Sabancı University Scholarship 2026 Easy Guide | How to Apply

About Sabanci University

Sabanci University (Sabancı Üniversitesi) is a private research university located in Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey. Founded in 1999 by the Sabanci Foundation (Sabancı Vakfı), one of Turkey’s most prominent philanthropic foundations, the university quickly emerged as a leader in higher education across the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.

The university is consistently ranked among the top 400 universities in the world by QS World University Rankings. It is home to three faculties: the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS), the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), and the Sabancı Business School (SBS). Together, they offer a wide range of interdisciplinary undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.

One of Sabanci University’s most distinctive features is its interdisciplinary education model. Students spend their Foundation Development Year (FDY) their first year  taking common courses across all programs before declaring their major at the end of Year 1. This flexible system allows students to explore various academic disciplines before committing to a specific field of study.

With a vibrant international campus community, cutting-edge research centers, strong industry connections, and a commitment to academic excellence, Sabanci University has become one of the most sought-after study destinations in Turkey for international students.

2. Scholarship Overview

3. Types of Scholarships at Sabanci University

Sabanci University offers several distinct categories of scholarships, catering to students at different academic levels and with different financial needs. Understanding each type will help you identify which category best fits your profile.

A. Admission Scholarships (Undergraduate)

These scholarships are awarded to incoming international undergraduate students during the admissions evaluation process. Scholarship evaluation is made based on the applicant’s academic success, extracurricular activities, and scholarship quota. The awards can range from partial to full tuition waivers, and outstanding students may also receive dormitory accommodation in a shared 4-person room on campus.

B. Graduate Scholarships (Master’s and PhD)

Sabanci University is especially generous when it comes to graduate scholarships. According to the university, almost all students admitted to academic graduate programs (excluding professional non-thesis programs) receive either a full or partial exemption from annual tuition fees. Graduate scholarship packages typically include a monthly stipend, dormitory support, health insurance, and in some cases, conference funding.

The monthly stipends for the 2025–2026 Academic Year are structured as follows (net amounts):

• MA/MS (Master’s) students: Approximately USD $850/month
• PhD students: Approximately USD $1,440/month
• PhD students (post-qualifying exams): Approximately USD $1,730/month

Note: The exact amounts for the 2026–2027 academic year will be announced in April 2026.

C. Distinguished Science and Technology Scholarship

This prestigious award is reserved for exceptionally talented PhD candidates in the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS). Selected recipients may benefit from co-supervision by leading scientists at world-renowned universities and research institutions. This scholarship is evaluated separately by the scholarship committee and is one of the most competitive awards at the university.

D. TÜBİTAK Research Project Scholarships

Graduate students may also be supported through research grants from TÜBİTAK (the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey), industry partners, NGOs, and other external project funders. Where the external project stipend is below the university’s standard rates, Sabanci University covers the difference.

E. National Graduate and Doctorate Scholarship Programs

Sabanci University actively encourages its graduate students to apply for TÜBİTAK-BİDEB’s 2210 National Graduate Scholarship Program and the 2211 National Doctorate Scholarship Program. Students who receive these national scholarships are provided with additional support by the university on top of the BİDEB stipend.

4. What the Scholarship Covers (Benefits)

The Sabanci University Scholarship is structured to ensure that recipients can focus entirely on their academic work without financial stress. Here is a breakdown of the key benefits:

5. Eligibility Criteria

The Sabanci University Scholarship is open to all international students from any country. There is no nationality restriction. However, applicants must meet the following core criteria to be considered:

• You must be applying to an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD program at Sabanci University.
• You must meet the Turkish Higher Education Council (YÖK) regulations for international student applications.
• You must submit a complete admissions application, including all required academic documents and supporting materials.
• Your application must include at least one accepted exam score or diploma as recognized by Sabanci University.
• For graduate programs: relevant academic background, GPA scores, reference letters, and GMAT/GRE scores (where applicable) will be evaluated.
• Applicants with strong extracurricular achievements (Olympiad certificates, competition prizes, research publications, etc.) stand a stronger chance of receiving a higher scholarship level.

