Bilkent University Merit Scholarship – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes12 Jul, 2026

The Bilkent University Merit Scholarship rewards outstanding international students for strong academic performance. The scholarship provides a partial or full tuition waiver for the following academic year. The award depends entirely on a student’s ranking within the top 5% of non-scholarship students in their program. Specifically, the top 1% receive a 100% tuition waiver. The next 1% receive an 80% waiver. Similarly, the following tiers receive 60%, 40%, and 20% waivers. However, the scholarship does not cover accommodation, travel, health insurance, or living expenses.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Bilkent University Merit Scholarship before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

Applied Science, Art, Design and Architecture, Business Administration, Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Engineering, Humanities, Music and Performing Arts, Sciences

GPA / Grade

GPA 3.3

Languages

IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 87

Tests

Study Levels

Bachelor's, BS, Undergraduate

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Result Date

Program Start

September 2026

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount
Deadline12 Jul, 2026
LevelBachelor's, BS, Undergraduate
InstitutionBilkent University
CountryTurkey
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The Bilkent University Merit Scholarship rewards outstanding international students for strong academic performance. The university grants this scholarship to students who prove their excellence during their studies. It evaluates students at the end of each academic year and selects top performers based on strict academic criteria. The scholarship supports high-achieving students by reducing their tuition fees for the following academic year. However, it does not cover living costs or additional expenses. Instead, it focuses entirely on tuition fee support.

Background and Purpose

Bilkent University established the Merit Scholarship to promote academic excellence among international students. The university encourages students to maintain high academic standards throughout their degree programs. Therefore, it evaluates performance annually and rewards those who rank among the best in their departments. Through this scholarship, the university motivates students to compete fairly and strive for continuous improvement. As a result, the program strengthens the overall academic environment and recognizes dedication, discipline, and consistent achievement.

Bilkent University Merit Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship provides a partial or full tuition waiver for the following academic year. The award depends entirely on a student’s ranking within the top 5% of non-scholarship students in their program. Specifically, the top 1% receive a 100% tuition waiver. The next 1% receive an 80% waiver. Similarly, the following tiers receive 60%, 40%, and 20% waivers. However, the scholarship does not cover accommodation, travel, health insurance, or living expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

Students must complete a full academic year with the required course load. They must also achieve an Annual GPA of at least 3.30 out of 4.00. In addition, they must rank within the top 5% of non-scholarship students in their program. If they already hold a partial tuition waiver, they must rank higher than their current scholarship level. Furthermore, students must meet all academic and attendance requirements. If they fail to maintain satisfactory progress, the university may reduce or cancel the award. International students who obtain Turkish citizenship become ineligible.

Bilkent University Merit Scholarship Application Process

The university evaluates eligible students automatically at the end of each academic year. Students do not submit a separate application. Instead, the university reviews GPA results, rankings, and academic records to determine eligibility.

Opportunities for Scholars

The Merit Scholarship allows students to reduce financial pressure and focus more on their studies. Moreover, it enhances academic recognition and strengthens students’ academic profiles. By earning this scholarship, students demonstrate excellence and commitment, which can support future academic and professional opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible?

International students need an annual GPA of at least 3.30, complete the required minimum course load, and rank in the top 5% of non‑scholarship students in their program.

Can students already on a partial scholarship get this award?

Yes, but to be eligible the student must rank higher than their current partial tuition‑waiver level.

Do preparatory program students qualify?

Students in English or other preparatory programs generally do not qualify for the Merit Scholarship.