Türkiye Scholarship 2026: Fully Funded

Türkiye Bursları receives over 165,000 applications annually for approximately 5,000 scholarship spots, creating a 3-4% acceptance rate that rivals selective universities globally. But unlike university admissions where academic credentials dominate, Türkiye Bursları evaluates applicants holistically, the scholarship presidency is concerned with attracting students who are academically or socially distinguished or who have volunteer activities or have practical experience, and some students who do not excel academically can obtain this scholarship as well.

Understanding what evaluators actually assess versus what applicants assume they assess determines success more than GPA differences. The scholarship isn’t looking for perfect students, it’s identifying future leaders who’ll strengthen Turkey’s global relationships, and those criteria favor depth, authenticity, and strategic thinking over superficial credentials.

What’s Covered?

✅ Full tuition at all Turkish universities (public & private)
✅ Monthly stipend: 4,500-9,000 TL (~$107-214)
✅ Free accommodation in university dormitories
✅ Health insurance (comprehensive coverage)
✅ Round-trip flight tickets
✅ 1-year Turkish language course at TÖMER centers
✅ University placement (no separate application needed)

Important Dates 2026

Phase	Timeline
Applications Open	January 10, 2026
Applications Close	February 20, 2026
Evaluation & Interviews	March – June 2026
Results Announced	July 2026
Arrival in Turkey	September – October 2026

Pro Tip: Submit by February 10 to avoid last-minute technical issues on the portal.

Eligibility Requirements

Age Limits:

Bachelor’s: Under 21 years
Master’s: Under 30 years
PhD: Under 35 years

Academic Performance:

Minimum 60-70% (varies by country’s education system)
Strong motivation matters more than perfect grades

Who Can’t Apply:

Turkish citizens or dual citizens
Students already on Turkish scholarships

Language Tests: IELTS/TOEFL not required but strengthen your application

Required Documents

Valid passport or national ID
Recent formal photograph
Academic transcripts & certificates
International exam scores (SAT, GRE, GMAT – if available)
Research proposal (PhD applicants only)
Language test scores (if available)

📥 All documents uploaded online – No application fee

How to Apply? (5 Steps)

1: Create Account

Visit tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr and register with your email.

2: Complete Application

Fill personal information
Add academic history
Upload required documents

3: Select Programs

Choose up to 12 universities/programs strategically:

First 3-4: Top universities (Boğaziçi, METU, Koç)
Next 4-5: Strong regional universities (Erciyes, Ege)
Last 3-4: Accessible options (ensures placement)

4: Write Motivation Letter

This is critical – evaluators can grant scholarships based on motivation letter alone.

What to include:

Your specific story (not generic statements)
Why Turkey & why your chosen program specifically
How you’ll strengthen Turkey-[your country] relations
Clear post-graduation plans

Length: 600-800 words

5: Submit Before Deadline

Click submit by February 20, 2026 (recommended by Feb 10)

Selection Process

Acceptance Rate: 3-4% (165,000+ applications for ~5,000 scholarships)

Evaluation Stages:

Document Review: Academic performance, motivation letter, extracurriculars
Quantitative Test: (Undergraduate applicants only)
- 30 questions: math, geometry, logic
- High school difficulty level
Interview: In-person or video (March-June)
- Language skills assessment
- Motivation clarity
- Knowledge about Turkey
- Career goal coherence

Results: Announced in July via email + application portal

After Acceptance

1: Turkish Language Course

September/October arrival
Intensive Turkish (20-25 hours/week)
Mandatory for all scholarship recipients
Doesn’t count against degree timeline

2-5: Degree Program

Study at assigned university
Maintain minimum GPA (2.0/4.0 for undergrad)
Receive monthly stipend + accommodation
Access health insurance

Post-Graduation

Return home for minimum 2 years (contract requirement)
Unless you secure Turkish employment
Or pursue further education with approval

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

DO:

Research specific programs/professors you’re applying to
Show authentic passion in motivation letter
Connect your background to Turkey specifically
Highlight how you’ll contribute to campus community
Demonstrate knowledge about Turkey beyond stereotypes
Apply early (by February 10)

DON’T:

Use generic phrases (“bridge between East and West”)
List only top universities without realistic options
Submit last-minute (technical issues common)
Copy motivation letters from others
Skip the quantitative test preparation (undergrads)

Official Resources

Application Portal: tbbs.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr

Türkiye Bursları Official Information:

Main Website: turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
FAQs: turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/en/page/frequently-asked-questions
University Programs: turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/en/announcement/universities-programs
Contact: turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/en/page/contact/contact-us

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Total Scholarships	~5,000 annually
Countries Eligible	170+ countries
Application Fee	FREE (₺0)
Success Rate	10-20%
Study Levels	Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Language of Study	Turkish or English (varies by program)
Contract Period	Duration of study + 2 years return home