The university also accepts applications from students sponsored by their home governments. Country-specific government scholarships are available for students from Azerbaijan, Iraq, Oman, Libya, Pakistan, and Qatar, among others. Students from these countries should contact their respective ministries of higher education for more information.

6. Required Documents

To be eligible for the Sabanci University Scholarship, your application file must be complete. An incomplete application may still result in admission but will be less competitive for top scholarship levels. The required documents include:

• Completed Online Application Form (with scholarship preference section filled)
• Application Fee: USD $30 (paid online via credit card)
• Official Academic Transcripts — showing all courses and grades, signed and stamped by the issuing institution (or with a verifiable e-signature)
• High School Diploma — with a notarized English or Turkish translation if issued in another language
• Valid Exam Score — e.g., SAT, ACT, IB, A-levels, or other recognized diplomas/exams as listed by the university
• For Graduate Applicants: Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts
• Reference Letters — typically 2–3 academic or professional references
• Statement of Purpose / Motivation Letter
• GMAT / GRE Scores (for business and some graduate programs)
• English Proficiency Proof — TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent
• Evidence of Academic Achievements — Olympiad certificates, awards, research publications, or competition prizes
• Passport Copy

All documents that are not in English or Turkish must be accompanied by a notarized translation. Transcripts or diploma copies without a wet signature, official stamp, or verifiable online e-signature will not be accepted.

7. How to Apply — Step by Step

The Sabanci University scholarship process is integrated directly into the university’s admissions application. There is no separate scholarship portal or form. Here is how to apply:

1. Check Eligibility
   Review the admission requirements on the Sabanci University International Relations Office website (iro.sabanciuniv.edu). Make sure you meet the YÖK criteria and have a valid exam score or diploma from the university’s accepted list.
2. Create Your Applicant Account
   Visit the official Sabanci University online application portal and create an account using your name and email address. You will receive a unique application link and payment link via email.
3. Pay the Application Fee
   Pay the USD $30 application fee online using a credit card. Note that this fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application.
4. Fill in the Application Form
   Complete all sections of the application form. In the scholarship-related section, indicate your interest in being considered for a scholarship. Remember: even if you skip this section, all applicants are automatically evaluated for scholarships.
5. Upload All Required Documents
   Attach all necessary academic and supporting documents. Ensure transcripts have official stamps or e-signatures. Include any achievement certificates — the more evidence of your academic success, the stronger your scholarship evaluation.
6. Submit Your Application
   Double-check everything and submit. You can save your progress and return to the portal at any time before the deadline.
7. Wait for the Evaluation
   Applicants are informed of the evaluation result via email within 2–3 weeks of submission. Do not send follow-up emails during this period.
8. Receive Admission and Scholarship Decision
   Scholarship recommendations are made by the Admission Jury and finalized by the Board of the relevant Graduate School (for graduate applicants) or the Scholarship Committee (for undergraduates). You will be notified of both your admission and scholarship outcome simultaneously.
9. Complete Two-Stage Registration
   If admitted and you accept the offer, you must complete a two-stage registration process within the dates announced in the Academic Calendar. Gather your original documents for this stage.

8. Application Deadlines 2026

Application deadlines at Sabanci University vary by program level. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the graduate scholarship application deadline was May 30, 2025. Deadlines for the 2026–2027 academic year are expected to follow a similar timeline, with details to be officially announced in April 2026.

Always check the official Sabanci University website (sabanciuniv.edu) and the International Relations Office (iro.sabanciuniv.edu) for the most up-to-date deadlines. Deadlines for specific faculties may differ.

9. Scholarships Available During Studies

The scholarship journey does not end at admission. Sabanci University offers a range of scholarships for continuing students, reviewed and potentially upgraded each academic year based on performance. Key scholarships available during studies include:

Sakıp Sabancı Encouragement Scholarship

Awarded for outstanding academic success or a combination of academic success and financial need. This scholarship provides a partial tuition fee waiver and is reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees.

