Sabanci University Graduate Scholarships 2027 in Turkey

Sabancı University is one of Türkiye's leading private research universities, located in Istanbul. It offers generous scholarships to graduate students, including international students, for its academic master's and PhD programmes. According to the university, almost all students admitted to academic graduate programmes receive full tuition exemption.

Status: applications for Fall 2027 haven't opened yet. For Fall 2026, the deadlines were 27 March 2026 (early round for Economics) and 8 to 15 June 2026 for most programmes. Expect a similar timeline, and start preparing now.

What the Full Scholarship covers

• 100% tuition exemption. International tuition is US$24,500 a year (2026–27), so this is a big saving.
• A monthly stipend (2026–27 rates, paid in Turkish lira):
  • Master's: TL 43,500 a month (10 months a year)
  • PhD before the qualifying exam: TL 67,500 a month (12 months)
  • PhD after the qualifying exam: TL 75,000 a month (12 months)
• Free dormitory accommodation (a shared room for master's students, usually a single room for PhD students), or transport support if you live off campus
• Private health insurance
• A laptop
• Limited conference support

Other scholarship types include project-funded scholarships (with a higher stipend), a Distinguished Science and Technology Scholarship for top PhD students, and tuition waiver scholarships. Stipend amounts are usually updated each year.

Who can apply

• Turkish and international applicants to Sabancı's academic (not professional) master's and PhD programmes
• A bachelor's degree for master's programmes, or a master's degree for PhD programmes
• Strong grades and English proficiency, as each programme requires
• Scholarships are awarded on academic merit during the admission evaluation

Programmes include

Engineering and Natural Sciences: Computer Science and Engineering, Cyber Security, Data Science, Electronics Engineering, Energy Technologies and Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science and Nano Engineering, Mathematics, Mechatronics Engineering, Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering, and Physics

Arts and Social Sciences: Cultural Studies, Economics, History, Political Science, Psychology, and Visual Arts and Visual Communication Design

How to apply

1. Choose your programme and check its requirements on Sabancı's website.
2. Apply online at admission.sabanciuniv.edu when the Fall 2027 call opens.
3. Upload your documents. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview (online, in person or hybrid).
4. The admissions jury recommends scholarships while it evaluates applications, so there's no separate scholarship form for most awards.

Documents you'll usually need

• Transcripts and degree certificates
• Statement of purpose
• Reference letters
• English test results (such as TOEFL or IELTS), if required
• CV
• GRE, for some programmes

Tips

• Prepare now. Request reference letters and book your English test before the call opens.
• Write a focused statement of purpose that names faculty whose research interests you. See our motivation letter guide.
• Watch for the early deadline. Some programmes, like Economics, have an earlier round.

Need help with your statement of purpose? Book a review.