Türkiye Bursları 2026-27: Fully Funded Scholarships in Turkey

Türkiye Bursları (Turkey Scholarships) is the Turkish government’s flagship scholarship program for international students. 5,000+ scholarships per year. Fully funded Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs at Turkish universities.

Covers tuition, monthly stipend (up to ₺1,600 + adjustments), accommodation, health insurance, 1-year Turkish language course, return flights. Open to all nationalities except Turkey.

If you want fully-funded study in Turkey with cultural immersion, Türkiye Bursları is the pathway.

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Quick Overview

Feature	Details
Scholarship	Türkiye Bursları (Turkey Scholarships)
Funded by	Presidency of the Republic of Turkey
Levels	Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Coverage	Fully funded (tuition + stipend + accommodation + health + flights)
Monthly Stipend	₺1,000 (Bachelor’s), ₺1,400 (Master’s), ₺1,600 (PhD) + regular adjustments
Awards	5,000+ per year
Eligibility	All countries except Turkey
Includes	1-year Turkish language training (mandatory)
Deadlines	Typically February-April (exact dates vary yearly)
Website	turkiyeburslari.gov.tr

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What Türkiye Bursları Covers

Full funding:

1. Tuition Waiver

• Full tuition covered at Turkish public universities

• No tuition fees paid by student

2. Monthly Living Stipend

• Bachelor’s: ₺1,000/month (~$35-40 USD at current rates, but adjusted regularly for inflation)

• Master’s: ₺1,400/month

• PhD: ₺1,600/month

Note: Turkish Lira fluctuates. The government regularly adjusts stipend amounts to maintain purchasing power. Recent adjustments have increased stipends significantly to match inflation.

3. Accommodation

• Free dormitory (provided by university or scholarship program)

• Shared rooms (typically 2-4 students per room)

4. Health Insurance

• Full Turkish health insurance coverage for duration of studies

5. One-Time Return Flight

• Round-trip economy class ticket to/from Turkey at start and end of scholarship

6. Turkish Language Course (1 Year)

• Mandatory 1-year intensive Turkish language training before degree program starts (Bachelor’s and Turkish-taught Master’s/PhD)

• Tuition-free, stipend continues during language year

7. Residence Permit Support

• Scholarship covers residence permit costs

Total value: ~$15,000-25,000 USD over degree duration (depending on level and duration)

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Eligibility Requirements

General Requirements (All Levels)

1. Nationality: Any country except Turkey (Turkish citizens not eligible)

2. Age Limits:

– Bachelor’s: Under 21 years old

– Master’s: Under 30 years old

– PhD: Under 35 years old

– Research: Under 50 years old

3. Academic Requirements:

– Bachelor’s: High school diploma (minimum 70% GPA or equivalent)

– Master’s: Bachelor’s degree (minimum 75% GPA or equivalent)

– PhD: Master’s degree (minimum 75% GPA or equivalent)

4. Not Currently Enrolled in Turkey:

Cannot be studying in Turkey at same level at time of application

5. Health:

Must be in good physical and mental health

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Application Process

Step 1: Register on Türkiye Bursları Portal

Online application: turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
Application window: Typically opens mid-January, closes late April (check annually for exact dates)
Registration:

• Create account on Türkiye Bursları website

• Verify email

• Complete profile

Step 2: Complete Application Form

Information required:

• Personal details

• Educational background

• Work experience (if any)

• Language proficiency

• University and program preferences (list up to 12 choices)

Important: You can list up to 12 university programs in order of preference. The selection committee considers your choices when placing you.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

#### 1. Passport Copy

Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months)

#### 2. Academic Transcripts and Diplomas

• High school (for Bachelor’s)

• Bachelor’s (for Master’s)

• Master’s (for PhD)

• Certified and translated to Turkish or English

#### 3. Standardized Test Scores (If Available)

• For Bachelor’s: SAT, ACT, or national university entrance exams

• For Master’s/PhD: GRE (not required but strengthens application)

#### 4. Language Proficiency (If Available)

• Turkish: TÖMER certificate (if you have Turkish proficiency)

• English: TOEFL/IELTS (if applying for English-taught programs)

Not required, but helps. Most applicants don’t have Turkish proficiency (scholarship includes Turkish language training).

