International students can explore the comprehensive list of fully-funded scholarships in Turkey for the 2024–2025 academic year without the requirement of an IELTS exam. To be eligible for Turkey Scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees, international applicants need to possess a high school diploma and a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Turkey stands out as a prominent global education hub, offering numerous scholarships to international students in 2024 without the need for an IELTS score. This alleviates concerns about meeting IELTS exam criteria and managing expensive tuition costs.
How Much Do Turkish Scholarships Award?
Students face a myriad of choices when addressing this pivotal question, worth a million dollars. The available options largely hinge on the specific Turkish Scholarship program to which they are applying. Consequently, triumphant candidates may qualify for some or all of the financial benefits outlined below:
- Free education in Turkey or reduced costs
- Completely or partially sponsored by Turkish university accommodation
- Health and life insurance packages for students
- Airfare; in some Turkish scholarships, it is paid (conditional).
- Turkish Study VISA Assistance and Funding (Conditional)
- Access to Turkish heritage sites, libraries, and conference funding
English Language Requirement For Turkey Scholarships:
English and Turkish represent the languages of instruction in Turkish universities. Consequently, Turkish authorities require proof of English language proficiency from applicants seeking admission to programs conducted in English. While IELTS is the most widely accepted exam, alternative tests with similarities to IELTS, such as PTE, Duolingo, Cambridge exams, CanTEST, TOEFL, etc., may also be considered.
As a result, international applicants from non-native English-speaking countries can now apply to Turkish universities without the necessity of taking the IELTS test.
International students pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree have access to numerous Turkish scholarships. With nine Turkish universities ranking in the global top ten, a high-quality education awaits in Turkey. This article covers some of the premier scholarships in Turkey that do not mandate an IELTS score.
Fully-Funded Scholarships In Turkey Without IELTS 2024-2025
Here is the list of scholarships in Turkey available to international students from 2024–2025:
1. Uskudar University Scholarships
International students aspiring to enhance their proficiency in the Turkish language are required to undergo a year-long language study. However, if a student intends to enroll in a program centered on the English language, they must provide the results of an English language proficiency test. Alternatively, the university’s specific English language assessment can be taken. In the event of test failure, enrollment in a year-long English language preparation course becomes necessary.
Deadline: September 2024
2. Medipol University In Istanbul Scholarships
At this university, the primary language of instruction is Turkish. To enroll in these programs, completion of a one-year Turkish language preparation course is required. However, for international students, there are English-language programs available that do not require IELTS; acceptable scores on the PTE are also recognized. Alternatively, the university conducts its own English language proficiency assessment.
If the exam score falls below 75%, enrollment in the institution’s one-year English language program becomes necessary. Moreover, the university offers need-based financial aid, which can waive up to 50% of the tuition. Students from specific countries, such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, etc., are eligible for a 15% tuition fee discount through the special national scholarship. Additional discounts may be available based on students’ SAT results.
Deadline: December 2024
3. KOC University Scholarships
Proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS are not obligatory for admission. However, you must provide results from one of the accepted exams for international university admission (SAT I, SAT II, or ACT). IELTS is not considered a valid substitute; instead, you can submit your SAT results or opt for a university preparatory course to enhance your English language skills.
Additionally, the university offers merit-based tuition scholarships ranging from 25% to 100% for deserving students annually. The scholarship process does not require a separate application or form. Additionally, there is a need-based scholarship program available for undergraduate students. All accepted Master’s with Thesis students automatically receive 100% merit-based scholarships from the relevant Graduate School.
Deadline: December 2024 for the Spring semester
4. Altinbas University Scholarships
Altinbas University provides the “English Language Preparatory” exam as an alternative to standardized test results. Therefore, there is no requirement for IELTS for admission or financial aid. Undergraduate students enrolled in no-tuition fee programs are automatically granted “undergraduate scholarship admission.”
The university also offers an annual Turkish merit-based scholarship program, which is renewable based on GPA even after enrollment. Upon completion of the English preparatory program, outstanding students with exceptional academic achievements in their specific Undergraduate School or Vocational School receive “Honours Grants” for the following academic year.
5. Maltepe University Scholarships
Maltepe University accepts the results of the annual high school English exam, eliminating the need for IELTS. There’s an alternative option for enhancing English proficiency beyond enrolling in an introductory course. However, for assessments in the Turkish language, no such course is mandatory.
