Stipend by Programme Level
The monthly stipend varies by degree level. All amounts are in Turkish Lira (TL) and subject to annual adjustments.
The Inflation Reality
The Turkish Lira has lost over 95% of its value against the US Dollar since 2013. Here's what that means for your stipend.
TL Purchasing Power Collapse (TL per 1 USD)
In 2013, a 4,500 TL stipend would have been ~$2,500/month. Today, the same amount is ~$107. The stipend number hasn't changed enough to match this collapse.
Cost of Living by City
Where you're placed dramatically affects how far your stipend goes.
Istanbul Monthly Costs (2026 estimates)
Istanbul is nearly impossible on the stipend alone. Most scholars either stay in KYK dorms or need family support.
Ankara Monthly Costs (2026 estimates)
Ankara is cheaper than Istanbul but still challenging. KYK housing recommended.
Izmir Monthly Costs (2026 estimates)
Izmir is comparable to Ankara. Better weather but similar costs.
Bursa Monthly Costs (2026 estimates)
Bursa is more manageable, especially with KYK housing.
Smaller Cities Monthly Costs (Konya, Erzurum, Trabzon, etc.)
Smaller cities are the most livable on the stipend. Many scholars find these cities offer a better quality of life despite fewer big-city amenities.
The Success Scholarship: Double Stipend
If you're admitted to a university ranked in the world's top 100 (THE, QS, or ARWU rankings), you qualify for the Türkiye Başarı Bursu (Success Scholarship), which doubles your stipend.
The Success Scholarship has a separate application timeline and higher competition. Turkish top-100 universities include METU, Boğaziçi, Koç, Sabancı, Bilkent, and Istanbul Technical University.
Additional Benefits & KYK Fees
What's Covered
- Full tuition (100% covered)
- KYK dormitory (free)
- Health insurance
- One round-trip flight ticket
- TOMER Turkish language training
- Monthly stipend
Hidden Costs (Not Covered)
- KYK food fees (~800-1,200 TL/month deducted)
- Books and study materials
- Additional flights home
- Residence permit fees
- Private accommodation (if leaving KYK)
- Dental and specialist medical care
Understand Living Costs in Detail
The stipend is just one piece. Explore the full picture of living costs, budget calculators, and the lira collapse impact.