511-Koc University Anatolian Scholarships Program

CHALLENGE
Significant disparities in access to education and the distribution of educational resources stand between socio-economic classes in Türkiye. With limited financial means and learning vehicles, university candidates from vulnerable populations are at a distinct disadvantage. Hence they are less likely to attend the nation’s best schools.

SOLUTION
In 2011 Koç University launched the Anatolian Scholarship Program with a mission to tackle inequality in access to quality higher education in Türkiye. This inspirational program gives bright yet financially-disadvantaged students the opportunity to study at one of the top schools in Türkiye and helps them reach their true potential.

The Anatolian Scholarship Program uses both need and merit-based mechanisms for granting financial aid. With the support of individuals and corporations, the program has impacted the lives of 1200+ students from all 81 provinces of Türkiye since its inception. The program has more than 300 alumni.
The number of applications increases significantly every year. In 2022, the program received 6,000+ applications which were evaluated on a weighted-scoring basis. The students’ academic records, rankings in the national university placement exam, extracurricular activities, reference letters, application essays, and household demographics constitute the basis of evaluations. Short-listed candidates are subject to face-to-face interviews. The number of students benefitting from the program is determined based on the total amount of donations received for the corresponding year.

For the 2023-2024 academic year, the annual cost of supporting one student is 25,000 USD including tuition, on-campus boarding, textbook expenses and monthly stipend. Students benefitting from the Anatolian Scholarship Program are supported throughout the regular course of their undergraduate study at Koç University.

In celebration of the Republic of Türkiye's centennial anniversary, we hope to reach out to youth from all four corners of Anatolia with your generous support. Together we can provide bright students with a world-class education at Koç University and broaden access to high-quality education in our country.

Becoming exemplary leaders of tomorrow, these students will not only impact the future of Türkiye but will also serve as global citizens shaping the world!

We invite our alumni and friends in the US to join us in this impactful initiative so that we can change the lives of not only individuals but also their communities for generations to come.