Koç University scholarships for international students 2026 guide: at-a-glance

Practical, recruiter-focused roadmap for international admissions teams, student-placement agencies, HR and marketing professionals. Koç University offers fully funded scholarships at undergraduate, master’s and PhD levels aimed at attracting top international talent to one of Turkiye’s leading research universities. This guide breaks down eligibility, coverage, application mechanics, timelines, selection criteria and outreach tactics — and shows how Study in Turkiye’s expertise in international recruitment can help you scale results for the 2026 cycle.

What to expect for the 2026 admissions cycle

• Scholarship model: Fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, master’s and doctoral applicants (continuation of the 2025–2026 model is expected for 2026–2027).
• Coverage: Typically covers full tuition; many awards also include monthly stipend, housing support, health insurance and, occasionally, travel allowances depending on program and level.
• Selection: Merit-based and integrated into the admissions decision — for most programs there is no separate scholarship application.
• Target audience: Top academic performers from around the world interested in research-led programs at Koç University.

Who is eligible?

Primary eligibility

• International applicants applying to Koç University undergraduate, master’s or PhD programs.
• Applicants must meet the specific program entry requirements (departmental prerequisites, language scores where required).
• Competitive academic record, strong letters of recommendation and a compelling statement of purpose increase likelihood of award.

Typical scholarship coverage (what “fully funded” usually includes)

• Full tuition waiver for the duration of the degree program.
• Monthly living stipend (amount varies by level and department).
• Housing support — on-campus or off-campus housing assistance or allowances.
• Basic health insurance for the study period.
• Selected travel allowances in some cases for relocation or conference participation.

How to apply — integrated scholarships and admissions best practice

1. Apply directly to your selected Koç University program via the university’s official admissions portal.
2. Scholarship consideration is generally automatic with the application — applicants should not assume a separate form is necessary unless explicitly stated by a department.
3. Ensure every element of the application is complete and tailored to the program: transcripts, references, SOP, CV and any department-specific materials.
4. Confirm English proficiency requirements or alternative pathways where applicable.

Required documents (check departmental variations)

• Completed online application form.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) / motivation letter.
• CV / resume highlighting academic and research experience.
• Official academic transcripts and diplomas (with certified translations if needed).
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS or accepted alternatives).
• Reference letters (commonly 2–3; PhD programs typically require more).
• Additional portfolio or entrance exam results if specified by the department.

Deadlines and timeline — planning for the 2026 cycle

Deadlines vary by program and school. Use this working timeline for recruiter and admissions planning:

• 9–12 months before intake: Confirm program list and scholarship availability with Koç University contacts; begin candidate outreach.
• 6–8 months before intake: Application portal opens / candidate application windows peak; ensure candidates submit materials.
• 3–6 months before intake: Admissions decisions and scholarship offers communicated; successful candidates begin visa and logistics processes.
• 1–3 months before intake: Pre-arrival orientation, housing placement and travel planning.

Selection criteria — what successful candidates demonstrate

• Outstanding academic performance and ranking within cohort.
• Clear fit between candidate’s academic goals and the department’s strengths.
• Research potential for master’s and PhD applicants (publications, research experience).
• Strong, specific letters of recommendation.
• High-quality, tailored statement of purpose that demonstrates motivation and career goals.

Prioritize applicants who demonstrate both merit and a demonstrable fit with departmental research priorities — that combination is the strongest predictor of scholarship success.

Actionable tips for admissions teams and recruiters

• Quality over quantity: Prioritize candidates who match departmental research priorities rather than mass-applications.
• Package completeness: Use application checklists to ensure no missing documents before submission.
• SOP coaching: Provide targeted coaching so SOPs reflect departmental expectations and research alignment.
• Reference management: Encourage referees to submit letters early and to address research potential for graduate applicants.
• Interview preparedness: Simulate interviews with high-potential candidates to reduce surprises and increase conversion.

Support for student-placement agencies and recruiters — how to add value

• Pre-screening and qualification: Provide a shortlist of fully documented candidates who meet Koç University’s minimum requirements.
• Documentation support: Assist candidates with certified translations, transcript verification and credential evaluation.
• Pre-departure services: Offer orientation resources that explain Turkiye living, health insurance, housing and banking.
• Market intelligence: Share applicant pool analytics (country-level demand, qualification patterns) to refine outreach.

How Study in Turkiye helps — recruitment leadership and systems

Study in Turkiye is the trusted authority guiding international students and recruitment partners. We offer tailored solutions that simplify and scale admission pipelines:

• Candidate sourcing and qualification: We reach global talent pools and pre-qualify students against Koç University criteria.
• Application workflows: Integrate form completion processes and document validation to reduce manual processing time and data errors.
• CRM and tracking: Candidate relationship management ensures timely follow-up, interview scheduling and offer acceptance tracking.
• Admissions consulting: Strategic communications, localized marketing assets and on-the-ground partner support accelerate conversions.
• Reporting & analytics: Real-time dashboards for conversion metrics, country performance and scholarship utilization help optimize outreach spend.

Comparative program options and related universities in Turkiye

If candidates are exploring alternatives to Koç University — particularly in medicine, engineering and business — consider these institutions and program pages for mapping options and potential scholarship or fee-waiver schemes:

Practical checklist for applicants and recruiters

• Confirm program and department-specific deadlines.
• Gather and verify academic transcripts; translate if necessary.
• Prepare and refine SOP tailored to the program.
• Secure referees and ensure timely submission of letters.
• Validate English language scores or alternative eligibility.
• Confirm scholarship inclusion is automatic with admissions or whether extra forms are required.
• Track application status and respond promptly to document requests and interviews.

Evaluation metrics recruiters and admissions teams should track

• Application-to-offer conversion rate (by country and program).
• Time-to-complete application (from first contact to final submission).
• Scholarship acceptance rate (offers accepted vs. offers made).
• Yield rate (accepted students who matriculate).
• Cost-per-enrollee for paid campaigns.

Sample outreach campaign timeline for recruiters (6-month window)

• Month 1: Market research and collateral localization.
• Month 2: Launch targeted digital campaigns + webinars.
• Month 3: Candidate qualification, document checks and interview prep.
• Month 4: Application submissions and follow-ups.
• Month 5: Admit notifications and scholarship confirmations.
• Month 6: Visa, housing and pre-departure orientation.

Frequently asked questions

Read more

• Yos Test
• Admission process
• Why to study in Turkiye

Take the Next Step with Study in Turkiye

Partner with Study in Turkiye to convert top international talent for Koç University and comparable programs. We offer tailored recruitment campaigns, admissions workflow support, agent training and dedicated partner consulting — all focused on improving conversion rates and ensuring a smooth experience for applicants.