Studying abroad on a full scholarship is a goal for many Nigerian graduates, and Turkey is becoming a popular destination. The Sabancı University Scholarship gives international students tuition waivers and, for graduate students, a monthly stipend, accommodation support and more. Students from all countries, including Nigeria, can apply.
The graduate application deadline is December 11, 2026, so there is still time to prepare. This guide covers the benefits, documents, application steps and tips for building a strong application. For more opportunities, browse our Scholarships section.
Sabancı University Scholarship at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host university | Sabancı University |
| Host country | Turkey |
| Levels | Undergraduate, Masters, PhD |
| Eligible countries | All countries |
| Graduate reward | Full scholarship, monthly stipend, accommodation, laptop, health insurance, transport allowance and conference support |
| Undergraduate reward | Up to 100% tuition waiver and accommodation |
| Graduate deadline | December 11, 2026 |
| Undergraduate deadline | August 28, 2026 (closed) |
About the Sabancı University Scholarship
Every international candidate who applies to Sabancı University is evaluated for a scholarship automatically, provided they meet the application requirements. There is no separate scholarship application. You apply for admission, and the Scholarship Committee considers you for funding.
Almost all students admitted to Sabancı’s academic graduate programmes, except professional non-thesis programmes, receive a full or partial exemption from annual tuition fees. Nearly all academic fields and majors are available for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Graduate students (Masters and PhD)
- Tuition fee exemption
- Monthly stipend (the source lists 35,000 TL per month)
- Accommodation
- Laptop
- Health insurance
- Transport allowance
- Conference support
Undergraduate students
- Up to 100% tuition waiver
- Accommodation in a 4-person dormitory
A note on the stipend: The announcement gives the stipend as both a dollar figure (about $9,554) and a monthly amount (35,000 TL). These are described differently, so check the university’s official page for the exact amount, payment period and currency before you plan your budget.
Eligibility and Requirements
The scholarship is open to international students from all countries. The announcement points to the university’s own pages for the full graduate and undergraduate requirements, so read those carefully. Programme-specific entry requirements, such as the degree needed and language scores, vary by course.
The Scholarship Committee considers:
- Your academic background
- Reference letters
- Exam results
- Transcripts
- Interview results
- Evidence of academic success, such as competition prizes or Olympiad certificates
Strong supporting documents can raise your chances, so include anything that shows your achievements.
Documents You May Need
Document lists differ by programme, but the announcement lists these, mainly for undergraduate applicants:
- A copy of an accepted exam or diploma result with a valid score
- High school diploma (with a notarised translation if it is not in Turkish or English)
- Official transcript showing all courses and grades, approved by the school authority
- Language proficiency exam score, if taken before
- Academic reference letter, if available
Important transcript rule: Transcripts uploaded without a wet signature and stamp, or without a verifiable e-signature, will not be considered. This applies to the high school transcript requirement, and graduate programmes will likely have their own transcript rules, so check yours carefully.
If you studied in Nigeria, start requesting your transcripts now, as processing can take time. Our guides on how to apply for an AAUA transcript and how to apply for a UNILAG transcript, including WES applicants explain how these processes usually work. Many applicants also need proof of English ability, so see how to apply for a Letter of English Proficiency at FUTA.
Applicants who had secondary education in Turkey face extra requirements, such as a residence permit copy for foreign nationals. Most Nigerian applicants will not need these.
Where to submit: All application documents must reach the Sabancı University Student Resources Unit by the application deadline.
How to Apply for the Sabancı University Scholarship
- Go to the official Sabancı University application page for graduate or undergraduate admission.
- Choose your category: prospective graduate students or prospective undergraduate students.
- Apply for admission to your chosen programme. There is no separate scholarship form.
- Upload your documents, including transcripts, reference letters, exam results and any proof of achievements.
- Submit before the deadline. Graduate applications close on December 11, 2026.
- Wait for evaluation. Once admitted, you are automatically considered for the award.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start your documents early. Transcripts, translations and reference letters take the longest to arrange.
- Choose referees who know your work. A specific, personal letter beats a generic one.
- Show your achievements. Prizes, certificates and Olympiad results can count in your favour.
- Make sure every document is properly signed and stamped. Unverifiable uploads may be rejected.
- Match your programme to your background. A clear link between your degree and the course you choose helps your case.
- Apply to more than one opportunity. Competition is high, so spread your applications.
- Avoid scams. Apply only through the university’s official website, and never pay anyone to “guarantee” a scholarship.
More Scholarships for Nigerian Students
If you are building a list of funding options, explore:
- Masters scholarships
- PhD scholarships
- Fellowships
- AIMS Masters in Mathematical Sciences 2026/2027 cohort
- FUTA Erasmus Scholarship 2026/2027 (University of Jaén, Spain)
- Undergraduate scholarships, including the Taiwo Bankole Scholarship 2026 and the Oyo State Bursary Award
For help with other school processes, visit our Academic Guide section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerian students apply for the Sabancı University Scholarship?
Yes. The scholarship is open to international students from all countries.
Is there a separate scholarship application?
No. You apply for admission, and you are automatically considered for the scholarship.
What is the deadline?
The graduate deadline is December 11, 2026. The undergraduate deadline of August 28, 2026 has passed.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
Graduate awards include a tuition exemption, stipend, accommodation, laptop, health insurance, transport allowance and conference support. Undergraduate awards offer up to 100% tuition waiver and dormitory accommodation.
Can I apply for Masters and PhD programmes?
Yes. Both graduate levels are covered, along with undergraduate study.
Do I need to submit a transcript?
Yes. Official transcripts are required, and unsigned or unverifiable ones will not be considered.
Do I need a language exam score?
The announcement says to submit an accepted language proficiency score if you have taken one. Check your programme page for the exact requirement.
The Sabancı University Scholarship is a strong option for Nigerian graduates who want to study abroad with funding. Because everyone who applies for admission is considered automatically, your focus should be on a complete, well-prepared application. With the graduate deadline on December 11, 2026, start your transcripts and reference letters now.
Keep exploring our Scholarships page for new funding opportunities.
Always confirm the latest requirements, stipend amounts and deadlines on the official Sabancı University website before applying, as details can change.
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