Turkey: Istanbul University Scholarships for Asylum Seekers and Refugees 2026

If you are an asylum seeker or refugee looking to further your education in Turkey, you may be eligible for scholarships offered by Istanbul University. The university provides various opportunities for individuals with refugee or asylum seeker status to pursue their academic goals. These scholarships aim to support the education and community building of asylum seekers and refugees in Turkey.

Who Qualifies

To be eligible for Istanbul University scholarships, you must hold one of the following visa categories:

* International Protection Applicant Visa

* International Protection Status Holder Visa

* Temporary Protection Visa

* Refugee Visa

* Asylum Seeker Visa

* Humanitarian Residence Visa

Available Scholarships

Istanbul University offers several scholarships to support the education of asylum seekers and refugees. Here are five available scholarships:

Istanbul University Scholarship for Refugees

The Istanbul University Scholarship for Refugees covers 100% of tuition fees, along with a monthly stipend of 1,500 TRY. To be eligible, applicants must be refugee status holders, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and meet the language proficiency requirements. The deadline for application is March 31, 2026. For more information, visit https://www.istanbul.edu.tr/en.

Turkey Government Scholarship for Asylum Seekers

The Turkey Government Scholarship for Asylum Seekers provides a full scholarship, including tuition fees, accommodation, and a monthly stipend of 1,800 TRY. Eligible applicants must be asylum seekers or international protection applicants, have a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and meet the language proficiency requirements. The deadline for application is February 20, 2026. For more information, visit https://www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/en.

UNHCR Turkey Scholarship

The UNHCR Turkey Scholarship covers 50% of tuition fees, along with a monthly stipend of 1,000 TRY. To be eligible, applicants must be registered with UNHCR Turkey, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and meet the language proficiency requirements. The deadline for application is April 15, 2026. For more information, visit https://www.unhcr.org/tr.

Istanbul University Asylum Seeker Scholarship

The Istanbul University Asylum Seeker Scholarship covers 75% of tuition fees, along with a monthly stipend of 1,200 TRY. Eligible applicants must be asylum seekers, have a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and meet the language proficiency requirements. The deadline for application is March 15, 2026. For more information, visit https://www.istanbul.edu.tr/en.

Turkish Red Crescent Scholarship for Refugees

The Turkish Red Crescent Scholarship for Refugees provides a full scholarship, including tuition fees, accommodation, and a monthly stipend of 1,500 TRY. To be eligible, applicants must be refugee status holders, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and meet the language proficiency requirements. The deadline for application is May 1, 2026. For more information, visit https://www.kizilay.org.tr/en.

Application Steps

To apply for Istanbul University scholarships, follow these steps:

Check your eligibility and choose the scholarship you want to apply for.

Prepare all the required documents, including your passport, visa, and academic transcripts.

Fill out the online application form and submit it before the deadline.

Pay the application fee, if required.

Wait for the evaluation process to be completed.

If selected, receive and sign the scholarship agreement.

Start your academic journey at Istanbul University.

Documents Checklist

To apply for Istanbul University scholarships, you will need to provide the following documents:

* Passport

* Visa

* Academic transcripts

* Diplomas

* Language proficiency certificates

* Proof of refugee or asylum seeker status

* Proof of financial need

* Recommendation letters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for applying to Istanbul University scholarships?

The deadline for applying to Istanbul University scholarships varies depending on the scholarship, but most deadlines fall between February and May 2026. It is essential to check the official website of the university or the scholarship provider for the exact deadline.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time?

Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships at the same time, but you can only receive one scholarship. It is crucial to meet the eligibility criteria for each scholarship and to submit a separate application for each one.

What are the language proficiency requirements for Istanbul University scholarships?

The language proficiency requirements for Istanbul University scholarships vary depending on the program and the scholarship. However, most programs require a minimum language proficiency level of B2 in English or Turkish.

How do I apply for a scholarship if I am an asylum seeker or refugee?

To apply for a scholarship as an asylum seeker or refugee, you need to provide proof of your status, along with other required documents, such as your academic transcripts and language proficiency certificates.

Can I get a scholarship if I am not proficient in English or Turkish?

Some scholarships may offer language courses or support for students who are not proficient in English or Turkish. However, it is essential to check the language proficiency requirements for each scholarship and to meet those requirements before applying.

How long does it take to evaluate my scholarship application?

The evaluation process for scholarship applications can take several weeks to several months, depending on the scholarship and the university.

Can I apply for a scholarship if I am already enrolled in a program at Istanbul University?

Some scholarships may be available to students who are already enrolled in a program at Istanbul University. However, it is essential to check the eligibility criteria for each scholarship and to meet those requirements before applying.

How do I contact the scholarship provider if I have questions or concerns?

You can contact the scholarship provider through their official website or by email. Make sure to check the contact information provided on the official website of the university or the scholarship provider.

Additional Resources

For more information on Istanbul University scholarships and programs, visit the official website of Istanbul University or the Turkish Government Scholarship website.

To learn more about available scholarships and opportunities for asylum seekers and refugees, visit https://migrantscholar.com/blog.