Student Life in Turkey: Scholarships and Housing

Published on October 4, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Turkey, a cultural crossroads between Europe and Asia, is attracting more and more international students eager to experience a rewarding academic journey while exploring a country rich in traditions.

With a wide range of attractive scholarships, ranging from programs funded by the Turkish government to initiatives offered by private institutions, foreign students find numerous opportunities to ease their financial burden.

Furthermore, the country places particular emphasis on the quality of student housing, which ranges from modern university residences to affordable rental solutions, thus providing a comfortable and stimulating living environment.

This article guides you through the different funding and housing options, essential for planning your studies in one of the world’s most dynamic study destinations.

Traveling to Study in Turkey: What You Need to Know

Administrative Procedures for Studying in Turkey

To study in Turkey as an international student, it is essential to obtain a letter of acceptance from a recognized Turkish university or institute. This letter is the prerequisite for starting the student visa application process. Depending on nationality, some exceptions exist (for example, French nationals no longer need a student visa but must apply for a residence permit upon arrival).

Documents Required for the Student Visa Application:

• Valid passport (at least 6 to 12 months validity)
• Official letter of acceptance from the Turkish institution
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photos
• Proof of sufficient financial resources
• Proof of accommodation or housing reservation
• International or Turkish health insurance
• Receipt of application fee payment
• Depending on the case: motivation letter, flight reservation, internship agreement (for internships)

Summary Table of Main Documents

Document	Detail
Passport	Valid 6 to 12 months after the exit date
Letter of Acceptance	Original, issued by the Turkish university/school
Application Form	To be filled out online or at the consulate
Passport Photos	Recent, passport format
Proof of Resources	Bank statement or sponsorship letter
Health Insurance Certificate	International or Turkish
Proof of Housing	Residence certificate, reservation, etc.
Fee Payment Receipt	Fees vary by country and procedure

Housing Options for Students in Turkey

• University Dormitories (Student Residences)
  Most common housing, often on or near campus. Offers an international environment, shared services, and generally affordable cost.
• Shared Apartments
  Popular solution for more independence. Students share costs and daily life with other roommates, local or international.
• Studios or Private Apartments
  More expensive, but more privacy. Recommended for those who prefer a quiet setting or come as a couple/family.
• Other Alternatives
  Host families, private pensions, youth hostels, especially for short stays or language trips.

Housing Options Comparison Table

Housing Type	Advantages	Disadvantages	Average Cost/Month (EUR)
University Dormitory	Proximity, security, social life	Less privacy	100-300
Shared Apartment	Independence, shared costs	Search effort, adapting to roommates	200-400
Private Studio	Privacy, freedom	Higher cost	300-600
Host Family	Cultural immersion, meals included	Family rules	250-500

Cultural Life and Student Experiences

• Extracurricular Activities: university clubs, sports, music, theater, debates, excursions organized by universities.
• Learning Turkish: many institutions offer Turkish language courses for foreigners. Learning Turkish facilitates integration and daily life.
• Exploring Historical Sites: Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya and other cities offer unique historical and cultural heritage (mosques, palaces, ancient ruins, museums, traditional markets, etc.).
• Student Events: festivals, intercultural meetings, international days, culinary and artistic workshops.

Economic Aspects and Scholarships

Cost of Living (excluding tuition fees): generally lower than in many European countries.

• Housing: 100 to 600 EUR/month depending on type
• Food: 100 to 200 EUR/month
• Transportation: 20 to 40 EUR/month (student discounts)
• Miscellaneous (leisure, phone): 50 to 100 EUR/month

Scholarships: several universities and the Turkish government (Türkiye Bursları program) offer scholarships covering all or part of tuition fees, housing, and sometimes a monthly stipend. These aids significantly ease the budget of international students.

Practical Tips for Adapting to Life in Turkey

Climate: a very large country, with significant variations (Mediterranean in the south, continental in the center, oceanic in the north). Pack clothing suitable for the host region.

Social Practices and Customs:

• Warm welcome, importance of politeness (greetings, respect for elders)
• Respect for religious traditions, especially during Ramadan
• Relative punctuality, importance of social connection (inviting/being invited for tea)
• Appropriate dress code in places of worship

Integration Tips:

• Learning a few basics of Turkish facilitates daily tasks and integration
• Be open to discovering local cuisine (kebabs, mezze, pastries)
• Inquire about administrative procedures (registration with Turkish social security, opening a bank account, student transport card)
• Participate in university events to expand your social network

Key Takeaway: Properly preparing administrative procedures, exploring different housing options, immersing yourself in the local culture, and taking advantage of financial aid are the keys to a successful experience for an international student in Turkey.

