Türkiye Scholarships 2026: a Fully Funded Study in Turkey

Great opportunities like this come once in a long while. Every year, Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları) opens doors for outstanding international students to study in Türkiye — fully funded, across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Once selected, you stand a chance to study in a world-class university in Turkiye.

Through this post, we will explore everything you need to know: what’s offered, who’s eligible, how to apply, the evaluation process, tips — plus similar other fully funded scholarships that are open to international students.

About Türkiye Scholarships?

Türkiye Scholarships is a flagship higher education program offered by the Republic of Türkiye to outstanding international students who have the dream to further their education at top universities in the country. Launched in 2012 under the coordination of the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), the initiative is designed to provide equal access to quality education while strengthening academic and cultural ties between Türkiye and the rest of the world. Beyond academic support, the program seeks to foster cooperation and contribute to regional and global development across multiple fields.

What the Scholarship Covers

When you win a Türkiye Scholarship, here’s what you can expect:

• Full tuition fees at a Turkish university

• A monthly stipend (varies by level)

• Accommodation (housing) for the duration of the study

• Health insurance coverage

• Turkish language course (1 year) for those who need it (if you don’t already have Turkish proficiency)

• One round-trip airfare (ticket to Türkiye and back)

• Opportunities for academic, cultural, and social programs during your stay

In some public sources, the monthly stipend amounts are reported (though these may change):

Note: These amounts are from recent announcements and may be adjusted in future cycles. Always check the official site for updates.

Check Also: MOPGA 2026 Visiting Fellowship | France’s Flagship Research Program for Early Career Scientists

Eligibility & Requirements

To be considered, applicants must meet general eligibility criteria and specific program requirements:

✅ Basic Eligibility (General)

• Must be a citizen of a country other than Türkiye (i.e., not Turkish or those who lost Turkish citizenship)

• Graduate or will graduate in the current academic year (before the application deadline)

• Cannot already be enrolled in a program in Türkiye at the same level they are applying for

🎯 Academic & Age Requirements

• 1. Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s & Associate Degrees)

     • Minimum: 70% (or equivalent GPA).

     • 👉 This means your overall high school transcript must average at least 70 out of 100, or a GPA equivalent (roughly 2.8 out of 4.0, depending on your grading system).

  2. Postgraduate Programs (Master’s & PhD)

     • Minimum: 75% (or equivalent GPA).

     • 👉 Your university (Bachelor’s for Master’s applicants, or Master’s for PhD applicants) transcript must show at least a 75 out of 100, which is usually equal to about a 3.0/4.0 GPA.

  3. Health Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, etc.)

     • Minimum: 90% (or equivalent GPA).

     • 👉 Because these fields are highly competitive, applicants must have outstanding academic results — about 90 out of 100, or around 3.6/4.0 GPA and above.

• Age limits (approximate, and may vary by year):
   • Undergraduate: under 21 years
   • Master’s: under 30 years
   • PhD: under 35 years
   • Research scholarship: under 50 years

• Language/test scores:
   • If the program is in English or another language, you may need TOEFL, IELTS, etc.
   • Some programs may require GRE, GMAT, or other entrance tests (especially for graduate studies)

• For PhD applicants: a research proposal and writing samples are required.

Check Also: Humboldt Research Fellowship, Germany [Fully funded]

How to Apply – Step by Step

Applying is done fully online via the Türkiye Scholarships Information System (TBBS).

Here’s the process in 5 main steps:

Step 1: Register
Go to the TBBS (Türkiye Scholarships Portal) and create an account (free).

Step 2: Complete Your Profile
Fill in your personal details, education history, language skills, work/volunteer experience, etc.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents
You’ll need (among others):

• Valid passport or national ID

• Recent photo

• Diplomas/certificates/transcripts

• National exam results (or equivalent)

• Language test scores (if needed)

• Research proposal/writing sample (for PhD)

Step 4: Choose Universities & Programs
You’ll select your preferred Turkish universities and degree programs (often up to 12 choices) in your application.

Step 5: Submit Application & Wait
Ensure everything is filled correctly, submit before the deadline, then await evaluation and possible interviews.

Check Also: France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship 2026 | Study in France with Full Support

Application Timeline & Deadlines

• The application period usually opens on 10 January and closes on 20 February each year.

• Only applications submitted via the TBBS portal are accepted (no paper or mail)

• After submission, evaluation occurs in stages (see next section), and final results are typically announced by mid-year to allow admission and visa processing.

Evaluation & Selection Process

Türkiye Scholarships uses a multi-stage selection process:

1. Preliminary Assessment
   Applications are first screened for basic eligibility: academic minimums, age limits, completeness of documents, etc.

2. Expert Evaluation
   Qualified applications are reviewed by experts. They assess academic record, consistency, relevance of preferences, motivation (letter of intent), extracurricular or social involvement, etc.

3. Tests (for undergraduates in some fields)
   For many undergraduate applicants (especially in high-demand fields like science, engineering, and health), a quantitative test is held (mathematics, logic, etc.). Questions may be in Turkish and English.

4. Interview Stage
   Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview (15-30 minutes). The interview covers your academic goals, motivations, clarity, etc.

5. Final Selection
   The final decision is made by a selection committee based on the evaluation of all stages.

Check Also: Study at Tsinghua University: Graduate Admissions 2026 for International Students [Fully funded]

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Start early — gather documents, take required tests, and plan your personal statement.

• Build a strong personal statement: connect your goals, your background, and why Türkiye & the chosen program matter to you.

• Choose referees who know you well and can speak specifically about your academic potential.

• Be consistent: ensure your academic history, your reasons for program choices, and your essays all align.

• If your program requires it, prepare a solid research proposal (for PhD) — make it meaningful, feasible, and clearly communicated.

• Practice for interviews — know your story, your goals, and be ready to explain why Türkiye and that program.

• Don’t wait until the last minute — system traffic / technical issues can happen.

To apply, visit Turkiye Scholarship Application Portal

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