Turkey’s Sabanci University Scholarship: Guideline for Bangladeshi Students

For Bangladeshi students dreaming of pursuing higher education abroad, Turkey’s Sabanci University has announced an exciting university-based scholarship program open to international students, including those from Bangladesh. This scholarship offers a remarkable opportunity for students at the undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels to study in a globally recognized institution with generous financial support.

Why Choose Turkey and Sabanci University?

Turkey has long been a popular destination for Bangladeshi students due to its affordable education, cultural similarities, and high-quality academic institutions. Sabanci University, one of Turkey’s leading universities, is now offering scholarships tailored for international students. Unlike the well-known Türkiye Bursları (Turkey Government Scholarship), this university-specific program provides unique benefits, including English-medium instruction for most programs, making it accessible for students without Turkish language proficiency.

Scholarship Benefits

The Sabanci University Scholarship offers a range of benefits, with variations depending on the academic level:

• Tuition Fee Waiver: All successful applicants, including undergraduate students, receive a full or partial tuition fee waiver. For bachelor’s students, the extent of the waiver depends on academic merit and other conditions.
• Accommodation Support: Master’s and PhD students may receive free on-campus housing or a monthly accommodation allowance of approximately USD 170 if they opt to live off-campus. Bachelor’s students are also eligible for accommodation support, though specifics vary.
• Monthly Stipend: Master’s students receive around USD 850 per month, while PhD students are granted approximately USD 1,310 monthly, providing significant financial relief.
• Additional Perks: Master’s and PhD students benefit from health insurance, transportation facilities, and a laptop provided by the university. The scholarship also covers travel costs for attending one academic conference per year.
• Language Test Option: Students without IELTS or TOEFL scores can apply by taking Sabanci University’s internal English proficiency test, making the application process more accessible.

Programs and Duration

Sabanci University offers programs across disciplines, including science, arts, commerce, and social sciences. The durations are:

• Bachelor’s: 3–4 years
• Master’s: 1–2 years
• PhD: 3–4 years

Most programs are taught in English, eliminating the need for Turkish language courses, which is a significant advantage over other Turkish scholarships.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

The scholarship is open to Bangladeshi students meeting the following criteria:

• Academic Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s applicants must have completed HSC or equivalent.
• Master’s applicants need a bachelor’s degree.
• PhD applicants must hold a master’s degree.
• English Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency through TOEFL, Sabanci University’s language test, or equivalent (note: IELTS scores are not accepted).
• Program-Specific Requirements: Requirements vary by program (e.g., engineering, social sciences, or business). Applicants should check the university’s website for details.

Required Documents

• Valid passport
• Academic certificates and transcripts (attested by the Ministry of Education and Foreign Affairs, and verified by the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka)
• Application form (program-specific)
• Motivation letter (1–2 pages)
• CV (any format)
• Two recommendation letters (submitted online by referees within three days of application submission)
• Passport-sized photo
• English proficiency certificate (TOEFL or Sabanci’s test)
• Optional: Thesis proposal, publications, or proof of extracurricular achievements

All academic documents must be legalized and verified by the relevant authorities in Bangladesh.

Application Process

The application process is straightforward and can be completed online:

1. Prepare Documents: Gather and legalize all required documents.
2. Online Application: Visit Sabanci University’s website, navigate to the “Admissions” section, and select “Apply.” Register with your name and email, verify your account, and fill in personal, academic, and employment details. Upload documents and provide contact information for two referees.
3. Await Notification: The university may conduct interviews or additional tests. Results will be published, followed by guidance on offer letters, visas, and accommodation.

Applicants are encouraged to check program-specific requirements on the university’s website before applying.

Deadlines

• Bachelor’s Programs: August 29, 2025
• Master’s and PhD Programs: May 30, 2025

Given the tight timeline for graduate programs, students are advised to start preparing documents immediately. A week to organize paperwork and another to complete the online application should suffice.

Challenges to Consider

While the scholarship offers substantial benefits, applicants should be aware of potential challenges:

• No Airfare Support: Travel costs to and from Turkey are not covered.
• Academic Performance: Poor academic results may lead to scholarship cancellation, especially if students engage in part-time work that affects their grades.
• Limited Benefits for Undergraduates: Bachelor’s students receive fewer perks, such as no monthly stipend.
• Visa and PR Challenges: Visa costs are borne by the student, and post-study visa category changes (e.g., for permanent residency) are difficult. Students may need to return to Bangladesh or move elsewhere after completing their studies unless they secure a job or other visa sponsorship.
• Application Fee: Some programs may require a nominal fee.
• Language Test Requirement: IELTS scores are not accepted, requiring applicants to rely on TOEFL or the university’s test.

Tips for Success

To maximize their chances, students should:

• Start preparing documents early, ensuring all are attested and verified.
• Carefully review program requirements on Sabanci University’s website.
• Write a compelling motivation letter tailored to the chosen program.
• Secure recommendation letters from credible referees who can submit them promptly.
• Contact the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka for visa-related guidance post-acceptance.

Why Apply?

The Sabanci University Scholarship is a golden opportunity for Bangladeshi students seeking quality education abroad without the financial burden. With English-medium programs, comprehensive financial support, and a globally recognized degree, it’s an ideal choice for ambitious students. For those who missed the Türkiye Bursları deadline, this scholarship offers a viable alternative.

For more details, visit Sabanci University’s official website or contact the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka. Students needing professional application assistance can explore paid services from education consultants, but with proper preparation, self-application is entirely feasible.

Take the first step toward your global academic journey today!