Scholarships, Turkey

🎓 Sabancı University Graduate Scholarships 2026 — Fully Funded MS & PhD in Turkey

Gradualin

May 31, 2026
No Comments

One of Turkey’s most prestigious universities is offering fully funded scholarships to graduate students — and the package is genuinely extraordinary. Sabancı University, ranked among the top universities in Turkey and consistently present in global rankings, is now accepting applications for its 2026–2027 Graduate Programs across Engineering, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Business. What makes this stand out? Almost every admitted student gets a full tuition waiver. The majority also receive a monthly stipend, a free dormitory room, private health insurance, and even a laptop computer.

This Gradualin guide covers everything you need to know about the Sabancı University Graduate Scholarships 2026 — the full benefits, all three scholarship tiers, eligibility criteria for each faculty, required documents, and a step-by-step application guide. If you are planning to pursue an MS or PhD in Turkey, this is one of the best-funded and most internationally open programs you will find anywhere in the world.

🎓 Quick Info Box

Detail	Information
University	Sabancı University
Country	Turkey 🇹🇷 (Istanbul)
Degree Level	Master’s (MS/MA) & Doctorate (PhD)
Funding Type	Fully Funded — Tuition + Stipend + Dorm + Laptop
Academic Year	2026–2027 (effective September 2026)
Faculties	Engineering & Natural Sciences, Arts & Social Sciences, Business School
Open To	Turkish & International Students
Application Portal	admission.sabanciuniv.edu
Official Website	sabanciuniv.edu/en/graduate-programs

🎓 Sabancı University — Overview

Sabancı University is a private research university located in Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey, founded in 1999. Despite being a relatively young institution, it has rapidly built a global reputation for research excellence, interdisciplinary education, and innovation. The university consistently appears in international rankings, including QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education, and is recognised as one of Turkey’s top three universities.

Almost all students admitted to Sabancı University’s academic graduate programs receive full exemption from annual tuition fees. In addition to tuition waiver, the majority of Sabancı University graduate students receive further support, which includes a monthly stipend and a free dorm room.

The university operates through three main academic schools: the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS), the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), and the Sabancı Business School (SBS). Each school runs its own competitive graduate programs, and all three offer funded scholarship opportunities for exceptional students.

What makes this one of the most compelling scholarship opportunities in Turkey is the comprehensive nature of the funding. This is not just a tuition waiver — it is a complete financial package that lets you focus entirely on your research.

🎓 Scholarship Tiers and Full Benefits

Sabancı University offers four main scholarship categories for graduate students. Here is the full breakdown for the 2026–2027 academic year:

🏆 Distinguished Science & Technology Scholarship (Top Tier — PhD Only)

Sabancı University’s Distinguished Science and Technology Scholarship is awarded to exceptionally successful students who apply to or have passed the qualification stage in the PhD programs of the Graduate School of Engineering and Natural Sciences. Selected scholarship recipients will be offered the opportunity for co-supervision by leading scientists in prominent universities and institutions worldwide, and joint PhD degrees whenever possible.

Benefit	During PhD	After PhD Qualifying Exam
Tuition Waiver	100%	100%
Monthly Stipend	115,000 TL (12 months)	135,000 TL (12 months)
Dormitory	Single room — Free	Single room — Free
Transportation Support	10,000 TL/year	10,000 TL/year
Private Health Insurance	✅	✅
Laptop Computer	✅	✅
Research Fund	—	3,000 USD/year
Conference Support	Once per year	Once per year

💡 Full Scholarship (Most Common — MS & PhD)

The Full Scholarship covers 100% tuition waiver for Master’s, Doctorate, and post-qualifying exam stages. The stipend for Master’s students is 43,500 TL (10 months), for Doctorate students 67,500 TL (12 months), and for PhD students after their qualifying exam 75,000 TL (12 months). Free dormitory accommodation, transportation support, private health insurance, a laptop computer, and conference support are also included.

Benefit	Master’s	PhD	Post-Qualifying PhD
Tuition Waiver	100%	100%	100%
Monthly Stipend	43,500 TL (10 mo.)	67,500 TL (12 mo.)	75,000 TL (12 mo.)
Dormitory	Double room — Free	Single room — Free	Single room — Free
Transportation	10,000 TL (10 mo.)	10,000 TL (12 mo.)	10,000 TL (12 mo.)
Private Health Insurance	✅	✅	✅
Laptop	✅	✅	✅
Conference Support	Once/year	Once/year	Once/year

Note: For 2026–2027, the annual tuition fee for international students is set at 36,500 USD — meaning the tuition waiver alone is worth over $36,000 per year.

🔬 Project Scholarship (Research Grant–Based)

For students fully supported by research grants from TÜBİTAK, Industry, NGOs, etc., monthly stipends provided by the project are topped up by Sabancı University to minimum guaranteed levels: 47,850 TL/month for MA/MS; 74,250 TL/month for PhD; and 82,500 TL/month for PhD after qualifying exams.

All other benefits — dormitory, health insurance, laptop, transportation support, and conference support — remain the same as the Full Scholarship tier.