Student Scholarships: Funding Your Studies in Turkey

Student scholarships in Turkey offer varied opportunities for international and local students, covering several levels of study and institutions.

Types of Scholarships Available:

• Turkish Government Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları): primarily for international students, covering undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and research. They include a monthly stipend (3,500 TL for undergraduate, 5,000 TL for master’s, 6,500 TL for PhD), tuition fees, a one-year Turkish language course, university or private accommodation covered by the scholarship, comprehensive health insurance, and a round-trip flight ticket. University placement is guaranteed.
• Institutional Scholarships: offered by certain Turkish universities and private or international organizations; they vary by institution in terms of amount and coverage.
• Specific Programs: such as research scholarships or language modules for foreign researchers or civil servants.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Open to all nationalities except Turkish citizens (and those who have lost their citizenship).
• High academic level demonstrated by transcripts.
• Social/cultural commitment sometimes valued in certain programs.
• For graduate cycles: letter(s) of recommendation required; motivated project/personal statement often required.

Application Process:

1. Registration exclusively online on the official Türkiye Bursları portal between early January and mid/late February each year.
2. Submission of translated supporting documents (diplomas/transcripts/letters).
3. Selection based on application then possible interview with an international jury.

Important Deadlines to Respect:

Step	Period
Application Opening	January 10
Closing	Between February 20 and 23*
Results	May-June

Practical Tips to Maximize Your Chances:

• Prepare all documents well before the portal opens (certified translations).
• Craft the motivation letter carefully, highlighting academic/professional projects related to Turkey.
• Choose universities/departments wisely when selecting on the form.
• Request personalized recommendation letters from teachers familiar with your background.

Testimonials from Beneficiary Students:

“Thanks to this scholarship I was able to study without worrying about housing costs or medical fees. The stipend covers my daily needs like local transport and food.”

“I received support upon arrival with an intensive Turkish course which allowed for better integration.”

Financial Impact on Student Budget:

A scholarship student generally benefits from:

• Full waiver of university fees
• Accommodation covered
• A monthly stipend often allowing:
  • Partial/full coverage of food costs
  • Regular urban transportation
  • Social/cultural activities

Summary Table

Covered Fees	Yes / No	Comment
University Fees	Yes	Full coverage
Housing	Yes	University residence included
Health Insurance	Yes	Comprehensive coverage
Flight Ticket	Yes	Round-trip start/end of studies
Monthly Stipend	Yes	According to level
Daily Life	Partially	Depends on city/local cost of living

In Summary,

• Student scholarships provide significant financial autonomy throughout the academic stay,
• They are accessible through a selective but transparent process,
• Meticulous preparation significantly increases your chances in the face of strong international competition,
• Beneficiaries emphasize their decisive role in their academic success and social integration within Turkish campuses.

Finding Student Housing in Turkey: Practical Tips

Types of Student Housing in Turkey

• Public University Dormitories: economical (around $40 to $70/month), often include meals, located on or near campus, shared with 2 to 4 students, but generally closed in summer.
• Endowment Student Housing: managed by religious or charitable foundations, secure and sometimes free, ideal for very tight budgets.
• Private Apartments: studios or full apartments, offer more privacy and comfort, with prices varying by city and neighborhood.
• Shared Housing (Roommates): very popular, especially in Istanbul, allows reducing rent costs and promotes an active social life.
• Alternative Housing: renovated buildings (old schools, offices), tiny houses, eco-friendly modules, and co-living spaces, innovative and sometimes more affordable solutions.

Main University Cities and Student Neighborhoods

City	Recommended Student Neighborhoods
Istanbul	Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, Şişli, Fatih, Üsküdar
Ankara	Çankaya, Kızılay, Bahçelievler, Kolej
Izmir	Bornova, Alsancak, Karşıyaka
Bursa	Nilüfer, Görükle
Antalya	Muratpaşa, Konyaaltı

Tip: prioritize neighborhoods close to your campus to limit commuting and transportation costs.

