Koç University Scholarships for International Students — A Complete Guide for Recruiters, Admissions Teams and Agents
Koç University Scholarships for International Students — Overview
Koç University awards scholarships to international students at both undergraduate and graduate levels. These awards are predominantly merit-based and are designed to attract academically outstanding students from around the world.
Key features at a glance:
- Undergraduate: Partial (typically 25–50%) to full (100%) tuition grants; scholarships are awarded on merit and consideration is automatic upon application. Medicine programs are excluded from scholarship eligibility.
- Graduate (Master’s and PhD): Many programs offer fully funded scholarships that include tuition waivers, monthly stipends and a comprehensive benefits package (accommodation, health insurance, office space, laptop, travel grants).
- Language of instruction: English.
- Admissions tests: SAT/ACT required for undergraduate applicants; GRE/GMAT and program-specific tests for graduate applicants where applicable.
- English test policy: For undergraduate admissions Koç does not accept IELTS or TOEFL. For graduate scholarships, Koç typically requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80; IELTS is not accepted.
- Deadlines: Undergraduate main window (January 1 – July 2, 2025), Medicine-specific window (March 1 – May 31, 2025 — but medicine is not eligible for scholarships). Main graduate scholarship deadlines often fall by May 15, 2025 (verify per program).
Undergraduate Scholarships — Details and Action Points
What’s Offered
- Partial tuition grants (commonly 25–50%) and full-tuition grants (100%), awarded according to academic merit and potential.
- No separate scholarship application is required for most undergraduate programs — candidates are considered automatically when they apply for admission.
Important Constraints
- Medicine programs are excluded from scholarship eligibility.
- There is typically an application fee for undergraduate admissions.
- Applicants must apply within the admission windows: January 1 – July 2, 2025 for most programs; March 1 – May 31, 2025 for Medicine.
Admissions & Testing Requirements (Undergraduate)
- Language of instruction: English.
- Required standardized tests: SAT or ACT scores must be submitted.
- English tests: IELTS and TOEFL are not accepted for undergraduate applications to Koç University.
Action Checklist for Undergraduate Recruitment
- Target high-achievers early (top school performers, national exam rankers, international Olympiad participants).
- Ensure students sit SAT/ACT well before application windows close and upload scores promptly.
- Prepare transcripts, personal statements and any supplementary materials in advance.
- Remind candidates that no separate scholarship application is required — emphasis should be on strengthening the primary application.
Graduate Scholarships — What Recruiters and Admissions Teams Need to Know
What’s on Offer for Master’s and PhD Students
- Full tuition waiver.
- Monthly stipend.
- Accommodation support.
- Health insurance.
- Office space and research facilities.
- Laptop and equipment support.
- Travel grants for conferences or field work.
Eligibility and Tests
- Scholarships are awarded strictly on academic merit; financial need is not part of the assessment.
- Standardized tests such as the GRE or GMAT may be required depending on department.
- English proficiency: Koç typically requires a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80 for graduate entry; IELTS is not accepted. Always check department-specific language requirements.
- Program-specific materials: letters of recommendation, a research proposal (for PhD), CV, and any required portfolios.
Deadlines and Administrative Notes
- Deadlines vary by faculty and program. A common main scholarship deadline for many graduate programs is May 15, 2025, but departments may have earlier or later dates.
- In most cases, international applicants who meet admission requirements are automatically considered for scholarships — no separate scholarship application required.
Action Checklist for Graduate Recruitment
- Advise applicants to prepare GRE/GMAT and TOEFL iBT early (allow for retakes if needed).
- Support applicants with high-quality recommendation letters and polished research proposals.
- Use program-level deadlines to prioritise applications and expedite document collection.
- For PhD candidates, connect them early with potential supervisors to strengthen admission profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do applicants need to submit a separate scholarship application?
In most undergraduate and graduate programs at Koç, international applicants meeting admission criteria are automatically considered for scholarships; no separate scholarship form is required in most cases.
Are scholarships need-based?
No. Koç awards scholarships strictly based on academic merit.
Which English tests are accepted?
For undergraduate applicants, Koç does not accept IELTS or TOEFL; SAT/ACT is required. For graduate programs, Koç commonly requires TOEFL iBT (minimum 80). IELTS is generally not accepted.
What are the financial benefits for graduate scholarships?
Many graduate scholarships include full tuition waivers, monthly stipends, accommodation, health insurance, office space, a laptop and travel grants — confirm package details with the specific department.
When should recruiters start preparing candidates?
Ideally 6–12 months ahead of application deadlines to allow for test preparation, recommendation letters and application QA.
Take the Next Step with Study in Turkiye
Explore further with Study in Turkiye for comprehensive support in navigating scholarships and admissions.