#### 5. Letter of Reference

• At least 1 reference letter (academic or professional)

• Should address your academic ability, character, goals

#### 6. Letter of Intent / Statement of Purpose

• 500-700 words

• Why Turkey?

• Why this field of study?

• Your career goals

• How this scholarship serves your goals

#### 7. Health Report

• Basic health certificate from a physician

#### 8. Photos

• Passport-sized photos (specifications on website)

Step 4: Submit Application

Deadline: Typically late April (check annually at turkiyeburslari.gov.tr)
After submission:

• Application reviewed by Türkiye Bursları evaluation committee

• Shortlisted candidates invited for interview (May-June)

Step 5: Interview (If Shortlisted)

Format:

• Virtual interview (via video call) or at Turkish embassy/consulate in your country

• Panel interview (15-20 minutes)

What they ask:

• Why Turkey?

• Your field of study and career goals

• How you’ll contribute to Turkey-[your country] relations

• Your cultural adaptability (living in Turkey for 4-5 years)

Preparation:

• Research Turkish culture, history, universities

• Be genuine (they value authenticity over rehearsed answers)

• Show enthusiasm for cultural exchange

Step 6: Selection Results

July-August: Final selection results announced
If selected:

• Receive offer letter

• Accept scholarship

• Begin visa application process

• Arrive in Turkey: September-October for Turkish language program

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University and Program Placement

You list up to 12 university-program combinations in your application.
How placement works:

1. Selection committee reviews your choices and academic background

2. They place you in ONE of your 12 choices (considering capacity, fit, your ranking)

3. You’re notified of your placement with scholarship offer

You don’t get to pick among your 12 — they assign you to one. But by listing 12, you maximize chances of getting a good fit.
Strategy:

• List programs in order of true preference

• Include a mix of competitive (top Istanbul universities) and realistic (regional universities)

• All 12 should be programs you’d genuinely attend

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Turkish Language Training (Mandatory for Most)

All Bachelor’s students and Turkish-taught Master’s/PhD students:

• Must complete 1 year of intensive Turkish language training before starting degree program

• Offered at TÖMER (Turkish Language Centers) across Turkey

• Classes: Monday-Friday, 4-5 hours/day

• Goal: Reach C1 level Turkish proficiency to begin degree

Exception: If you’re applying for English-taught Master’s or PhD, you may skip Turkish language year (but basic Turkish course often still required).
Timeline example:

• October 2027: Arrive in Turkey, start 1-year Turkish language program

• September 2028: Pass proficiency exam, begin degree program

Stipend continues during language year. You’re a scholarship student from Day 1.

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Language of Instruction

Bachelor’s Programs

Mostly in Turkish. Few English-taught Bachelor’s programs available.

You’ll need:

• 1 year of Turkish language training first

• C1 Turkish proficiency to start degree

Master’s / PhD Programs

Many English-taught options, especially in:

• Engineering

• Computer Science

• International Relations

• Business Administration

• Medicine / Public Health

Turkish-taught programs available in:

• Turkish Literature / Language

• Turkish History / Culture

• Law (Turkish legal system)

• Education

Check each university’s program listing for language of instruction.

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Selection Criteria

1. Academic Excellence

Strong GPA (70%+ for Bachelor’s, 75%+ for Master’s/PhD). Competitive candidates often have 80-90%+.

2. Leadership and Extracurricular Activities

Evidence of leadership, community service, volunteer work, sports, arts, or other involvement.

3. Cultural Adaptability

Willingness to live in Turkey, learn Turkish, engage with Turkish culture.

4. Clear Goals

Well-defined career plan. How does studying in Turkey advance your goals?

5. Contribution Potential

How will you contribute to Turkey-[your country] relations? Will you be a cultural ambassador?

6. Diversity

Türkiye Bursları aims for diversity across countries, fields, and backgrounds. Not just academic superstars — well-rounded candidates with potential.

