Do you want to study in a historical university campus and in a city that combines the charm of the East and the modernity of the West? Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University (IZU) is not just a university, but a prestigious academic destination in Istanbul that is now opening its doors to international students for the 2026-2027 academic year with scholarship opportunities reaching up to 100%.
At "Skyline Education", we know that searching for genuine scholarships can be exhausting amidst conflicting information. Therefore, we provide you with this detailed and reliable guide on how to apply, the differences between scholarship categories, and the exact documents required to guarantee your admission.
Why Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University?
The university is located in the vibrant Halkalı district on the European side of Istanbul, and it features a historical campus and a massive library that is considered one of the largest in the city. The university is known for its conservative and safe environment that suits Arab students, in addition to offering strong majors in English, Arabic, and Turkish, such as Islamic Economics, Psychology, and Engineering.
Scholarship Details at Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University 2026
The university has officially announced the opening of registration for international students, offering three main categories of tuition fee exemptions. It is essential to understand the difference between them to determine the most suitable path for you:
1. Partial Scholarship (25%)
This percentage is usually granted to accepted students who meet the minimum admission requirements, and it is available for a large number of majors.
2. Half Scholarship (50%) - "The Guaranteed Option"
This is the most requested and common option. International students can apply for this 50% scholarship based solely on their high school diploma.
- As authorized agents, we can secure your admission in this category with a guaranteed and fast 50% discount, subject to seat availability, without the need for complex exams.
3. Full Scholarship (100%)
This scholarship fully covers tuition fees, but the competition for it is extremely fierce. The university does not grant it easily, and it requires a very strong academic profile.
Requirements for Applying to the Full Scholarship (100%)
To compete for fully free seats, a high school diploma is not enough. Providing the following additional documents is mandatory:
- Certified result of an international exam: You must submit an SAT certificate or a YÖS exam result. Without one of these two exams, your chances of getting a full scholarship are almost non-existent.
- Letter of Intent: A professional letter explaining why you deserve this scholarship, your future goals, and why you chose Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University specifically.
- Recommendation Letters: At least two letters from former teachers testifying to your academic excellence and conduct.
Expert Advice: If you do not have a YÖS or SAT certificate, we advise you to secure your seat through the 50% scholarship first to ensure you do not lose the academic year, then try later or focus on excelling at the university to obtain internal merit scholarships.
You can check the details and dates of the Unified YÖS Exam (TR-YÖS) to boost your chances.
Required Documents for Initial Registration
Whether you are targeting a 50% or 100% scholarship, you must prepare the following files:
- Copy of the passport (valid).
- Personal photo (Biometric).
- High school diploma (or first-semester transcript for students in their final year).
- Transcript of grades.
- Language certificate (TOEFL/TÖMER) if available (you can take the exemption exam at the university or study the preparatory year).
- For the full scholarship only: YÖS/SAT certificates + Letter of Intent + Recommendations.
How to Guarantee Your Admission with Skyline Education?
University registration is not just filling out a form; it is a strategy to secure the best major at the lowest cost. At Skyline Education, we offer you:
- Free Consultation: To evaluate your file and determine the expected scholarship percentage.
- Guaranteed Admission: For partial scholarships within days.
- File Preparation: We help you draft the Letter of Intent and audit documents to compete for the full scholarship.
- Post-Admission Support: From securing enrollment to student residence permits.
For more on the importance of booking your seat early, read our guide on Early Registration in Private Turkish Universities 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University
Does the full scholarship cover housing and living expenses?
The 100% scholarship covers tuition fee exemption only. As for housing and the monthly stipend, they are not included in the university's scholarship. It is advised to apply for the Türkiye Scholarships (Government Scholarships) if you are looking for comprehensive funding.
Can I study in Arabic?
Yes, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University offers majors taught partially or entirely in Arabic, most notably Islamic Sciences and Islamic Economics, as well as some education programs.
When does registration close?
Registration is now open for the 2026-2027 academic year. The seats allocated for scholarships (especially the 50% and 100%) are limited and close as soon as the quota is filled, so we advise applying immediately.
Are you ready to start your educational journey in Turkey? Do not leave your future to chance. Contact Skyline Education today, and let us secure your university admission with the best possible discount rate, entirely for free.