The Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları), administered by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), is one of the most comprehensive fully funded government scholarships available to international students. It is open to nationals of 180+ countries, covers bachelor's, master's, and PhD programmes at Turkish universities, and includes a Turkish language course, accommodation, health insurance, and a monthly stipend — all without requiring any prior Turkish language knowledge.
What the Türkiye Scholarship Covers
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Fully covered — paid directly to the university |
| Monthly stipend | ~₺3,500/month (bachelor's), ~₺4,500/month (master's), ~₺5,500/month (PhD) — rates adjusted periodically |
| Accommodation | University dormitory placement (or accommodation allowance) |
| Health insurance | Full coverage during scholarship period |
| Return airfare | One economy-class return ticket at start and end of scholarship |
| Turkish language course | 1-year intensive Turkish language course before the degree begins (for Turkish-medium programmes) |
| Cultural activities | Invitation to YTB cultural events and exchange programmes |
The stipend amounts in Turkish Lira have been adjusted periodically — check the current rates at turkiyeburslari.gov.tr at the time of application, as lira exchange values fluctuate.
Who Can Apply
| Eligibility Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Open to nationals of 180+ countries; Turkish citizens cannot apply (this is for incoming international students only) |
| Age (bachelor's) | Under 21 years old |
| Age (master's) | Under 30 years old |
| Age (PhD) | Under 35 years old |
| Academic standing (bachelor's) | Minimum 70% overall grade (or equivalent) in secondary school |
| Academic standing (master's) | Minimum 75% overall grade in bachelor's degree |
| Academic standing (PhD) | Minimum 75% overall grade in master's degree |
| Health | Must be in good health — a medical report is submitted during enrolment |
| Turkish language | Not required at application stage — Turkish course is part of the scholarship |
Countries with specific eligibility notes: Citizens of some countries have quota allocations — the number of scholarships available may differ by country. Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Central Asian states, and many African and Balkan countries have historically had strong representation.
Programme Levels Available
| Level | Duration | Minimum Academic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (Lisans) | 4–5 years (+ 1 year Turkish language course) | 70% in secondary school |
| Master's (Yüksek Lisans) | 1.5–2.5 years (+ 1 year Turkish language course if needed) | 75% in bachelor's degree |
| PhD (Doktora) | 4–5 years (+ 1 year Turkish language course if needed) | 75% in master's degree |
| Research Scholarship | Short-term research stays | Postgraduate level |
The Application Process
Step 1: Online Application (January – February)
Applications are submitted online via turkiyeburslari.gov.tr during the application window (typically January to mid-February each year — check the official site for exact dates each cycle).
You will fill in:
- Personal information
- Academic history (upload transcripts and diplomas)
- Programme preferences (up to 12 programme choices across Turkish universities)
- Language preferences (Turkish-medium or English-medium)
- A personal statement / motivation letter
- Reference letters (optional but recommended)
- Standardised test scores (if applicable — required for some English-medium programme preferences)
Step 2: Pre-Selection Review (February – April)
YTB reviews applications. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview — conducted online (via video call) in the applicant's region, typically April – May.
Step 3: Interview (April – May)
Interviews assess academic motivation, career plans, and suitability for study in Turkey. They are conducted in English, Turkish, Arabic, or other languages depending on the candidate's background and the interviewer assigned. Being able to articulate your academic goals clearly matters more than formal English test scores at this stage.
Step 4: Results (May – June)
Scholarship awards are announced via the online portal and by email. Successful candidates receive a provisional award letter and instructions for the next steps (document submission, health check, pre-departure orientation).
Step 5: Pre-Departure (July – August)
- Submit original verified documents
- Receive university placement (from your stated preferences + YTB matching)
- Attend pre-departure orientation (some held in-country, some in Turkey)
- Book travel (using the scholarship airfare allowance)
Step 6: Turkish Language Course (September – June, Year 1)
All students in Turkish-medium programmes complete a one-year intensive Turkish language course (TÖMER) before beginning their academic programme. Upon passing the final proficiency exam, they begin their degree. For English-medium programme holders, this year may be shortened or adapted.
Choosing Your Programme Preferences
You can list up to 12 programme/university combinations in order of preference. This is one of the most important parts of the application.