Tips for Housing Search

• Start your search several months in advance, ideally between June and August, as demand is high at the start of the academic year.
• Consult specialized student websites (Erasmus Play, CampusTurquie, Turkish Council), Facebook groups, university forums, and rental apps.
• Use reputable local real estate agencies to avoid scams.
• Always visit the housing before signing a contract.
• Prepare necessary documents: passport, letter of acceptance, sometimes a guarantor or proof of income.

Average Costs and Saving Strategies

Housing Type	Monthly Price Range (USD)
Public Dormitory	40 – 70
Endowment / Foundation	Free – 50
Shared Housing	100 – 200
Private Apartment	200 – 400 (outside Istanbul)
Apartment in Istanbul	300 – 600+

• Share housing to split costs.
• Target less central but well-served neighborhoods.
• Look for all-inclusive offers (rent, utilities, Internet).
• Prioritize furnished housing to avoid buying furniture.

Administrative Formalities

• Rental Contract: always demand a written contract, in Turkish or English, stating the rent amount, duration, security deposit (often one month’s rent), and termination terms.
• Subscription to Public Services: for a private apartment, you may need to open water, electricity, gas, and Internet accounts in your name. Prepare a copy of the rental contract, ID, and a residence address.
• Residence Registration: mandatory with the local administration (Nüfus Müdürlüğü) within 20 days of moving in.

Cultural Tips and Integration in Shared Housing

• In shared housing, collective living is based on communication and respect for privacy.
• Shared meals are frequent, but everyone often manages their own groceries and cooking.
• Turkish hospitality translates into gestures of friendliness: sharing tea, invitations to meals, etc.
• Respect quiet hours (especially in the evening) and house rules set collectively.
• Get involved in campus association life, participate in student events, and don’t hesitate to learn a few words of Turkish to facilitate your integration.

Key Takeaway:
Organize early, explore all housing options, prioritize proximity to campus, and be attentive to administrative procedures for a successful setup in Turkey.
Shared housing, very common, is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local culture and create lasting bonds.

Tips for International Students in Turkey

Practical Tips for International Students in Turkey:

• Prepare for cultural diversity: Turkey combines European and Asian influences, with strong local customs (respect for elders, importance of community, hospitality).
• Adapt your communication: it’s common to use typical Turkish gestures and expressions; learning about local greetings or humor facilitates integration.
• Participate in national holidays and student events to better understand society.

Essential Administrative Procedures:

• Obtain an official acceptance letter from your university before any procedure.
• Apply for a student visa at the Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country; prepare a valid passport, financial proofs, and health insurance.
• Once arrived, apply for a residence permit (“ikamet”) with the local authorities. This document is essential for legal residence during your studies.

Procedure	Required Documents	Where to Apply
Student Visa	Acceptance letter, passport	Turkish Embassy/Consulate
Residence Permit	Passport, student visa, photos	Provincial Directorate of Migration

Adaptation to Local Life:

Affordable Housing

• Prioritize university dormitories to reduce costs.
• Explore the rental market via dedicated platforms or international student groups.
• Always negotiate the contract and verify that all utilities are included.

Daily Life

• Familiarize yourself with the local banking system upon arrival (opening an account).
• Use popular mobile apps in Turkey for transportation (public transport) or shopping.

Academic Success

• Engage in peer study groups to exchange on teaching methods specific to the Turkish system (highly structured lectures, rigorous grading).
• Take advantage of university tutoring and regularly seek advice from academic advisors.
• Ensure strict adherence to administrative deadlines (course/exam registrations).

Resources Available in Turkish Universities:

International Student Associations

Join them upon arrival; they offer cultural mentoring, social activities, and logistical support.

Specialized University Services

• Academic orientation
• Psychological support
• Language assistance to improve Turkish or English

Useful Platforms

• Local student forums
• Online resources specialized in housing/administrative matters

Key Tips

1. Always keep paper/scanned copies of all official documents.
2. Regularly inquire about your rights as a foreign student via student associations or university services.
3. Be proactive in building a multicultural social network—this fosters both academic success and personal fulfillment.

Aspect	Practical Tip
Educational System	Participate in study groups / Tutoring
Social/Cultural Life	Join international associations
Housing	Prioritize university dormitories / Platforms
Administrative Procedures	Prepare all documents in advance

Remember: each university offers its own services dedicated to foreign students—inquire directly with the international office upon your arrival!