Apply to Diyanet foundation Scholarships 2026: Complete Guide!
Fully funded Islamic scholarships in Turkey. Study Imam Hatip, theology, Quranic studies with free tuition, stipend, housing & flights. Deadline: Feb 28, 2026.
What’s Covered (100% Fully Funded)
✅ Full tuition coverage
✅ Monthly stipend for living expenses
✅ Free accommodation/shelter
✅ Health insurance
✅ Flight tickets (round-trip)
✅ Cultural programs and activities
✅ Turkish language course
Application Deadlines 2026
| Program | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early Application | January 15, 2026 |
| Final Deadline | February 28, 2026 |
⚠️ Apply early – Don’t wait until the last day!
Available Programs
International Anatolian Imam Hatip School Program
Level: High School
Focus: Islamic education & Turkish culture
Language: Turkish (with language preparation)
International Undergraduate Theology Program
Level: Bachelor’s Degree
Focus: Islamic theology, Qur’anic studies, Islamic history
Duration: 4 years + language preparation
International Graduate Theology Program
Levels: Master’s & Doctorate
Focus: Advanced Islamic studies & research
Duration: 2 years (Master’s), 4 years (PhD) + language preparation
Who Can Apply?
Basic Requirements:
- Muslim students from around the world
- Good academic performance in previous studies
- Strong character and commitment to Islamic values
- Healthy (medical certificate required)
- Not already studying in Turkey on another scholarship
Age Requirements:
- High School Program: 14-18 years
- Undergraduate: Under 21 years
- Master’s: Under 30 years
- Doctorate: Under 35 years
Required Documents
- ✓ Valid passport or national ID
- ✓ Recent passport-sized photograph
- ✓ Academic transcripts & certificates (translated if needed)
- ✓ Letter of recommendation (from imam/religious authority)
- ✓ Medical health report
- ✓ Motivation letter (why you want to study Islamic theology in Turkey)
- ✓ Birth certificate
- ✓ Criminal record certificate (if over 18)
All documents uploaded online – No application fee
How to Apply (4 Simple Steps)
Step 1: Visit Application Portal
Go to diyanetburslari.tdv.org and create your account
Step 2: Complete Online Form
- Fill in personal information
- Add educational background
- Upload required documents
Step 3: Write Your Motivation Letter
Explain:
- Why you want to study Islamic theology in Turkey
- Your goals for serving your Muslim community
- How this scholarship will help you become “a hope for humanity”
- Your commitment to Islamic values and education
Keep it: 500-700 words, sincere and specific
Step 4: Submit Application
Review everything carefully and submit by February 28, 2026
Selection Process
Evaluation Criteria:
- Academic performance – Your grades and educational background
- Motivation & character – Your letter and recommendations
- Interview – Selected candidates (in person or online)
- Islamic knowledge – Basic understanding assessed
- Overall potential – To contribute to your community
Timeline:
- March-May 2026: Document review & interviews
- June-July 2026: Results announced
- September 2026: Arrival in Turkey & program begins
What Makes Diyanet Scholarships Special?
Focus on Islamic Education
Unlike general Turkish scholarships, Diyanet specifically supports Islamic theology and religious studies – perfect for students who want to:
- Study Qur’an and Hadith deeply
- Learn Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh)
- Understand Islamic history and civilization
- Prepare to serve Muslim communities as imams, scholars, or educators
Turkey’s Islamic Heritage
- Study in the land of Ottoman Islamic scholarship
- Access to thousands of historic mosques and libraries
- Learn from professors trained in both traditional and modern Islamic education
- Experience living Islamic culture daily
Cultural Integration
- Live among Turkish Muslim communities
- Participate in Ramadan, Hajj preparation, and religious celebrations
- Learn Arabic and Turkish – languages of Islamic scholarship
- Build networks with Muslim students from 170+ countries
Where You’ll Study
Main Institutions:
- Imam Hatip High Schools (for high school program)
- Theology Faculties at major Turkish universities
- Ankara, Istanbul, Konya, Bursa – historic Islamic education centers
All programs accredited by Turkey’s Council of Higher Education (YÖK)
Tips for Strong Applications
DO:
- Show genuine commitment to Islamic studies and community service
- Get recommendation letters from respected imams or Islamic scholars
- Demonstrate previous Islamic education or Qur’an study
- Express clear goals for serving your Muslim community after graduation
- Apply early (by mid-February latest)
- Be honest and authentic in your motivation
DON’T:
- Apply if you want secular/non-religious programs (choose Türkiye Bursları instead)
- Submit generic motivation letters
- Wait until February 28 deadline
- Forget to translate documents if not in Turkish/English/Arabic
- Apply if you’re already in Turkey on another scholarship
Who Should Apply?
Perfect for:
- Students wanting to become imams, khateebs, or Islamic scholars
- Those interested in Qur’anic studies and Islamic theology
- Community leaders seeking deeper Islamic education
- Muslims wanting to study Islam in Turkey’s rich Islamic environment
- Students who want fully-funded religious education
Not suitable for:
- Students seeking engineering, medicine, business, or secular programs
- Those uncomfortable with religious education environment
- Non-Muslims (see Türkiye Bursları for general scholarships)
Quick Comparison: Diyanet vs Türkiye Bursları
| Feature | Diyanet Scholarships | Türkiye Bursları |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Islamic theology only | All academic fields |
| Target | Future Islamic scholars | General international students |
| Environment | Religious education | Secular/mixed universities |
| Applicants | Muslims only | All nationalities/religions |
| Competition | Moderate | Very high (3-4% acceptance) |
| Benefits | Fully funded | Fully funded |
Choose Diyanet if: You want Islamic education
Choose Türkiye Bursları if: You want engineering, medicine, business, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can non-Muslims apply?
A: No, Diyanet scholarships are specifically for Muslim students pursuing Islamic studies.
Q: Do I need to know Arabic or Turkish?
A: Not required initially. Language preparation is included. Arabic knowledge is helpful for Islamic studies.
Q: Can I study other subjects besides theology?
A: No, Diyanet focuses exclusively on Islamic theology and religious education programs.
Q: What if I want to study engineering but I’m Muslim?
A: Apply to Türkiye Bursları instead – it’s open to all fields including engineering.
Q: Will I be required to work for Diyanet after graduation?
A: You’re expected to serve your Muslim community, but not necessarily employed by Diyanet.
Q: Can women apply?
A: Yes, all programs are open to both male and female Muslim students.
Ready to Apply?
Deadlines:
- ⭐ Early: January 15, 2026
- 🔴 Final: February 28, 2026