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Living in Turkey on Türkiye Bursları

Monthly stipend:

• Bachelor’s: ₺1,000 (~$35-40 USD, but adjusted for inflation)

• Master’s: ₺1,400

• PhD: ₺1,600

Note: Due to Turkish Lira volatility, the government frequently adjusts stipends upward. Current amounts may be higher than listed — check turkiyeburslari.gov.tr for latest.
Typical living costs in Turkey (2026):

• Accommodation: Free (scholarship provides dorm)

• Food: ₺1,500-2,500/month (campus canteens + groceries)

• Transport: ₺500-800/month (student discount available)

• Personal: ₺500-1,000/month

The scholarship stipend may not fully cover all costs (especially in Istanbul or Ankara, which are more expensive than smaller cities). Many students supplement with part-time work or family support.
Part-time work: International students can work part-time (with work permit). Many scholars work in cafes, tutoring, translation.

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Top Turkish Universities for Türkiye Bursları

Tier 1 (Top Universities):

• Boğaziçi University (Istanbul) — Engineering, Economics, Social Sciences

• Middle East Technical University (METU / ODTÜ) (Ankara) — Engineering, CS, Architecture

• Istanbul Technical University (ITU) — Engineering, Architecture

• Bilkent University (Ankara) — Business, Economics, International Relations

• Koç University (Istanbul) — Business, Engineering, Sciences

Tier 2 (Strong Regional Universities):

• Sabancı University (Istanbul)

• Ankara University

• Hacettepe University (Ankara)

• Ege University (Izmir)

• Gazi University (Ankara)

180+ universities participate. Choose based on your field and preferred city.

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Common Questions

“Do I need to speak Turkish to apply?”

No. Most applicants have zero Turkish. The scholarship includes 1-year Turkish language training before degree starts (for Turkish-taught programs).

For English-taught Master’s/PhD: No Turkish required (but learning basic phrases recommended).

“Can I choose my university?”

You list up to 12 university-program preferences. The committee assigns you to one of your choices (considering capacity and fit). You can’t pick after being selected — they decide for you.

“Is the stipend enough to live on?”

It’s modest. In smaller cities (Konya, Kayseri), yes. In Istanbul or Ankara, you may need to budget carefully or supplement with part-time work.

“Can I stay in Turkey after graduation?”

Yes. Many Türkiye Bursları alumni work in Turkey (especially in Istanbul or Ankara). You’ll need to transition to a work permit. Or return home — many do and maintain ties to Turkey.

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Should You Apply?

Yes, if:

• You want to study in Turkey (or are open to it)

• You have strong academic record (70%+ undergrad, 75%+ grad)

• You’re interested in Turkish culture, history, language

• You’re within age limits (21 Bachelor’s, 30 Master’s, 35 PhD)

• You’re open to cultural immersion (living in Turkey 4-5 years)

Maybe not if:

• You have no interest in Turkish language or culture

• You prefer another country (apply there)

• You need higher monthly stipend (Turkey’s is modest)

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Strategy Tips

1. List 12 university-program choices. Don’t list just 1-2. Maximize your chance of placement.

2. Mix competitive and realistic. List some top universities (Boğaziçi, METU) but also regional universities with lower competition.

3. For Master’s/PhD: consider English-taught programs. Skip the language year, start degree immediately.

4. Show Turkey connection in your application. Don’t just say “I want a scholarship.” Say “I want to study Ottoman history” or “I want to learn from Turkey’s bridge between East and West.”

5. Prepare for Turkish culture. Research Turkish history, current affairs, universities. Show genuine interest in the interview.

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Next Steps

1. Visit turkiyeburslari.gov.tr to check application dates (typically Feb-April)

2. Research Turkish universities in your field (search by major/program)

3. Prepare your 12 university-program choices (prioritize by preference)

4. Draft your statement of purpose (Why Turkey? Why this field? Career goals?)

5. Apply during application window (mid-January to late April 2026)

Türkiye Bursları awards 5,000+ scholarships per year to students from 180+ countries. Strong academics + cultural curiosity + genuine interest in Turkey = realistic chance.

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