The Sabanci University PURE Summer Program 2026 in Turkey offers undergraduate students worldwide a fully funded 7-8 week research immersion experience at one of Turkey’s leading private universities in Istanbul. Through the Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE), in partnership with Türkiye Scholarships, 30 exceptional scholars receive round-trip airfare, on-campus accommodation, monthly stipends of 9,000 TRY (~USD 260), tuition waivers, meals, and comprehensive social-cultural activities while working on cutting-edge faculty-led projects across engineering, sciences, social sciences, and interdisciplinary fields.
Basic Information about the Program
- Hosted by Sabancı University
- Open to undergraduate students only (all years, all majors)
- Managed by Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities
- All international applicants are automatically considered
- Language: English
- No application fee
- Program name: Sabancı University PURE (Program for Undergraduate Research Experience) Summer 2026.
- Host country: Turkey.
- Host university: Sabancı University, Istanbul.
- Duration: 7-8 weeks (typically July 7 – August 28).
- Number of scholarships: 30 fully funded awards.
- Partner organization: Türkiye Scholarships (YTB).
- Application deadline: April 28, 2026 (16:00 Turkey time).
University/Institution Details
Sabancı University, established in 1994 by the Sabancı family, consistently ranks among Turkey’s top private universities and QS World Top 500 globally, renowned for innovation, entrepreneurship, and research excellence across its modern Istanbul campus. The PURE program leverages Sabancı’s state-of-the-art laboratories, interdisciplinary Foundation Development Year curriculum, and strategic Bosphorus location bridging Europe and Asia, creating an ideal environment for international undergraduates to gain authentic research experience under renowned Turkish faculty mentorship.
What is PURE?
- A research program where students:
- Work on real research problems
- Learn research process:
- Problem → Hypothesis → Experiment → Analysis → Report
⚠️ Key Takeaways
- ✔️ Free accommodation for all accepted students
- ✔️ Only 30 get full funding (YTB)
- ✔️ Others can still join (self-funded)
- ✔️ Strong academic + SOP important for selection
Study Areas
PURE projects span Sabancı University’s research strengths:
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:
Interdisciplinary Projects:
Applicants rank up to 6 projects; matched to one based on fit.
Sabanci University PURE Summer Program Benefits
Only 30 students receive full scholarship. Others can still join but self-funded
- Round-trip international airfare.
- Free on-campus accommodation (double occupancy).
- Monthly stipend: 13,000 TL
- Free shared dorm accommodation (for all accepted students)
- Certificate of participation upon completion.
- Access to:
- Library / Information Center
- Cafeteria
- Sports facilities
- Social-cultural activities (Istanbul tours, Turkish language, networking).
- Airport transfers and orientation.
Benefits not included
- Visa application fees.
- Personal entertainment expenses.
- Optional sightseeing beyond program activities.
Eligibility Criteria for the Sabanci University PURE Summer Program
- Must be an undergraduate student
- Must have:
- Good academic record
- Basic English skills (no test required)
- ❌ Graduate students not allowed
- ❌ Cannot join if doing another internship at the same time
- Must stay on campus full-time (7 weeks)
- Open to all nationalities.
Requirements to Complete Program
- Attend all project work
- Attend at least 3 seminars
- Give a research presentation
- Submit:
- Final report
- Poster
- ✔️ Certificate awarded if all completed
Required Documents for the Application
- Online application form via pure.sabanciuniv.edu.
- Online application form
- Transcript
- Statement of Purpose (Optional)
- Up to 2 reference letters
- Motivation letter for specific research projects.
Sabanci University PURE Summer Program Application Process
- Step 1: Visit pure.sabanciuniv.edu; review available projects.
- Step 2: Rank up to 6 research projects by preference.
- Step 3: Complete online application form with transcripts/CV.
- Step 4: Submit personal statement and project motivations.
- Step 5: Application deadline April 28, 2026 (16:00 Turkey time).
- Step 6: Faculty review and project matching (May 2026).
- Step 7: Results announced late May/early June 2026.
- Step 8: Visa processing, pre-arrival documents by June 16, 2026.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Project specificity: Research faculty projects thoroughly; show genuine interest.
- Strategic ranking: Order 6 projects by true preference (assigned first match).
- Academic excellence: Strong GPA differentiates in competitive pool.
- Research experience: Lab work, posters, publications boost selection.
- Istanbul appeal: Express enthusiasm for Turkish culture/research hub.
- Early application: Submit well before April 28 deadline.
- Sabancı fit: Highlight interdisciplinary/innovation interests.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
Istanbul advantage: Affordable with program support.
Why Choose This Program?
- Fully funded excellence – airfare, housing, meals, stipend.
- Authentic research experience under Turkish faculty mentorship.
- Top-ranked university – Sabancı QS World Top 500.
- Istanbul location – cultural capital bridging East-West.
- 30 scholarships – realistic odds vs. thousands elsewhere.
- Interdisciplinary projects across engineering/business/arts.
- Türkiye Scholarships prestige enhances CV globally.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Program
Fully funded details?
Airfare, accommodation, 9,000 TRY stipend, meals, activities.
Graduate students eligible?
No – undergraduates only.
Deadline?
April 28, 2026 (16:00 Turkey time).
IELTS required?
No – English research environment.
Sabancı students eligible?
Yes – domestic students welcome.
Duration?
7-8 weeks summer research immersion.
How many projects apply?
Rank up to 6; assigned first faculty match.
Important Dates (Summer 2026)
- Application: 14–28 April 2026
- Confirmation: 11–15 May 2026
- Program starts: 6 July 2026
- Program ends: 20 August 2026
Official Link:
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Internship 2026 in Budapest