Additionally, the university supports scholarship initiatives. Students enrolled in programs specified as 100% Scholarship, 50% Discount, or 25% Discount in the Higher Education Programs and Quotas Guide are eligible for the OSM Scholarship and Discount.
It’s worth noting that international athletes can apply for full scholarships. Students in the university’s associate/undergraduate programs who secure the top three positions in their class based on year-end exams receive Success Scholarships of 75%, 50%, and 25%, respectively.
Deadline: Open all year.
6. Yasar University Scholarships
Yasar University offers students the option of an alternative to the language competency exam. The English Preparation School at Yaşar University provides a comprehensive one-year English Language Preparatory Program for those unable to submit their English language competency scores. The overall duration of the study required for graduation remains unchanged despite the additional preparatory year.
Successful completion of the English Proficiency Exam grants direct admission to the chosen primary field of study at the university. The institution also extends various savings plans and financial aid options. Applicants from partner institutions, whether global or Erasmus partners, are entitled to a 10% discount. Additionally, students with a strong academic record may qualify for International Office Scholarships, which offer partial to full fee waivers.
Maintaining a robust performance on university exams each year brings the added benefit of tuition waivers for the upcoming academic year.
7. Izmir University Of Economics Scholarships
Rest assured, submitting IELTS results is not mandatory for Izmir University applicants. Instead, you can gain admission by providing your SAT results, or alternatively, by taking the university’s English language exam.
Izmir University provides a range of scholarship opportunities for international students enrolling in undergraduate programs. The 100% International Student Scholarship covers the entire year’s tuition. Additionally, students with an annual grade point average of 3.50 or higher qualify for a 50% reduction in tuition costs, provided they meet the specified requirements. The university also extends scholarships based on athletic merit.
8. University Of Biruni Scholarships
For students unable to submit Institutional Exemption Test results, enrollment in Biruni University’s English Preparatory Program is required before embarking on their academic courses. However, students have the option to provide PTE or TOEFL scores to the University of Biruni, with no consideration given to the reduction of study years.
Biruni University offers various scholarship programs, including the merit award for new students. To qualify for this grant, applicants must demonstrate exceptional high school or college grades. Students with outstanding undergraduate and master’s transcripts applying to master’s and Ph.D. programs are eligible for the merit grant. Additionally, currently enrolled international students can apply for a “Turkish Scholarship,” covering both housing and tuition.
9. Atlim University Scholarships
For individuals who find the IELTS challenging, Atlim University provides an alternative path. Students have the option to submit their PTE, TOEFL, CAE, or CPE scores as proof of English language proficiency. Alternatively, those without such scores must enroll in an English language proficiency course. When applying for scholarships, students need to upload the required files to the system, and the scholarship committee evaluates each application collectively.
The review process considers various factors such as SAT, GMAT, GRE scores, transcripts, and other relevant data. Additionally, letters of commendation, accolades, and awards may be taken into account. Some scholarships are exclusively merit-based (need-blind), and the Office of Financial Aid assesses applications based solely on financial need (merit-blind).
10. Yaditepe University Scholarships
Students looking to enter the program must first provide evidence of their English proficiency. Unlike IELTS, a minimum TOEFL score of 79 or an SAT English component score of 550 is required.
Yeditepe University also offers a Foreign Language Proficiency Exam. Students with lower scores are obliged to undergo an English language preparation course. According to the YKS Guide, the grant provided to students enrolled in full scholarship programs covers the entire tuition cost, the fellowship for those in 50% scholarship programs covers half of the tuition cost, and the fellowship for students in 25% scholarship programs covers a quarter of the tuition cost.
Throughout their preparatory school and college education, the top 100 students selected based on their DL scores receive 500 TL each month for nine months. Additionally, passing university exams can lead to a 25%, 50%, or 75% reimbursement of tuition costs.
11. ISIK University Scholarships
Applying to ISIK University does not necessitate taking the IELTS exam. Alternatively, you can provide your TOEFL results. Moreover, if your SAT English score is at least 500–550, you are still eligible to apply. English language proficiency scores are not required for courses taught in Turkish; however, students must complete a year-long Turkish language course to demonstrate proficiency.
For international students, ISIK University offers several merit-based scholarships that cover tuition fees entirely (20–100%). Excelling in the university exam can earn you a scholarship covering your tuition fees for the following year.