |
| Private university full scholarship | 100% tuition waiver | Usually not covered (you pay housing and daily costs) | Foundation universities in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and other cities |
| Partial merit scholarship | 25%, 50% or 75% off | Not covered | Most private universities |
A private-university 100% scholarship is still extremely valuable: tuition at some private universities runs from roughly $4,000 per year for many bachelor’s programmes to over $20,000 for medicine. Waiving it can save you tens of thousands of dollars over a degree.
Route 1: Türkiye Bursları – The Fully Funded Government Scholarship
Türkiye Bursları is Turkey’s flagship government scholarship for international students at bachelor’s, master’s and PhD level. It is the most generous option, but also the most competitive, with well over 100,000 applications competing for a few thousand places each year.
Key eligibility rules
- Bachelor’s: usually under 21 years old, with at least 70% in high school (90% for medicine-related programmes).
- Master’s: under 30, minimum 75% academic average.
- PhD: under 35, minimum 75% academic average.
- Applicants should not already be enrolled at a Turkish university at the same degree level.
When to apply
The online application typically opens in January and closes around 20 February, followed by document review and interviews in spring. Always confirm the exact 2027 dates on the official portal, turkiyeburslari.gov.tr, as they are announced each year.
Route 2: Full Scholarships at Private Universities
Turkey has more than 70 foundation (private) universities, and many of them set aside scholarship quotas for international students every year. These awards are decided by each university’s board of trustees, so the criteria differ, but most look at:
- High school GPA – often the single biggest factor; top scholarships usually go to students with 90%+ averages.
- International exam scores – SAT, ACT, IB Diploma, A-levels or a university’s own YÖS exam. (New to YÖS? Read our guide: What Is the YOS Exam?)
- Chosen programme – full waivers are far easier to win in engineering, business, social sciences and paramedical fields than in medicine or dentistry.
- Application timing – quotas fill up. Students who apply early in the admission cycle get the best chance at a 100% award.
Which Programmes Are Easiest to Get a 100% Scholarship For?
| Field | Chance of 100% award | Typical full tuition without scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Business, economics, international relations | High for strong applicants | ~$3,000 – $8,000 / year |
| Engineering & computer science | High to medium | ~$4,000 – $10,000 / year |
| Nursing, physiotherapy, nutrition | Medium | ~$3,500 – $7,000 / year |
| Pharmacy | Medium to low | ~$10,000 – $20,000 / year |
| Medicine & dentistry | Low (very competitive) | ~$12,000 – $44,000 / year |
Fees above are indicative ranges for international students at private universities; each university publishes its own price list every year. For a closer look at medical programmes, see Study Medicine in Turkey and Study Dentistry in Turkey.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a 100% Scholarship in Turkey
- Shortlist universities that offer scholarship quotas in your target programme. Our list of the best universities in Türkiye is a good starting point.
- Prepare your documents: passport, high school diploma and transcript (translated and notarised), exam results (SAT, YÖS, IB, etc.), passport photo and, for some universities, an English proficiency certificate.
- Apply as early as possible in the admission season, because scholarships are awarded while quotas remain.
- Apply to Türkiye Bursları in parallel if you meet the age and grade limits; there is no rule against holding both applications.
- Compare offers carefully: check what percentage is offered, whether it covers the preparatory English year, and the renewal GPA.
- Secure your seat and start your student visa and residence-permit process.
Common Mistakes That Cost Students Their Scholarship
- Applying late, after the scholarship quotas are already filled.
- Submitting transcripts without official translation or apostille/notarisation.
- Targeting only medicine with average grades instead of using a smarter programme mix.
- Ignoring the scholarship renewal conditions and losing the award after year one.
- Forgetting living costs: even with free tuition you still need a budget. Our cost of living in Turkey guide helps you plan.
Partial vs Full Scholarships: How Much Will You Actually Pay?
A 100% award is the goal, but most international students end up with a 25%, 50% or 75% tuition discount. Before you apply, it helps to see what each level means in real money. At large private universities in Istanbul, English-taught medicine now costs roughly $24,000–$29,000 a year before discounts, while nursing, psychology or engineering are often between $4,000 and $8,000 (see our tuition fees in Turkey guide for programme-by-programme prices).
- 25% scholarship: useful for lower-fee programmes, but you still need a solid budget for medicine and dentistry.
- 50% scholarship: the most common award for strong applicants; it halves tuition for the whole degree if you keep the required GPA.
- 75%–100% scholarship: reserved for top grades or exam scores and usually limited to a handful of seats per programme.
Remember that tuition is only part of the cost. Rent, food and transport in Istanbul add a significant amount each month, so read our cost of living in Turkey guide and plan both budgets together.
How Saya Group Helps You Win a Full Scholarship
Scholarship quotas are small and every university uses different rules. Our Istanbul team checks your grades against each university’s criteria, tells you honestly which award level is realistic, and submits your applications early, when the most seats are still open. If you are aiming for medicine, we also compare your options with our medical scholarship in Turkey guide. Book a free scholarship assessment and we will tell you which universities are worth applying to.
Want a 100% scholarship for the 2027 intake?
Saya Group checks your grades, matches you with universities that still have scholarship quotas and handles the full application for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really possible to study in Turkey for free?
Yes. Türkiye Bursları covers tuition and living costs, and many private universities give 100% tuition waivers to top international applicants. With a private-university award you still pay your own accommodation and daily expenses.
Can I get a 100% scholarship in Turkey without IELTS?
Often, yes. Many universities accept students without IELTS and place them in an English preparatory year or give their own proficiency test. Some full scholarships also cover the preparatory year.
Do I need the YÖS exam for a scholarship?
Not always. Many private universities award scholarships based on high school GPA or SAT/IB scores. However, a strong YÖS score can strengthen your application at universities that use it.
Can I get a 100% scholarship for medicine in Turkey?
It is possible but rare. Medicine and dentistry have the strictest quotas and the highest grade expectations. Most international medical students receive partial (25–50%) scholarships.
When should I apply for the 2027 intake?
Türkiye Bursları usually runs from January to February. Private universities typically open international applications in early spring and close in summer, but scholarships are given out earlier in the cycle, so apply as early as you can.
Do 100% scholarships in Turkey cover accommodation?
Private university awards normally cover tuition only. Türkiye Bursları is the main programme that also covers accommodation, a monthly stipend, health insurance and a Turkish language year.
Can I lose my scholarship after the first year?
Yes. Most private universities require you to keep a minimum GPA each year. If you fall below it, the award can be reduced or cancelled, so check the renewal rules before you accept an offer.
