Sakarya University (SAU) provides financial and social support mechanisms to help economically disadvantaged students continue and successfully complete their higher education. Through needs-based meal scholarships, part-time employment opportunities, access to national employment programmes, and faculty-level scholarship initiatives, the University aims to alleviate financial difficulties that may negatively affect students' educational continuity and academic achievement.
One of the University's primary support mechanisms is the Meal Scholarship Programme. In accordance with the Sakarya University Meal Scholarship Directive, free meals are provided to eligible students experiencing financial difficulties. Applications are assessed by considering students' family income, financial circumstances, and social conditions. The programme is implemented through coordination between academic units and the Department of Health, Culture and Sports (SKS), enabling eligible students to receive one free meal per day during the academic year. By reducing essential food expenses, the programme helps students maintain their participation in higher education.
Sakarya University also provides part-time employment opportunities that enable students to earn income while continuing their studies. Under the Sakarya University Senate Regulations on Part-Time Student Employment, applicants are generally required not to have an income equivalent to the minimum wage, excluding survivor's pensions and alimony (Article 7). Certain eligibility requirements are relaxed for students affected by natural disasters, children of fallen service members and veterans, and students with disabilities. According to Article 12, students receive payment for their work in University units and may work a maximum of 15 hours per week. Working schedules are arranged in consideration of students' academic commitments. This programme contributes to students' ability to meet essential living expenses without interrupting their education.
In addition to its institutional support mechanisms, Sakarya University facilitates students' access to the İŞKUR Youth Programme, implemented by the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR). The programme provides eligible university students with opportunities to gain work experience and receive financial support while continuing their education.
According to the İŞKUR Youth Programme Circular, eligibility includes a household income condition. As a general rule, applicants whose household's total monthly non-employment income exceeds three times the net minimum wage are not eligible to participate, subject to the exceptions specified in the programme regulations. Participants may attend the programme for a maximum of three days and 22.5 hours per week, with arrangements taking their academic schedules into consideration. These provisions help students combine income-generating opportunities with their educational responsibilities.
For the 2025–2026 academic year, Sakarya University communicated the programme's application process through its Department of Health, Culture and Sports. The University also published a dedicated webpage for the programme's lottery results, providing additional documentation of the student selection process.
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Financial support for students is further complemented by faculty-level scholarship and assistance initiatives. The Faculty of Theology Foundation provides scholarships and assistance to students in need, including support for accommodation, healthcare, and clothing expenses. The Faculty of Medicine Scholarship Commission also contributes to scholarship-related activities intended to support students during their education.
The University additionally promotes social solidarity initiatives that help address students' essential needs. During Ramadan in 2025, Sakarya University announced plans to provide free iftar meals for approximately 2,000 people each evening on campus, with contributions from Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality, district municipalities, and other stakeholders. This initiative aimed to facilitate access to meals for members of the University community, including students. (Sakarya University's Iftar Tradition to Continue)
Furthermore, the University's 2023–2027 Strategic Plan addresses student support services, including scholarships, nutrition, accommodation, and healthcare, as part of its institutional service framework. This reinforces the University's commitment to supporting students' educational participation and well-being.
Through needs-based meal scholarships, institutional part-time employment, access to the İŞKUR Youth Programme, faculty-level financial assistance, and social support initiatives, Sakarya University seeks to reduce the financial barriers faced by economically disadvantaged students. These complementary mechanisms support students in meeting their essential needs, maintaining their participation in higher education, and progressing towards the successful completion of their studies.