Key tips for programme preferences:
- Place the most competitive universities (Boğaziçi, ODTÜ/METU, Istanbul Technical) later in your list if your academic profile is average — these are the hardest to place into
- For bachelor's applicants, placing a mix of programme types improves placement probability
- For master's and PhD applicants, identify whether you want Turkish-medium or English-medium — English-medium master's programmes require a TOEFL or IELTS score as part of the programme preference documentation
- For medical and health sciences, note that Turkish-medium is almost universal — the Turkish language year is not optional for these fields
English-Medium Programmes in Turkey (relevant for YTB applicants)
Several Turkish universities offer full English-medium bachelor's and master's programmes:
| University | Notable English-Medium Programmes |
|---|---|
| Boğaziçi University (Istanbul) | Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Social Sciences |
| ODTÜ (Middle East Technical University, Ankara) | Engineering, Architecture, Natural Sciences, Business |
| Istanbul Technical University | Engineering (selective English sections) |
| Sabancı University (Istanbul) | Engineering, Business, Social Sciences (all English) |
| Koç University (Istanbul) | All programmes English-medium |
| Bilkent University (Ankara) | All programmes English-medium |
For English-medium programme preferences, IELTS or TOEFL score submission is required as part of the application — minimum requirements vary by university (typically IELTS 5.5–6.5 or TOEFL iBT legacy 65–85, equivalent to 2026 band ~3.5–4.5).
Documents Required
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Academic transcripts | Original or certified; Afghan, Azerbaijani, and other applicants should submit what they have — YTB has processes for applicants with incomplete documentation |
| Diploma(s) | Secondary school diploma (bachelor's applicants); bachelor's diploma (master's); master's diploma (PhD) |
| ID / Passport | Valid passport page |
| Passport photo | Recent |
| IELTS/TOEFL score (if applying to English-medium preferences) | Not required for Turkish-medium |
| Personal statement | Why Turkey, why this programme, career plans |
| Reference letters | Recommended, not always mandatory |
What Happens After the Scholarship
During study: YTB conducts annual academic performance reviews. Maintaining satisfactory academic progress is required to continue receiving the scholarship. Students who fail academic requirements may have the scholarship suspended.
After graduation: There is no mandatory service obligation to Turkey — unlike some government scholarships, YTB does not require graduates to return to Turkey or work for the Turkish government. Graduates can stay in Turkey, return home, or pursue further study abroad.
Residency: YTB scholarship holders study on student visas. After graduation, transitioning to work or long-term residency in Turkey requires applying for separate permits — the scholarship status ends at graduation.
Türkiye Scholarships vs. Self-Funded Study in Turkey
| Türkiye Scholarship | Self-Funded | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Free | $500–15,000/year depending on university and type |
| Monthly support | Stipend + accommodation | Self-funded |
| Language | Turkish course included | Must arrange independently |
| Competition | Competitive | No competitive selection |
| University choice | From preference list + YTB matching | Free choice of any university that admits you |
| Best for | Students who need full funding | Students with clear top-choice university and budget flexibility |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while on the Türkiye Scholarship? YTB scholarship rules historically have not prevented part-time work, but student visa regulations determine legal work eligibility — international students in Turkey on student visas are permitted to work part-time (up to 24 hours/week during term for postgraduate students). Check current regulations at time of application.
Can Afghan women apply? Yes. The Türkiye Scholarship has no gender restriction, and Afghan women have been awarded the scholarship. Turkey allows Afghan women to study, live, and work without the restrictions that exist inside Afghanistan.
What if my documents are incomplete? YTB has handled applications from Afghan, Syrian, Yemeni, and other nationals with documentation challenges. Submit what you have, with a clear explanation in your personal statement. The interview stage gives you an opportunity to explain your situation directly.
Is there an age waiver? In exceptional cases (particularly for refugees or students from conflict-affected countries), age limits have been reviewed. Contact YTB directly if you are close to or slightly above the age limit.
The Türkiye Scholarship application window is only open once a year — missing it means waiting a full year. Start preparing your documents and personal statement several months in advance.
Prepare for IELTS or TOEFL with Gabble — if you are targeting English-medium programme preferences within Turkey, or plan to apply to further study abroad after your Turkish degree, an IELTS or TOEFL score is the key qualification. AI-powered practice with instant band scores so you're ready when the application opens.