Hacı Sabancı Scholarship

Available to undergraduate students who achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 3.50 during their transition from Year 1 to Year 2 and demonstrate financial need. Benefits include tuition and dormitory fee exemptions, book support of up to 7,000 TL, and a monthly stipend of 16,000 TL over 9 months. It continues until graduation provided the student maintains a GPA of at least 2.50 each year.

Dilek Sabancı Scholarship

Awarded for academic success to five students transitioning from Year 2 to Year 3. It provides a 100% annual tuition fee waiver and continues through graduation, provided the student maintains academic and disciplinary standards.

DEVAK – Deloitte Education Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship from the Deloitte Education Foundation supports financially needy and academically successful second-year students in Engineering, Arts and Social Sciences, or Management Sciences. Monthly cash support is provided for nine months per academic year.

Işık İnselbağ Scholarship

Offered by the Graduate School of Business within the scope of the Işık İnselbağ Finance Chair for outstanding graduate students in finance-related disciplines.

10. Government-Sponsored Scholarships at Sabanci University

Sabanci University is one of the few private universities in Turkey that collaborates with multiple foreign governments to facilitate government-sponsored scholarships. If you are from any of the following countries, you may be eligible to study at Sabanci University under your government’s scholarship program:

• Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan Government Scholarships
• Iraq: Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Researches (Department of Missions and Cultural Relations)
• Oman: Omani Ministry of Higher Education Scholarship (one of very few Turkish universities to accept this)
• Libya: Libyan Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Researches
• Pakistan: HEC (Higher Education Commission) Overseas Scholarships and HRDI-UESTPs/UETs Project Scholarships
• Qatar: Supreme Education Council of Qatar Scholarships

If you are from one of these countries, contact your respective Ministry of Higher Education or scholarship authority to confirm the process and then apply to Sabanci University through the standard admissions portal.

11. Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning the Scholarship

Competition for Sabanci University scholarships can be intense, especially at the top award levels. Here are proven strategies to strengthen your application:

• Apply as early as possible. Early applicants receive priority consideration from the Scholarship Committee. Submitting months before the deadline gives you a significant edge.
• Submit a complete application. Incomplete files are less competitive. Ensure every document — from transcripts to references — is included and properly authenticated.
• Highlight your extracurricular achievements. Olympiad certificates, competition awards, research experience, and community leadership are all valued by the Scholarship Committee alongside your academic grades.
• Write a compelling Statement of Purpose. Clearly articulate why you want to study at Sabanci University, what research interests you, and how this aligns with the university’s mission and your long-term goals.
• Secure strong reference letters. Choose referees who know you well academically and can speak specifically to your abilities, character, and potential for graduate-level success.
• Aim for a high GPA and strong exam scores. While Sabanci uses holistic evaluation, academic performance remains the most heavily weighted factor in scholarship decisions.
• Apply for multiple program options. Since Sabanci’s interdisciplinary model allows first-year students to choose their major after FDY, applying to multiple faculty options increases your overall admission probability.
• Do not rely on minimum scores. Meeting the minimum requirement does not guarantee admission or scholarship. Competitive scores set you apart from other applicants.

13. Final Thoughts

The Sabanci University Scholarship stands out as one of the most accessible and generous scholarship programs available for international students who want to study in Turkey. What makes it particularly special is the automatic consideration policy — you simply apply for admission and the university does the scholarship evaluation for you, removing an extra layer of paperwork and stress.

Whether you are a brilliant undergraduate student looking for a fully funded Bachelor’s experience in Istanbul, a Master’s candidate seeking stipend-supported graduate study, or a PhD researcher interested in one of Sabanci’s world-class laboratories, this scholarship has something to offer at every academic level.

The key to success is a complete, compelling, and early application. Invest time in gathering your academic transcripts, securing thoughtful reference letters, and documenting every achievement academic or otherwise that you have earned. The Scholarship Committee values the whole person, not just grades.