If you're looking to pursue your postgraduate studies in Turkey, Bilkent University offers an exciting opportunity through its fully-funded scholarships for both master's and PhD students. In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of the Bilkent University Scholarship, including its benefits and step-by-step application process.
About Bilkent University Scholarships 2025-2026
Bilkent University Scholarships are available for international students wishing to pursue their master's or PhD degrees. The scholarships are fully funded, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and more. The university offers a stipend of 600 USD per month for PhD students and 450 USD per month for master's students.
Bilkent University’s UNAM (National Nanotechnology Research Center) offers a range of financial aid options and prestigious fellowship opportunities for graduate students. Some of the key programs include:
- UNAM Bilkent University President Graduate Fellowship (formerly named Bilkent UNAM Graduate Fellowship)
- UNAM Scholarship for Young Women
- Bilkent UNAM Graduate Scholarship
- Scholarships from externally funded projects
This scholarship program is considered one of the highest-paying opportunities for international students in Turkey. It also provides education in English, making it accessible to a wide range of global students. Furthermore, there is no application fee for the Bilkent UNAM Scholarship.
Bilkent University is renowned for its academic excellence. It leads globally in open-access publications, according to the 2019 CWTS Leiden Rankings, and ranks 54th in the inaugural Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings, positioning itself among the top three universities in Turkey.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Master's / PhD
- Institution: Bilkent University
- Location: Turkey
- Program Duration:
- Master's Scholarship: 6 semesters (3 years)
- PhD Scholarship: 4 years
- Application Deadlines: March 18, 2025 / June 6, 2025 / November 4, 2024
Courses Offered
- Architecture (M.S.)
- Computer Engineering (M.S. and Ph.D.)
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering (M.S. and Ph.D.)
- Industrial Engineering (M.S. and Ph.D.)
- Mechanical Engineering (M.S. and Ph.D.)
- Materials Science & Nanotechnology (M.S. and Ph.D.)
- Molecular Biology and Genetics (M.S. and Ph.D.)
- Neuroscience (M.S. and Ph.D.)
- Physics (M.S. and Ph.D.)
- Chemistry (M.S. and Ph.D.)
- Mathematics (M.S. and Ph.D.)
- Telecommunications and Networking (Non-thesis M.S.)
Scholarship Benefits
Bilkent University Scholarship provides the following benefits:
For PhD Students:
- Tuition waiver (62,100 TL/year)
- Monthly stipend and housing (total of 5,500 TL/month)
- Private health insurance
- Laptop computer
- Meal card (after completing PhD qualifier)
- Travel support for presenting research at conferences
For Master’s Students:
- Tuition waiver (62,100 TL/year)
- Monthly stipend and housing (total of 4,400 TL/month)
- Private health insurance
- Laptop computer
- Travel support for presenting research at conferences
Additionally, dormitories are fully furnished with essential amenities such as beds, desks, bookshelves, and mini-refrigerators. Rooms also come with unlimited high-speed internet access and other conveniences such as self-cooking kitchens, social lounges, study areas, and laundry facilities.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Bilkent University Scholarship, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Language Requirements: Proficiency in English (TOEFL IBT: at least 87, IELTS: at least 6.5 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section, or Bilkent COPE: at least C).
- Eligible Countries: Open to students from all countries.
- Academic Requirements: Applicants must have at least a 2.80/4.00 CGPA at the time of application.
- Additional Requirements for Turkish Citizens: ALES score of at least 55 (quantitative) is required.
- For Other Applicants: A GRE General Test score of at least 153 (quantitative) is required. Applicants with a strong background may be encouraged to apply even with slightly lower scores.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the Bilkent University Scholarship:
- Create a new account on the Bilkent University application portal.
- Select your desired graduate school.
- Upload the following documents:
- Proof of Degree (if applicable)
- Official Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Updated Resume
- Research Proposal (if available)
- IELTS/TOEFL Results
- GRE Score
For more information about the application process, visit the official Bilkent University Scholarship website.
Conclusion
By providing a comprehensive and competitive scholarship package, Bilkent University ensures that international students have access to world-class education without the financial burden. Make sure to apply before the deadline and seize the opportunity to study in one of the most prestigious institutions in Turkey.