Koç University Turkish Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded

The Koç University Turkish Scholarship represents a prestigious joint funding initiative co-administered by Koç University—one of Turkey’s leading research-intensive private institutions—and the Turkish Government via the Türkiye Burslari (Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities – YTB) program.

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Designed to attract high-achieving international talent across undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and post-doctoral levels, this award bridges academic excellence with full financial sponsorship. Successful recipients gain direct access to Koç University’s English-medium degree programs, cutting-edge laboratory facilities, and world-class faculty mentoring in Istanbul, while receiving complete state-backed logistical and living support.

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Koç University Turkish Scholarships Summary

About the Koç University Turkish Scholarships

The Koç University Turkish Scholarship operates as a dual-tier funding model. While Koç University provides a 100% merit-based tuition waiver, Türkiye Bursları handles national scholarship logistics, including living stipends, campus housing, round-trip international travel, and comprehensive health insurance.

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Because this is a competitive joint arrangement, strict quotas apply per academic cycle:

• Undergraduate Programs: 5 total scholarships (excl. Medicine, Law, and Nursing).
• Master’s with Thesis: 10 total scholarships (excl. Non-Thesis, LL.M, and Clinical Psychology).
• Ph.D. Programs: 20 total scholarships across all doctoral research disciplines.
• Research / Post-Doctoral: 5–10 total scholarships for visiting researchers and dissertation-stage scholars.

Applicants are evaluated on a dual-admission standard requiring both institutional academic qualification at Koç University (including competitive GRE/SAT and TOEFL iBT scores) and national selection by the YTB committee.

What the Koç University Turkish Scholarships Cover

The scholarship is fully funded and eliminates all major costs associated with studying abroad:

• 100% Tuition Waiver: Total exemption from Koç University tuition fees for the standard duration of the degree.
• Monthly Living Allowance: A tiered stipend funded by Türkiye Bursları to cover daily expenses.
• Dormitory Accommodation: Free on-campus or partner housing provided throughout the period of study.
• Round-Trip Airfare: One economy-class flight ticket to Turkey at the start of studies and one return ticket upon graduation.
• Turkish Language Course: One year of free TÖMER Turkish language instruction (if required by the award criteria).
• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage under Turkish Universal Health Insurance (GSS) for the duration of the award.
• Visa & Orientation Support: Administrative assistance with student visa issuance and local residence permits (İkamet).

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet dual criteria: the national standard set by Türkiye Bursları and the institutional admission thresholds set by Koç University.

General Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Open to citizens of all countries outside Turkey (Turkish citizens and dual Turkish status holders are ineligible).
• Academic Merit: Demonstrable high academic achievement in previous studies.

Degree-Specific Requirements

1. Undergraduate Applicants

• Standard: Must have completed or be in the final year of high school/secondary education.
• Standardized Tests: Must submit a valid SAT score (and TOEFL iBT for English proficiency) as specified by the relevant Koç University College.

2. Master’s (with Thesis) Applicants

• Intake Restriction: Candidates must apply for the Fall intake to be eligible for joint funding.
• Standardized Tests: Valid GRE test scores and TOEFL iBT scores are mandatory.
• Degree Holder: Must hold an accredited bachelor’s degree before enrollment.

3. Doctoral (Ph.D.) Applicants

• Standardized Tests: High competitive scores in GRE and TOEFL iBT are required across all graduate schools.
• Research Focus: Strong academic writing, research proposal alignment, and faculty compatibility.

4. Research Applicants

• Must either hold a Ph.D. degree or be an active Ph.D. candidate at the dissertation stage enrolled at an overseas university.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must gather two distinct sets of documentation—one for the Turkish Government portal and one for Koç University’s admission system:

1. Identification: Valid International Passport or official National ID card.
2. Academic Transcripts: Complete transcripts covering high school or university degrees, with certified English or Turkish translations.
3. Diplomas / Certificates: Graduation certificates or official proof of expected graduation date.
4. Standardized Exam Scores:
   • Undergraduate: SAT (if required by college).
   • Graduate (Master’s/Ph.D.): GRE General Test scores sent directly to Koç University.
5. English Language Proficiency: Official TOEFL iBT score report (IELTS is generally not accepted by Turkish higher education regulations for English proficiency proof).
6. Recommendation Letters: 2 to 3 academic/professional references.
7. Statement of Purpose (SoP) / Personal Statement: Detailing academic goals, motivation for choosing Koç University, and career objectives.
8. Research Proposal: Required for Ph.D. candidates and Master’s by thesis applicants (where requested).
9. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Up-to-date resume outlining academic performance, projects, publications, and extracurricular achievements.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Because this is a joint partnership, the application workflow depends on the academic level. If the primary February deadline for the current intake cycle has passed, follow these steps to prepare your portfolio for the next annual application cycle.

Application Procedures by Academic Level

Undergraduate Applicants

1. Register on the official Türkiye Bursları online portal.
2. Complete the profile and select an eligible Koç University program as your 1st preference.
3. Complete the separate Koç University International Student Application via their admissions portal, attaching required SAT/TOEFL scores.
4. If shortlisted, attend the Koç University academic interview.

Master’s with Thesis Applicants

1. Complete the online Türkiye Bursları application form, listing Koç University Master’s (Fall Intake) as your 1st preference.
2. Apply directly via the Koç University Graduate Admissions Portal with valid GRE, TOEFL, and reference documents before the campus graduate deadline.
3. Admissions committees evaluate candidates jointly; successful admissions receive the joint offer letter.

Ph.D. Applicants

1. Submit a complete application directly to the Koç University Graduate School Portal during their open call, providing GRE, TOEFL, CV, and Research Statement.
2. If the Ph.D. admissions committee accepts and nominates you for joint Turkish Scholarship funding, you will be instructed to complete the official Türkiye Bursları registration selecting that program.
3. Final approval is confirmed by the YTB Evaluation Committee.

Preparing for the Next Annual Cycle

• Target Dates: The official Türkiye Bursları window opens annually around mid-January and closes in late February.
• Pre-Application Checklist:
  1. Take Exams Early: Register and sit for the GRE and TOEFL iBT between August and November preceding the application year to ensure scores arrive in time.
  2. Draft Research Statements: Prepare your Statement of Purpose and research proposal early to align with Koç faculty interests.
  3. Secure References: Reach out to academic referees ahead of time so letters can be uploaded as soon as portals open.
  4. Document Translation: Have all certificates and academic transcripts officially translated into English or Turkish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for Medicine or Law under the Koç University Undergraduate Scholarship?

No. The undergraduate quota specifically excludes Medicine, Law, and Nursing. If you apply to these programs, you will not be eligible for the joint Koç-Türkiye Bursları scholarship package.

Is IELTS accepted as proof of English proficiency at Koç University?

No. Under Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK) regulations, foreign language exams taken within Turkey or by foreign nationals must be TOEFL iBT (or an equivalent Turkish state exam like YDS/e-YDS). IELTS is generally not recognized for admission or scholarship verification at Koç University.

Do I need to submit two separate applications?

Yes, for Undergraduate and Master’s programs, you must complete both the Türkiye Bursları portal application (selecting Koç University as your first choice) and the Koç University direct admission portal application. For Ph.D. programs, you apply first to Koç University, which then nominates selected candidates to YTB.

What happens if I miss the February scholarship deadline?

If you miss the annual February deadline, you must wait for the next annual intake cycle, which opens the following January. Use the intervening period to sit for required standardized tests (GRE, SAT, TOEFL) and secure academic transcripts.

Can I apply for a Non-Thesis or Clinical Psychology Master’s program under this scholarship?

No. Joint Master’s funding is restricted exclusively to Master’s with Thesis programs, and specifically excludes Clinical Psychology, LL.M, and all Non-Thesis options.

Disclaimer: The Koç University Turkish Scholarship is subject to annual quotas and program-specific exclusions (e.g., Medicine, Law, Nursing, non-thesis degrees, and LL.M.). Scholarship criteria, award terms, and stipend amounts are governed jointly by Koç University and the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (Türkiye Bursları / YTB) and are subject to change without prior notice. For official and updated terms, refer directly to the Koç University International Admissions and Türkiye Bursları web portals.

Official Application Portal