Start your study journey in Turkey with exciting news! Bilkent University Scholarships are now available. This article will explain everything you need to know about the scholarship, its benefits, and how to apply step by step.
Bilkent University Scholarships for 2025-2026 are fully funded for master’s and PhD programs for international students. PhD scholarship recipients will receive a stipend of $600 per month, while master’s scholarship recipients will receive $450 per month.
In the 2019 CWTS Leiden Rankings, researchers recognized Bilkent University as a global leader for having the highest percentage of open-access publications. Additionally, Times Higher Education ranked it 54th in the first Asia University Rankings, placing it among Turkey’s top three universities on that list.
Study Areas
- Applied Technology and Management
- Economics, Administrative, and Social Sciences
- Art, Design, and Architecture
- Engineering
- Humanities and Letters
- Graduate School of Education
- Business Administration
- Science
- Music and Performing Arts
- Graduate School of Economics and Social Sciences
- Graduate School of Engineering and Science
List of Bilkent University Scholarships
- Full Scholarship
- Comprehensive Scholarship
- 50% Scholarship
- Talent-Based Scholarship (Faculty of Music and Performing Arts)
- Merit Scholarship
Full Scholarship
To get a Full Scholarship, a student must be accepted into a program through the Full Scholarship quota listed in the Higher Education Programs and Quotas Guide by ÖSYM. Full Scholarship students do not have to pay tuition fees. However, students who already have a bachelor’s degree from a university cannot get a Full Scholarship.
Comprehensive Scholarship
Full Scholarship students can get a Comprehensive Scholarship if they rank in the top 10,000 in one of the score types (SAY, EA, or SÖZ) or the top 250 in the score type DİL. They must also be placed in a department that matches their score type.
Along with free tuition, the Comprehensive Scholarship provides a monthly stipend of 4,500 TL for eight months each year (for the 2023-2024 academic year) and free accommodation in double-room dormitories. If a student chooses not to stay in the dormitories, they will get an extra 2,000 TL per month. However, students who already have a bachelor’s degree cannot receive a Comprehensive Scholarship.
50% Scholarship
To get a 50% Scholarship, a student must be accepted into a program through the 50% Scholarship quota listed in the Higher Education Programs and Quotas Guide by ÖSYM. These students receive a 50% tuition waiver. They may also receive a merit scholarship if they qualify. However, students who already have a bachelor’s degree cannot get a 50% Scholarship.
Talent-Based Scholarship
The Faculty of Music and Performing Arts offers talent-based scholarships to students who excel in the entrance exam. These scholarships can cover full or partial tuition and depend on maintaining good academic performance. Students with a bachelor’s degree are not eligible.
Failure in the English Preparatory Program (FZ) will result in losing the scholarship, but failing the ECA exam (F) will not. The scholarship committee evaluates and decides on the continuation of scholarships.
For Faculty of Art, Design, and Architecture students, a minimum course load and a GPA of at least 1.80 are required each semester. Exchange students’ GPA is based on one semester, and they must pass their courses. If they fail or receive a disciplinary penalty, their scholarship will be terminated and cannot be reinstated. Transfers to other departments must follow internal regulations.
Merit Scholarship
Non-scholarship students who take the required courses (excluding extra, withdrawn, GE 100-250-251, non-credit, and repeated courses) and achieve a GPA of 3.30 or higher for one academic year can get a merit scholarship for the next year if they are in the top 5% of their department.
50% of Scholarship students who meet the same course and GPA requirements can get a merit scholarship if they are in the top 3% of scholarship students in their department.
Merit scholarships offer partial or full tuition waivers based on the student’s rank. Students in English or French Preparatory programs are not eligible for these scholarships.
Benefits of Bilkent University Scholarships 2024-2025
The Bilkent University Scholarship offers the recipient the following benefits:
PhD Students
The Bilkent University Scholarship includes:
- Tuition waiver (62,100 TL per year)
- Monthly stipend and housing (total of 5,500 TL per month)
- Private health insurance
- A laptop computer
- Meal card (after passing the PhD qualifier)
The recipient is also expected to share their thesis research results conducted at UNAM. This could include presenting at a respected conference, supported by UNAM’s travel assistance.
MS students
The Bilkent University Scholarship includes:
- Free tuition (62,100 TL per year)
- Monthly stipend and housing allowance (totaling 4,400 TL per month)
- Private health insurance
- A laptop computer
The recipient is expected to share their thesis research results conducted at UNAM. It could involve presenting at a respected conference, supported by UNAM’s travel assistance.
Dormitories at Bilkent are equipped with single beds or bunk beds, desks, chairs, bookcases or shelves, wardrobes, wastebaskets, and mini-refrigerators. Every room has free high-speed internet access. Common areas include kitchens or kitchenettes for self-cooking, TV and social lounges, study lounges, self-service laundry and ironing facilities, game rooms, and guest areas or rooms. Central heating and 24-hour hot water are standard, and each floor has shared bathrooms and restrooms.
Eligibility Criteria for Bilkent University Scholarship
To qualify for the Bilkent University Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- Language Requirement: English proficiency with a minimum TOEFL IBT score of 87, IELTS score averaging at least 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in each section, or a Bilkent COPE score of at least C.
- Eligibility: Open to applicants from all countries around the world.
- Academic Qualifications: Bachelor’s (BSc) or Master’s (MSc) degree holders need a minimum CGPA of 2.80 out of 4.00 at the time of application.
- Turkish Applicants: Must have an ALES score below 55 (quantitative).
- International Applicants: Must submit a GRE General Test score of at least 153 in the quantitative section. However, if you are close to this score and have a strong academic background, you can apply.
Required Documents for Bilkent University Scholarships
- Updated CV (Curriculum Vitae)
- Degree certificates (for all degrees earned)
- Official transcripts (academic records)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Two letters of recommendation
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Bilkent University Scholarships 2024-2025 Details
| Host Country | Turkey |
| Host University | Bilkent University |
| Coverage | Fully-funded |
| Level of Study | Masters / PhD |
| Program Period | Master Scholarship: 6 semesters (3 Years).Ph.D. Scholarship: 4 Years. |
How to Apply for the Bilkent University Scholarships 2024-2025?
- Collect an updated CV, degree certificates, official transcripts, a statement of purpose (SOP), and two letters of recommendation.
- Go to the official Bilkent University website or scholarship portal for detailed application instructions.
- Some portals may require account creation before applying.
- Complete all sections accurately, ensuring the information matches your documents.
- Submit all required documents in the correct format and size.
- Send your application before the deadline.
- Monitor progress through the portal or contact the scholarship office for updates.
Deadline
The deadline to apply for Bilkent University Scholarships for 2024-2025 depends on the type of scholarship and the academic program. Please visit the official website for the most current information.