Funding Research Projects in Türkiye — Overview for Recruiters and University Teams

Funding research projects in Türkiye is supported by a robust network of scholarship programs, government funding bodies, and university-based initiatives, making Türkiye an increasingly attractive destination for international researchers and students aiming to engage in innovative research. For international student recruiters, university admissions teams, HR and marketing professionals in education, and placement agencies, understanding how these funding channels work is essential to attract talent, design competitive offers, and streamline successful applications.

This guide presents clear, actionable insight into the major funding channels, discipline priorities, eligibility and project requirements, and practical steps recruiters and admissions teams can take to increase funding success. Throughout, we highlight examples from leading Turkish universities and explain how Study in Turkiye’s recruitment expertise can support your strategy.

Major Funding Channels and How They Work

1. TÜBİTAK Research Grants and Scholarships

TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye) is the principal national funding body for scientific and technological research. Key programs relevant to international applicants include:

• 2216-A Graduate Scholarship Program for Foreign Students
  • Targets international master’s and doctoral candidates enrolled at Turkish universities.
  • Offers monthly stipends, transportation support, and health insurance.
• 2232 International Leading Researchers Program
  • Designed to attract established international researchers and postdoctoral fellows.
  • Provides salary, research budget, and relocation assistance.
• Project-based and internship grants
  • Provides funding for short-term project work, internships, and summer research projects.

2. Türkiye Scholarships (YTB)

Türkiye Scholarships administered by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities offer fully funded PhD and postgraduate packages for outstanding international candidates. Typical coverage includes:

• Full tuition, a monthly living stipend, health insurance, accommodation support, and preparatory language courses.

3. University-Based Scholarships and Strategic Institutional Funding

Many Turkish universities offer tuition waivers, stipends, and internal research grants for top international candidates, sometimes in collaboration with national programs. Examples of institutions actively expanding their international research portfolios include:

• Istinye University — a modern health sciences and research-focused campus.
• Istanbul Medipol University — significant medical and health-related research programs and institutional scholarships.
• Ozyegin University — strong engineering, management, and data science research opportunities.
• Istanbul Bilgi University — active in social sciences, communications, and interdisciplinary research funding.
• Uskudar University — focused on behavioral sciences, neuroscience and technology partnerships.

Discipline Priorities and Eligibility — What Gets Funded

Discipline and Priority Areas

Funding in Türkiye covers a broad array of disciplines. Common focus areas include:

• Engineering, AI, and data science
• Medical and health sciences, clinical research, and biotechnology
• Environmental sciences, agriculture, and sustainable development
• Architecture and urban design
• Social sciences with applied policy relevance

Eligibility and Project Requirements

• Affiliation: Applicants typically must be formally enrolled at a Turkish university or have an active hosting agreement.
• Proposal quality: Strong, well-structured research proposals aligned with national priorities increase chances.
• Supervision & resources: Funding reviewers expect a qualified supervisor and access to laboratory/field resources.
• Documentation: Clear budgets, timelines, ethical approvals, and institutional letters of support are required.

How Recruitment, Admissions and Placement Agencies Can Maximize Funding Success

Build proactive pre-award support

Create funding roadmaps for each applicant, map potential funding sources and timelines, standardize application packages, and provide grant-writing workshops to enhance skills.

Strengthen university–recruiter coordination

Establish a funding liaison within universities to fast-track endorsement letters and promote joint supervision models with international co-supervisors.

Use data and automation

Automate eligibility checks and document collection to reduce administrative delays.

Study in Turkiye can support these actions through our recruitment network and expertise that streamline applicant workflows, reduce time-to-offer, and centralize funding documentation.

Take the Next Step with Study in Turkiye

Funding research projects in Türkiye presents a high-value opportunity for international students and researchers. For recruiters and admissions teams, success depends on early planning, strong partnerships, and administrative capacity to produce competitive applications.