You want a top-ranked Turkish degree without worrying about tuition or living costs. Koç University in Istanbul offers one of the strongest Fully Funded scholarship routes in the region, designed for bright international students like you. If your goal is a Master’s with Thesis or a PhD in 2026/2027, this is a serious opportunity worth your full attention.
The Koç University Scholarship covers the essentials that matter most. Think full tuition waiver, a monthly stipend, housing support or dorm accommodation, private health insurance, and research or travel support where available. There is no application fee. Funding decisions are made together with your admission, so a strong application can unlock everything in one go.
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Competition is high, but clear. You apply to your program, tick the scholarship option, and if admitted, the Graduate School can award funding. Below is a clean breakdown of what is offered, who can apply, and how to submit a winning application for the 2026/2027 intake.
Why this scholarship stands out
Fully Funded: Full tuition waiver plus monthly stipend. Many awards add dorm or housing support and private health insurance.
No Application Fee: Submit your application online without paying.
World-class research environment: Work with leading faculty, strong labs, and international research collaborations in Istanbul.
Automatic consideration: You are considered for funding when you apply for admission. No separate scholarship form in most cases.
Multiple Graduate Schools: Business, Sciences and Engineering, Social Sciences and Humanities, Health Sciences, Law.
Key facts at a glance
Item
Summary
Host Country
Turkey
University
Koç University, Istanbul
Funding Type
Fully Funded for competitive applicants
Eligible Levels
Master’s with Thesis, PhD
Application Fee
No application fee
Academic Cycle
2026/2027
Citizenship
Open to international applicants
Language of Instruction
Mainly English, with program-by-program exceptions
Deadline
Visit the official website for the current deadline
Funding packages are awarded by each Graduate School and may vary by department and your academic profile. In general, strong candidates can receive:
100 percent tuition waiver for the duration of the program.
Monthly stipend that supports living costs in Istanbul.
Housing support via on-campus dorm placement or a housing stipend, where offered.
Private health insurance for the student.
Research support such as conference travel or project funding when approved by your department or supervisor.
Assistantships such as Teaching or Research Assistant roles that combine training with financial support.
Note: Non-thesis Master’s programs are typically not funded. Funding benefits depend on the program and may be updated by the university. Always check the program page before you apply.
Available fields of study
Koç University offers a broad portfolio across five Graduate Schools. Typical areas include, but are not limited to:
Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering
Computer Science and Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering
Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics
Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science
Environmental Sciences and Engineering
Graduate School of Social Sciences and Humanities
International Relations, Political Science and Public Policy
Economics
Psychology
Archaeology and History of Art
Sociology, Philosophy, History
Graduate School of Business
Management, Finance, Marketing
Operations, Strategy, Organizational Behavior
PhD programs in Business fields
Graduate School of Health Sciences
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Translational Medicine
Nursing, Public Health
Medical and clinical research tracks subject to program availability
School of Law
Private Law, Public Law, International and Comparative Law
Program lists update regularly. Always verify availability and language of instruction on the official site.
Who can apply
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Strong academic records and research potential matter most. Here is a quick eligibility snapshot for the 2026/2027 cycle:
Criteria
Master’s with Thesis
PhD
Academic Background
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Master’s degree in a relevant field
Grades
Competitive GPA as defined by the department
Strong academic and research record
English Proficiency
Valid test accepted by Koç University such as TOEFL iBT or KUEPE
Valid test accepted by Koç University such as TOEFL iBT or KUEPE
Standardized Tests
GRE/GMAT may be required by some programs
GRE/GMAT may be required by some programs
Recommendations
Usually 2-3 academic or professional referees
Usually 2-3 academic or professional referees
Research Fit
Statement of Purpose showing fit with the program
Clear research interests and potential supervisor fit
Citizenship
Open to all nationalities
Open to all nationalities
Important: Requirements vary by department. Some programs also ask for portfolios, writing samples, or interviews.
Required documents
Prepare clean, well formatted files. Typical submissions include:
Online application form
CV or resume
Official transcripts and diplomas
Statement of Purpose
2-3 recommendation letters
English proficiency proof accepted by Koç University
GRE or GMAT scores if your program requires them
Research proposal for PhD applicants where requested
Portfolio or writing sample for relevant fields
Passport copy
If your documents are not in English or Turkish, provide certified translations as required by the program.
How to apply for the Koç University Scholarship
Choose your program: Review departments and faculty profiles to match your background and research interests.
Check entry criteria: Confirm degree requirements, test scores, and any extras like portfolios or writing samples.
Prepare documents: Gather transcripts, test scores, CV, SoP, and references early. Ask referees in advance.
Submit the online application: Create an account on the official Koç University application portal and select scholarship consideration where available. There is no application fee.
Interview or assessment: Some programs invite shortlisted candidates for interviews or additional evaluations.
Funding decision with admission: If admitted, your offer letter will state the funding package awarded by the Graduate School.
Accept and complete enrollment: Confirm your spot, arrange student residence procedures in Turkey, and prepare to relocate.
Start at the official site for the latest instructions: https://international.ku.edu.tr. Follow the Graduate Admissions links to your target department.
Deadlines for 2026/2027
Graduate deadlines at Koç University can vary by program and intake. Many departments review applications in multiple rounds each year. For the 2026/2027 academic cycle:
Expect competitive early rounds and rolling reviews in 2026.
Late submissions are rarely funded. Apply early for the best chance.
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.
Selection tips that boost your chances
Show supervisor fit: Mention faculty you want to work with and why your research aligns with their interests.
Lead with outcomes: In your CV and SoP, quantify achievements, publications, projects, and awards.
Polish your SoP: One page for Master’s, up to two for PhD is typical. Be specific about your research question and methods.
Test scores strategy: If GRE or GMAT is optional, submit strong scores to stand out. If required, meet the threshold early.
References that speak to research: Ask referees who can evaluate your analytical skills, independence, and potential.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate scholarship application?
No. For most programs you are considered for funding automatically during admission. Your offer letter will include the funding decision.
Is there an application fee?
No. Koç University’s online application for these graduate scholarships does not charge an application fee.
Are non-thesis Master’s programs funded?
Generally no. Funding is primarily for Master’s with Thesis and PhD programs. Check your specific program page.
Which English tests are accepted?
Koç University accepts English proficiency that complies with Turkish higher education regulations such as TOEFL iBT or the university’s own KUEPE, subject to current policy. Always verify test types and minimum scores on the program page.
Do I need GRE or GMAT?
Some programs require them, some make them optional, and some do not use them. Follow your department’s exact instructions.
Can I work part time while studying?
Graduate students often receive assistantships as part of their funding. Off-campus work is regulated and may require permits. Confirm current rules and focus on your research obligations first.
Is Turkish language required?
Most funded graduate programs are offered in English. Turkish is not required for admission to those programs, but learning basic Turkish helps daily life and research access.
Ready to apply?
You have a clear path to a Fully Funded Master’s or PhD in Turkey’s leading private university. Shortlist your program today, prepare a focused application, and submit early for the 2026/2027 cycle. Your research future can start in Istanbul. Apply now on the official site and give yourself the best chance to secure funding.
