Sabancı University PURE Summer Internship in Turkey Scholarship 2026

The Sabancı University PURE (Program for Undergraduate Research) Summer Program 2026 is a prestigious fully funded research opportunity for undergraduate students from around the world.

Hosted by one of Turkey’s leading private universities in Istanbul, this 7‑week summer program offers hands‑on research experience, a monthly stipend, free accommodation, and round‑trip airfare. If you are looking for similar funded programs in Turkey, explore fully funded scholarships in Türkiye for international students.

About the PURE Summer Program

PURE is a unique academic initiative designed to introduce undergraduate students to real‑world research early in their academic journey. Participants collaborate with faculty members and researchers on cutting‑edge projects across engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, and interdisciplinary fields.

The program follows a structured research process: identifying problems, conducting literature reviews, formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, analyzing data, and presenting findings. The ultimate goal is to prepare students for graduate studies or professional research careers.

The 2026 edition is organized in collaboration with Türkiye Scholarships (YTB) and offers 30 fully funded awards.

Scholarship Benefits

Selected students receive a comprehensive fully funded package:

• Round‑trip airfare ticket (economy class)

• Free on‑campus accommodation (shared dorm rooms)

• Monthly stipend of 9,000 Turkish Lira (~USD 260)

• Full tuition fee waiver

• Access to social and cultural activities

• Hands‑on research experience with faculty mentors

• Certificate of participation upon successful completion

• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratories and research facilities

Important: Free accommodation is provided for all accepted students, but the full funding (airfare + stipend) is limited to 30 students through Türkiye Scholarships. Other accepted international students may join on a self‑funded basis while still receiving free accommodation.

For students seeking other funded opportunities in Europe, check latest scholarships in Europe for all nationalities.

Research Areas

PURE projects span Sabancı University’s research strengths across multiple faculties:

Faculty of Engineering & Natural Sciences:

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

• Biomedical Engineering

• Molecular Biology & Genetics

• Materials Science & Nanotechnology

Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences:

• Conflict Resolution & Peace Studies

• Cultural Studies

• Economics & Finance

• Visual Arts & Design Thinking

Sabancı Business School:

• Entrepreneurship & Innovation

• Supply Chain Management

• Marketing Analytics

• Sustainable Business

Interdisciplinary Projects:

• Climate Change & Sustainability

• Gender & Society

• Digital Humanities

• Neuroscience

Applicants may rank up to 6 research projects in order of preference and are matched to one project based on fit and faculty evaluation.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the PURE Summer Program 2026, you must meet the following requirements:

• Must be an undergraduate student (all years, all majors, any university worldwide). Graduate students are NOT eligible.

• Open to all nationalities (domestic and international students).

• Good academic standing (strong academic record required).

• Adequate knowledge of English – sufficient to fulfill project requirements. No IELTS or English proficiency test is required.

• Cannot be enrolled in another internship or summer school during the same period (for Sabancı University students).

• Must be available for the full program duration (full‑time, 8 weeks).

• Must have health and travel insurance covering the stay in Turkey (for international students).

Note: Students who will use laboratories are required to take the “Lab Safety” training provided by laboratory specialists.

Program Requirements for Completion

To receive the certificate of participation, students must:

• Attend all project work sessions

• Attend at least 3 seminars during the summer term

• Give a research presentation

• Submit a final report and a poster

Required Documents

Prepare the following documents for your online application:

• Completed online application form

• Academic transcript (from current university)

• Statement of Purpose (SOP) – explain your research interests and motivation

• Reference letters (one or more, as specified on the application portal)

How to Apply – Step‑by‑Step

Step 1: Visit the official PURE Summer Program website at pure.sabanciuniv.edu.

Step 2: Browse the list of available research projects announced by Sabancı University faculty members.

Step 3: Select up to 6 research projects and rank them in order of preference.

Step 4: Complete the online application form with your personal and academic details.

Step 5: Upload your academic transcript, statement of purpose, and reference letters.

Step 6: Submit your application before the deadline. There is no application fee.

Step 7: Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews by project supervisors. Final selections are made based on academic background, project requirements, and research interest alignment.

After submission, you will receive a confirmation email. All applicants will be notified of the outcome after the selection process.

For students seeking other summer research opportunities, see Türkiye's latest scholarships in 2026.

Why Choose the PURE Summer Program?

• Fully funded – airfare, accommodation, stipend, and tuition all covered

• No IELTS required – English proficiency is assessed through the application

• Prestigious host – Sabancı University ranks among Turkey’s top private universities and QS World Top 500 globally

• Prime location – Istanbul, a vibrant city bridging Europe and Asia

• Hands‑on research – work directly with faculty mentors on real projects

• Certificate and networking – build an international academic network

Important Dates to Remember

• Application Deadline: April 28, 2026 (16:00 Turkey time)

• Program Dates: July 7 – August 28, 2026

Do not wait until the last day. Applications are processed on a rolling basis, and spots are limited.

Final Thoughts

The Sabancı University PURE Summer Program 2026 is a career‑defining opportunity for undergraduate students who want to gain international research experience, work with world‑class faculty, and explore the vibrant city of Istanbul – all at zero cost. Whether you are pursuing engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, or business, there is a research project waiting for you.

The deadline is April 28, 2026 – start your application today.

For additional financial aid options across Europe and Asia, explore financial aids for students in Europe. And to see a complete list of open scholarships and summer programs, visit list of all open scholarships in Europe.

Apply Now for Sabancı University PURE Summer Program 2026