📋 Tuition Waiver Scholarship

Students may also be admitted with a full or partial tuition waiver that still includes dormitory support, transportation allowance, private health insurance, laptop, and limited conference support. This tier offers flexibility for students who may have external funding or support.

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements vary slightly by faculty and program level, but here are the core requirements:

For Master’s Programs (FENS — Thesis):

✅ Completed undergraduate degree (or in final semester)
✅ ALES/e-ALES: Numerical min. score 65, OR GRE Quantitative: min. score 153, OR GAT: min. score 65
✅ English proficiency: TOEFL IBT min. 80 / PTE min. 69 / YDS-YÖKDİL min. 67 / CAE min. B / CPE min. C
✅ Candidates without a valid English score may sit the SU-ELAE exam on campus

For PhD Programs (FENS):

✅ Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
✅ With BA: GRE Quantitative min. 160 / ALES min. 80 / GAT min. 80
✅ With MA: GRE Quantitative min. 153 / ALES min. 65 / GAT min. 65
✅ Min. GPA 3.00/4.00 for BA holders
✅ English + foreign language proficiency required

For FASS Social Sciences Programs:

✅ ALES/GRE/GAT scores required (varies by program — Political Science requires higher scores)
✅ TOEFL IBT min. 87 / PTE min. 73 for PhD programs
✅ Research Plan required (min. 1,000 words for MA; min. 1,500 words for PhD)

For Sabancı Business School (SBS) — PhD:

✅ Min. GMAT 600 / GRE Quantitative 157 / ALES 82
✅ TOEFL IBT min. 88 / PTE min. 74
✅ Statement of Purpose + 2 recommendation letters

🌟 Important for International Students: Applications by international applicants studying abroad are valid only after the approval and recognition of the last graduated higher education institution and the course of study by the Turkish Higher Education Council. The necessary enquiry is made by the University. This means international students do not need to personally contact the Turkish Higher Education Council — Sabancı University handles the equivalency verification for you.

🎓 Who Should Apply — And Who Should Not

✅ Apply if you:

Hold (or are completing) a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any relevant field
Have strong academic credentials and want to pursue research-focused postgraduate study
Want a fully funded experience in Istanbul — one of the world’s most vibrant cities
Are interested in STEM, social sciences, economics, business, psychology, history, or visual arts
Want access to industry-connected research through TÜBİTAK and global partner institutions

❌ Don’t apply if you:

Cannot meet the minimum ALES, GRE, or equivalent entrance exam score for your target program
Are looking for undergraduate scholarships — this program is postgraduate only
Are not prepared for a fully English-medium academic environment
Cannot complete your previous degree before the Sabancı University Fall registration date

🎓 Available Programs and Fields

Graduate School of Engineering and Natural Sciences (FENS)

Computer Science and Engineering
Electronics Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering
Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering
Physics
Mathematics
Data Analytics (Non-Thesis)
Information Technology (Non-Thesis)

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)

Economics (MA/PhD)
Political Science (MA/PhD)
History (MA/PhD)
Cultural Studies (MA/PhD)
Psychology — Experimental & Social (MA/PhD)
Visual Arts and Visual Communication Design (MA)

Sabancı Business School (SBS)

MBA, Executive MBA, Professional MBA
Master in Finance (MiF)
Master in Marketing (MIM)
Master in Business Analytics (PBAN)
Master of Science in Action Research and Transformation (MSART)
PhD in Management

Additionally, students can engage in cutting-edge research through centers including SUNUM (Nanotechnology), SU-IMC (Manufacturing), EFSUN (Nano Diagnostics), and CEDA (Data Analytics).

🎓 Required Documents

Requirements vary by faculty, but the core documents needed for most programs are:

Online Application Form — completed through admission.sabanciuniv.edu
Official Academic Transcript — all courses and grades from previous institutions
Two Letters of Recommendation — submitted directly by recommenders through the system (letters submitted by the applicant are invalid)
Statement of Purpose — 1–2 pages explaining your objectives, motivation, and career goals
Curriculum Vitae (CV) — updated academic and professional resume
Passport-sized Photograph — uploaded to the online portal
ALES / GRE / GMAT / GAT Score — as required by your specific program and level
English Proficiency Score — TOEFL IBT / PTE / CAE / CPE / YDS / YÖKDİL (or sit the SU-ELAE exam)
Previous Degree Diploma — undergraduate for MA applicants; master’s diploma with thesis for PhD applicants
Research Plan (FASS programs) — min. 1,000 words for MA; min. 1,500 words for PhD
Portfolio (Visual Arts and Visual Communication Design only)
Sample Academic Work (recommended for several FASS programs)

🎓 Step-by-Step Application Process

Visit the graduate programs page at sabanciuniv.edu/en/graduate-programs to explore all available programs
Review the scholarship page at sabanciuniv.edu/en/graduate-scholarships to understand your funding options
Check the specific admission requirements for your target faculty — FENS, FASS, or SBS requirements differ
Review the Application Dates at sabanciuniv.edu/en/application-dates-graduate-programs (verify the current deadline for 2026-2027)
Prepare all documents — transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, exam scores, and CV
Submit your application online via admission.sabanciuniv.edu — email applications are not accepted
Share recommender email addresses in the portal — the system automatically sends them a link to upload letters within 3 days of your submission deadline
Monitor your email — shortlisted candidates are invited for a written exam and/or interview (all conducted in English)
Await admission decision — the Admission Jury evaluates your file and the Graduate School Executive Board makes the final call

💡 Tip: Candidates who do not have a valid English proficiency score may still apply and sit the SU-ELAE exam held on campus shortly after the application deadline. Contact studentinfo@sabanciuniv.edu for the exact exam date.

