Sabancı University Graduate Scholarships 2026-2027 — Full Funding for MS, MA and PhD Students in Turkey

If you have ever dreamed of studying at a world class university in Turkey with your tuition fully covered, a monthly stipend in your pocket, free housing on campus, and a laptop provided — Sabancı University in Istanbul has just opened applications for its 2026-2027 Graduate Scholarship Programme and the deadline is coming fast.

This is not a partial scholarship. This is a fully funded opportunity that covers everything from tuition to housing to health insurance — and it is open to international students including Africans.

Here is everything you need to know.

About Sabancı University

Sabancı University is one of Turkey’s most prestigious private research universities, located in Tuzla, Istanbul. It consistently ranks among the top universities in Turkey and is recognised internationally for its strong programmes in engineering, natural sciences, business, and social sciences.

All graduate programmes at Sabancı University are taught exclusively in English by internationally recognised academic staff. This means you do not need to speak Turkish to study there — making it one of the most accessible fully funded scholarship destinations in the world for African students.

What Does the Scholarship Cover — Full Benefits

This is where Sabancı University stands out from most other scholarship programmes. Selected candidates receive a comprehensive package that goes far beyond just tuition support.

For MS and MA Students

• Full tuition waiver worth US$ 36,500 per year
• Monthly stipend of 43,500 TL — approximately US$ 980 per month
• Guaranteed on-campus housing free of charge in two-person units with private bathroom and high-speed WiFi
• Private health insurance
• Dedicated laptop computer
• Conference participation support
• Transportation support of 10,000 TL — approximately US$ 225 per month for students not using on-campus housing

For PhD Students

• Full tuition waiver worth US$ 36,500 per year
• Monthly stipend of 67,500 TL — approximately US$ 1,520 per month for newly registered students
• Monthly stipend of 75,000 TL — approximately US$ 1,690 per month after post-qualification
• Guaranteed on-campus housing free of charge in private one-person units with private bathroom and high-speed WiFi
• Private health insurance
• Dedicated laptop computer
• Conference participation support
• Transportation support

For TÜBITAK Project Students

Students who are part of TÜBITAK funded research projects receive supplementary support on top of the standard scholarship:

• MS/MA students receive 47,850 TL — approximately US$ 1,075 per month
• PhD students receive 74,250 TL — approximately US$ 1,670 per month before qualification and 82,500 TL — approximately US$ 1,850 per month after qualification

Distinguished Science and Technology Scholarships — Special PhD Award

Sabancı University offers a special category of scholarship called the Distinguished Science and Technology Scholarship, reserved exclusively for exceptional doctoral candidates applying to programmes in Engineering and Natural Sciences.

Recipients of this prestigious award receive significantly higher stipends than the standard scholarship, a dedicated research fund of US$ 3,000 per year to be used for visiting co-supervisors abroad and participating in international conferences, and the opportunity for co-supervision by leading scientists at prominent universities and institutions worldwide, including the possibility of earning joint PhD degrees.

This is one of the most generous doctoral funding packages offered by any university in Turkey and is available to candidates with exceptional academic credentials.

Available Graduate Programmes

Sabancı University is accepting applications across three faculties for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Engineering and Natural Sciences — MS and PhD

• 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
• Physics

Social Sciences — MS and PhD

• Cultural Studies
• Economics
• Experimental Psychology
• History
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Visual Arts and Visual Communication Design

Business — MS

• Management

Application Deadlines — Act Now

Sabancı University has set different deadlines for different faculties. These deadlines are firm so make sure you apply to the right faculty before the right date.

If you are applying for Engineering or Natural Sciences you have until June 15. If you are applying for Social Sciences you have until June 8 — which is less than two weeks away.

Do not wait. Start your application today.

Who Can Apply

Sabancı University’s graduate programmes are open to both Turkish and international applicants. African students from Tanzania, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Ghana, and all other African countries are eligible to apply.

To be considered you must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree for MS and MA programmes, or a master’s degree for PhD programmes
• Have strong academic records from your previous studies
• Be able to study and communicate in English at postgraduate level
• Meet the specific academic requirements of your chosen programme

Why Choose Turkey and Sabancı University

Turkey has become one of the most popular study abroad destinations for African students in recent years and for good reason.

Location advantage. Istanbul sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, giving students access to both continents. A degree from a Turkish university carries strong recognition across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

English language programmes. Unlike many European universities where you need to learn the local language, Sabancı University offers all graduate programmes in English. You can complete your entire degree without speaking Turkish.

Fully funded. Between your monthly stipend, free housing, health insurance, and laptop, most students find that the scholarship covers their living expenses entirely. Many students even save money each month.

Research excellence. Sabancı University has a strong research culture with connections to universities and institutions worldwide. PhD students benefit from co-supervision arrangements with leading scientists at top global universities.

Safe and affordable city. Istanbul is one of the most vibrant cities in the world with a rich culture, excellent food, and a strong international student community. The cost of living outside campus is relatively affordable compared to Western European cities.

How to Apply — Step by Step

1. Visit the official Sabancı University graduate programmes website at sabanciuniv.edu/en/graduate-programs
2. For Engineering and Natural Sciences PhD applicants seeking the Distinguished Scholarship visit fens.sabanciuniv.edu/en/graduate-application
3. Browse the available programmes and select the one that matches your academic background and career goals
4. Prepare your application documents — these typically include your academic transcripts, degree certificates, English language proficiency scores, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and CV
5. Complete the online application form on the official portal
6. Submit before the deadline for your chosen faculty

For the most accurate and current application requirements visit the official website directly as requirements may vary by programme.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Getting selected for a fully funded scholarship at a competitive research university requires a strong application. Here are practical tips to help you stand out:

Write a compelling statement of purpose. This is your opportunity to tell the admissions committee who you are, why you chose this specific programme at Sabancı University, and what you plan to achieve with your degree. Be specific, honest, and clear about your academic and career goals.

Get strong letters of recommendation. Choose recommenders who know your academic work well — professors who supervised your thesis or research, or supervisors who can speak directly to your intellectual ability and work ethic. Generic letters do not help your application.

Show research experience. For PhD and Distinguished Scholarship applicants especially, any prior research experience, publications, conference presentations, or research projects will significantly strengthen your application.

Apply early. Do not submit on the deadline day. Apply at least one week before the deadline so you have time to fix any technical issues with the online portal or correct any missing documents.

Tailor your application to the programme. A generic application that could have been sent to any university is easy to spot and easy to reject. Show the committee that you have done your research and that Sabancı University is specifically the right place for your academic goals.

Contact Information

For more information about the graduate programmes and scholarship application process contact Sabancı University directly:

Address: Orta Mahalle, No:27, Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey

Phone: +90 216 483 90 00

Email: [email protected]

Graduate programmes website: sabanciuniv.edu/en/graduate-programs

Engineering and Natural Sciences application portal: fens.sabanciuniv.edu/en/graduate-application

Final Word

A fully funded graduate scholarship at Sabancı University in Istanbul is a life-changing opportunity. Full tuition, monthly stipend, free housing, health insurance, and a laptop — everything covered so you can focus entirely on becoming the researcher, engineer, scientist, or business professional you were meant to be.

The deadlines start from June 8, 2026. You have very little time. Visit the official website today, choose your programme, and start your application.

Your future could be in Istanbul.