Overview (what recruiters and admissions teams need to know)

IGU provides multiple scholarship categories for international applicants: exam-based awards (YÖS and accepted equivalents), International Baccalaureate (IB) support scholarships, preference scholarships via the ÖSYM placement system, Board of Trustees achievement scholarships and partnership/agency discounts. Scholarships generally cover tuition fees only. Accommodation, living costs, health insurance and other expenses are typically not included.

Note: For the 2024–2025 academic year, scholarship applications are tied to IGU’s international admission schedule and must be submitted by the university’s regular international admission deadline. Preference scholarships require action during the ÖSYM placement window.

Key scholarship types and eligibility at IGU

Exam-based Scholarships (YÖS and equivalents)

– Eligibility: International students who sit recognized exams (Foreign Student Exam / YÖS or equivalent accepted exams) and meet IGU score thresholds.

– Typical award levels: 50% to 75% tuition waivers for high scorers who also list IGU among their top preferences.

– Application notes: Upload official exam results during initial application. Scores must be verifiable and submitted within IGU’s application window.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Support Scholarships

– Eligibility: Applicants holding an IB diploma with scores generally between 35–45.

– Benefit: Tuition scholarships (percentage varies by program and cohort).

– Application notes: Submit full IB diploma documentation and transcripts during application.

Preference Scholarships (ÖSYM pathway)

– Eligibility: Students placed at IGU through ÖSYM who listed IGU in their top five (or all) preferences. Programs entered via special talent exams are typically excluded.

– Timing: Deadlines are synchronized with the ÖSYM placement window. Ensure applicants include IGU among their preferences before ÖSYM closes.

– Benefit levels: Vary by program and placement — check placement-specific scholarship bands when advising applicants.

Board of Trustees Achievement Scholarships

– Eligibility: Top-performing students based on national ranking or exceptional admission results.

– Benefit: Full tuition coverage for a defined period — commonly 2 years for associate degrees and 4 years for undergraduate programs, subject to terms and Board discretion.

– Conditions: Performance-based continuance (see renewal section).

Partnership and Agency Discounts

– Eligibility: Students applying through recognized partner institutions or approved agent networks may be eligible for negotiated discounts.

– Action for agencies: Ensure partnership paperwork and agency agreements are up-to-date with IGU admissions to qualify applicants.

Updated deadlines and timeline (2024–2025 guidance)

• University international admission deadline: Typically aligned with the academic session start in September. For 2024–2025, applicants should submit before IGU’s regular international admission deadline — confirm exact date with IGU admissions.
• Scholarship application timing: Most IGU scholarships require simultaneous application with your university admission. Missing admission deadlines usually void scholarship eligibility.
• ÖSYM/Preference scholarships: Follow the national ÖSYM calendar — list IGU within preferences before ÖSYM’s cut-off in each placement cycle.

Practical timeline for counsellors and recruiters

• 6–8 months before intake: Identify eligible students, verify documents (YÖS/IB results).
• 3–4 months before intake: Confirm application deadlines with IGU and upload exam/diploma documents.
• 1–2 months before intake: Follow up on application status and scholarship decisions; prepare visa and arrival logistics.

Step-by-step application checklist (for admissions teams and agents)

Use this checklist to prepare complete applications and avoid delays.

Essential documents

• Completed IGU international application form (indicate desired scholarship)
• Valid passport photo page
• Official high school/secondary school diploma and transcripts (certified translations if necessary)
• YÖS or other accepted exam result OR IB diploma with full score report
• Motivation letter outlining study objectives and scholarship rationale
• Curriculum Vitae (where required)
• Proof of meeting program-specific entry requirements (portfolio for arts, aptitude test results, etc.)
• Agency authorization letter (if applying through an agent)

Submission process

1. Confirm scholarship type and eligibility with IGU admissions.
2. Upload exam/diploma and academic documents during the initial application.
3. Attach motivation letter and explicitly select the scholarship option on the application form.
4. For ÖSYM placement applicants, ensure IGU is listed in preference applications within the ÖSYM window.
5. Track application and scholarship decision through IGU’s admissions portal or through Study in Turkiye channels.

Renewal, continuation and compliance

• Academic performance: Scholarships typically require recipients to maintain a minimum GPA or academic standing. Renewal is conditional — falling below thresholds may trigger reassessment.
• Duration limits: Board of Trustees scholarships have fixed coverage periods (e.g., 2 years for associate, 4 years for undergraduate). Extensions beyond normal program duration may not be guaranteed.
• Administrative compliance: Students must respect university disciplinary and administrative rules; breaches can result in scholarship revocation.

Practical advice: Admissions teams should embed scholarship renewal rules in student onboarding and use automated monitoring (GPA alerts, probation notices) to flag risks early.

Practical advice for recruiters, admissions and HR professionals

Proactively manage deadlines and preferences

• Maintain a centralized intake calendar synchronised with IGU’s admission cycles and the ÖSYM schedule.
• Store student exam dates and results (YÖS, IB) to avoid last-minute gaps.

Document verification and quality control

• Pre-verify transcripts and diplomas; institute a two-step review (agent/admissions officer) to reduce rejections.
• Store certified translations and scanned originals in your CRM.

Messaging that converts

• Highlight tuition coverage percentages, renewal criteria, and deadline urgency in student communications.
• Provide scenario examples, e.g. “Candidate with YÖS score X may be eligible for a 75% waiver if IGU is listed among top ÖSYM preferences.”

Scale with Study in Turkiye

Study in Turkiye is the trusted authority guiding international students and recruitment partners. Use Study in Turkiye’s platform and services to generate reminders, send document checklists, and track scholarship application stages — reducing manual follow-ups and improving conversion rates for agency partners.

How Study in Turkiye supports your recruitment and partnership needs

Study in Turkiye connects agents, university admissions teams and HR/marketing departments with verified application pathways and up-to-date scholarship calendars. Key services include:

• Leadership in international recruitment and admissions guidance.
• End-to-end partnership services: agent onboarding, co-branded campaigns and scholarship promotions.
• Workflow management: application tracking, document verification and communication automation to free staff for higher-value tasks.

Contact Study in Turkiye to design a tailored recruitment plan that increases quality applications and reduces time-to-offer.

Universities & partner programs

When advising students, reference official university pages and verified partner listings below.

Sample timelines and recruiter-ready templates

Sample timeline (for a September intake)

• 6 months prior (March–April): Outreach, pre-screen students, collect YÖS/IB tentative dates.
• 4 months prior (May–June): Finalize documents, begin application drafts, verify translations.
• 3 months prior (June–July): Submit applications and scholarship requests; confirm ÖSYM preferences where applicable.
• 1–2 months prior (August): Follow up on scholarship decisions; prepare visa documents.
• 0–1 month prior (September): Final acceptance, orientation logistics, arrival support.

Applicant email template (short)

Subject: Application & Scholarship Documents — [Student Name] — IGU Intake Sept 2024

Dear [Admissions Officer / Agent Coordinator],

Please find attached the application and scholarship documents for [Student Name]. The file includes the completed application form, YÖS/IB score report, high school diploma, and motivation letter. We request confirmation of receipt and expected decision timeline.

Best regards,
[Your Name / Agency]

Frequently Asked Questions

Take the Next Step with Study in Turkiye

Ready to scale placements, manage scholarship workflows and place more qualified international students at Istanbul Gelişim University and partner institutions? Study in Turkiye is your trusted partner for recruitment, admissions guidance and partnership development.