🎓 Important Dates / Deadlines

Event	Details
2026–2027 Academic Year	Effective September 2026
Application Period	Check sabanciuniv.edu/en/application-dates-graduate-programs
ELAE Exam	Held after each application deadline — invitation sent by email
Enrollment Date	All degrees must be completed before Fall Term registration

📌 Bookmark this page — Gradualin will update this article when Sabancı University confirms the exact application deadline for 2026–2027. Always verify current dates directly on the official website.

🎓 Why Apply — Why Sabancı University, Why Istanbul?

Here is something that sets Sabancı University apart from most scholarship programs: the funding is comprehensive and confirmed from day one. You do not need to hunt for a supervisor who has grant money, negotiate your stipend, or worry about mid-program funding cuts. The scholarship structure is institutionally guaranteed and benchmarked — making financial planning as a graduate student genuinely manageable.

The Distinguished Science & Technology Scholarship, in particular, is one of the most generous academic scholarships in the entire region. With the 3,000 USD annual research fund and access to internationally co-supervised PhD degrees, it is the kind of opportunity that can launch a world-class academic career.

And then there is Istanbul itself. As a city of 16 million people straddling two continents, it is one of the most historically rich, culturally layered, and professionally vibrant cities on the planet. Sabancı’s campus in Tuzla sits on the Asian side of Istanbul, offering a self-contained, residential university experience just an hour from the city center. Food is affordable, transport is accessible, and the quality of life is genuinely excellent by any international standard.

The university also has deep links with industry — from international corporations to Turkey’s major business groups — creating exceptional internship, research, and employment pathways for graduate students in every field.

🎓 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does every admitted graduate student receive a scholarship at Sabancı University? A: Almost all students admitted to academic graduate programs receive full exemption from annual tuition fees. The majority also receive a monthly stipend and a free dorm room. Professional graduate programs operate under different fee structures — verify for your specific program.

Q: Is IELTS accepted for the English proficiency requirement? A: According to updated YÖK legislation, the equivalency of IELTS, TOEFL-PBT, and TOEFL-CBT exams is no longer accepted by YÖK, and these exams will not be valid for graduate program registrations. Use TOEFL IBT, PTE, CAE, CPE, or YDS/YÖKDİL instead.

Q: Can I apply without a GRE or ALES score? A: For most FENS and FASS programs, a graduate entrance exam (ALES, GRE, or GAT) is required. However, certain professional Business School programs such as MiF, EMBA, PMBA, MIM, and MSBA do not require ALES or equivalent scores. Check your target program’s requirements carefully.

Q: What is the tuition fee if I do not receive a scholarship? A: For the 2026–2027 Academic Year, the annual tuition fee for newly admitted students in academic graduate programs has been set at 36,500 USD for international students. The scholarship waiver covers this in full.

Q: Can I apply to multiple programs at Sabancı University? A: Yes, candidates may apply to multiple programs simultaneously through the same online application system.

Q: What is the SU-ELAE exam? A: Applicants who do not submit a valid English Proficiency Exam score can only be admitted to graduate study on the condition of obtaining a satisfactory score from the Sabancı University English Language Assessment Exam (ELAE), which is run right after the final application deadline. The ELAE exam invitation is sent to candidates via email.

🎓 Official Sources and Contact

Graduate Programs Page: sabanciuniv.edu/en/graduate-programs
Scholarships Page: sabanciuniv.edu/en/graduate-scholarships
Application Requirements (2026–2027): sabanciuniv.edu/en/academic/admissions/graduate-applications-requirements-2026-2027-academic-year
Online Application Portal: admission.sabanciuniv.edu
Student Resources Contact: studentinfo@sabanciuniv.edu | +90 216 483 90 93
Campus Address: Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Cd. No: 27, Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey

🎓 Complete Summary Table

Detail	Information
University	Sabancı University
Location	Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey 🇹🇷
Programs	MS / MA / PhD across FENS, FASS, SBS
Scholarship Tiers	Distinguished, Full, Project, Tuition Waiver
Tuition Coverage	100% for almost all admitted students
Monthly Stipend	43,500 TL (MS) — up to 135,000 TL (Distinguished PhD post-qualifying)
Dormitory	Free — double (MS) or single (PhD) room
Health Insurance	Private — included
Laptop	✅ Included
Research Fund	3,000 USD/year (Distinguished Scholarship only)
IELTS Accepted?	❌ No — use TOEFL IBT, PTE, CAE, CPE, or YDS
International Tuition (without scholarship)	36,500 USD/year
Application Portal	admission.sabanciuniv.edu
Contact	studentinfo@sabanciuniv.edu