The Üçok Family Scholarship Fund was established by Hikmet and Marilyn Üçok to give young women from Türkiye an opportunity to continue their secondary education in the fields of, but not limited to, health sciences and special education within the United States.

The Üçoks deeply believe in the transformative power of education. They envision a world where every girl, regardless of her background, is equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate life’s challenges. This vision’s intent is to enrich the lives of these scholars by offering them an immersive cultural experience in the United States, with the hope that these young women will not only excel in their studies but also experience a world beyond their own. It’s a wish that each scholarship recipient brings back to Türkiye additional skills and knowledge that will enhance their professional work. Furthermore, this international experience will hopefully encourage them to embark on their own philanthropic journeys to light up another’s path.

Press Release on 2024 Award Recipient 

Information for Applicants

The Üçok Family Scholarship Award aims to provide financial support for female students of Turkish descent who have completed or will complete high school in Türkiye. This scholarship enables them to pursue undergraduate studies with preference given to the studies in healthcare and special education programs at accredited universities in California, USA. Awarded once every four years, the scholarship provides up to $50,000, with the requirement that the university provides additional support. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.50, and meet specific test score requirements. The first scholarship was awarded in 2024. Applications will be accepted next in the Fall 2027 for the 2028-29 school year. 

Applicant must be a female and a citizen of Türkiye who:

  • Can demonstrate financial need.
  • Has completed her high school studies in Türkiye with a minimum of 3.50 GPA
  • Is planning to at a four-year undergraduate program at an accredited university within the State of California in the United States.
  • University must provide co-funding. Employment opportunities can be accepted only after the second year and onwards.
  • While the fields of healthcare and special education are of primary interest, the scope of the scholarship encompasses other disciplines as well.
  • Should start university education within the same year of the receipt of the scholarship.
  • The minimum score for TOEFL is 80 and/or IELTS is 6.5
  • The minimum score for SAT is 1300.

Scholarship Amount: The scholarship covers four years of an undergraduate degree with a maximum of $50,000 annually. The scholarship will be renewed automatically as long as the student maintains academic good standing with a minimum of 3.50 GPA. 

Application Process

  • Next application deadline for Fall 2028 school year will be announced in Fall 2027.
  • All applicants must apply online with the admission decision letter received from university, and must be submitted by the deadline. 
  • Full disclosure on all scholarships received (US and other schools) as well as all graduate schools applied to are required. Any negligence in providing full information will be a reason for disqualification. Late or incomplete applications cannot be considered. Applicants should note that financial need is an important determinant in the decision of the committee.
  • A Selection Committee consisting of three members evaluates all applications.
  • The Committee members conduct interviews with finalists in person or via teleconferencing.

If you have any questions, please contact Burçak Küçükusta at [email protected]