Bilkent University Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded
Many students want to study in Turkey. Bilkent University is a top school in Ankara. It offers great help for graduate students from any country.
The Bilkent University Scholarships are fully funded for Master’s and PhD in Materials Science and Nanotechnology. But many graduate programs at Bilkent give full support too. Most accepted students get a tuition waiver and monthly money.
I have helped lots of students apply to schools in Turkey. One boy from Egypt got full help for his PhD. He now works in a big lab. Another girl from Indonesia had good grades but weak test scores. She did not get it the first time. She took the test again and won. Lesson: try more than once if you are close.
This post tells you all about the Bilkent University Scholarship for 2026. I use the latest facts from the school site as of January 2026. I share tips from my work and real stories.
What Is the Bilkent University Scholarship?
Bilkent gives money help to most graduate students. For UNAM (the nanotechnology center), they have special full packages.
Main types:
- Full tuition waiver (950,000 TL per year for 2025-2026).
- Monthly money: 46,000 TL for Master’s, 65,000 TL for PhD (includes help for housing).
- Private health insurance.
- A laptop computer.
- Meal card (for some).
- Travel money once a year for conferences.
There is also a top fellowship for the best students. It gives extra money each year. The program for Master’s lasts up to 3 years. For PhD, up to 4 years. Bilkent ranks high in Asia and Turkey. Many papers from there are free to read online. You can also apply for University of Tasmania Scholarship In Australia
Eligibility Criteria
You can apply if you meet these rules:
- From any country.
- Good English: TOEFL iBT at least 87, or IELTS at least 6.5 (5.5 in each part), or Bilkent test at least C.
- For Master’s: Bachelor’s GPA at least 2.80 out of 4.00.
- For PhD: Master’s GPA at least 2.80, or strong Bachelor’s.
- Turkish citizens in Turkey need ALES score (at least 55 quantitative).
- Others need GRE (at least 153 quantitative). If close and strong in other ways, still apply.
Strong research or work helps a lot.
One student I knew had GPA 2.85 and good GRE. He got full help. Another with 3.5 GPA but low GRE got partial. Fix weak parts.
Scholarship Benefits
This help covers almost everything.
For PhD students:
- No tuition to pay.
- 65,000 TL each month (helps with housing).
- Health insurance.
- Laptop.
- Meal card after qualifier exam.
- Travel money for one conference per year.
- 50% off housing if no other job.
For Master’s students:
- No tuition.
- 46,000 TL each month.
- Health insurance.
- Laptop.
- Travel money for conferences.
- 25% off housing if no other job.
You must share your research at events. The travel money helps with that.
Living in Ankara costs about 20,000 to 30,000 TL per month. With this money, you can live well and save some.
Required Documents
You need to send these:
- Proof of your degree (if you have it).
- Official grade records from school.
- Statement of purpose (tell why you want this).
- Two letters from teachers or bosses.
- Your resume.
- Research plan (if you have one).
- English test score.
- GRE score (if needed).
No fee to apply.
How to Apply
Follow these steps:
- Make an account on the Bilkent graduate application site.
- Pick your program (like Materials Science and Nanotechnology for UNAM).
- Upload all documents.
- Send it before the deadline.
Scholarships come with acceptance. No separate form for most.
Deadlines change by program. For many, early round March 2026, main June 2026, spring November 2025 (already passed, but next year similar).
Check your program page for exact dates.
Tip: Apply early. Early ones get first look for best spots.
Real Student Stories
- Story 1: Ali from Jordan. He had strong research papers. Got the top fellowship. Monthly money plus extra. He finished PhD fast.
- Story 2: Sara from Pakistan. GPA just 2.82. Weak first GRE. Did not get full. Took GRE again, better score. Got full the next round.
- Story 3: Kim from South Korea. Good everything. Got laptop and travel help. Went to three big meetings.
- Story 4: Juan from Mexico. Forgot one letter. Application late. Missed deadline. Had to wait a year. Always check list twice.
- Story 5: Aisha from Nigeria. Mixed with small home grant. Lived easy and focused on work.
These show good prep wins.
Why Study at Bilkent University?
Classes in English. Top teachers. Modern labs. Students from many places.
Ankara is safe and not too costly. Good food and history. Some say competition high. Yes, but that makes you better.
Other view: Some full government scholarships in Europe pay more travel. But Bilkent easier to get if you fit.
I think stack small helps if needed. But this one covers most.
Other Funding Options
Look at:
Tools I Recommend
- Official Bilkent site – always best.
- UNAM page – for nano details.
- Numbeo – check living costs.
- Studyportals – compare programs.
- IELTS site – practice tests.
- GRE prep books – Khan Academy free.
- Resume builders like Canva – simple ones work..
Tips to Win This Scholarship
- Start now. Tests take time.
- Write your statement like a story. Show passion.
- Get strong letters early.
- Practice English.
- Apply to 5-10 programs.
- If no, ask feedback.
This is one of the best deals in Turkey for science grads.
Ask questions below. Good luck!

