Sabancı University Graduate Scholarship (2026-2027)

Scholarship Description

The Sabancı University Graduate Scholarship is a comprehensive funding opportunity for domestic and international students pursuing master's or doctoral degrees. Almost all students admitted to Sabancı University's academic graduate programs (except professional graduate programs) receive 100% tuition fee exemption. The majority of graduate students also receive additional support, including a monthly stipend and a free dormitory room.

Sabancı University, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is a leading research university known for its interdisciplinary approach, strong industry connections, and commitment to academic excellence. The university offers graduate programs through its Graduate Schools: Graduate School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Graduate School of Social Sciences, and Graduate School of Business.

Exceptional PhD candidates may be eligible for the Distinguished Science and Technology Scholarship, which offers co-supervision by leading scientists at prominent universities worldwide and joint PhD degrees whenever possible.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at Sabancı University, Istanbul, Turkey. The university's main campus is located in Tuzla, on the Asian side of Istanbul, featuring state-of-the-art research facilities and modern dormitories.

Scholarship Deadline

Application deadlines vary by graduate program. Admission and scholarship decisions, based on academic merit, are made during the evaluation process. Scholarship recommendations are made by the Admission Jury and finalized by the Board of the relevant Graduate School.

Host Institution

Sabancı University – a leading research university in Istanbul, Turkey, founded in 1999. Known for its interdisciplinary research, modern campus, and strong international partnerships. The university consistently ranks among the top universities in Turkey and the world.

Level and Fields of Study

Levels: Master's (MA/MS) and Doctoral (PhD) programs in academic graduate programs. Professional graduate programs (e.g., MBA, executive programs) have different scholarship terms.

Fields: All academic graduate programs offered by Sabancı University's three graduate schools:

• Graduate School of Engineering and Natural Sciences: Computer Science, Electronics Engineering, Materials Science, Mechatronics, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioengineering, Industrial Engineering, etc.
• Graduate School of Social Sciences: Economics, Political Science, History, Cultural Studies, Psychology, etc.
• Graduate School of Business: Business Administration (academic track).

Target Group

All nationalities – Turkish citizens and international students are eligible. Almost all students admitted to academic graduate programs receive full tuition exemption. Additional support (stipend, dormitory) is awarded to the majority of graduate students based on academic merit.

Scholarship Types, Duration & Amount

Tuition Fee: For the 2026-2027 academic year, the annual tuition fee for newly admitted students is set at 1,595,000 TL for Turkish citizens and 36,500 USD for international students. Scholarship recipients receive 100% exemption.

Standard Graduate Scholarship (Academic Merit-Based)

Distinguished Science and Technology Scholarship (Exceptional PhD Candidates)

Exceptionally successful students applying to or having passed the qualification stage in PhD programs of the Graduate School of Engineering and Natural Sciences may receive:

• Higher stipend: 115,000 TL → 135,000 TL (12 months) after qualifying exam
• Research fund: 3,000 USD annually
• Opportunity for co-supervision by leading scientists at prominent universities worldwide
• Joint PhD degrees whenever possible

Project-Based Scholarships (TÜBİTAK, Industry, NGO)

For students working on research projects funded by TÜBİTAK, industry, or NGOs:

• TÜBİTAK projects: 47,850 TL/month (MA/MS); 74,250 TL/month (PhD); 82,500 TL/month (after qualifying)
• Industry/NGO projects: Minimum 47,850 TL/month (MA/MS); minimum 74,250 TL/month (PhD); minimum 82,500 TL/month (after qualifying)
• Sabancı University tops up any shortfall to reach these minimum amounts
• Plus tuition exemption, dormitory, laptop, insurance, and conference support as above

Additional Named Scholarships

• Işık İnselbağ Scholarship – offered by the Graduate School of Business
• İsmail Serhat Oğuz Scholarship – offered by the Graduate School of Social Sciences
• Fuat Keyman Scholarship – offered by the Graduate School of Social Sciences

Tuition Fee (for reference): 1,595,000 TL/year (Turkish citizens) or 36,500 USD/year (international students) – fully covered by scholarship.

Scholarship Eligibility

Academic requirements: Admission to an academic graduate program at Sabancı University. Scholarship decisions are based on academic merit, including undergraduate/graduate GPA, standardized test scores (ALES/GRE/GMAT where required), letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and interview performance.

Nationality: Open to Turkish citizens and all international students.

Program type: Academic graduate programs (not professional graduate programs like MBA, executive programs — those have different scholarship terms).

Language proficiency: For international students, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL IBT or equivalent) is required for admission. Turkish proficiency may be required for some programs taught in Turkish.

Application Procedure

1. Choose your graduate program – Explore the graduate programs offered by Sabancı University's three graduate schools (Engineering and Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Business).
2. Prepare required documents – Gather academic transcripts, diplomas, CV, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation (typically 2-3), standardized test scores (ALES for Turkish applicants; GRE/GMAT for international applicants where required), English proficiency certificate (TOEFL IBT or equivalent).
3. Submit online application – Complete the online application through Sabancı University's graduate application system. Indicate your program of interest and provide all required documents.
4. Pay application fee – Pay the non-refundable application fee as specified on the application portal.
5. Await evaluation – The Admission Jury evaluates applications based on academic merit. Scholarship recommendations are made by the Admission Jury and finalized by the Board of the relevant Graduate School.
6. Interview (if required) – Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview (in-person or online).
7. Receive admission and scholarship decision – Successful candidates receive an offer of admission with scholarship details. Almost all admitted students receive 100% tuition exemption.

Important note: The scholarship is awarded automatically based on academic merit during the admission evaluation process. There is usually no separate scholarship application form — your admission application serves as your scholarship application.

Official Website & Application Link

Sabancı University – Graduate Scholarships Official Page

Graduate Application Portal: https://www.sabanciuniv.edu/en/graduate-applications

Contact: For admission-related questions, contact the relevant Graduate School directly via the university website.

TÜBİTAK National Scholarship Programs: Sabancı University encourages students to apply to the 2210 National Graduate Scholarship Program or 2211 National Doctorate Scholarship Program run by TÜBİTAK-BİDEB. Sabancı provides additional top-up benefits to students admitted to these programs.